Portable Audio DAC
Hi-Fi Sound Anywhere, AK HC3Astell&Kern offers a Hi-Fi USB DAC cable product range for a true Hi-Fi experience on the go. Designed to minimize noise with the ultra-high sound quality of integrated Hi-Fi grade DACs, it addresses the music lovers' desire for a true Hi-Fi experience when mobile. Not content with settling for the status quo, Astell&Kern has endeavored to enable our users to enjoy more features in Hi-Fi quality. Hi-Fi Dual DAC Cable – AK HC3 AK HC3 is the result of these efforts, and is designed to provide all the benefits of its predecessor, AK HC1 (PEE51), while enabling high-quality sound across various settings. AK HC3 features MQA 8X rendering to allow you to play high-quality sound anytime, and the microphone input enables even more entertainment and voice features. The dual-shielded cable and the proprietary Android app will help users experience Hi-Fi effortlessly and with no compromises.ES9219MQ Dual DAC from ESS for true Hi-Fi qualityMQA 8XDual-shielded cableSupports headset microphonesSupports iOS devicesProprietary app for Android (For Detailed Volume Control)Compact but powerfulLED display shows song detailsFull metal housing designSound in ultra-high resolution from Dual DACs, selected for Hi-FiAK HC3 adopts dual ES9219MQ, the SABRE HiFi® DACs from ESS that is highly regarded by audio fans for its ability to playback Hi-Fi sounds such as MQA in ultra-high quality, excellent noise control, and low power consumption. In addition, it supports Native DSD256 and 32 bit/384 kHz, supporting any high-resolution sound to realize Astell&Kern’s unique sound experiences.The Result of AK’s Ultra-Fine Audio Design TechnologyWith its compact size and uncompromising performance, the AK HC3 makes it easy to enjoy real Hi-Fi sound anytime, anywhere. Astell&Kern is adored by countless music lovers thanks to our dedication and meticulous delivery of the original sound with our signature DAPs, or portable high resolution audio players. We included the Astell&Kern technology and know-how that has been accumulated from our DAPs over the years in this small device. We used micro resistors and capacitor parts to achieve the small dimensions without compromising performance. Tailored ultra-small tantalum capacitors, which are used in AK player products to create a stable system and audio performance by controlling the power fluctuations, are also included to create the optimal audio circuit. In addition, the output and audio performance are enhanced with Astell&Kern's unique technology while minimizing current consumption in consideration of the connected device.Noise-Free Rear Output StructureAK HC3 incorporates a rear audio output design to minimize noise. Most USB DAC products have the DAC positioned in the USB terminal that is connected directly to the device to process and output audio. However, with the AK HC3, digital signals from the device go through the dual shielded cable to the audio circuit before being converted to an analog signal by the DAC. By processing the digital signal after, the result is superior, noise-free sound compared to other USB DAC products.Dual Noise Shielded CableThe AK HC3 features a dual shielded cable to minimize noise and deliver more vivid, original sound. The copper core wire is coated with tin to prevent corrosion and strengthen tensile force for enhanced durability. In addition, the entire cable is wrapped in an aluminum film to block noise, the biggest issue in audio, then the tin-coated copper wire is woven to minimize noise interference to sound. MQA 8X Playback in Ultra-high ResolutionAK HC3 is built with a renderer that supports MQA 8X playback in ultra-high quality to deliver sound that's much closer to the original sound.MQA is a high-quality sound source format that requires an external DAC or appropriate playback devices. AK HC3 is the right choice if you want to enjoy MQA anytime. Pair your mobile device with AK HC3 to play any MQA sources up to MQA 8X. With AK HC3 and any device that supports MQA unfolding, anyone can unleash the ultra-high quality of MQA through the proprietary app with network play and streaming features.In order to use AK HC3 as a hardware MQA renderer, a software core decoder that supports MQA unfolding is required.Easy and Convenient — Plug & PlayConnect directly to a Windows PC, Mac, smartphone or tablet with a USB-C port that supports plug & play, without needing a separate conversion adapter, and enjoy high-quality sound. The AK HC3 utilizes power from the connected playback device so it does not need to be charged or be connected to a separate external sound card, AMP or DAC. Just connect AK HC3 to experience high-fidelity sound from a computer or mobile device. The AK HC3 is also compatible with iOS devices using the included USB-C to Lightning adapter.Entertaining experiences with AK HC3 and microphone and controller supportAK HC3 has been improved to be compatible with any 3- or 4-pole 3.5-mm plug earphones and headsets, as well as in-line controller and microphone features of 4-pole earphones and headsets. With AK HC3, you can enjoy a greater range of entertainment experiences with your mobile device. The direct USB connection provides lower latency compared to other wireless solutions, enabling a sound performance that’s perfect for gaming. The voice chat features enhance your gaming experiences, so you can play with others, and the microphone input makes it even more useful for professional web conferencing. Plus, the rich sound capability adds to the utility of AK HC3 by making your video experiences more realistic and immersive. When pairing your AK HC3 with iPhones, recording is supported for microphone input, but not supported for calls.Volume Control Through A Dedicated Android APPAs is common with many USB DACs, compatibility issues can arise such as different connected devices being set automatically to maximum volume output or playback at too low volume. To resolve such issues and offer greater control over the volume and function of the AK HC3, we have developed a companion app for Android OS devices. LED for real-time indicationAK HC3 has an LED indicator that displays song details.Standby: White / PCM: Red / DSD: Blue / MQA: MagentaDesign AK HC3 is super light with a full aluminum housing, and weighs only 20 gr. The compact and lightweight body embodies Astell&Kern’s design philosophy, emphasizing our fundamental ethos toward the music. The design inherits the “light and shadow” concept, which is the identity of Astell&Kern: all of the four sharp sides centered around the traversing centerline are positioned proportionally and converge on a single point, making them uniquely reflective and iridescent. The high-quality finish hides everything except for design factors such as the contours and the logo, preventing any visual distractions for a more immersive music experience.
