Thanks for reviewing the iDSD micro BL Joshua! - Great video too. We got a lot more upcoming products for desktop users and portable users, so be sure to take a look at them!
I've been waiting for this! Just got the Nano BL 2 weeks ago and it has been making my HD660s and UE900s sing! Hopefully I can upgrade to the micro in the near future. Always love your content man!
Would you recommend pairing the signature version of IFI Micro iDSD with Focal Clear? Any other warmer/smoother Dac/amp you would recommend for Focal Clear?
I understood that the 3d feature is actually crossfeed (but according to their website it is not). Crossfeed simulates what you hear when you use speakers. With speakers your left ear you hear sounds from the right speaker and vice versa but with headphones that is not normally the case leading to an unnatural experience. Crossfeed tries to address that by feeding some of the signal from the right to the left and from the left to the right. I have never used this amp but I do use crossfeed with foobar and for a lot of recordings I have found it really useful when instruments or voices are panned hard to the left or the right. It would be good if iFi would clarify how that works.
Great review, Joshua :) What do you think about this amp and LCD-X? I'm expecting them in a few days but still haven't decided on the amp. How does SQ of this amp compare with THX 789? The other amp that I am considering to get for lcdx
In comparison to other desktop combos like the monoprice thx788 its treble sounds grainy with added glare in the lower treble. The biggest surprised to me this beast is as dynamic as other desktop amps around its price!!
Which one should i choose? iFi idsd micro, ifi zen dac, zen can (or zen stack with dac and can) or anything other? My current headphones are he4xx and hd 598. Will buy a clksed back and some iems pribably after this year.
Can you put tracklists on your videos (if the tracks have a place you can download/purchase/listen to them that is). I hear a lot of tracks on RUclips I'd love to hunt down.
Srini Aero (totally aware you’re not asking my opinion xD) I still use FiiO X5iii & FiiO E12A stack. For less than $280 new, and even less 2ndhand it’s a steal. UI used to be buggy and slow but custom kernel (see kernel mods.com) turned this thing into a beast. Newer FiiO DAPs lack google play support so some apps (USB Audio Player Pro) are simply not available. Neutron now has an All-to-DSD64 (or even DSD128) function like the M11. & PowerAmp now supports 32/192 on all outputs. It’s not a device I’d recommend if you’re looking to use Bluetooth daily but in all other aspects, it’s great. Save your money for Headphones and Music!
I own this, Focal Clear- Sounds amazzinggg (so fast and dynamic with lots of detail), Amiron Wireless plugged wired- amazinggg holographic sound with wide soundstage and out of head vocals, Xelento - sounds great, Noble Encore- ohh yeaa so dynamic and bassy plugged in to the iDSD
I am thinking about pairing the Signature version (latest?) if IFI iDSD Micro with my newly purchased Focal Clear. Would you recommend it? Is there any other similarly priced better options of DAC/Amp for Focal Clear?
Thanks for this review. I just received the current iteration of this amp. With my Hifiman Arya cans it sounds fantastic. I am seeking clean, natural output so I don't use the 3d or Bass Boost and do use the bit perfect and turbo power settings. The Arya have less than 40 hours on them so I expect this combination to get even better. As you said, great for desk use but it's also nice to be able to take it on the patio and enjoy a scotch and a cigar with it.
This is much, MUCH more powerful I can tell you. Other than that, the XdUoo has some more features... but this would still be the better pick. On TURBO mod, this goes into Class A hybrid...
Hi Josh! How would this compare with the Chord Mojo? I currently have the Mono but am looking for an upgrade for my HD660s and Shure SE846. Thanks! Love your videos! Definitely my most trusted reviewer
what about the sound loss on right side at 9'oclock volume level? falling off bottom knob? a bit flimsy poorly isolated switches..? could be mentioned as well. some of the other reviews did. I pesonally would not recommend it because of those few issues, especialy at the current price tag.
