iFi Audio NEO iDSD DAC Ultra HD and Headphone Amp

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MQA Decoding, 32-Bit/768kHz PCM, DSD512, High-Res Bluetooth: Versatile iFi NEO iDSD Is a Three-in-One DAC, Preamplifier, and Headphone Amplifier with Balanced PureWave Circuitry

A three-in-one DAC and preamp loaded with MQA decoding, high-res Bluetooth 5.0 ability, and balanced PureWave circuitry, the iFi NEO iDSD bundles sophistication, versatility, and value in a sleek footprint that can be positioned either vertically or horizontally. Able to be used as a dedicated DAC via its fixed-level XLR analog output, a DAC/preamp for a power amp and/or active speakers via its variable output, or a headphone amplifier with a continuous 1000mW output, NEO iDSD proves equally at home in a main or desktop system. It even pairs with cutting-edge gaming systems such as Playstation 5 and Xbox X to enhance your experience. And it goes without saying that it supports 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512 – in bit-perfect form.

Enhanced by a Burr-Brown chipset complete with a 16-core XMOS microcontroller that processes data via USB and S/PDIF inputs, NEO iDSD sports exceptional speed. A GMT femto-precision clock, intelligent memory buffer, and GTO filter pile on the spoils and help eradicate any trace of jitter. Able to perform with extraordinarily low levels of noise and distortion, NEO iDSD touts not one DSP or filter selection. Everything revolves around balanced PureWave circuitry, and there’s never a change to the analog playback. A custom OV Series op-amp, Texas Instruments ICs, TDK C0G capacitors, muRata low-ER high-Q multi-later capacitors, and MOSFET switching further contribute to heightening the detail, dynamics, liquidity, tonality, and presence you’ll hear from your music.

Factor in NEO iDSD’s compatibility with all high-definition Bluetooth codecs (aptX HD, LDAC, LHDC, AAC, and SBC included), amazing measurements, attractive looks, and one-year manufacturer warranty, and this 2.14-pound bows as a master of power and poise.

Purist Design

Not only is NEO iDSD a purist design – no DSP, no digital filter selection, and no change in analog playback – it is also designed around a balanced circuit design named PureWave. The balanced, differential analog circuit design reduces noise and cross-talk within the signal path by fully separating the left and right channels. PureWave is a new, balanced, symmetrical dual-mono topology with short, direct signal paths. The name refers to the sonic purity it achieves thanks to exceptional linearity and infinitesimally low levels of noise and distortion.

Headphone Amplifier Stage

The headphone amp stage maintains an engaging balance between sonic power and poise – no matter what it is tasked to drive. From high-sensitivity in-ear monitors to current-hungry planar headphones, it drives them with aplomb. It has a continuous power output of over 1000mW into 32ohms available through the balanced headphone socket. To retain maximum resolution, the volume is adjusted in the analog domain via a resistor ladder under precise microprocessor control.

First-Rate Components Extend to Display

NEO iDSD contains top-notch audio components to back up the outstanding balanced circuit design. Even the OLED SilentLine display is engineered to ensure no electrical noise interferes with the audio signal as it switches itself off when not in use. Quality components mean more clarity and texture, a more engaging performance. You just hear more of the music. High-quality parts are involved throughout, including custom ultra-low-distortion op-amps, multilayer ceramic TDK C0G capacitors, MELF thin-film resistors, and inductors from Murata and Taiyo Yuden. Their class-leading qualities such as low ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance), high linearity, and low noise pay great dividends in terms of sound quality.

Superb Bluetooth Engine

Qualcomm’s QCC5100 Bluetooth processing IC in combination with proprietary circuits creates an audibly superior Bluetooth engine. All the current high-definition Bluetooth audio formats are supported – Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive and aptX HD, Sony’s LDAC and HWA’s LHDC, regular aptX and aptX Low Latency, AAC (Apple iOS devices), and SBC (the plain vanilla Bluetooth codec). Of the 24-bit-capable codecs, aptX Adaptive and aptX HD support up to 48kHz, while LDAC and LHDC reach 96kHz. iFi’s Bluetooth engine can also be updated over-the-air, so future codecs may be added.

XMOS 16-Core Chip

The XMOS 16-Core chip processes the audio data received via the USB and S/PDIF digital inputs. This low-latency XMOS microcontroller has greatly enhanced processing power. Compared to the current generation of eight-core chips, the 16-core IC delivers double the clock speed (2000MIPS) and four times the memory (512KB) as well as the latest SuperSpeed USB standard. iFi’s in-house digital development team has programmed the XMOS firmware to optimize sound quality and ensure a perfect partnership with the Burr-Brown DAC.

MOSFET Switching

Switching between settings has been engineered to ensure sonic transparency with advanced trench technology. MOSFET is used as a muting switch. This FET-based switching is handled by a microcontroller, which only wakes up when the user changes a setting, thus eradicating any sonically deleterious interference.

Digital: 

   USB3.0 B (USB2.0 compatible)/S-PDIF (coaxial/optical)

   Bluetooth 5.0 (AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX LL, LDAC, LHDC/HWA Codec)

Formats:

   DSD512/256/128/64, Octa/Quad/Double/Single-Speed DSD

   DXD (768/705.6/384/352.8kHz), Double/Single-Speed DXD

   PCM (768/705.6/384/352.8/192/176.4/96/88.2/48/44.1kHz)

   MQA

   Bluetooth 96kHz

Outputs:

   Balanced XLR: 6.3V / 7.7V max. (variable)   4.4V fixed

   UnBAL RCA: 3.2V / 3.9V max. (variable)   2.2V fixed

Zout:

   Balanced: <= 100Ω

   UnBAL: <= 50Ω

   SNR: -112dB(A) @ 0dBFS (UnBAL/BAL)

   DNR: >116dB(A) @ -60dBFS (UnBAL/BAL)

   THD + N: <0.0015% @ 0dBFS (UnBAL/BAL)

Headphone Section: 

   Output:

      Balanced:

         >6.4V/68.6 mW (@ 600Ω)

         >5.77V/1040 mW (@ 32Ω)

      UnBAL:

         >3.25V/17.6 mW (@ 600Ω)

         >3V/295 mW (@ 32Ω)

   Output Impedance: <1Ω (UnBAL/BAL)

   SNR: -112dBA (3.3V UnBAL/6.2V BAL)

   THD + N: <0.0015% (125mW @ 32Ω)

Power consumption: No Signal ~0.5W

Max Signal ~2.5W

Dynamic range: -120dB(A)

Input voltage: DC 5V/2.5A, AC 100 -240V, 50/60Hz (with iPower)

Dimensions: 8.4" x 5.7" x 1.6"

Weight: 2.14 lbs.

Warranty period: 12 months