The missing linkThe GO link is the missing link in your listening experience.Firstly, it will enable corded headphones and earphones to connect to digital devices that don’t have a 3.5mm headphone output.Secondly, even if your device does have a headphone socket, the GO link delivers a big sonic upgrade. This is because its sophisticated DAC (Digital-to-Analogue Converter) and headphone amp circuitry are superior to the audio tech contained within smart devices and computers.Go forward with GO link.Flexible friendAt one end of the GO link is a USB-C connector, and at the other is the DAC and headphone amp circuitry, both housed in robust yet lightweight magnesium alloy enclosures.In between is a 6cm length of flexible cable – this aids practicality, allowing the DAC/amp section to be angled towards the listener and reducing stress on the USB port to which the GO link is connected.DAC’s the ticketAt the heart of the GO link lies a power-efficient, high-performance DAC chip from ESS Technology’s Sabre HiFi series – the ES9219MQ/Q – benefiting from 32-bit HyperStream III architecture.This combines with Quad DAC+ and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator technologies, plus our dedicated clock circuitry utilising a specialised crystal oscillator, to deliver ultra-low distortion, excellent clarity and impressive dynamic range.Rarely implemented high-end features such as adjustable analogue gain with DRE (Dynamic Range Enhancement) plus technologies to minimise THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) and crosstalk are possible due to the DAC chip’s advanced specification.It is also possible to choose between a choice of digital filters via downloadable software.Do the twistThe cable linking both sections together uses silver-plated copper conductors with individual polymer insulation in a ‘twisted pair’ configuration.This rotational twist helps to optimise inductance and capacitance and also aids noise rejection. The GO link’s sound isn’t affected by electromagnetic interference picked up from nearby electrical sources.No distortion means you’re ready to dance without disturbance.Move with the musicUnlike other headphone dongles, the GO link doesn’t rely on the software-based volume controls in connected digital devices. This can adversely affect audio resolution.Instead, adjusting the volume on the connected device controls the volume level in the GO link’s DAC, not in the phone, tablet or computer. This hardware-based volume control is another feature that helps to deliver the GO link’s superior sonic performance.Hi-res in glorious colourThe GO link’s hi-res audio credentials are highly impressive given its diminutive size and price tag.PCM to 32-bit/384kHzDSD to 11.2MHz (DSD256)MQAAn LED changes colour to indicate the incoming audio format – PCM, DSD or MQA – and the PCM/DSD sample rate.Headphone heavenThe GO link’s headphone amp feeds a gold-plated 3.5mm socket, incorporating our S-Balanced configuration to reduce noise and crosstalk.It delivers a power output of 70mW into 32 ohms, and a maximum voltage output of 2.05V into 600 ohms. This gives it plenty of oomph to drive the kind of headphones and earphones likely to be used with the GO link and easily outclasses the headphone outputs built into smart devices and computers.Hi-Res try Native® playback of all music formats from MP3 to DSD256, PCM384 and DXD384.Discrete ESS Sabre Hyperstream DAC chipset with time domain jitter eliminator, discrete oscillator and 112dB dynamic range for discerning listeners.Extensive jitter-eradication technologies are applied to the digital stage, including our GMT (Global Master Timing) femto-precision clock and intelligent memory buffer. This represents a total ‘out-of-the-box’ systematic digital solution that solves jitter once and for all.In music production, dynamic range means the difference between the loudest and quietest sounds. It’s measured in decibels, or dB for short. In a single audio track, dynamic range means the dB difference between the loudest and quietest moment in the audio file.You can think of the dynamic range in a system as the space between the noise floor and the clipping point. When a sound goes below the noise floor you won’t be able to tell the difference between the signal and the system noise of the medium. When a sound goes above the clipping point, the tops of its waveform will get abruptly cut off, causing harshness and distortion.iFi’s proprietary technology extends the Dynamic Range by 6 dB or more, for an improved listening experience.iFi’s exclusive S-Balanced® circuit delivers maximum performance from single-ended and balanced headphones alike.See our Tech Note to dig deeper.TDK C0G (Class 1 ceramic) capacitors offer high stability and low losses for resonant circuit applications.Getting ever closer to the theoretical ideal of pure, frequency-constant capacitance, these capacitors reduce capacitor-induced distortion to vanishingly low levels.They are pricey but are a perfect addition to our products.muRata control-type, low-ESR high-Q multi-layer capacitors. The ‘ESR control’ aspect of the Murata is something special. Their noise suppression abilities are impressive.
