10 лучших портативных цап для улучшения звучания вашего телефона: модели и опции

Other features

Nano iDSD BL supports a wide range of digital input formats and moreover resolutions: DSD up to 256, PCM up to 384KHz and – drumroll here – MQA up to 192KHz.

I’m not at all interested into MQA so I’m not going to assess that – and even if I did I would have zero comparative experience to rely on.

On the back panel a small switch also allows the user to choose between two filters labelled “Listen” and “Measure”. The Listen option enables a Minimum Phase bezier filter, while the Measure option switches to a Linear Phase Transient-Aligned filter.

This image is just for reference.This is not a plot of nano iDSD BL’s actual filters.

The topic may become too technical but let me try to simplify: a Minimum Phase filter makes sound “behave” more closely to our human auditory system – which is incapable of perceiving vibrations before an impulse, and tends to like when those following it over time are smoother – and is therefore by many called “more musical”. A Linear Phase filter yields a little bit edgier notes, which is indeed preferred by a population of listeners, but most of all comes handy when submitting the device to sampling and measuring, hence its given label name (“Measure”).

One more very important note is deserved about available firmware versions and their differences.

When I acquired it, my nano iDSD BL unit carried the latest available fw, version 5.3c. I looked into possible firmware variations and I found something quite interesting, as follows:

F/W version	Key notes
5.2 “Limoncello”	DSD512 (Windows), DSD256 (Mac) support768kHz (on capable machines)No MQA support
5.3	Full MQA supportDSD256 (Windows), DSD128 (Mac) support384kHz
5.3c	Same as 5.3 plus:GTO filter, which upsamples USB audio

https://ifi-audio.com/firmware/unified-firmware-for-various-products/

As you can read on ifi’s PDF paper linked above, Gibb’s Transient Optimised (GTO) filter is supposed to be an upgrade to the previous Minimum Phase Filter. There’s much more to it, read the paper

Long story short again: by downgrading from 5.3c to 5.3, thus going back to the “original” Minimum and Linear Phase filters and their upsampling algorithms I perceive a distinct sound output improvement! May be a matter of tastes of course, or maybe related to the GTO upsampling being less refined (yet) than its predecessors. Be as it may, to me it sounds better, and I settled to 5.3.

Lastly, the form factor is not “ultrasmall” nor “ultrathin” but it stays very easily transportable, and pocketable – at least in terms of coat pockets. With a little intention it can be “paired” with another device, also exploiting the 2 rubber bands found in the box. Weight is also quite light (139g) and the 1200mAh battery offers up to 10h of theoretical life, which I could test down to 7-8hrs max which is good in its class.

Build & Package

The Nano iDSD Black Label is a solidly built little unit. The all-metal chassis is a nice touch, connectors seem solid and well supported, recesses for connectors are wide enough to accommodate any plug/connector you’re likely to use. The inset-USB-A OTG connector on the back is an especially nice touch, as it helps keep cables/connectors out of harms way and reduces the overall foot-print of the unit when in use.

It’s a compact little device, as well, easily small enough to throw in a laptop bag — even if it is not quite as small as some other USB DACs.

As is typical with iFi products, the package includes all of the items you are likely to need to make the unit work. In this case that includes a 1m (3 foot) USB-A to USB-A OTG cable, for direct connection to a computer or other standard USB source. In addition there are two adapters that allow you to use an existing USB-A to USB-B cable (the most common type of USB cable for DACs, sometimes referred to as a “USB Printer Cable”) one a simple, short, inline adapter, and the other as a more flexible 6” long adapter with a flexible cable in the middle.

A black, soft, draw-string bag/case for the DAC, a 12mm (0.45”) wide rubber band for attaching the unit to a phone, DAP or other source and an instruction card complete the package.

Introduction

The iFi Audio Nano iDSD Black Label is an updated version of the original Nano iDSD portable DAC/amp, and the latest unit to get the “Black Label” treatment (improved parts/specs — and a new black/orange color scheme). It’s a full-function DAC/amp, with support for high-resolution audio formats, usefully powerful headphone outputs, in a compact, battery/USB powered, form-factor — useable both on the go and at a desk.