I have both I prefer Black Label, many of useful functions, to my ear even sounds better than the mojo the black label has much better soundstage, better mids, also the bass switch boost really helps with some of headphones that lack on bass
Great review!!! I just bought the iFi Micro. I'm a little late buying into the life cycle of this unit but more than happy to up tech with some decent hardware that I'll grow with. Can't wait to get it pumping.
Hey Josh, I've been eyeing this AMP and was waiting for your review since you mentioned that a review is coming. I want to buy this for exactly what you called out, one Dac/AMP to do it all. You gave it 10/10 in all major regards, especially in sound. So, why did you say it is correct to be bought only for the exact kind of people like me and not by anyone else who can buy other stuff too if this does everything so great? Also, I was waiting for you to explain all the features that you laid out in the 'build' portion of the video that this has like polarity adjustment, but that never came. I'm not trying to be rude but apart from it being non-obtrusive and clean, I gained nothing more from this review about this product that I didn't read in the spec sheet. I have great respect for you as a reviewer as unlike Z's reviews, you are never off-topic or over-hyped about a product and lay it out exactly how it is. But, this wasn't something I expected from your review that I'd be left with the same set of questions I had before. I would really appreciate it if you can make a follow-up video explaining exactly what each feature is doing, like what polarity is and how much effect it has if any, and what wattage or resistance of headphones ranges to use with each power output mode for headphones as well as IEMs. You use THX 789 as your main AMP, what can't this do for you that 789 can? You didn't even mention it supports native MQA support for Tidal HIFI streaming. Also, a future video request would be explaining things like XDSD, DXD, and PCM as well as what is the difference between its Direct and Pre-Amp modes and which one to use when?
Anyone here can inform me the differences between the micro and the nano? Choosing between the nano/micro and chord. I already know enough of the chord but not on the nano/micro.
MICRO are the bigger ones... NANO are smaller... MICRO will bring u closer to just choosing the last kind of DAC/AMP... ToBeHonest, I've had the non-black Micro iDSD and eversince i got it, I've stopped looking for Amps and DACs... I just... can't... don't... want to no more... I have the He4xx, Fostex TH, Focal Elex, Senn HD6XX and well.. i don't think this can not handle any particular pair of phones.
@@divinginthedeep So I don't need my ifi xCan? To stack with this (since the xCan is only an amp and not a dac). I just ordered the new signature xDSD. Will be playing music off sony A-55 Walkman or Macbook Pro or Note 20ultra (Amazon HD, tidal, etc, so it's loss less).
@@divinginthedeep I just got the DT 177x, they destroy my old (and I mean old, like 10 years old) ATH-M50 and Fiio Q1 (Mark 1) lol. But I think I prefer IEM's. Used to have audio technica's triple driver IEMs which were amazing but I had lost them a couple years ago and had been using wireless earbuds (first Bose and now the Sennheiser TMW2 (amazing convenience). Now I think I'm going to keep the Beyerdynamics and add a nice iem lol (might go for the Jerry Harvey JH13, Vampire Andromeda, or Sony M9. What do you think? Appreciate your time sir!
My only issue is with the built in battery. If you use it as a desktop device it will be constantly charging the battery and that is really bad for longevity
The black label acts as a mobile Internet scrambler. It blocks your internet signal coming to your phone making difficult to stream. Ive literally held my phone with full signal then plugged the ifi in and lost all signal. I can do it back and forth every time. So for a "portable" perspective, you aint streaming with this one.
@@fabioxe yes you can do that with no problem. It’s the 4G/5G signal that some phones use that causes interference. I did change my mobile phone from Huawei to Apple and it stopped happening so it’s only certain mobile devices too.
FWIW, 4 watts for a headphone amp/DAC is too much. All you really need for most headphones & IEMs is between 500mW and 1 watt. Plus do you really want to carry that with you for portable use? Nope. My xDuoo XD-05 works perfectly fine for me. (I did buy the little brother in the Nano BL for $200, but there's not enough bass, hence the switch to the xDuoo. That plus who wants to carry an OTG cable with them? Not me. At least the xDuoo has it where you can use a standard 3.5mm cable to use it as a headphone amp. Plus you can't charge your phone while using the OTG.)
mobile in the sense you can carry it, but do you really walk around with this, a phone, connecting cables and headphones that need that much power. Seems an odd product to me.
