[alekc]

I recently updated the iFi USB audio driver to ver 3.2 and found that my music player can’t recognize my Micro iDSD (non BL) that’s connected to the iUSB3.0. Raised a ticket with iFi Audio support and was told to use ver 2.26 driver instead. Did just that but same result; device not initialized/ recognized. However, if I bypass the iUSB3.0 and connect the Micro iDSD directly to the laptop’s USB port it works just fine. I’m regretting having updated the iFi USB driver which has left me with an unusable iUSB3.0. Anyone else having the same issue? Know where, how, can I get back the older driver?

Try this one but I would wait for iFi reply first: https://web.archive.org/web/20170601120933/http://ifi-audio.com/downloads/

 

[looge]

Try this one but I would wait for iFi reply first: https://web.archive.org/web/20170601120933/http://ifi-audio.com/downloads/

Hi alekc, I installed the v2.23 but still can’t initialize the driver if the iUSB3.0 is connected to the Micro iDSD. I’m starting to think that it could be either a physical issue; bad USB cable, iUSB3.0 internals, or a firmware issue. Thanks all the same for trying to help.

 

[alekc]

Sorry to hear that logge As I've said I would wait for iFi answer. As far as I know there is no downloadable firmware for iUSB3.0. One another event that could theoretically influence USB ports is BIOS/UEFI update. Good luck solving your issue. I know life without iUSB could a bit challenging and the worst is irritation when something used to work and is not working.

 

[2thfixr]

As already mentioned have you tried turning off the ground switches? That solved my issues.

 

[zorilon]

Ifi Micro USB 3.0 impression:

I use this device with a Holo Spring KTE DAC in 3 different settings and each had a different sound:

1. MacBook (Audirvana) - Mercury 3.0 cable - Micro USB 3.0 - Gemini 3.0 cable (data and power from Micro USB 3.0) - Holo Spring KTE

In this setting the sound is very clean, detailed, good bass and trable, very good timbre of acoustic instruments but vocals are a little aggressive and abrasive on top. (I don’t have an Igalvanic to see if it could be improved with that). Overall makes the Holo sound V shaped like a forced Hi Fi sound.

2. MacBook (Audirvana) - Gemini 3.0 cable (data cable directly from MacBook and power cable from Micro USB 3.0) - Holo Spring KTE

In this setting the data signal has no treatment form Micro USB 3.0, only the power part of the USB was sent to USB module of the DAC from Micro USB 3.0
The sound with this setting is phenomena! Very natural, unforced, very clean, a realistic presentation like I never heard before. Everything is just right. It keeps the good parts from the previous setting but without the negative aspects. Now I understand why it is really important to have clean power to feed the onboard USB module of any DAC. No laptop or computer can provide this clean power.

3. MacBook (Audirvana) - Gemini 3.0 cable (data cable directly from MacBook and power cable from Micro USB 3.0) - Micro USB 3.0 - Mercury 3.0 cable (out from data together with power from Micro USB 3.0) - Holo Spring KTE

So this setting was a risky one. To feed the power from Micro USB into the same device (Micro USB) was a dangerous move but it is possible. In this way, I thought I can give the Micro a clean data signal to process and filter without the Igalvanic.
The sound is more like the first setup but the midrange and vocals are more natural now. It is definitely cleaner than the second setup but in an almost unnatural way. If I want to analyze music I can listen to this setting (or for very good recordings) but to just enjoy music, I am listening to the second setup.

To conclude, my recommendation after this experience is to buy the Gemini 3.0 and maybe the Nano USB3.0 (because it is chipper as a clean power supply) and use it as in the second setup if you like your DAC sound but want to have everything much better.
Otherwise the Ifi Micro USB 3.0 alone can be used in a setup where details need to be forced to be heard.

My other components were: Niimbus US4 headphone amp and Hifiman Susvara with Cardas Clear cable.

 

[iFi audio]

Ifi Micro USB 3.0 impression:

I use this device with a Holo Spring KTE DAC in 3 different settings and each had a different sound:

1. MacBook (Audirvana) - Mercury 3.0 cable - Micro USB 3.0 - Gemini 3.0 cable (data and power from Micro USB 3.0) - Holo Spring KTE

In this setting the sound is very clean, detailed, good bass and trable, very good timbre of acoustic instruments but vocals are a little aggressive and abrasive on top. (I don’t have an Igalvanic to see if it could be improved with that). Overall makes the Holo sound V shaped like a forced Hi Fi sound.

2. MacBook (Audirvana) - Gemini 3.0 cable (data cable directly from MacBook and power cable from Micro USB 3.0) - Holo Spring KTE

In this setting the data signal has no treatment form Micro USB 3.0, only the power part of the USB was sent to USB module of the DAC from Micro USB 3.0
The sound with this setting is phenomena! Very natural, unforced, very clean, a realistic presentation like I never heard before. Everything is just right. It keeps the good parts from the previous setting but without the negative aspects. Now I understand why it is really important to have clean power to feed the onboard USB module of any DAC. No laptop or computer can provide this clean power.

