I just got my hands on this unit.I am absolutely blown away....Amazing.I hooked my Fiio DAC using the wavelet app combined with the 4.4mm output to my knight owl carbon headphones.What a perfectly mix of senergy.I've completed my search for optimization in sound.
I just bought the iFI Micro iDSD Signature. It's a bit pricey, but the first thing I noticed is that, despite being darker & warmer, it is clearly higher resolution, than my THX AAA Monoprice Portable. It makes me wonder if THX's Feed Forward Correction is smearing microdynamics. Is it worth the 350$ more than the THX Monoprice? Well, I like the 3D+ feature better than the Dirac feature on the Monprice, but I do like both. And that's my main concern. The extra resolution is also very important to me, since I listen to very detailed & geometrical music, such as Autechre, Richard Devine, & Aphex Twin
How would these sound paired with Oppo's PM-2 and PM-3 being that they are on the slightly warmer side of neutral with the high end of the treble rolling off a bit? Someone told me these wouldn't be the greatest match because the sound signature of the iFi Micro iDSD Signature is also on the warmer side. Is that true?
how is stage size compared to the singxer sda2? i always wonder with very expensive portable like this, which you rarely want to bring out, how does the performance compared to similarly priced full sized desktop dac amp.
You would be surprised. I'd say the stage is as good as the SDA-2. The overall sound isn't quite as robust or muscular but it has comparable resolution and detail.
Comparing to the YULONG Aurora, do you think it lacks some punch or resolution for not being a Desktop DAC/AMP ? If you can answer which one do you think is objectively better I would appreciate !
In terms of pure audio, I think the Aurora comes out in front. It sounds more muscular and analogue and has a more open treble and natural soundstage. The Signature has more features but I find it a bit frustrating to either need to keep charging the battery or always have 2 USB cables plugged in (both on different sides of the unit).
Yes, you can run it constantly with the USB Type-C port on the side. I've had mine plugged in nonstop for a few weeks except for the couple times I tested it as a portable unit.
@@PrimeAudioReviews Like I was talking to you about last week, I'm just looking for an dac/amp I can just run my IEM's and headphones, that just sits on bedside table and listen at night as the hip dac I'm constantly charging pretty much every day, or second day. Thanks again David, much appreciated for your help and advice,.
@@Dominari66 Did you end up buying the Signature ? Because I also look for a desktop only iem DAC. And while I'm not interested in the battery so much, I don't really like the fact that non stop charging may damage it over time.
Yes, you can. I run mine plugged in 90% of the time. The only time I don't have the additional USB plugged in is when I want to use the USB Type-C cable for something else, like charging my phone or DAPs etc.
I have the H1 and the iDSD Micro Black Label. Prefer the Micro BL with Arya. The H1 has a fun unique sound signature, but it’s no desktop replacement, lack a bit in power for demanding planars.
Hi, I have a Sennheiser HD800s with a fiio Q5s, which I only use at home and without Bluetooth. Is it worth upgrading to the ifi idsd signature? After all, it now costs almost twice as much. If it's worth it: why is it worth it?
I haven't tried the Q5s, so I can't comment on the audio quality. However, the Micro iDSD Signature has LOTS more power output. So, if you feel that the Q5s doesn't have enough power to drive the HD800s to its full potential then it's probably worth the upgrade.
To be honest, I only checked briefly with a phone to make sure it worked as advertised (this is a loan unit so I didn't want to take it out of the house). But I didn't notice any difference in audio quality when changing the source.
You know, they actually sound great. But I find them a bit annoying when they're dangling on the end of my phone. I really love to use them with my laptop but for on the go I much prefer wireless like the Shanling UP4. Having said that, I am really enjoying the Hiby FC3 even with my iPhone.