IFI iDSD Black is great for its price without doubt. But it falls short in representing depth. At least for me. It does not go deep as some of other TOP dac/amps.
Currently I'm waiting to see the Mojo 2, and possibly sometime micro IFI iDSD Black Label 2. First the mojo 2 (if it comes with balanced ports) might be just enough for anything even 600 ohm headphones while still being portable (not just transportable). If the micro IFI iDSD BL 2 would lose 1/3 the length and considerable amount of the weight !310g! (just use magnesium, or plastic, we don't care) and lose the stupid edges in favor of saving space, add 4.4 (even though it doesn't need it, but it's nice connector) and add smart features (partner with Linkplay, I don't care, they have solid features) it might actually be better than any DAP, and be actually portable (if it lost the weight and at least 1/3 of the length). I mean if you could just put m.2 ssd inside it (or sd cards if you really need the space) and just play it as a remote, you could just put it in that DD Hifi case and just f*k off, no care in the world and just use that for anything and everything. I mean apart from the aging terribly not reliable Mojo, there's not really anything that actually portable to drive harder to drive headphones. It would be the one for all portable setup you could actually use on the go. And just kill all the portable dac&s and DAPs that basically haven't really had any developments on the power side. I'm tired of old and clunky or underpowered not upgrade being the only options on the market for portable use.
@Kris Moodley Yeah, that's why I said I'm waiting for Mojo 2. They didn't release it yet. But they definitely will. All the sellers of Mojos are dropping the price (even chord's own website) so in the next 6-9 months there WILL be a Mojo 2. And since the popularity of Mojo-kai (balanced mojo), the popularity of 4.4mm making your device seem more high end now and the fact that Chord's whole stick for Mojo was pOweR!!!, many times the adjustments they done to it very only so it will be more powerful then competitors. (and the mojo-kai was really more powerful than stock on balanced). This all means that Chord not releasing balanced 4.4,, Mojo would hurt their whole image. Also I hope it's more reliable and not trying to fry itself to death. Also 4.4mm is viewed as portable thing, you never see it on desktop amps (but you can use Venture Electronics 4.4mm to XLR single unit adapter, it's the same as Massdrop's 2.5mm to XLR).
@Kris Moodley Not even with the battery? There are so many people that say the longest the battery lasted for 1.5 years. Maybe they run like all day and it's just not build for that. But still, it should be even for those who use it with laptops. Especially since it has toslink for some reason.
@Kris Moodley Don't, the poly software really sucks. People actually really hate it, they can’t use because the app never works. I myself was considering it, used Mojo + the Poly. But after learning that about Poly never works I was looking into good alternatives. So far the best Poly alternative seems either the big Linkplay EVB kit (Muzo app)/Up2Stream Pro (4stream app) - same software basically or Pi zero with Volumio/Roon endpoint/etc. And for storage small dual usb sd card reader (zero has a sd card HAT, EVB kit doesn’t need it, Up2stream needs USB Hub+sd card reader) or m.2 ssd in ugreen enclosure (or short m.2 in smaller enclosure) If you don’t ever need the streaming go with the Pi Zero, it’s been tried and tested, supports every kind of OS - Volumio/Roon endpoint/etc. Works every time and it has the biggest community around it. Linkplay/Up2stream may not work (but it’s $50 USD, you can try it and not lose that much money) Rapsberry 3/4 or Banana Pi zero have M.2 Hat modules available too, but might be too large for use with mojo, so I don’t recommend it. And the Pi Zero/Up2Stream Pro you can fit in this Poly case copy someone made that you can print. You can customize the length of the case if needed, maybe even make plastic standoffs for the boards. www.thingiverse.com/thing:1698550 There is much more development in both (Linkplay is SW+HW supplier for WiFI/BT/Airplay/etc. speakers or Up2stream) and Raspberry is the most SW compatible little computer in the world. All that makes both platform much better in software and hardware than than $600 chord poly, never mind that the Poly actually doesn’t really work. The mojo 2 might actually come with BT/WiFi module in it, but I wouldn’t hold my breath. Either it’s not going to have it or the SW experience would be subpar. (Only if they partnered with Linkplay and just throw money at Linkplay to develop the perfect UI it might not suck)
@Kris Moodley Hmm, yeah. I'm just trying to find "the perfect portable system" including the software. For use both with phone and laptop. So I can just always keep it in my pocket and not worry about anything. Bit like roided out TWS earphones in that sense. Yeah, universal portable TWS system.