The unit I am reviewing is on kind loan from “The HEADPHONE Community” and their “Community Preview Program”.

This is a $200 combined DAC/amp that’ll work with laptop or mobile devices. The DAC section can be used via the built-in headphone outputs, making it an all-in-one solution, or via a dedicated line-out connection to feed other amplifiers. There is no analog input, so the headphone output can only be used with the unit’s DAC as the source.

Features & Technology

The Nano iDSD Black Label is rather feature rich for such a diminutive unit, supporting high-bit rate PCM (up to 24 bit/384kHz), DXD, quad-rate DSD (DSD256) and MQA rendering. The headphone outputs are in dual-mono configuration which, combined with balanced-compatible TRRS headphone/IEM connections, keep the grounds for each channel separate (you don’t get more power this way, but it helps with channel separation/crosstalk).

Both 3.5mm headphone outputs can be used with either single-ended (TRS) or balanced (TRRS) connections, and will operate correctly for either configuration. One of these is a direct output, the other features iFi’s iEMatch feature, which reduces/eliminates hiss with very sensitive, low-impedance, IEMs and can improve their available dynamic range.

The USB 2.0 input features built-in iPurifier technology, which filters the USB power and data lines to reduce source-induced noise.

There are two selectable filters, labeled “Listen” and “Measure”. Depending on the format of the material being played, these swap between filters specific to those formats. In PCM mode they are a “minimum phase” and “linear phase, transient aligned”, respectively.

And finally the unit incorporates it’s own battery, good for about 10 hours of on-the-go listening. This is charged via the USB input. A particularly interesting feature here is that you can use the battery to power the unit WITHOUT taking power via USB, thus further reducing the potential for noise on the USB power-lines to affect the unit’s performance. This is done simply by powering the unit on before connecting it to your source. Otherwise, the unit will draw power from USB to operate and charge it’s battery.

Review Equipment & Material

Headphones used for this evaluation include: Etymotic ER4-XR, Empire Ears Zeus XR (Adel), Focal Clear Sennheiser HD650, HD660S, Massdrop x AKG K7XX, Fostex TR-X00 and Elex.

Other DACs and DAC/amps used in this review include the AudioQuest Dragonfly Black and Dragonfly Red and the Schiit Audio Modi Multi-Bit.

To focus on the performance of the Nano iDSD Black Label, without regard to output power etc., I also fed it through my SPL Phonitor x amplifier (single-ended, using an AudioQuest “Golden Gate” 3.5mm (1/8”) TRS to RCA cable).

The majority of the music I use in my evaluations is in “Red Book” CD format (16 bit, 44.1 kHz), most of which comes from CD rips; an initial playlist for my audition listening can be found here. Where appropriate/referenced I utilize a number of high-quality, high-resolution, albums, needle-drops, and also some native DSD content.

iFi nano iDSD

В каталоге iFi полно миниатюрных гаджетов, не требующих лишнего места в сумке и без труда умещающихся практически в любом кармане. Но модели, собравшиеся в линейке nano, выделяются своими компактными габаритами даже на этом фоне: их размеры и вес примерно на треть меньше, чем у портативных устройств iFi из основного модельного ряда. Вот типичный представитель этой линейки — микроскопический ЦАП/усилитель с 163 г весом. Впрочем, слово «типичный» в данном случае не вполне уместно, ведь по сочетанию компактности, функциональности и музыкальности эта модель iFi не имеет аналогов не только у iFi, но и в целом на сегодняшнем портативном рынке. Ни одно другое миниатюрное комбо ЦАП с усилителем не способно справиться с переработкой звукового «сырья» такого высокого разрешения!

