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IFI-Audio Nano iDSD LE USB DAC
The nano iDSD Light Edition (LE) is the new entry-level DAC from iFi audio. The iDSD LE has the same DNA as the nano iDSD but without the SPDIF output, digital filter selection runs on DSD128/PCM384. Although the iDSD LE is an entry level DAC, it offers the same sonic performance as its sibling and also better than most entry level DACs and even comparable to expensive ones too. This DAC is able to play True Native meaning there is no conversion; PCM stays PCM and DSD stays DSD. This means no signal loss as it ensures the music file is Bit-Perfect. It supports Hi-Res formats up to 384kHz and DSD128.
Timing is important in audio playback. The nano iDSD LE has received attentoin to the signal path and the clock crystals or ‘clocks’ beat with Swiss-precision to ensure the utmost in sound quality. The iDSD LE also boasts a Lithium Polymer battery which ensures 8 hours of music enjoyment on-the-go which makes it perfect to be paired to any portable music player or even smartphones.
The nano iDSD LE also features DirectDrive which means there are no output coupling capacitors. This direct signal path is without peer and is a mainstay of the iFi DAC range including the iDSD. The sonic transparency is there for all to hear.
- High-Res True Native performance
- Burr-Brown DAC chip
- On the go enjoyment of music
- Precise clock for exceptional jitter rejection
- 8 hours battery
- Analogue volume control
- Direct Drive playback
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Technical Specification
- Battery: Lithium-polymer 1000mAh
- Power: 1.5W
- Dimensions: 106 x 67 x 28mm
- Weight: 167g
Formats supported:
- PCM 44.1 to 384kHz/ 16-32bit
- DSD 2.8, 3.1, 5.6 and 6.2MHz/1bit
- DXD 352.8, 384kHz/24bit
- High-Speed Asynchronous USB 2.0
- 32bit/384kHz
- Warranty: 1 Year
What Is In The Box
- Nano iDSD LE
- USB A to USB B adapter
- 2 Rubber bands
- Soft pouch
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Manufacture Description
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| MP3 up to DSD with aplomb | Direct-Coupled closest to ‘no capacitor’ |
Battery or USB powered | DSD/PCM remains True Native® |
The nano iDSD Light Edition (LE) is newest entry-level DAC from iFi audio. The iDSD LE has the same DNA as the multi-award winning nano iDSD but without the SPDIF output, digital filter selection and runs on DSD128/PCM384. This ‘pocket rocket’ comes in at the entry level with a pedigree that offers the same sonic performance as its sibling. Its scares the living daylights out of other entry level DACs and many other more expensive DACs too.
| The High-Res Heart | |||||
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The nano iDSD LE is able to play True Native® meaning there is no conversion; PCM stays PCM and DSD stays DSD. This means no signal loss as it ensures the music file is ‘Bit-Perfect.’ This is important because it ensures the highest sound quality as there is no loss from file conversion.
The nano iDSD LE supports Hi-Resolution formats up to 384kHz and DSD128. |
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| Burr-Brown is best | |||||
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At iFi, we care little for ‘which format is best.’ Rather, we are obsessed with replaying each format at their optimum.
What does this mean? Selection of the most advanced chipset and exemplary implementation. The Burr-Brown DAC chip used was developed by BB Japan and BB themselves (as opposed to BB/TI). Though the product introduction was post-merger, this chipset represents Burr-Brown’s “swan song” for the best of their converter technology and remains to this day, held in very high-regard. |
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| On-the-go enjoyment of music | |||||
| The latest advancements in Smart Devices such as iPhone/iPad/Android has transformed them from a mobile phone to a portable, high-end Computer Audio Source*. These Smart Devices are able to natively encode and transmit high-res PCM/DSD/DXD audio. As the iDSD LE is able to natively decode the same, this high-end ‘Transport+DAC’ combination offers astounding sonics yet is all just palm-sized for great tunes on the move as well as at home.
Below are some screenshots taken with iPhone with Onkyo HF Player > Camera Connection Kit > iDSD LE. As you can see, each high-resolution format is being replayed, even DSD. |
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| Precise clock for exceptional jitter rejection | |||||
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Timing is everything and in audio playback, this is so true. The nano iDSD LE has received fastidious attention to the signal path and the clock crystals or ‘clocks’ beat with Swiss-precision to ensure the utmost in sound quality.
Any products worth its salt should have clock crystals in the digital circuitry. However, there are clock crystals and there are the clock crystals in the iDSD LE. |
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The ‘clocks’ used in the iDSD LE which have been supplied by AMR, are military-grade temperature compensated master clock modules which avoid the creation of unwanted beat frequencies. Such crystals reduce overall digital noise and push jitter to the vanishing point. These clocks have been specifically-sourced from the telecommunications industry where standards are far more exacting than those in the industrial sector (which normally supplies to the audio industry).
Just like other products in the range, the iDSD LE benefits from AMR trickle-down technology to lock out jitter, the iDSD LE does not settle for Asynchronous USB transfer alone. To truly cancel jitter, it also employs AMR’s Zero Jitter® Lite technology from the famous AMR DP-777 which has Asynchronous as the starting, not finishing point. |
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| Battery for on-the-go and sound quality | |||||
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The nano iDSD LE boasts a Lithium Polymer battery which ensures 8 hours of music enjoyment on-the-go.
To connect a Smartphone/Table, just use the requisite Apple: Lightning to USB/Android: On-the-Go cable to extract the digital signal and let the iDSD LE do the rest. Even at home, to run on battery should ensure a higher sound quality than normal USB power. For the LE, flexibility is just as strong as the sound quality. |
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| Analogue volume control for full dynamics | |||||
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The iDSD LE very visibly features a built-in precision analogue volume control which is more than a match for anything found at twice, even thrice its price point. Its smooth action reflects its smooth sound. It sure delivers the sonic goods.
This fastidious attention to detail and consideration for the user is standard for iFi. |
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| DirectDrive® means output signal remains pure | |||||
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A key factor behind why the nano iDSD LE sounds so ‘true’ is DirectDrive® which means there are no output coupling capacitors. This ‘direct signal’ path is without peer and is a mainstay of the iFi DAC range including the iDSD LE. The sonic transparency is there for all to hear and is second-to-none. | ||||