Sorry , but that was too much. does IFI pay you enough to say that BRCK fits in your pocket. ???? come on. May be if you put your Circus Clown Trousers It may fit. LOL. I wish someone made an honest review of anything.
I had the pleasure of reviewing this on my tech channel. This unit is great. Not just as a dac/amp, but it probably also make a great weapon... One thing I found tho, was that the battery drained faster than it charges when in turbo mode on really high impedance headphones.
If you're using it on a PC, it should not drain the battery at all if you turned it on with the USB cable connected previously. This way, it'll bypass the internal battery, not draining it at all.
Thanks for reviewing the iDSD micro BL Joshua! - Great video too. We got a lot more upcoming products for desktop users and portable users, so be sure to take a look at them!
iFi audio We need black label 4.4 Version 😞
This is phenomenal piece of kit, love IFI
I still got my iCan SE, 3 years and still running strong.
I've been waiting for this! Just got the Nano BL 2 weeks ago and it has been making my HD660s and UE900s sing! Hopefully I can upgrade to the micro in the near future. Always love your content man!
Would you recommend pairing the signature version of IFI Micro iDSD with Focal Clear? Any other warmer/smoother Dac/amp you would recommend for Focal Clear?
I understood that the 3d feature is actually crossfeed (but according to their website it is not). Crossfeed simulates what you hear when you use speakers. With speakers your left ear you hear sounds from the right speaker and vice versa but with headphones that is not normally the case leading to an unnatural experience. Crossfeed tries to address that by feeding some of the signal from the right to the left and from the left to the right. I have never used this amp but I do use crossfeed with foobar and for a lot of recordings I have found it really useful when instruments or voices are panned hard to the left or the right. It would be good if iFi would clarify how that works.
Josh! Can you please review the xduoo xd-05 plus?
Great review, Joshua :) What do you think about this amp and LCD-X? I'm expecting them in a few days but still haven't decided on the amp. How does SQ of this amp compare with THX 789? The other amp that I am considering to get for lcdx
In comparison to other desktop combos like the monoprice thx788 its treble sounds grainy with added glare in the lower treble.
The biggest surprised to me this beast is as dynamic as other desktop amps around its price!!
Which one should i choose?
iFi idsd micro, ifi zen dac, zen can (or zen stack with dac and can) or anything other?
My current headphones are he4xx and hd 598.
Will buy a clksed back and some iems pribably after this year.
Can you put tracklists on your videos (if the tracks have a place you can download/purchase/listen to them that is). I hear a lot of tracks on RUclips I'd love to hunt down.
Dude what do you think about DAPs (Sony, FiiO, Astell)? Choice? I like the Sony ZX300.
Srini Aero (totally aware you’re not asking my opinion xD) I still use FiiO X5iii & FiiO E12A stack. For less than $280 new, and even less 2ndhand it’s a steal. UI used to be buggy and slow but custom kernel (see kernel mods.com) turned this thing into a beast. Newer FiiO DAPs lack google play support so some apps (USB Audio Player Pro) are simply not available. Neutron now has an All-to-DSD64 (or even DSD128) function like the M11. & PowerAmp now supports 32/192 on all outputs. It’s not a device I’d recommend if you’re looking to use Bluetooth daily but in all other aspects, it’s great. Save your money for Headphones and Music!
@@WitzyZed Nice!
Is it good when pairing them with the Aryas?
