The Micro iDSD Signature DAC / Headphone amp is an updated version of the Micro iDSD Black Label DAC and builds on its predecessor both internally and externally.
The new Signature edition of the Micro iDSD sports several changes over and above the Black Label version including enhanced circuitry in critical areas, a new 4.4mm Pentaconn headphone output and a move from a black finish to Space Blue, which is a colour reserved for ‘Signature’ versions of some of iFi’s most popular products.
Designed primarily as a battery powered device, the iDSD Signature remains suited for desktop use where its lack of reliance on mains power means it avoids issues that can be introduced by mains electricity with dips, spikes and noise-inducing RFI/EMI pollution. The rechargeable battery delivers 6-12 hours of playing time and the Signature can be switched to a power source to charge and play at the same time in the event the battery runs low.
Built around two Burr-Brown DAC chips installed in a custom ‘interleaved’ configuration which lowers the noise floor and improves channel separation, the Hi-Res support is substantial. PCM data to 32-bit/768kHz is supported as are all levels of DSD up to DSD512, as well as single- and double-speed DXD. MQA – the Hi-Res streaming codec, as used by Tidal’s ‘Masters’ tier – is also present. The PCM and DSD take separate pathways which enables them to remain ‘bit-perfect’ in the native form right through to analogue conversion.
The digital engine is subjected to extensive jitter-eradication technologies and the installed Gibbs Transient Optimized digital filter can be swapped out for an alternative via a firmware update if preferred.
Already able to drive headphones from highly sensitive in-ear monitors to current-hungry planar models, the Micro iDSD Black Label’s amp stage has been fine-tuned in the latest Signature version to recover maximum sonic detail. Additionally, high-quality components are used throughout the Micro iDSD Signature’s circuitry which, though more costly than typical components, help deliver high stability and low distortion in terms of sound quality when used in concert with iFi’s rigorous lab-based analysis and hours of listening tests.
Fitted with a wide choice of filter, power and gain settings, the Signature is flexible and adaptable depending upon which type of head/earphones it’s been paired with.
iFi’s XBass+ and 3D+ settings remain in place for the Signature, where XBass+ adjusts frequency response to enhance low frequencies - useful with ‘bass-light’ headphones - and 3D+ effectively widens the headphone soundstage to deliver a more speaker-like experience.
Connections on the rear include two digital audio inputs: a male USB Type A and an S/PDIF socket that accepts both electrical and optical signals (via a supplied adaptor). There’s also a pair of RCA analogue outputs so the Micro iDSD Signature can be connected to a pair of powered speakers, or a power amp and passive speakers, to act as a DAC and preamplifier.
Meanwhile, the front panel houses the 6.3mm headphone output and 4.4mm Pentaconn output for headphones offering balanced connection. Both of these outputs utilise iFi’s ‘S-Balanced’ output circuitry, delivering the sonic benefits associated with balanced connections for all headphone/earphone types – even those with single-ended connectors – halving crosstalk and associated distortion.
Other changes introduced to the Signature include a cosmetic punch up to the faceplates, a redesigned volume knob and new switches for XBass+/3D+. Additionally, a multi-coloured LED to indicate the sampling frequency of the music and a new battery status indicator have been added, while the USB-C charging port now sits on the right hand side.
Available only in a limited number, the iFi Micro iDSD Signature will be shipping later this month from selected retailers, at an RRP of £649.
Source: Press Release
Image Source: iFi Audio