[iFi audio]

Well, few days after I have to admit that iGalvanic brings very minor changes over iUSB.

It depends on a setup really. In some scenarios iGalvanic3.0 on top of iUSB3.0 is barely audible, but in many cases it's a significant step up, especially with pricey desktop setups. The more revealing it is (and the more noisy USB line), the more pronounced their combined effect will be. Thanks for your input!

 

[Condocondor]

C. iGalvanic + iUSB + iPurifier for TOTL warm and more technical sound

It's going to take a lot to unseat this setup from a stand alone DAC. The nice thing is that if you ever do upgrade your DAC, you can take your iUSB and iGalvanic with you. You should have been able to take the iPurifier3 out of your chain with the iUSB in there. Did you try that? And if you want to keep everything, I'd recommend the iRack from iFi Audio for $169.

 

[iFi audio]

The nice thing is that if you ever do upgrade your DAC, you can take your iUSB and iGalvanic with you.

That's true. USB reclockers, galvanic isolators and cables will remain relevant as long as there are DACs with USB inputs subject to improvements

 

[squadgazzz]

You should have been able to take the iPurifier3 out of your chain with the iUSB in there. Did you try that?

Why should I do that? There is no USB-B to A good quality converter exists on the market. Using Gemini2.0 with a $5 converter is nonsense.

It's going to take a lot to unseat this setup from a stand alone DAC. The nice thing is that if you ever do upgrade your DAC, you can take your iUSB and iGalvanic with you.

I would switch this setup to a desktop solution only. And I'm sure there won't be any similar to iDSD micro BL solutions. Especially according to IFI's latest transportable products like Signature and Diablo.

 

[iFi audio]

Why should I do that? There is no USB-B to A good quality converter exists on the market. Using Gemini2.0 with a $5 converter is nonsense.

I would switch this setup to a desktop solution only. And I'm sure there won't be any similar to iDSD micro BL solutions. Especially according to IFI's latest transportable products like Signature and Diablo.

As far as TOTL transportable DAC/amps go, we're happy about our current roster

 

[vonspanky]

I have an idsd sig, zen dac/can and an RME ADI-2 on my desk. There’s slight differences between them but it’s not huge.
I would save your money and buy more/better headphones as they impact the sound more than dacs.

 

[iFi audio]

I would save your money and buy more/better headphones as they impact the sound more than dacs.

That's true. Headphones/speakers influence sound the most. But having them leaves room to dig into amps and DACs.

 

[squadgazzz]

I have an idsd sig, zen dac/can and an RME ADI-2 on my desk. There’s slight differences between them but it’s not huge.
I would save your money and buy more/better headphones as they impact the sound more than dacs.

That doesn't work in case you’ve already found your headphones or a source. It depends on your sound signature preferences. E.g. For me the only considerable upgrade would cost me around $2000. iUSB and Gemini cable with total price $500 gave me much more improvements for this amount of money.

 

[Stevko]

Anyone tried itube? Need som flavour and a DAC for my xCAN

 

[Condocondor]

Anyone tried itube? Need som flavour and a DAC for my xCAN

Yes, I have the iTube2 and it's fantastic for a 2 channel system as in my office. It really opens up the sound stage and has much more defined bass and naturalness overall. I wasn't impressed much with my headphone system.

 

[iFi audio]

Yes, I have the iTube2 and it's fantastic for a 2 channel system as in my office.

Affirmative, works great with speakers

 

[JvH26]

I own the Micro iDSD (non-BL) and iPurifier 3 (I have heard a BL on multiple occasions too). I use a decent Supra cable with them to power my Hifiman Arya (V1). I read through this whole thread but I am still not sure what to think. I myself am also very curious whether a true desktop setup would beat my current setup by a significant margin.

I use my Micro iDSD on high gain (turbo mode) to drive the Arya and I do like the sound. I have been looking into various options: Gustard H16 + X16, Topping D90 + A90, Schiit Magnius + Modius, or instead iDSD BL + iUSB 3.0 + Gemini (I found a set for a good price locally). I am also interested in trying my Arya's balanced.

I also read here that some people just purchase an AMP and use the BL as a DAC, I'm very interested in a more detailed comparison. Curious if you have any recommendations for me!

 

[iFi audio]

I own the Micro iDSD (non-BL) and iPurifier 3 (I have heard a BL on multiple occasions too). I use a decent Supra cable with them to power my Hifiman Arya (V1). I read through this whole thread but I am still not sure what to think. I myself am also very curious whether a true desktop setup would beat my current setup by a significant margin.

I use my Micro iDSD on high gain (turbo mode) to drive the Arya and I do like the sound. I have been looking into various options: Gustard H16 + X16, Topping D90 + A90, Schiit Magnius + Modius, or instead iDSD BL + iUSB 3.0 + Gemini (I found a set for a good price locally). I am also interested in trying my Arya's balanced.

I also read here that some people just purchase an AMP and use the BL as a DAC, I'm very interested in a more detailed comparison. Curious if you have any recommendations for me!

Let me first ask whether you're after a desktop setup, or do you consider transportable products only? Thanks!

 

[JvH26]

Transportability is definitely no must for me, it has been nice with the Micro iDSD but I don't plan on moving a lot with my Arya.

 

[iFi audio]

Transportability is definitely no must for me, it has been nice with the Micro iDSD but I don't plan on moving a lot with my Arya.

A major step up over the original micro iDSD would be either micro iDSD Signature (a touch warm and full-bodied sound) or micro iDSD Diablo (more quick and leaner sound). For desktop usage you might want to read about our ZEN range; ZEN CAN and ZEN DAC. These fully balanced products combined together would do a lot of good to your Aryas.