I own this, Focal Clear- Sounds amazzinggg (so fast and dynamic with lots of detail), Amiron Wireless plugged wired- amazinggg holographic sound with wide soundstage and out of head vocals, Xelento - sounds great, Noble Encore- ohh yeaa so dynamic and bassy plugged in to the iDSD
I am thinking about pairing the Signature version (latest?) if IFI iDSD Micro with my newly purchased Focal Clear. Would you recommend it? Is there any other similarly priced better options of DAC/Amp for Focal Clear?
I thought i found a new vape-channel because of that thumbnail, lmao. 😂👌
MeqanichHD same
Oh god they are reproducing I'm contracting the Vatican we're going on a new Crusade
Thanks for this review. I just received the current iteration of this amp. With my Hifiman Arya cans it sounds fantastic. I am seeking clean, natural output so I don't use the 3d or Bass Boost and do use the bit perfect and turbo power settings. The Arya have less than 40 hours on them so I expect this combination to get even better. As you said, great for desk use but it's also nice to be able to take it on the patio and enjoy a scotch and a cigar with it.
can u pls compare it against the Aduoo XD-05 Plus in terms of SQ and power? Thks
This is much, MUCH more powerful I can tell you. Other than that, the XdUoo has some more features... but this would still be the better pick. On TURBO mod, this goes into Class A hybrid...
How would this compare to the JDS Labs Atoms? would this be an upgrade?
Hi .. what do you think the best portable amp for dt 1990 to work properly sound wise no need for complicated options with good price ?
Hi Josh! How would this compare with the Chord Mojo? I currently have the Mono but am looking for an upgrade for my HD660s and Shure SE846. Thanks! Love your videos! Definitely my most trusted reviewer
what about the sound loss on right side at 9'oclock volume level? falling off bottom knob? a bit flimsy poorly isolated switches..? could be mentioned as well. some of the other reviews did. I pesonally would not recommend it because of those few issues, especialy at the current price tag.
I use this with my Meze Empyrean 👍👍 its a good combo 👌
I like to try this. iFi does make great products.
Hi, I have the black label worth upgrading to signature?
No RME Adi dac review?
Better than topping 90 to pair with lcd-2c?
How well can it drive mod house argon?
Josh
This or the Dragonfly Colbalt for sound quality.
obviously the black label lol, the cobalt is a small usb dac/amp focused on portability and plug-and-play usability
@@voidgivenfocus Please explain? I said sound not power
@@voidgivenfocus Please explain? I said sound not power
Topping NX4
I actually prefer the cobalt over the black label. Little more relaxed sound imho.
How does it compare to the Mojo?
it doesn't have marbles, so useless. My pride and accomplishment is ruined.
dac is bit better on mojo, but other than that, this has so many bells and whistles the Mojo does not have
Shit ton more power, wider soundstage, and what seems to be more bass. Mojo has its advantages too.
I have both I prefer Black Label, many of useful functions, to my ear even sounds better than the mojo the black label has much better soundstage, better mids, also the bass switch boost really helps with some of headphones that lack on bass
These with th-900, peace eq bass boost is insane
Can you connect it to an integrated amplifier? Like Cambridge AXA35.
Not that I believe in MQA, but does this support MQA? i just wanna make the most out of my tidal subscription
You gotta check out the Ifi xCAN and LG V30/40 G7/G7Fit combo.
Imho there is no better mobile setup you can get for the price.
Great review!!! I just bought the iFi Micro. I'm a little late buying into the life cycle of this unit but more than happy to up tech with some decent hardware that I'll grow with. Can't wait to get it pumping.
Review the Khadas Tone Board
Hey Josh, I've been eyeing this AMP and was waiting for your review since you mentioned that a review is coming. I want to buy this for exactly what you called out, one Dac/AMP to do it all. You gave it 10/10 in all major regards, especially in sound. So, why did you say it is correct to be bought only for the exact kind of people like me and not by anyone else who can buy other stuff too if this does everything so great?