With UA5, we are pushing our UA line into a bit different category. While UA1 and UA2 worked nicely as simple USB Audio dongles, UA5 is quite a bit closer to your bigger portable DAC/AMPs.UA5 adds volume wheel for an independent volume control, small screen for an easy access to multiple settings directly on the device, full-size 4.4mm balanced connector instead of fragile 2.5mm, fully balanced audio circuit, SPDIF digital output for use with other DACs and special Hybrid battery Power mode, to reduce battery drain from your smartphone.UA5 provides a better sound quality for your smartphone and a better user experience when connected to your computer.Hybrid Batter Power modeWhen enabled, certain sections of UA5 will still be running on USB power, like USB Controller and FPGA. But the crucial parts of DAC and amplifier will instead use a cleaner power from the battery.In our testing, this set-up proved helpful in three scenarios:Consistent analog performance and noise floor, independent from the quality of USB power of the connected device.Reduced power drain from the connected device, which can be crucial when running it with smartphone.Reduced power demand allows for a compatibility with certain devices, that are normally unable to provide enough power for USB DAC/Amps.UA5 is of course capable of running in a standard USB Powered mode, in which the battery is completely disconnected and all sections of UA5 runs out of USB power. UA5 will automatically switch to this mode when the battery runs too low.
UA3 joins our highly popular line of UA models and it marks an important point for Shanling, as it will be our first model using a brand-new DAC from the relaunched line of AKM DACs.For many years, AKM DACs were the core part of Shanling’s audio designs, as they played a crucial role in delivering our house sound to all our fans. But following the fire at AKM’s factory in 2020, we had to look for alternative solutions, being unsure about the AKM’s future. It affected most of our releases in 2021, but we managed to transition successfully, keeping the strict Hi-Fi standards we have been building up for past 34 years.In early 2022, AKM relaunched their line of DACs and we immediately started working on new designs, diving into the possibilities of this updated generation of DACs. UA3 is first of these designs, utilizing a freshly released AK4493SEQ DAC, for the first time bringing the sound of AKM into our UA line of portable DAC/AMPs.UA3 builds upon the popular UA2, but takes over some features from the UA5. Balanced output is now using a more robust 4.4mm connector, we added hardware buttons for volume or playback control and the power output was improved to match the UA5.
Portable Hi-Fi Bluetooth Amplifier With Balanced output for better sound and even more power.
Flagship Portable Bluetooth Amplifier.
Portable DAC/Headphone Amplifier Simply without equal.Mojo 2 is the most advanced DAC/headphone amplifier in the world. It plays your favourite music with class-leading detail and clarity, right up to studio-grade levels.Dac And Headphone Amplifier In OneThe British designed, engineered and built Mojo 2 is the most advanced portable DAC and headphone amplifier in the world.Distinctly different from all other devices, Mojo 2 uses proprietary British digital audio technology perfected over more than two decades, coupled to a powerful ‘FPGA’ processor. The result is class-leading sound quality both on the move or at home, with the power to effortlessly drive any headphones. For music just as the artist intended, Mojo 2 brings you closer to the music than any other portable.Unique Fpga Technology For more than 20 years, Chord Electronics has exclusively used powerful programmable (FPGA) circuits with custom coding to provide the most advanced digital-to-analogue conversion performance in the world. With digital audio technologies perfected over two decades, Mojo 2 contains more digital audio know-how than any other small DAC, resulting in unrivalled sound quality, all backed by peerless technical measurements from the lab.Compatible With Poly For Streaming Completely compatible with our Wireless streaming module Poly, Poly allows for wireless integration to your system…Mojo 2 offers several ways to connect to digital devices, including smartphones, tablets and laptops, plus two 3.5 mm headphone outputs, meaning two can listen simultaneously. Digital inputs include fast-transfer USB-C, Micro-USB, optical and coaxial, with charging via a separate dedicated Micro-USB input.Mojo polychromatic light-up buttons offer simple control with an additional visual guide to the device’s settings. A new menu button offers navigation through a new range of features, including the all-important completely transparent UHD DSP function.
