British expert in audio technology, iFi Audio, has unveiled its latest solution in the premium portable headphone DAC/amp category - the iDSD Diablo 2.
Features:
- Bluetooth 5.4;
- support for aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC, and SBC codecs;
- 32-bit audio DAC resolution;
- 768 kHz audio DAC sampling frequency;
- support for DSD512 and MQA up to 384 kHz. The iFi Audio iDSD Diablo 2 utilizes a set of iFi technologies: PureWave, Servoless DirectDrive, OptimaLoop, and Advanced Jitter Reduction, providing exceptionally clean, detailed, and emotional sound. These technologies elevate performance to unprecedented levels, challenging desktop DAC/amps.
The fully balanced PureWave circuit, operating as dual mono channels, enhances sound by completely separating channels and reducing noise. DirectDrive technology eliminates the need for coupling capacitors, resulting in even cleaner sound.
OptimaLoop utilizes tuned multiple feedbacks in amplifiers, improving gain control and reducing distortion. Advanced GMT clocks with femto-precision and smart cache storage minimize phase noise.
The iFi Audio iDSD Diablo 2 is the most advanced DAC/amp on the planet. The device follows the limited edition Diablo-X, which earlier this year introduced xMEMS technology for solid-state piezo drivers with improved mechanical and phase-transitional characteristics. The same technology is used in the iDSD Diablo 2, with voltage biasing, equalizers, and amplification schemes. This technology is still in the implementation stage, so the list of compatible products is still small, but iFi is committed to its development as a future asset.
Diablo 2 is equipped with the latest Bluetooth 5.4 technology, supporting the new aptX Lossless codec with a maximum bitrate of 1200 kbps. In comparison, aptX Adaptive has a maximum bitrate of 420 kbps, while LDAC is at 990 kbps. The DAC uses the new Bluetooth audio chip Qualcomm QCC518x, certified for Bluetooth 5.4, supporting all Bluetooth formats including: aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC, and SBC.
iDSD Diablo 2 also features a 32-bit, 16-core XMOS Coretext microcontroller, with "jitter elimination" technology and proprietary iFi Global Master Timing clocks. It supports Hi-Res audio up to 32-bit/768 kHz, as well as DSD512 and MQA up to 384 kHz. The proprietary "PureWave" circuitry in Diablo 2 has a balanced topology designed to achieve pure sound, exceptional linearity, and vanishingly low levels of noise and distortion.
The iFi Audio iDSD Diablo 2 operates on a built-in battery for 6 to 12 hours depending on settings. It can also be powered by mains electricity.
Included in the package:
- DAC/amp unit;
- USB-C to USB-C cable;
- USB-C to USB-A adapter;
- Optical Toslink adapter;
- 3.5mm to 6.3mm headphone adapter;
- Carry case;
- Power adapter;
- Documentation.