Also, I was waiting for you to explain all the features that you laid out in the 'build' portion of the video that this has like polarity adjustment, but that never came. I'm not trying to be rude but apart from it being non-obtrusive and clean, I gained nothing more from this review about this product that I didn't read in the spec sheet. I have great respect for you as a reviewer as unlike Z's reviews, you are never off-topic or over-hyped about a product and lay it out exactly how it is. But, this wasn't something I expected from your review that I'd be left with the same set of questions I had before. I would really appreciate it if you can make a follow-up video explaining exactly what each feature is doing, like what polarity is and how much effect it has if any, and what wattage or resistance of headphones ranges to use with each power output mode for headphones as well as IEMs. You use THX 789 as your main AMP, what can't this do for you that 789 can?
You didn't even mention it supports native MQA support for Tidal HIFI streaming.
Also, a future video request would be explaining things like XDSD, DXD, and PCM as well as what is the difference between its Direct and Pre-Amp modes and which one to use when?
I plan on getting this mega-nugget after I finish saving for the Empyrean. 🤟
But if we are using with 650 and power option to turbo the batter is drained so fast. Anyone can help ?
What name ur bag ? Tkss
sorry you need to re-do this. Now we got iDSD Signature. :))
Will this be avail to power hd800s and dt1990 pro
Do the new one, ifi idsd signature
The MKBHD of audiophiles 👍👌
Dears any one try it on HD800s, is it OK
I want you to do a nuraphone review
I have the LE version (silver one) have you tried it? I'm very curious if there's a huge sonic difference.
Is that an iFi Micro BL in your pocket....or are you just glad to see me?....lol.
Anyone here can inform me the differences between the micro and the nano? Choosing between the nano/micro and chord. I already know enough of the chord but not on the nano/micro.
I prefer the ifi xDSD over all
MICRO are the bigger ones... NANO are smaller... MICRO will bring u closer to just choosing the last kind of DAC/AMP... ToBeHonest, I've had the non-black Micro iDSD and eversince i got it, I've stopped looking for Amps and DACs... I just... can't... don't... want to no more... I have the He4xx, Fostex TH, Focal Elex, Senn HD6XX and well.. i don't think this can not handle any particular pair of phones.
@@divinginthedeep So I don't need my ifi xCan? To stack with this (since the xCan is only an amp and not a dac). I just ordered the new signature xDSD. Will be playing music off sony A-55 Walkman or Macbook Pro or Note 20ultra (Amazon HD, tidal, etc, so it's loss less).
@@1ce2berg Yeah I think ur covered. The DAC is fine as it is. What are ur cans though?
@@divinginthedeep I just got the DT 177x, they destroy my old (and I mean old, like 10 years old) ATH-M50 and Fiio Q1 (Mark 1) lol. But I think I prefer IEM's. Used to have audio technica's triple driver IEMs which were amazing but I had lost them a couple years ago and had been using wireless earbuds (first Bose and now the Sennheiser TMW2 (amazing convenience). Now I think I'm going to keep the Beyerdynamics and add a nice iem lol (might go for the Jerry Harvey JH13, Vampire Andromeda, or Sony M9. What do you think? Appreciate your time sir!
Respect for the honest reviews.
In your opinion what amp would you recommend for around the 200$ range?
Reminds me of a creative labs soundcard.
How does the sound compare to cheaper desktop amps like a magni or aune x7s ?
This outclass both of them. But it's also more expensive. It's up to you to decide what you want from it.
get thx if you want just an amp
My only issue is with the built in battery. If you use it as a desktop device it will be constantly charging the battery and that is really bad for longevity
It won't.
When you use it on the desktop, it bypasses the battery entirely. It's on the manual.
@@AugustoRallo Good to know. So how do you actually charge it?
@@johnellison3173 turn it off, while plugged. The blue light will blink, showing its charging.
@@AugustoRallo So it only charges when switched off. Thats a good feature. A lot of other devices should do this.
The black label acts as a mobile Internet scrambler. It blocks your internet signal coming to your phone making difficult to stream. Ive literally held my phone with full signal then plugged the ifi in and lost all signal. I can do it back and forth every time. So for a "portable" perspective, you aint streaming with this one.
Is this true? Won't be able to connect phone and play music from wifi?