I haven't tried the Centrance but based on specs and impressions, that would probably be my choice. The addition of Bluetooth adds a lot of versatility - if it weren't for that the decision would be more difficult.
doesn't matter how good it sounds, as long it does not have BT. do they really expect to make a playlist and procede to not touch my phone because will stop the music when move the cable... IN 2021!?!?! Also the fact is using battery it means it has an expiration date, so is not a desktop DAC.
I just got my hands on this unit.I am absolutely blown away....Amazing.I hooked my Fiio DAC using the wavelet app combined with the 4.4mm output to my knight owl carbon headphones.What a perfectly mix of senergy.I've completed my search for optimization in sound.
Great to hear! I really ought to pull mine off the shelf for a listen because I haven't used it for a few months.
BUY SOME PLANARS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF IT i have the diablo x im looking to get one of these cant waittt
the monolith m1070s or m1570s are perfect id recommend the hifi man sunduras are good too u wont regret
iFi makes some really good devices like the Zen DAC, Zen CAN, their iDSD lineup. I sometimes use the red beast iDSD Diablo to power my iBasso SR2.
Even their hip dac is really good
I hope to try the Diablo soon!
I just bought the iFI Micro iDSD Signature.
It's a bit pricey, but the first thing I noticed
is that, despite being darker & warmer, it is
clearly higher resolution, than my THX AAA
Monoprice Portable. It makes me wonder if
THX's Feed Forward Correction is smearing
microdynamics. Is it worth the 350$ more
than the THX Monoprice? Well, I like the 3D+
feature better than the Dirac feature on the
Monprice, but I do like both. And that's my
main concern. The extra resolution is also
very important to me, since I listen to very
detailed & geometrical music, such as
Autechre, Richard Devine, & Aphex Twin
Those BB dac chips are awesome for resolution.
That title in the thumbnail tho haha
Glad you liked it. 😄
They are great devices. Were those Acoustic Research headphones I saw in the video?
They were indeed!
Please review xduoo xa 10
Not sure if I can do that but I have the xDuoo MT604 coming.
How would these sound paired with Oppo's PM-2 and PM-3 being that they are on the slightly warmer side of neutral with the high end of the treble rolling off a bit? Someone told me these wouldn't be the greatest match because the sound signature of the iFi Micro iDSD Signature is also on the warmer side. Is that true?
How would you compare this to a Schiit stack? e.g., Modi/Modius/Bifrost and Magni/Magnius/Jotunheim
I haven't been able to get any Schiit gear in for testing.
Can this beat chord mojo ?
I don't have the Mojo either sadly.
Can you check out Jcally Ja21 dac type c ?
how is stage size compared to the singxer sda2? i always wonder with very expensive portable like this, which you rarely want to bring out, how does the performance compared to similarly priced full sized desktop dac amp.
You would be surprised. I'd say the stage is as good as the SDA-2. The overall sound isn't quite as robust or muscular but it has comparable resolution and detail.
Hey! Sup! Got the FH5s yet?
Hey mate. Yes, I have it. Hopefully I'll get my photos done tomorrow and will be able to have a listen! 🎵🌈
Comparing to the YULONG Aurora, do you think it lacks some punch or resolution for not being a Desktop DAC/AMP ? If you can answer which one do you think is objectively better I would appreciate !
In terms of pure audio, I think the Aurora comes out in front. It sounds more muscular and analogue and has a more open treble and natural soundstage. The Signature has more features but I find it a bit frustrating to either need to keep charging the battery or always have 2 USB cables plugged in (both on different sides of the unit).
Nice review David. I want one 😂
To be honest, I was not expecting it to sound so good. I'm a believer now!
Can you run it constantly with a power cord as well as being portable?
Yes, you can run it constantly with the USB Type-C port on the side. I've had mine plugged in nonstop for a few weeks except for the couple times I tested it as a portable unit.
@@PrimeAudioReviews Like I was talking to you about last week, I'm just looking for an dac/amp I can just run my IEM's and headphones, that just sits on bedside table and listen at night as the hip dac I'm constantly charging pretty much every day, or second day.
Thanks again David, much appreciated for your help and advice,.