Fantastic Beasts. Here’s where you find them. Portable DAC/amps tend to be compromised because they focus on a great digital OR a great analogue section. But not both. The xDSD Gryphon is different. Just like its mythical namesake, it is two beasts in one. From the Ultra-Res digital stage using the Burr-Brown MultiBit at the core to the PureWave analogue power section pumping out 1,000mW and other things in-between, it takes serious headphones to tame the Gryphon. Well-connected Separate Bluetooth + DAC + amp stages: each optimised for maximum performance Digital sources via USB, S/PDIF or Bluetooth Analogue sources via 4.4mm or 3.5mm inputs Brilliant Bluetooth. Hi-Res Wireless. Using the latest QCC 5100 series Bluetooth v5.1 as the starting point, for wireless connectivity, the xDSD Gryphon is at the bleeding-edge when it comes to the latest formats: aptX Adaptive and aptX HD LDAC and HWA/LHDC regular aptX and aptX Low Latency AAC SBC (plain vanilla Bluetooth) Not only this but the above is on the iFi digital platform where each section is distinct. So QC5100 for reception > Global Master Clock for jitter > Burr-Brown for DAC conversion. More effort but that’s why our wireless gives wired a run for its money. USB & S/PDIF. Wired to the nines. In terms of wired connectivity, the xDSD Gryphon handles all the formats using a hybrid Burr-Brown DAC chipset which is the same as used in our £3,000 flagship, the Pro iDSD Signature. Rest assured that all the following latest formats are catered for but most importantly, are pushed to their zenith. On USB: PCM (768/705.6/384/352.8/192/176.4/96/88.2/48/44.1 kHz) DSD (512/256/128/64) DXD (768/705.6/384/352.8kHz) MQA (Decoder) On S/PDIF PCM (192/176.4/96/88.2/48/44.1 kHz) DoP Balance of Power The xDSD Gryphon uses our PureWave amplification circuitry. It has 1,000mW at 32 Ohms. With a whopping max 6.7v output, bring on the high impedance headphones because the Gryphon will not break a sweat driving them. This is plenty to drive all manner of headphones. The 4.4mm Balanced is the best for balanced playback. The 3.5mm S-Balanced will max SE headphones. And your premium high-sensitivity IEMs have not been forgotten either – iEMatch will cut out the hiss. Tailored to your ears XSpace adds back the cavernous sound stage of recordings. XBass II reinstates the missing bass from open-backed headphones or for recordings that you hanker for bass slam. Under XBass II you can select ‘Bass’ and/or ‘Presence’ so that the upper midrange frequencies are correctly added back into your favourite recording. iEMatch – is our proprietary tech which reduces the annoying hiss from high-sensitivity headphones without losing any dynamic range. With digital sources, users can choose between three bespoke digital filters via the on-screen menu: Bit-Perfect, Standard and GTO (Gibbs Transient Optimised), each having a fine-tuning effect on sound. OLED. Seen but not heard. The OLED display and iFi’s CyberSync operating system combined, usher in a whole new world of user enjoyment – all information from format to battery life is there. Just as importantly, SilentLine technology means the display does not add noise into the system. It can even be set to off if preferred.