Nano iDSD действительно берется за неподъемную для других ношу — например, за PCM с разрядностью до 32 бит и дискретизацией до 384 кГц, а также за однобитные DSD265 с разрешением 11,2 мГц. При этом в отличие от большинства бюджетных устройств, нацеленных на обработку DSD форматов, iDSD справляется с этой задачей без их предварительной конвертации в PCM. Это полностью укладывается в фирменную концепцию True Native, согласно которой каждый музыкальный формат должен обрабатываться в оригинальном виде, без конвертации из однобитной в мультибитную форму или наоборот.

Эта задача решается в iDSD за счет применения винтажного цифроаналогового преобразователя от Burr-Brown с аппаратной поддержкой однобитной и мультибитной схемы обработки аудиопотоков. Тщательная работа над устранением лишних звеньев в цепи обработки сигнала заметна не только в цифроаналоговом, но и в усилительном блоке iDSD — при его проектировании инженеры iFi отдали предпочтение наиболее лаконичной схеме без разделительных конденсаторов на выходе.

Технологию Zero Jitter, отвечающую за исключение джиттера, разработчики устройства позаимствовали из арсенала компании Abbington Music Research, с успехом обкатавшей ее на своем культовом CD-проигрывателе AMR DP-777. Встроенная литиево-полимерная батаерея не только обеспечивает iDSD весьма неплохую 10-часовую автономность, но и позволяет ему обойтись без зашумленного питания по USB-шине при работе в связке с компьютером или ноутбуком. Но самое любопытное — это способность устройства к работе не только с ноутбуками, но и мобильными гаджетами — например, со смартфонами под управлением iOS или Android. Достаточно соединить любой из этих приборов с iDSD при помощи переходника или USB-OTG кабеля, чтобы превратить его из простого мобильника в карманный транспорт Hi-Fi уровня!

«Внутренний мир» смартфона

Внешний вид может быть очень привлекательным и эргономичным, но смартфон — уже не обычный телефон для разговора. Поэтому следующие характеристики имеют значение:

ОС, или операционная система. Android или iOS? Первая — демократичная и более распространенная в России, вторая — для тех, кто предпочитает iPhone.
Процессор отвечает за видео, звук, качество изображения, цветность.
Объем оперативной памяти. Чем больше, тем лучше быстродействие программ. 2-4 Гб может оптимально справляться с объемными приложениями.
Встроенная память хранит видеоролики, фотографии, документы. Чем объемнее хранилище, тем большее количество гигабайт можно использовать и передавать.
Основная камера делает высококачественные снимки. Любителям пейзажей стоит выбрать гаджет с камерой от 16 Мп.
Фронтальная камера предназначена не только для селфи, но и панорамных групповых фото. Необходимый минимум — 13 Мп.
Аккумулятор позволяет не думать о зарядном устройстве. Чем мощнее АКБ, тем автономнее смартфон. Для постоянного использования гаджета потребуется не менее 2500 мАч.
Громкое и чистое звучание динамика обеспечивает коммуникацию. Дополнительно выделенный ЦАПа и стереодинамики ценятся аудиофилами при прослушивании музыки. Громкий спикер может быть дополнительным плюсом для слабослышащих пожилых людей.

Описание имеющихся функций, количество сим-карт, противоударный корпус, установка дополнительной памяти, защита от влаги, цвет и множество сопутствующих аксессуаров помогут понять, на что обратить внимание, и найти оптимальное решение для каждого человека.Средняя цена мобильного телефона зависит от года выпуска и внутренней «начинки»

Device Compatibility

The USB 2.0 type A “OTG” socket on the back of the Nano is the sole input. iFi supply a 1m (3 foot) cable with the required connection on it, with a standard USB type A connector for the source end. This socket is inset into the device in a manner that minimizes cable protrusion and helps protect/support the cable/connector. When used with the Lighting to USB Camera Adapter or Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter, required for iPhone or iPad connectivity, the connection at the DAC sits neatly inside the unit. For Android-based devices, you’ll need a USB OTG (On-The-Go) cable.

