[rlw6534]

That spec was instantaneous peak. If you think about it, there's no way that anything that size could output near 5W without melting components. It's actual output is under 1W, and that's measured at 300 Ohms. It's only 600mW at 32 Ohms, which is quite sufficient. Given the high voltage output though, at least on paper, this kind of amp is a good match with high-impedance headphones. I don't see why they are willing to risk their reputation putting out what amounts to false power outputs just to look a bit more impressive in their specifications.

That makes me willing to bet that the Neo iDSD 2's actual power output is under 1W as well.

If there is anything I don't like about iFi, it's the marketing crap and misleading claims like the s-balanced 3.5 mm, which is, of course, not balanced at all... It's a shame because I like their products, but I don't know whether to trust the marketing claims and specifications.

 

[iFi audio]

@iFi- audio Is the dac’s name a secret? If so, why? I understand a burr brown is used as dac on your device, I would like to know the name. I apologize for my nosy question

Thanks for your question, and it's not nosy at all.

I will see if the exact name information is available to publish as sometimes they do, and sometimes we do not. I will update here if I am able.

Cheers!!

Bubba

 

[iFi audio]

Are there any articles anywhere that does a direct comparison of original iDSD and this new version? Looking more for a spec comparison, not so much a review of the sound differences. Thanks!

Thanks for the question.

At the moment I do think there are even enough out in the wild to start seeing comparisons, so until then I have this for you!

Pretty basic but may be helpful to you until more come around.

Hope that helps!

Cheers!!

Bubba

Get Yours!!

 

[iFi audio]

Very good question. I see the original is still listed at full price at several retailers. I’m wondering once the new one starts shipping if the original might become a bargain (depending on people’s needs of course).

You never know!

This does often happen, but I have no direct knowledge of it, I would still keep my eyes peeled as the original is still quite a suitable and popular amp!

Cheers!!

Bubba

 

[iFi audio]

If there is anything I don't like about iFi, it's the marketing crap and misleading claims like the s-balanced 3.5 mm, which is, of course, not balanced at all... It's a shame because I like their products, but I don't know whether to trust the marketing claims and specifications.

@rlw6534 May I send you a PM?

Thanks, let me know.

Cheers,

Bubba

 

[rlw6534]

@rlw6534 May I send you a PM?

Thanks, let me know.

Cheers,

Bubba

Sure

 

[GlenAppleton]

Thanks for the question.

At the moment I do think there are even enough out in the wild to start seeing comparisons, so until then I have this for you!

Pretty basic but may be helpful to you until more come around.



Hope that helps!

Cheers!!

Bubba

Get Yours!!

Thanks Bubba! This is enough for now, and it provides a decent comparison.

 

[123peter]

Does the IFI Neo-idsd-2 finally have balanced channels at low volume,
and is the potentiometer of better quality than in Zen Can/Dac where the recommended volume is from the 11th position of the knob?

 

[Jazz1]

NEO iDSD2. Setting up tomorrow! Help! I need cable advice please. I’ve got this cable on the way. Will it work with my M1 MacMini And the NEO? I don’t want to damage the equipment I do have the same cable with a USB-A for the M1 Macmini output.

 

[radioactivesam]

Does it have parametric EQ?

 

[Jazz1]

Very versatile!!! Using USB out from the MacMini to USB dock to DAC/Amp iFi. I have yet to figure out and use the "lossless" BlueTooth feature. As you know Apple doesn't support the higher end BT lossless sampling. I'm hoping this is a way around that via this DAC/Amp. Of course I'm not sure that my BT headphones do either. But I think my Bowers and Wilkins Px8 headphones might support one of them.

Listening to FLAC on Tidal. "Will Anybody Ever Love Me?" send by Sufjan Stevens sound great. The bass is making my ear wiggle, in a good way! The Staves "You Held It All" also has some tight bass, but not overblown.

The DAC/Amp can be stood up on its end for a vertical desktop placement. I may move my two 27" monitors so the vertical DAC/Amp can sit between them. The DAC/Amp's LED does shift to accommodate vertical placement.

For my Dan Clark Aeon Noir 2 headphones I did use the output power booster one notch up, as well as the bass one notch up. I do believe in burn in...either for the DAC/Amp or my brain. So these are just early, humble opinions.

I'm waiting for the delivery of another AudioQuest Cinnamon cable so I can do some A & B comparison with my Schitt Asgard 3 with TrueMultibit.

Update: I did try out the Audeze LCD-2 and this DAC/Amp really does them justice. Improved the bass, and soundstage.


BTW the packaging for was first class. Very impressive!!!

 

[sweetben]

What is a "CAS" audiophile? "Computer Audio System" audiophile? "Compact Audio System" audiophile? "Carl Adores Sandwiches" audiophile?

 

[trellus]

This will end up on my desk in the next month or two, I predict.

 

[Somek]

What is a "CAS" audiophile? "Computer Audio System" audiophile? "Compact Audio System" audiophile? "Carl Adores Sandwiches" audiophile?

Close Air Support

 

[iFi audio]

Very versatile!!! Using USB out from the MacMini to USB dock to DAC/Amp iFi. I have yet to figure out and use the "lossless" BlueTooth feature. As you know Apple doesn't support the higher end BT lossless sampling. I'm hoping this is a way around that via this DAC/Amp. Of course I'm not sure that my BT headphones do either. But I think my Bowers and Wilkins Px8 headphones might support one of them.

Listening to FLAC on Tidal. "Will Anybody Ever Love Me?" send by Sufjan Stevens sound great. The bass is making my ear wiggle, in a good way! The Staves "You Held It All" also has some tight bass, but not overblown.

The DAC/Amp can be stood up on its end for a vertical desktop placement. I may move my two 27" monitors so the vertical DAC/Amp can sit between them. The DAC/Amp's LED does shift to accommodate vertical placement.

For my Dan Clark Aeon Noir 2 headphones I did use the output power booster one notch up, as well as the bass one notch up. I do believe in burn in...either for the DAC/Amp or my brain. So these are just early, humble opinions.

I'm waiting for the delivery of another AudioQuest Cinnamon cable so I can do some A & B comparison with my Schitt Asgard 3 with TrueMultibit.

Update: I did try out the Audeze LCD-2 and this DAC/Amp really does them justice. Improved the bass, and soundstage.


BTW the packaging for was first class. Very impressive!!!

Thanks so much for your initial thoughts and impressions, we really appreciate it!

Please keep us updated as you move along with the New NEO.

Cheers!!

Bubba