The D3 24-bit DAC allows you to bypass your computer’s headphone output and send music directly through USB for improved fidelity and higher volume output. Hear The Difference Powerful Yet Portable The Audioengine D3 Premium 24-bit DAC (digital-to-analog converter) allows you to bypass your computer’s headphone output and send music directly through USB for improved fidelity and a higher volume output. The D3 is a powerful yet portable converter with performance and features usually found in more expensive DACs. D3 is the perfect interface between your computer and headphones or any music system. Why You'll Love It Benefits Stream bit-perfect 24/96 HD audio Plug-and-play Drives even the most-demanding headphones Computer OS volume control HD sample rate indicator Set Up In Seconds Simple. No Hassle. Easy To Use. Setup is easy and no special software or driver is needed, making D3 a true plug-and-play solution. The D3 plugs directly into a USB port on your computer so no external power supply or cables are needed. The output of the D3 connects to headphones, Audioengine powered speakers or any audio system. The D3 has a sample rate indicator that shows sample rates above 48K so you’ll know you’re getting the most out of your HD music. High Quality Sound For The Demanding Headphone Enthusiast D3 DAC will process digital audio at any bit depth up to 24-bits and any native sample rate to 96KHz. With its high signal-to-noise ratio and low distortion, the D3 delivers sound quality generally heard only in more expensive DACs. The high-performance headphone amplifier was designed for a wide range of headphones. The D3’s asynchronous data transfer carefully controls USB streaming audio from any computer which greatly improves audio performance. D3 will satisfy even the most demanding headphone enthusiast with its high output and revealing sound. Ready For Anything Computer To Headphones Or Any Music System The quality of most computer headphone outputs isn’t generally very inspiring, so the D3 provides a better option by streaming audio from your computer’s USB port and directly connecting to your music system or headphones. D3 includes a USB DAC and a carefully selected headphone amplifier for incredible audio performance in a super-compact design. The D3 DAC is the perfect way to get great-sounding music not only from your computer to headphones but also from your computer to any music system.
Super light. Super sound. The new GO blu, pocket-rocket portable HD DAC/amp, is diminutive enough to take with you wherever you go! It gives you best sound from wired but the convenience of wireless as you no longer need to have a cable connection to your smartphone. Whether you’re exercising at the gym with your Apple watch clocking your every step or catching up on your MacBook at your favourite coffee shop, the GO blu is the perfect companion. It pairs wirelessly with your source device via Bluetooth with no need to worry about whether you’ve got the right cable for your Android or Apple device. Just pair … and GO! Superior sound. Unbound. Wireless headphones or earphones of any kind integrate Bluetooth processing, D/A conversion and amplification onto one, standard ‘off the shelf’ chip. There is a ceiling to the sound quality that can be achieved. Team good corded headphones or in-ear monitors, with a separate, high-quality portable DAC/headphone amp, and your sound quality will beat any pair of wireless headphone or earphones hands down. Using the GO blu means no compromise on sound quality. Pair the GO blu to your Apple/Android. Connect your favourite corded headphones to the GO blu and then tuck it away – it’s so petite it will slip into your running gear or suit pocket. It’s also gorgeous enough to show off by leaving it on the table at your favourite coffee shop! GO blu. Go beyond. With its lightweight, soft-touch polymer enclosure (great for Bluetooth reception, unlike signal-blocking metal), copper-coloured trim and ChronoDial watch crown-style control, the GO blu is a pleasure to use wherever you go. iFi has even incorporated a high-quality chip-based (CMOS-MEMS) microphone, enabling hands-free calls, voice chat for gaming and access to voice assistants such as Apple Siri and Google Assistant. Further flexibility is provided by the USB-C charging port, which doubles as an audio input enabling USB connection from source devices that don’t offer Bluetooth connectivity. Hi-res PCM audio data up to24-bit/96kHz is supported when the GO blu is connected in this way. HD Bluetooth 5.1 The way iFi implements Bluetooth is anything but ‘run of the mill’ and despite its diminutive size the GO blu is no exception. The use of Qualcomm’s latest four-core QCC5100 Bluetooth processing chip ensures that every current high-definition Bluetooth audio format is supported. aptX Adaptive and aptX HD LDAC and HWA/LHDC regular aptX and aptX Low Latency AAC SBC (plain vanilla Bluetooth) This means that every possible source device is handled at the highest audio resolution its Bluetooth specification allows – no other pocket-size DAC/amp delivers such comprehensive codec support, or such high-quality sound over Bluetooth. The GO blu is Bluetooth v5.1-compliant, ensuring the best possible range, stability and performance, and its ‘Bluetooth engine’ can be updated over the air. Three. Unique. Stages. Bluetooth. DAC. Amplifier. Most pocket-size Bluetooth DAC/headphone amps incorporate all-in-one ‘system on a chip’ solutions to deliver input processing, digital-to-analogue signal conversion and amplification. These are simple and cost-effective, but they cannot compare with expertly designed, individually optimised circuit stages when it comes to sound quality. Uniquely for a device of this type and size, the GO blu’s clever design packs in separate Bluetooth + DAC + Amp stages, each engineered in distinct blocks to deliver the ideal combination of cutting-edge specification and superb sound. Others just don’t this level of execution. The Bluetooth stage makes full use of Qualcomm’s latest four-core QCC5100 Bluetooth chip and supports every current high definition format. This then feeds the DAC stage with a Cirrus Logic 32-bit DAC chip at its heart. This is coupled with a customised digital filter to minimise pre-echoes and ringing artefacts, and a precision clock system to ensure ultra-low jitter, thus reducing errors and distortion in the digital audio signal. The amp circuitry benefits from symmetrical twin-mono signal paths and utilises iFi’s Direct Drive design concept – direct-coupled to ensure a clean signal path without distortion-inducing output coupling capacitors. The amp stage delivers up to 5.6V (twice the voltage of others) – considerably more power than other similarly sized devices – handling even relatively tough headphone loads with ease. To ensure signal strength suits the sensitivity of the connected headphones or earphones, auto-gain adjusts output up or down by 6dB.