@@Dominari66 Did you end up buying the Signature ? Because I also look for a desktop only iem DAC. And while I'm not interested in the battery so much, I don't really like the fact that non stop charging may damage it over time.
Can you run this solely off power. Is it worth it
Yes, you can. I run mine plugged in 90% of the time. The only time I don't have the additional USB plugged in is when I want to use the USB Type-C cable for something else, like charging my phone or DAPs etc.
@@PrimeAudioReviews does is effect the Ifi signature internal battery long term?
@@hotspur1974 To be honest, I haven't tested if the battery has been affected. But from my normal use, it seems just the way it was when I got it new.
Thank you for your advice👍🏻much appreciated
vs Honey H1 ?
much love from Indonesia, ♥♥♥♥♥
Haven't tried it. 😕☺
I have the H1 and the iDSD Micro Black Label. Prefer the Micro BL with Arya. The H1 has a fun unique sound signature, but it’s no desktop replacement, lack a bit in power for demanding planars.
Hi, I have a Sennheiser HD800s with a fiio Q5s, which I only use at home and without Bluetooth. Is it worth upgrading to the ifi idsd signature? After all, it now costs almost twice as much. If it's worth it: why is it worth it?
I haven't tried the Q5s, so I can't comment on the audio quality. However, the Micro iDSD Signature has LOTS more power output. So, if you feel that the Q5s doesn't have enough power to drive the HD800s to its full potential then it's probably worth the upgrade.
A truly balanced version of this is what I want. Or a diablo with all the options of this.
Diablo looks pretty awesome too. I'm looking forward to comparing it with this.
Hello, may I aks if you've noticed any difference in sound when using DAPs vs smartphone and PC as a digital source for this kind of DAC/Amp devices?
To be honest, I only checked briefly with a phone to make sure it worked as advertised (this is a loan unit so I didn't want to take it out of the house). But I didn't notice any difference in audio quality when changing the source.
@@PrimeAudioReviews got it, thank you!
What do you think about dongle DAC? like shanling UA2
You know, they actually sound great. But I find them a bit annoying when they're dangling on the end of my phone.
I really love to use them with my laptop but for on the go I much prefer wireless like the Shanling UP4. Having said that, I am really enjoying the Hiby FC3 even with my iPhone.
Thanks for your answer!. I would be glad if you review more DAC in the future. Cheers, mate!
It's a Nintendo Switch of DACs. Desktop use, yes. On the go, yes.
centrance hifi-m8 v2 or ifi dsd signure?
I haven't tried the Centrance but based on specs and impressions, that would probably be my choice. The addition of Bluetooth adds a lot of versatility - if it weren't for that the decision would be more difficult.
How do you think this would pair with Focal Clear?
The Micro iDSD have great synergy with Focals
Don't forget your $100 4.4mm cable. If it weren't for that I'd buy a Zen Signature.
There are a lot of good quality 4.4mm cables for around $20-25. Or you can just use the included 3.5mm-6.35mm adapter.
@@PrimeAudioReviews I use balanced.
In that case, you only need a 2.5mm to 4.4mm adapter (unless you're using xlr).
@@PrimeAudioReviews I said the Zen Signature. It only has 4.4mm balanced out. I'm using xlr currently.
IDSD vs combo Signature (CAN+DAC signature)? Which it sound better?
I haven't tried the iCan.
they are going for 299 usd new
1st! 👑💝
Wooot! 🥰🙌🎵
Comment for da algorithm
Streak count: 33!
Nice bro! 🙌🔥
doesn't matter how good it sounds, as long it does not have BT. do they really expect to make a playlist and procede to not touch my phone because will stop the music when move the cable... IN 2021!?!?! Also the fact is using battery it means it has an expiration date, so is not a desktop DAC.
How is the soundstage compared to soemthing like schiit Modi or biforst ? Since it is similar price range if biforst
I haven't been able to get my hands on any Schiit gear.