The iFi Neo iDSD is a compact audiophile device with a built-in headphone amplifier, designed for music listening in Hi-Res format. The emphasis was placed on versatility and the ability to work with various formats. The device features three main modes: a DAC for connection to a full amplifier or preamplifier; a DAC-preamplifier for connection to a power amplifier or active speakers; and a headphone amplifier.
The digital core of the device is based on a Burr Brown chip with True Native architecture. Along with this converter, there is a specially selected XMOS microcontroller. According to the developers, this combination provides high sound quality and high performance. The Neo iDSD is capable of handling PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz, as well as DSD512 and DXD. In addition, the device is fully capable of decoding MQA. You can connect up to three devices to the DAC via USB, optical, and coaxial inputs. A fourth source can be connected via Bluetooth. By the way, the wireless module supports all the most advanced formats: aptX Adaptive/aptX HD, LDAC/LHDC, aptX/aptX Low Latency, AAC, and SBC.
When it comes to the analog section, it is built on the "dual mono" PureWave circuit. The rear panel features one balanced XLR output and one standard RCA output. There is a 6.3mm headphone jack and a balanced 4.4mm Pentaconn jack for headphone connection. The Neo iDSD is compatible with both in-ear headphones and audiophile over-ear models, including planar models (output power is more than 1,000mW at 32 ohms). Additionally, the Neo iDSD has a display that outputs all the most important information. The device can be installed vertically or horizontally.
PureWave dual mono technology
PureWave is a new balanced symmetrical topology based on the dual mono circuit scheme, with short direct signal paths. The name indicates the purity of the sound achieved through exceptional linearity and infinitely low levels of noise and distortion. High-quality components are used throughout, including non-standard operational amplifiers with ultra-low distortion levels, multi-layer ceramic capacitors TDK C0G, thin-film resistors MELF, and inductors from Murata and Taiyo Yuden. Their best-in-class qualities, such as low equivalent series resistance (ESR), high linearity, and low noise level, bring significant sound quality dividends. The headphone amplifier stage has a constant output power of more than 1000mW at 32 ohms, available through the balanced headphone jack. To preserve maximum resolution, volume is adjusted in the analog domain using a resistor ladder under precise microprocessor control.
Features:
- Format support: DSD512/256/128/64, DXD (768/705.6/384/352.8kHz), PCM (768/705.6/384/352.8/192/176.4/96/88.2/48/44.1kHz), MQA
- Bluetooth version: 5.0
- Codec support: aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Low Latency, LDAC, HWA/LHDC, AAC, and SBC
- 4.4mm balanced output
- Output power: 5.77V / 1040mW at 32 ohms
Package contents:
- DAC
- Remote control
- Power adapter
- RCA audio cable
- USB cable
- Documentation