Operation with macOS, iOS and Linux is driverless, as is the case with the latest «Creators Edition” of Windows 10. Earlier versions of Windows will require installing iFi’s USB 2.0 Audio Driver.

iFi Nano iDSD BL vs. Aune M1s

The Aune M1s is quite simply one of my favourite DAPs to work with. It doesn’t change the sound of any IEMs I play with it. It stays out of the way, maintaining the most consistently neutral presentation of any of the DAPs in my stable (more than a few). It’s a simple beast, and it doesn’t have a ton of power for output or a ton of features. It doesn’t have a fixed line-out. It will not play the HD600. It does have balanced output. It also doesn’t mess with the sound of the Noble Kaiser Encore at all. I’ve spent a lot of time previously talking about the Aune M1s, so you can check out it’s review.

UERR

Listening to House of the Rising Sun, there is more width to the stage on the Nano iDSD BL than on the Aune M1s. Both keep a nice tone, but the Nano iDSD BL has a bit sweeter treble when the bells and cymbals come in, with a bit fuller presentation. The Nano iDSD BL is more technically accomplished.

Noble Kaiser Encore

The M1s is perfectly clear with the Noble Kaiser Encore. It is a beautiful pairing that lets the Encore shine. There is no hiss, and the bass isn’t elevated due to impedance mismatches.

HD600

Can’t do it. Sound is drained and feeble. Frequency response isn’t accurate either.

Specifications

Specifications
Price	£199 ($199)
DAC	Burr Brown
Formats Supported	DSD64-DSD256, DXD384/352.8kHz, PCM 44.1-384, MQA 88.2/96/176.4/192kHz filters
Filters	Listen (transient optimised minimum phase filter) Measure (frequency response optimised filter)
Inputs	USB Type A “OTG” socket with built in iPurifier technology
Battery Life	~10 hours (tested)
Dimensions	96 x 64 x 25.5mm
Weight	139g (0.31 lbs)
Warranty	12 months
Headphone Amplifier
Outputs	Dual Mono 2 x 285mW Direct Drive, coupling capacitor free circuit 2 x 3.5mm outputs: 1 Direct and 1 iFi iEMatch integrated (for sensitive IEMs)
Max Output Level (<10% THD)	>3.5V @ 600Ω load (Direct; 20mW into 600Ω) >2.9v @ 30Ω load (Direct; 285mW into 30Ω) >1.7V @ 15Ω load (Direct; 200mW into 15Ω)
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise	< 0.005% @125mW/30R
Dynamic Range (DNR)	>109db (A-weighted) @ 3V (Direct) >107db (A-weighted) @ 0.5V (iEMatch)
Output Impedance	≤ 1Ω (Direct) ≤ 4Ω (iEMatch)
Channel Separation	> 79dB @ 600Ω load (Direct) > 79dB @ 15Ω load (Direct)
Volume Control	Analog 2-track Potentiometer with power switch, < 2dB tracking error – 40dB…0dB attenuation
Line Output
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise	< 0.004%
Dynamic Range (DNR)	>109db (A-weighted)
Output Voltage	2.15V (±0.05V)
Output Impedance	< 240Ω
Channel Separation	> 99dB @ 1kHz
Jitter (correlated)	Below set test limit

Conclusions

If you are looking for an upgrade to your two channel living room setup from something more basic, and potentially from something considerably more advanced—as a straight-up DAC the iFi Nano iDSD Black Label was superior to my Questyle CMA600i in the same signal chain (playing into the XI Audio Formula S feeding HiFiMAN Susvara); or you are looking for something that drives a wide variety of headphones with no problem, or maybe you are staring into the abyss of format wars like the potential impending ascendancy of the newest format darling (MQA), then you may want to check out the iFi Nano iDSD BL. The Nano iDSD BL drives headphones from the Noble Kaiser Encore (very minimal hiss that disappears with music) all the way up to the Sennheiser HD600 without distortion through the Direct port. In the case of the Noble Kaiser Encore, I did notice a little tonal change on the iEMatch port, that change was pretty similar to what I experience when listening to the Kaiser Encore out of the Shanling M2s, both sound good with the Kaiser Encore.