@@fabioxe yes you can do that with no problem. It’s the 4G/5G signal that some phones use that causes interference. I did change my mobile phone from Huawei to Apple and it stopped happening so it’s only certain mobile devices too.
That's good for home. But yes, for portable on the go I see now the possible limitation. Thx.
@Russell Parker what phone did you use when that happened?
@@heltunikt It was a HUAWEI p30 pro
On my ifi iCAN the 3D setting is a Crossfeed and you can check that by removing L or R input. I am sure that's the same on the iDSD BL.
No comparisons??
Holy Toledo, $600?!
You can get on sale for around 3-400 frequently.
iFi Nano iDSD Black Label Review would be nice, Its more budget friendly for most people.
With this, you can hear Wacky Jacky how gives you advices when you play PUBG.
FWIW, 4 watts for a headphone amp/DAC is too much. All you really need for most headphones & IEMs is between 500mW and 1 watt. Plus do you really want to carry that with you for portable use? Nope. My xDuoo XD-05 works perfectly fine for me. (I did buy the little brother in the Nano BL for $200, but there's not enough bass, hence the switch to the xDuoo. That plus who wants to carry an OTG cable with them? Not me. At least the xDuoo has it where you can use a standard 3.5mm cable to use it as a headphone amp. Plus you can't charge your phone while using the OTG.)
mobile in the sense you can carry it, but do you really walk around with this, a phone, connecting cables and headphones that need that much power. Seems an odd product to me.
iDSD nano has 3.5 mm balanced, does this one has it too?
No it is only Single Ended
@@MartinLeschinski Oh ok. Not a deal breaker though. This has enough power to not need balanced
@@thecompanioncube4211 Touche...
That is a good one for sensitive IEM’s.
You should really try the E1DA PowerDAC v2 ;)
IFI iDSD Black is great for its price without doubt. But it falls short in representing depth. At least for me. It does not go deep as some of other TOP dac/amps.
USB-powered only?...This powerful!?
USB can give out a ton of power. I had long ago a pair of USB speakers and they were LOUD.
if you're rocking with it on the turbo mode it will drain from its battery to support the usb power supply.
old but sweet.
Is there an headphone amp that can push 250ohn headphones?
I loved it till i saw the bad measurments on a review.
Measurments say almost nothing about a dac/amp. Listening to it is way more important.
@@HungryCheff not ready to spend 500 on a test.. Better having the thx 789 instead
@@ahmedsafa91 Try running a 789 from your pocket of backpack?
@@SiG-Popart 😂😂😂... i see ur point but portable listening is not my thing.
Use it with Bose Soundlink 2, HD6XX,HD58X, and its amazing.
Currently I'm waiting to see the Mojo 2, and possibly sometime micro IFI iDSD Black Label 2. First the mojo 2 (if it comes with balanced ports) might be just enough for anything even 600 ohm headphones while still being portable (not just transportable). If the micro IFI iDSD BL 2 would lose 1/3 the length and considerable amount of the weight !310g! (just use magnesium, or plastic, we don't care) and lose the stupid edges in favor of saving space, add 4.4 (even though it doesn't need it, but it's nice connector) and add smart features (partner with Linkplay, I don't care, they have solid features) it might actually be better than any DAP, and be actually portable (if it lost the weight and at least 1/3 of the length).
I mean if you could just put m.2 ssd inside it (or sd cards if you really need the space) and just play it as a remote, you could just put it in that DD Hifi case and just f*k off, no care in the world and just use that for anything and everything. I mean apart from the aging terribly not reliable Mojo, there's not really anything that actually portable to drive harder to drive headphones.
It would be the one for all portable setup you could actually use on the go. And just kill all the portable dac&s and DAPs that basically haven't really had any developments on the power side. I'm tired of old and clunky or underpowered not upgrade being the only options on the market for portable use.