Devilishly brilliant The iDSD Diablo, with its sleek new design and fiery red finish, sits proudly at the top of our range of portable/transportable DAC/amps. It is built for purists – the true headphone enthusiasts who crave pure, unadulterated sonic performance. Just like a racing car designed for uncompromising speed, the iDSD Diablo sets aside sonic tailoring as well as Bluetooth connectivity to focus on pure sonic power. Prepare for a riveting ride as it will drive any headphone on the planet with aplomb. Put simply, the iDSD Diablo is our best ever transportable amplifier designed to deliver reference level sound. ‘Bit-perfectly’ wicked We use two Burr-Brown DAC chips and the new 16-core XMOS chip to process the data received via the USB and S/PDIF digital inputs. This means the iDSD Diablo can handle up to PCM 768, DSD 512, 2xDXD. Both PCM and DSD remain ‘bit-perfect’. It also provides full MQA decoding! Check out our MQA set-up tutorial (using the highly acclaimed NEO) for Tidal, Roon and Audirvana Positively pure Balanced, differential analogue circuit design reduces noise and cross-talk within the signal path by fully separating the left and right channels. The iDSD Diablo benefits from further refinements to our balanced, symmetrical dual-mono topologies with short, direct signal paths. We call this PureWave. Negative feedback is used in amplifier circuits to compare the output signal with the input signal and correct errors. BUT there are drawbacks. iFi turns the negatives into positives with OptimaLoop. Read more on these technologies below. Diabolically dynamic Able to drive all manner of headphones with ease, the iDSD Diablo delivers up to 5000mW of prodigious power, propulsive energy and engaging dynamics, coupled with a remarkable ability to resolve fine texture and detail. With 3 settings, you can adjust power and gain to suit your daily driver or track day supercar! Turbo – ramps up the level of drive for current-hungry headphones Normal – for most over or on ear headphones Eco – dials down the power to suit high-sensitivity in-ear monitors The iDSD Diablo’s focus on pure, unadulterated performance, means much attention has been applied to the power supply circuity. Battery power provides ultra-clean and stable DC current avoiding the issues of mains electricity – dips, spikes and noise-inducing RFI/EMI pollution. BUT there are sonic downsides resulting from low output voltage and inconsistent output impedance as batteries discharge. These issues are fully tackled by the iDSD Diablo’s design. In order to make less efficient headphones, like planar magnetics, sing, the voltage needs to be stepped up from 3.7V to +/- 15V. We use a step-up converter running at 1.2MHz – a frequency far beyond audibility that is easier to filter than a typical switch-mode supply, enabling high linearity and ultra-low noise. Formula 1, iFi style. High-bandwidth power supply circuity is dedicated to each critical part of the iDSD Diablo’s design, with independent linear regulation delivering excellent PSRR (Power Supply Rejection Ratio) performance. The headphone amp stage eschews IC regulators in favour of Panasonic OS-CON capacitors, delivering 2320uF between them. The DAC section benefits from an ultra-low-noise regulator with additional passive filtering, reducing high order harmonic distortion and, in turn, jitter. Even the USB input stage benefits from dedicated regulation and multi-stage filtering, and the microprocessor control circuitry (often a local source of digital noise) has separate regulation, too. Hooking up with the Devil… At the front of the unit, alongside a standard 6.3mm single-ended headphone socket, resides a 4.4mm Pentaconn output for headphones offering balanced connection. At the back are two digital audio inputs: USB-A and a S/PDIF socket that accepts both electrical and optical signals, the former via a 3.5mm connector and the latter via a supplied adapter. The USB-A input features a ‘male’ connector, rather than a typical ‘female’ port for greater mechanical integrity. A separate USB-C charging port is also provided, along with a 4.4mm Pentaconn balanced output to connect to an external amp. Accessories galore As befits a reference-level product, we’ve included a whole host of accessories in a luxurious travel case, the iTraveller. As the iDSD Diablo may be powered from the mains, as well as by its built-in battery, we’ve included our super silent, noise-cancelling iPower 5V AC/DC adapter to ensure optimal sound quality. Also included is a 4.4mm Pentaconn to XLR balanced interconnect cable to connect the iDSD Diablo to an amp and speakers (or a pair of active speakers) with balanced XLR inputs. Other supplied connectors include a high-quality USB-A audio cable, a USB-A to USB-C charging cable and an adapter to connect headphones with a 3.5mm jack to the 6.3mm single-ended output.