3. MacBook (Audirvana) - Gemini 3.0 cable (data cable directly from MacBook and power cable from Micro USB 3.0) - Micro USB 3.0 - Mercury 3.0 cable (out from data together with power from Micro USB 3.0) - Holo Spring KTE

So this setting was a risky one. To feed the power from Micro USB into the same device (Micro USB) was a dangerous move but it is possible. In this way I thought I can give the Micro a clean data signal to process and filter without the Igalvanic.
The sound is more like the first setup but the midrange and vocals are more natural now. It is definitely cleaner then the second setup but in an almost unnatural way. If I want to analyze music I can listen to this setting (or for very good recordings) but to just enjoy music, I am listening to the second setup.

To conclude, my reconstruction after this experience is to buy the Gemini 3.0 and maybe the Nano USB3.0 (because it is chipper as a clean power supply) and use it as in the second setup if you like your DAC sound but want to have everything much better.
Otherwise the Ifi Micro USB 3.0 alone can be use in a setup where details need to be forced to be heard.

My other components were: Niimbus US4 headphone amp and Hifiman Susvara with Cardas Clear cable.

That's a great feedback, thanks so much! If you're happy with micro iUSB3.0, iGalvanic3.0 is the next step up on performance. These two as a team are the best USB setup we have!

 

[littlexx26]

But ifi is going to discontinue it

 

[iFi audio]

But ifi is going to discontinue it

iGalvanic3.0?

 

[alekc]

iGalvanic3.0?

You tell us

iUSB3.0 is out of production not iGalvanic. Last batch of iUSB has been made if I understand correctly.

 

[iFi audio]

iUSB3.0 is out of production not iGalvanic. Last batch of iUSB has been made if I understand correctly.

micro iUSB3.0 was originally discontinued, but we got enough questions about it and orders from distributors that we brought it back. Nothing's changed with iGalvanic3.0 though. It's still available.

 

[BringingthePhunk]

What is the best sequence/order to plug in ifi products? There's no real diagram of what should go in front of what in the chain.
For example, in my setup it's PC -> ifi iSilencer -> USB Cable -> iGalvanic -> USB Cable -> iMicroUSB -> DAC. Does it matter where the iSilencer goes? Or if the iGalvanic should be after the iMicro?

 

[technobear]

What is the best sequence/order to plug in ifi products? There's no real diagram of what should go in front of what in the chain.
For example, in my setup it's PC -> ifi iSilencer -> USB Cable -> iGalvanic -> USB Cable -> iMicroUSB -> DAC. Does it matter where the iSilencer goes? Or if the iGalvanic should be after the iMicro?

You have it correct.

 

[alekc]

You have it correct.

What iSilancer is adding when both iGalvanic and iUSB micro are connected too?

 

[Deolum]

I really need some recommendation. I'm thinking about getting the Ifi treatment for my USB Signal.

My gear is: MacMini -> Chord 2Qute -> Violectric V200 -> Headphones.

What would be the ideal setup to get?

From reading on headfi i thought it would be this:

Getting iUSB 3.0, IGalvanic and Gemini.

MacMini -> iGalvanic -> iUSB 3.0 -> Gemini -> 2Qute -> V200 -> Headphone

When i talked to my local ifi dealer he told me that iUSB 3.0 wouldn't make a difference since it's mainly for clean power and my 2qute has it's own power supply.

So he recommended this:

Getting iGalvanic, Mercury and Ipurifierr 3.

So MacMini -> iGalvanic -> Mercury -> iPurifier 3 -> 2Qute -> V200 -> Headphones

What would be better?

 

[alekc]

I really need some recommendation. I'm thinking about getting the Ifi treatment for my USB Signal.

My gear is: MacMini -> Chord 2Qute -> Violectric V200 -> Headphones.

What would be the ideal setup to get?

From reading on headfi i thought it would be this:

Getting iUSB 3.0, IGalvanic and Gemini.

MacMini -> iGalvanic -> iUSB 3.0 -> Gemini -> 2Qute -> V200 -> Headphone

When i talked to my local ifi dealer he told me that iUSB 3.0 wouldn't make a difference since it's mainly for clean power and my 2qute has it's own power supply.

So he recommended this:

Getting iGalvanic, Mercury and Ipurifierr 3.

So MacMini -> iGalvanic -> Mercury -> iPurifier 3 -> 2Qute -> V200 -> Headphones

What would be better?

While I do not have any experience with 2Qute and Mac here are two points that comes to my mind:

• 2Quote supports USB2.0 so you can get cheaper version of Mercury (if needed - I would leave the cable exchange as last step)
• According to Chord product page 2Quote has galvanic isolation implemented so I wonder what iGalvanic would add. Here is the link https://chordelectronics.co.uk/product/2qute/