iFi Pro iCAN Headphone Amplifier
The world of audio equipment is often seen as conservative and lacking innovation. However, the iFi Pro iCAN, developed by British company iFi Audio, manages to surprise even the most experienced music enthusiasts.
What sets the iFi Pro iCAN apart is not just its unique design features, but also its ability to adapt to the user. Instead of the user having to adjust to the amplifier, the amplifier adjusts to the user.
One of the most difficult challenges in audio technology is compatibility. It is nearly impossible to predict how a specific amplifier will interact with a complex load, such as a set of speakers, especially when considering factors such as cables and individual user preferences. Traditional tone controls and equalizers are not effective in addressing this issue, as they only affect specific aspects of sound perception.
In response to this challenge, the iFi Pro iCAN offers the user a choice of three different sound profiles: one solid-state and two tube-based. These profiles can be easily selected using the toggle switches on the front panel, allowing users to choose the sound that best suits their music or mood at any given time. Additionally, the amplifier provides further settings that can be adjusted to accommodate specific headphone characteristics.
The iFi Pro iCAN's unique appearance further emphasizes its originality. The top panel is made of thick aluminum and features wave-like perforations that create a visually striking effect around the circular window in the far right corner. When the amplifier is powered on, a pair of tubes behind the window are illuminated, along with the iFi logo on the front panel, which changes color depending on the device's status.
Instead of traditional feet, the amplifier is equipped with a silicone damping platform on the bottom, which increases the contact area and reduces pressure. This design choice ensures that the amplifier remains stable on any surface, without damaging or leaving marks.
When it comes to performance, the iFi Pro iCAN truly excels. With a balanced output power of 14W and an unbalanced output power of 4.8W, this amplifier can easily drive any headphones, including planar magnetic models, with any impedance. Its high output power ensures optimal performance with minimal distortion, allowing users to enjoy their music comfortably.
If the ability to choose between solid-state and tube sound profiles were the only standout feature of the iFi Pro iCAN, it would still make it a remarkable amplifier among its peers. However, the amplifier's unique adaptability and outstanding performance truly set it apart from the rest.
Specifications:
- Gain (user-selectable): 0dB, 9dB, 18dB
- Frequency range (-3dB): 0.5Hz - 500,000Hz
- Total harmonic distortion (balanced/unbalanced): Solid state 0.0015%/0.005%, Tube 0.002%/0.005%, Tube+ 0.012%/0.2%
- Signal-to-noise ratio (balanced/unbalanced, A-weighted): >147dB/137dB
- Output power (16 ohm, balanced/unbalanced): 14,000mW/4,800mW
- Output voltage (600 ohm, balanced/unbalanced): 23V/11.5V
- Inputs: Balanced (XLR pair), unbalanced (3 pairs of RCA)
- Headphone outputs: 2 x 3-pin XLR combined with ¼" jack, 2 x 3.5mm (balanced and unbalanced), balanced 4-pin XLR
- Line outputs: Balanced (XLR pair), unbalanced (3 pairs of RCA)
- Power supply: DC 9V/6.7A - 18V/3.35A
- Power consumption (operational/standby): 50W/22W
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 193mm x 64mm x 213mm
- Weight: 1.93kg