Our iDSD Signature Dish Our top-of-the-range desktop/transportable DAC and headphone amp will supercharge your tunes. Out of this world Sporting a Space Blue finish and powered by a built-in rechargeable battery, the micro iDSD Signature is a transportable DAC/headphone amp that’s ready for anything that the universe throws at it. Battery power means it’s ultra-clean with ultra-stable DC power and avoids the pitfalls of AC mains – dips, spike and noise-inducing RFI/EMI pollution. And with up to 12 hours playing time, depending on the headphones and performance mode engaged, it feels like you could take it to the moon and back. Finely tuned Based around two Burr-Brown DAC chips in a custom ‘interleaved’ configuration, the digital engine has four pairs of differential signals – two pairs per channel. This means a lower noise floor improved channel separation finer musical detail and micro-dynamics The micro iDSD Signature handles up to PCM 768, DSD 512, 2xDXD and MQA. All this is done natively. Both PCM and DSD remain ‘bit-perfect’. Precision personified Extensive jitter-eradication technologies are applied to the digital engine, including iFi’s GMT (Global Master Timing) femto-precision clock and the intelligent memory buffer. The micro iDSD Signature also comes with iFi’s GTO (Gibbs Transient Optimized) digital filter installed. And exclusive firmware available on our website means you can change digital filters as you wish. Circuit training With up to 4100mW of power the micro iDSD Signature can drive all manner of headphones with aplomb, from highly sensitive in-ear monitors to current hungry planar headphones. The signal path has been refined to maximise sonic texture. High spec components featuring class-leading qualities such as low ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance), high stability and low distortion mean top-notch sound quality and maximum musical enjoyment. Add in the direct-coupled nature of the circuit – no coupling capacitor is present – and the micro iDSD Signature definitely runs rings around the competition. Versatile sonic tailoring One size no longer fits all when it comes to quality listening. The digital stage of the micro iDSD Signature features a variety of filter settings: ‘Standard’, ‘Minimum Phase’ and ‘Bit-Perfect’ for PCM files ‘Standard Bandwidth’, ‘Extended Bandwidth’ and ‘Extreme Bandwidth’ for DSD The amp stage also has three settings to adjust power and gain. As well as ‘Normal’, you get ‘Turbo’ to ramp up the level of drive for current-hungry headphones ‘Eco’ to dial down the power to suit high-sensitivity in-ear monitors and/or to extend battery life Complete this with our iEMatch technology that adjusts output level and our XBass+ and 3D+ signature sonic tweaks, and the micro iDSD Signature is flexible to the max. Get connected The micro iDSD Signature features two digital audio inputs – USB Type-A and an S/PDIF socket that accepts both electrical, via a 3.5mm connector, and optical signals – adapter supplied. It also houses a pair of RCA analogue outputs to connect to a pair of powered speakers or a power amp to act as a DAC. There is a 6.3mm output for headphones that have a standard single-ended connector (headphones with a 3.5mm jack can be connected using an adapter) and a 4.4mm Pentaconn output for headphones offering balanced connection. Both headphone outputs utilise our ‘S-Balanced’ output circuitry. This delivers the sonic benefits of balanced connections with all headphone/earphone types – even those with single-ended connectors – cutting crosstalk and associated distortion in half. The Burr-Brown True Native chipset means file formats remain unchanged or ‘bit-perfect’. This means you are listening to music as the artist intended in the format in which it was recorded. At iFi we use Burr Brown extensively in our products having selected it for its natural-sounding ‘musicality’ and True Native architecture. Our experience with this IC means we know how to make the most of it. Doubling the DAC chips results in 3dB lower noise floor and better channel separation. Together with power supply advancements and advanced channel interleaving, the noise floor has been halved. All of this equals stellar sonic performance. Hi-res audio support is state-of-the-art with True Native playback. It handles PCM data to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD up to DSD512 and single and double speed DXD. Thanks to the Burr-Brown DAC chip’s four-channel True Native design, PCM and DSD take separate pathways – this enables DSD, as well as PCM, to remain ‘bit-perfect’ in its native form right through to analogue conversion. This