If I had to cite any weaknesses, it would be that sometimes the midrange can sound a little meeker than I expect. Some will find this of benefit, and I find it to be a very minor detractor that varies in infinitesimally small effects with the changing of my mood. This softening of the midrange is specific to the headphone amplifier component as the line-out maintains firm tone through the midrange when feeding the XI Audio Formula S.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a DAC/Amp combo at £199 ($199) with more features and better sound. Just as the iFi Micro iDSD Black Label was unfair to it’s competitors, the Nano iDSD Black Label should make some DAPs in the £200 range nervous. It’s got better sound quality than the all of my under $200 DAP stable, and kicks out sound on par to significantly better than some more expensive DAPs that I have or have played with.

Стоит ли портативный ЦАП?

И что то же самое происходит с сектором телефонии с сектором умных телевизоров. В случае Smart TV, его минималистский дизайн, где толщина каждого представленного телевизора меньше, означает, что нет места для добавления качественных динамиков. И что-то очень похожее происходит с качеством слуха современных смартфонов.

Как стать семейны…

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Как стать семейным юристом

Да, многие модели имеют небольшой ЦАП, чтобы обеспечить превосходное качество звука, даже самые передовые модели могут похвастаться Привет-Fi сертификация это гарантирует, что они могут воспроизводить контент с высокой точностью. Но из-за ограниченного пространства, доступного в таком устройстве, его компоненты адаптируются к ситуации. И нет, это не имеет ничего общего с портативным ЦАП, который интегрирует терминал внутри.

Больше всего на свете, потому что портативный ЦАП имеет гораздо больше функциональных возможностей, причем не только для возможности воспроизведения большего количества аудиоформатов без сжатия, что позволяет добиться высокого акустического ландшафта, но также для лучшей работы с различными мощностями. Чтобы дать вам представление, если вы используете дешевые наушники, вы вряд ли заметите разницу, используя этот гаджет или нет.

Что такое форматы аудиофайлов

MP3, WAV, FLAC и другие — расширения, определяющие форматы аудиофайлов, используемые для хранения цифровых записей. Всё это многообразие мы можем разделить на три основные категории:

без сжатия;
аудиоформаты со сжатием без потерь;
сжатые с потерями.

Файлы с расширением без сжатия отличаются большим весом и превосходным звуком:

Wav — разработка Microsoft и IBM. Может записывать звук с частотой 44 100 Гц и 16 бит. Присутствует во многих CD-дистрибутивах.
AIFF — собственность Apple (аналог WAV). Используется на компьютерах Apple.

Динамически сжимая файлы аудио, форматы со сжатием без потерь также на качество звука существенно не влияют. Получается маленький по весу файл, с очень качественным звуком. Представители:

FLAC. Для настоящих меломанов.
АС. Равноценен FLAC.
ALAC — формат, принадлежащий Manzana, бесплатной версии нет.

Сжатие с потерями — это, когда процесс кодирования выполняется для значительного уменьшения размера аудиофайлов. Что влечёт за собой немалую потерю качества. Самые популярные форматы этого типа:

MP3. Выпущен в 1993 году. Преимущество — небольшой вес, в качестве отрицательного аспекта справедливо отметить не самое лучшее качество звука.
AAC родился, чтобы заменить MP3. Используется в iTunes.
M4A — похож на ААС, чуть лучше MP3.
Ogg, использующий кодек сжатия с потерями Vorbis. Немного лучше звучит, чем MP3.

На сегодняшний день наиболее распространённый и, надо сказать, совершенно функциональный способ оцифровки звука — импульсно-кодовая модуляция (ИКМ/PCM). По сути это рисование звука по номерам. Технически этот процесс называется сэмплированием, и чем выше частота дискретизации, тем выше частоты, которые вы можете воспроизвести.