@Kris Moodley Yeah, that's why I said I'm waiting for Mojo 2. They didn't release it yet. But they definitely will. All the sellers of Mojos are dropping the price (even chord's own website) so in the next 6-9 months there WILL be a Mojo 2. And since the popularity of Mojo-kai (balanced mojo), the popularity of 4.4mm making your device seem more high end now and the fact that Chord's whole stick for Mojo was pOweR!!!, many times the adjustments they done to it very only so it will be more powerful then competitors. (and the mojo-kai was really more powerful than stock on balanced). This all means that Chord not releasing balanced 4.4,, Mojo would hurt their whole image. Also I hope it's more reliable and not trying to fry itself to death. Also 4.4mm is viewed as portable thing, you never see it on desktop amps (but you can use Venture Electronics 4.4mm to XLR single unit adapter, it's the same as Massdrop's 2.5mm to XLR).
@Kris Moodley Not even with the battery? There are so many people that say the longest the battery lasted for 1.5 years. Maybe they run like all day and it's just not build for that. But still, it should be even for those who use it with laptops. Especially since it has toslink for some reason.
@Kris Moodley Don't, the poly software really sucks. People actually really hate it, they can’t use because the app never works.
I myself was considering it, used Mojo + the Poly. But after learning that about Poly never works I was looking into good alternatives.
So far the best Poly alternative seems either the big Linkplay EVB kit (Muzo app)/Up2Stream Pro (4stream app) - same software basically or Pi zero with Volumio/Roon endpoint/etc.
And for storage small dual usb sd card reader (zero has a sd card HAT, EVB kit doesn’t need it, Up2stream needs USB Hub+sd card reader) or m.2 ssd in ugreen enclosure (or short m.2 in smaller enclosure)
If you don’t ever need the streaming go with the Pi Zero, it’s been tried and tested, supports every kind of OS - Volumio/Roon endpoint/etc. Works every time and it has the biggest community around it.
Linkplay/Up2stream may not work (but it’s $50 USD, you can try it and not lose that much money)
Rapsberry 3/4 or Banana Pi zero have M.2 Hat modules available too, but might be too large for use with mojo, so I don’t recommend it.
And the Pi Zero/Up2Stream Pro you can fit in this Poly case copy someone made that you can print.
You can customize the length of the case if needed, maybe even make plastic standoffs for the boards. www.thingiverse.com/thing:1698550
There is much more development in both (Linkplay is SW+HW supplier for WiFI/BT/Airplay/etc. speakers or Up2stream) and Raspberry is the most SW compatible little computer in the world.
All that makes both platform much better in software and hardware than than $600 chord poly, never mind that the Poly actually doesn’t really work.
The mojo 2 might actually come with BT/WiFi module in it, but I wouldn’t hold my breath. Either it’s not going to have it or the SW experience would be subpar. (Only if they partnered with Linkplay and just throw money at Linkplay to develop the perfect UI it might not suck)
@Kris Moodley Hmm, yeah. I'm just trying to find "the perfect portable system" including the software. For use both with phone and laptop. So I can just always keep it in my pocket and not worry about anything. Bit like roided out TWS earphones in that sense. Yeah, universal portable TWS system.
Sorry , but that was too much. does IFI pay you enough to say that BRCK fits in your pocket. ???? come on. May be if you put your Circus Clown Trousers It may fit. LOL. I wish someone made an honest review of anything.
I would expect balanced from this thing.
add a certain point of power and clarity, is balanced still necessary?
expensive af
I had the pleasure of reviewing this on my tech channel. This unit is great. Not just as a dac/amp, but it probably also make a great weapon... One thing I found tho, was that the battery drained faster than it charges when in turbo mode on really high impedance headphones.
If you're using it on a PC, it should not drain the battery at all if you turned it on with the USB cable connected previously. This way, it'll bypass the internal battery, not draining it at all.
Check which firmware you have on it. There is one for portable and another for desktop
Stop your cheap plug in on other popular channels too many desperate people tried this putrid insipid tactic you're not getting me to visit your page🖕
looks like a vape
Made in China
Your mom is made in China.
@@FreeD00M Uh... well YEAH! His mom IS made in China... in fact, ALL Chinese and their Moms are Made in China.... Oh wait/
iDSD BL sounds like a muddy mess, FiiO M11 Pro and Chord mojo sound way better