I was incorrect in my assumption that both amp stages were the same here is the correct information “The amp stage of the iDSD is not the same as the Pro iCAN. By definition, every DAC has an output stage, so every DAC has an "amp." We just built a high quality output stage that is able to adjust the gain/volume on the Pro iDSD, thus it can function as both amp/DAC. The Pro iCAN on the other hand is a totally different beast. It has WAY more power than the Pro iDSD amp stage, while also having a much lower noise floor, making it so it can be paired with sensitive IEMs all the way up to hard to drive headphones. I'm not surprised you prefer the TT with Pro iCAN combo, since the amp stage is far superior to what the Pro iDSD alone can offer!”
I upgraded from the Schiit Asgard to the iFi Pro iCAN Signature about 3 months ago and LOVE it! The XBass and tube switch are what got me - I can make my music warm with the click of a few switches. Add: it also fit into the custom amp self I had built.
Awesome review as always man. I think this amp is amazing and I wish I could just buy it. When you put it on the tube mode, how did it actually compare to an actual tube amp like OTL or something?
Way more neutral in tube mode in comparison to more traditional tube amps. It kind of reminds me of the Cayin Ha-1a mk2 tube amp. More of a low clean neutral tube sound than a warm and holographic tube sound
I do own the Pietus Maximus! It’s my daily driver when not having other amps in :) love it! Amazing bang for the buck amp/DAC Edit: glad to be back on it ha!
I got the ican pro recently an I feel like it is far quieter out of the 4.4mm compared to the 4-pin out. Did you experience this or is it possibly just my unit?
I did notice that in general it’s quieter than what I was expecting… I just dialed it in with the gain toggle and volume… but definitely noticed it. Overall it didn’t bother me, but it was a bit odd when I first noticed… then forgot about that hiccup by the time I did the video🤔
I was incorrect in my assumption that both amp stages were the same here is the correct information
“The amp stage of the iDSD is not the same as the Pro iCAN. By definition, every DAC has an output stage, so every DAC has an "amp." We just built a high quality output stage that is able to adjust the gain/volume on the Pro iDSD, thus it can function as both amp/DAC. The Pro iCAN on the other hand is a totally different beast. It has WAY more power than the Pro iDSD amp stage, while also having a much lower noise floor, making it so it can be paired with sensitive IEMs all the way up to hard to drive headphones. I'm not surprised you prefer the TT with Pro iCAN combo, since the amp stage is far superior to what the Pro iDSD alone can offer!”
I upgraded from the Schiit Asgard to the iFi Pro iCAN Signature about 3 months ago and LOVE it! The XBass and tube switch are what got me - I can make my music warm with the click of a few switches.
Add: it also fit into the custom amp self I had built.
It’s such a versatile and dope looking All in one!
Great video! Love my Pro iCan Signature, I can’t live without my slap button!
That slap button is clutch
Awesome review as always man. I think this amp is amazing and I wish I could just buy it. When you put it on the tube mode, how did it actually compare to an actual tube amp like OTL or something?
Way more neutral in tube mode in comparison to more traditional tube amps. It kind of reminds me of the Cayin Ha-1a mk2 tube amp. More of a low clean neutral tube sound than a warm and holographic tube sound
Welcome back, Tyler. Thanks for the review. Quick question: did you end up owning the Pietus Maximus or you have too many other amps already?
I do own the Pietus Maximus! It’s my daily driver when not having other amps in :) love it! Amazing bang for the buck amp/DAC
Edit: glad to be back on it ha!
I got the ican pro recently an I feel like it is far quieter out of the 4.4mm compared to the 4-pin out. Did you experience this or is it possibly just my unit?
I did notice that in general it’s quieter than what I was expecting… I just dialed it in with the gain toggle and volume… but definitely noticed it. Overall it didn’t bother me, but it was a bit odd when I first noticed… then forgot about that hiccup by the time I did the video🤔
@@TylersEclectic Thank you. My guess it it's intentionally lowered for IEMs
@@kyon_kyonstaryou know… that makes entirely way too much sense lol 😆 didn’t even think of that!
Yup, the 4.4m on this amp is made for iem usage so you don’t blow your eardrums out w all that power haha