В обычном сэмплировании нет абсолютно ничего плохого. Нужны более высокие частоты — увеличьте частоту дискретизации. Нужен больший потенциальный динамический диапазон (расстояние между громкими и тихими звуками), используйте 24 бита вместо 16. Однако не всё так просто, именно из-за динамического диапазона, а также из-за проблем с качеством и воспроизводимостью аналоговых компонентов в цифро-аналоговых преобразователях возникают некоторые сомнения в отношении качества записи PCM. Возможно, есть что-то лучше.

Design – iFi xDSD vs iFi Nano iDSD Black Label Comparison Review

Look and Feel

Both the iFi xDSD and the iFi Nano iDSD Black Label are clearly designed for audiophiles who are on the go. They both pay attention to detail, and yet their vibes are very different from each other. The xDSD has a louder design, with a metallic, chrome-like finish. It’s worth noting that this finish is prone to collecting fingerprints. On the other hand, the Nano iDSD Black Label is classier, with a simple matte black finish.

Additionally, the xDSD has attention grabbing lights for its loudness level, its input type and sample rate, and whether or not bass boost and 3D filter is engaged. Conversely, the Nano iDSD Black Label has just one light indicating that it is powered up and that it has signal passing through it.

In a sense, it feels like trying to compare these two is like trying to compare apples and oranges. Both look good and feel good, but will appeal to two different tastes.

Portability

The sizes of both the iFi xDSD and the iFi Nano iDSD Black Label are similar. They have the same length and width, but the Nano iDSD Black Label is a bit thicker. However, despite this size difference, the Nano iDSD Black Label is lighter than the xDSD. As a result, they’re pretty evenly matched when it comes to portability depending o your setup and size of your pockets. In reality, both are about the size of a pack of cards, but are slightly bigger than some other portable DAC/amps on the market. However, the xDSD does have one thing in its favor in regard to portability: Bluetooth compatibility! You can use it with your wired headphones to connect to your phone or listening device wirelessly! This is a huge advantage and makes listening on-the-go that much more convenient.

Power

Both the iFi xDSD and the iFi Nano iDSD Black Label are capable of working flawlessly with low impedance, highly sensitive headphones or earphones because of their IEM match output option. This provides less power to the headphone which avoids overpowering it. But how do they compare with more difficult to drive headphones?

As a test, I listened to both the iFi xDSD and the iFi Nano iDSD Black Label with the Beyerdynamic DT1770. This headphone has an impedance of 250 ohms and a nominal sound pressure level of 102 dBSPL (1mW/500Hz). While listening at low levels, the headphones seemed to have a sturdier, tighter low end when I listened with the xDSD. The Nano iDSD Black Label could still provide plenty of power to get the headphones to a loud level, but it seemed to feed less power to the speakers. As a result, I needed to listen at louder levels in order to have the same low-end emotional impact as the xDSD.

iFi nano iDSD BL performance

Using the nano iDSD BL with my Nvidia Shield tablet I was immediately taken by its smooth and neutral presentation.

The built-in IEMatch circuit ensures that even extremely sensitive headphones and IEMs are ‘hiss free’ throughout the volume range. The nano also includes the S-Balanced wiring system for the headphone outputs. This hands it the full benefit of balanced outputs when used with headphones and IEMs (fitted with balanced wiring) with low-noise and lower distortion. Even single-ended headphones benefit, as S-Balanced cuts crosstalk in half.

Having a rechargable battery also means 10 hours+ of audio enjoyment untethered by power lead.

Sound quality

Plugging it in to my phone for the commute with my Oppo PM-3 headphones the iDSD BL cleanly boosts the volume. Furthermore, there’s plenty of clarity and detail. However, this wasn’t the kind of clinical clarity that can easily wear you down though. There’s an ease and openness that leads to extended listening sessions.

Orchestral tracks retain their weight as well as a lighter touch with string solos. Instumentation has plenty of room to breathe too.

Flicking between Tidal Masters (MQA), Spotify as well as 24bit Qobuz files you can hear the difference, especially between Spotify and the rest.

That transparancy continues through FLAC and DSD files. The one downside to this is poorly ripped MP3s are left practically unlistenable.

Openness

My usual choice for portable DAC/Amp in this price range is still the Oppo HA-2. It is still a remarkable device but the nano iDSD BL is more adept at unravelling more taxing tunes. Tracks such as ‘Slander’ by Trash Talk, ‘Run to Your Mama’ by Goat, or even The Distillers’ ‘City of Angels’ can get messy, yet the iFi unit still pushes the walls to give these bands some space.

However, dynamics and subtlty are sometimes exchanged for the nano’s clarity and space.

The high-hat crash that punctuates Bowie’s ‘Space Oddity’ seems to be disconnected from the strum of the acoustic guitar.

As I was about to wrap up this review, ‘Love Like Blood’ by Killing Joke started up and stopped me in my tracks (literally). Raven’s bass has such weight, the drums are tight and clear. But, it’s when Jaz starts singing that I get tingles. The piano stabs are also well defined.

Well, played iFi, well played.

Quality shows

Playing my NAS-stored audio on random through my laptop it was fun to try and guess the format.

You can tell what you are playing thanks to the device’s front LED. If you’re playing DSD256, for instance, the light glows blue. Put some DSD 64/128 through it and it goes cyan. MQA files will give you a magenta light.

iFi Nano iDSD Review: Conclusion

After several months of using the iFi Nano iDSD, I still find myself using it until today. Most probably because it offered a (slightly) better audio experience compared to the current DAC/AMPs I have with me as of today. I have many things I like of about the Nano iDSD and there are few things that I also didn’t like.

First of all, I like how the iDS’s aesthetics and built quality. It’s very solid and sturdy, and it’s not as bulky compared to other DACs. I also like the fact that it has an onboard battery that can safely be used with compatible smartphones or tablets. It doesn’t need any external power source and can purely be powered via USB when connected to a computer. There are some DAC/AMPs, like the O2+ODAC, that require an external power source. It also has several output options and not to mention the tiny LED indicator. And last but not the least feature, is that the Nano iDSD is very flexible when it comes to natively supporting audio formats.

I guess the only thing that I didn’t like about the iDSD is driver issues when you use it with Windows. It’s not driver-less, and you need to download and install the appropriate driver/firmware. When I first used the iDSD, it puzzled me why I can’t make it work with my desktop PC, but it was totally running fine with my laptop. I experimented with the different versions of firmware available from iFi-Audio’s site and finally found the right one that worked.

To sum it all up, I’m impressed with the performance and sound quality of the iDSD. I don’t have much DSD files but at least I already have a DAC/AMP that can natively support it. In some way, it’s like future-proofing already. I know there are better sounding DAC or DAC with amplifier out there, like the Chord Hugo, but that’s already priced way way higher. And for a sub $200 DAC/AMP I really can’t complain at all considering that it offers more features compared to other devices in the market in the same price range. Not only that I can highly recommend the iFi Nano iDSD USB DAC with headphone Amp to enhance or level up your audio experience, but I also give it an Editor’s Choice award.

tl;dr

Built-in battery with up to 12 hours battery life
Works with computers and phones
Standard 6.35mm and balanced 4.4mm headphone outputs
Balanced 4.4mm line output
USB, S/PDIF and Toslink inputs
iPower Low Noise charger included
iPurifier3 USB cleaner included
Supports PCM up to 384kHz/768kHz (see text) and up to DSD512
Supports MQA encoding
Largely compatible with standard Windows 10 drivers
With solid sound performance, being luggable for travel, and wide digital audio signal support, the iFi iDSD Diablo is a fine choice for many. But it’s not a good fit if you also want standard (non-balanced) line output for your home audio system
Inclusions: optical to 3.5mm adaptor, 3.5mm to 6.35mm headphone adaptor, USB Type-A to USB Type-C adaptor cable, USB 3.0-rated USB extension cable, 4.4mm Pentaconn plug to 2 x 3-pin XLR plugs adaptor for balanced line output, carry case
Price: $1,399
Available at fine high fidelity retail outlets, and direct from distributor’s retail division here