is not the case with all DAC devices from other brands – even if DSD compatibility is stated, many such DACs convert DSD signals to PCM. Listen to Master Quality Authenticated audio straight out of the box. Connect to Tidal Masters and check the option to stream MQA. As with many other iFi audio products, we’ve incorporated a custom OV Series operational-amplifier. This top-notch component contributes to the extremely low noise, low distortion (0.0001%) and wide bandwidth. With output power up to 4,100mW, this headphone amplifier drives all headphones with ease. It has 3 power modes – Eco, Normal and Turbo. Power and gain can be dialled-in perfectly to suit ALL headphones. iFi’s exclusive S-Balanced circuit delivers maximum performance from single-ended and balanced headphones alike. 3D+ Holographic delivers an immersive, deep soundstage. XBass+ delivers a deep, tighter bass sound. Texas Instruments low-noise ICs offer great unity-gain bandwidth, very low noise and distortion, high output drive capability, Common-mode and Power Supply Rejection Ratios of over 100 dB, wide maximum-output-swing bandwidths and high slew rates. iFi always uses the best components possible. These OS-CON capacitors provide excellent noise reduction and have a long life span. They are not often found in products costing 117db(A) THD & N (0dBFS Line): 2V Output Impedance: 1,560 mW @ 64 Ohm,>166 mW @ 600 Ohm Normal mode: Power (max):5.5V/1,900 mW, Power (continuous):>100 mW @ 300 Ohm,>950 mW @ 32 Ohm Eco mode: Power (max):2.0V/500 mW @ 8 Ohm, Power (continuous):>250 mW @ 16 Ohm Dynamic Range (HP): >115dB(A) (Eco Mode, 2V Out) THD &N (HP 500mW/16R): < 0.008% Output Voltage (HP): >10V (Turbo Mode) Output Impedance:
COBALT'S PRECEDENT-SETTING PERFORMANCE IS MADE POSSIBLE BY MULTIPLE SIGNIFICANT UPGRADES: New, more advanced ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip with a minimum-phase slow roll-off filter for more natural sound. Microchip's superb PIC32MX274 microprocessor draws less current and increases processing speed by 33%. Improved power-supply filtering that specifically increases immunity to WiFi, Bluetooth, and cellular noise. Includes a form-fitting DragonTail female USB-A to male USB-C Adaptor.All DragonTails use AQ's Carbon-level USB cable. AUDIOQUEST, GORDON RANKIN: A BEAUTIFUL PARTNERSHIP Like all previous DragonFly models, Cobalt uses Gordon Rankin's precedent-setting StreamLength® asynchronous-transfer USB code. Further, in Gordon's monoClock® technology, a single ultra-low-jitter clock generated from the ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip runs the ESS chip functions as well as all microcontroller functions. This superior clock enables DragonFly Cobalt to provide greater resolution and clarity than DACs with multiple clocks. WHY THE "SLOW ROLL...?" Cobalt employs ESS's new flagship ES9038Q2M DAC chip. While the chips used in DragonFlys Black and Red are unbeatable for the price, the minimum-phase slow roll-off filter in the 9038 results in naturally expressive sound that is always emotionally engaging and never fatiguing—a beautiful combination of warmth and detail that we find equally exciting and soothing. KILLING THE NOISE In Cobalt, we've taken what we've learned from our recent research and development in noise dissipation to employ power-supply filtering specifically designed to dramatically reduce the increasingly prevalent noise from WiFi, Bluetooth, and cellular signals. Successfully combating this noise is absolutely crucial to the preservation of the lowest-level musical details, particularly when it comes to high-res audio—and especially when applied to a portable-audio device such as DragonFly. BIT-PERFECT VOLUME CONTROL AND 2.1-VOLT OUTPUT Cobalt features the same ESS Sabre 9601 headphone amp and bit-perfect volume control that give DragonFly Red its unique combination of power and grip over the music. This solution ensures maximum fidelity, thrilling dynamic contrast, and excellent signal-to-noise ratio. The 2.1-volt output makes Cobalt and Red compatible with a wide range of headphones, including power-hungry, low-efficiency models. FIRMWARE UPGRADEABLE DragonFlys Black, Red, and Cobalt are firmware upgradeable via our free Desktop Device Manager. In today's fast-paced digital world, longevity in a hi-fi component is increasingly rare—at any price. AudioQuest believes that today's digital devices should evolve as technology itself evolves, thereby delivering musical pleasure for many years to come. Our Desktop Device Manager will also allow you to identify your DragonFly's serial number and software version to ensure that the device is up to date. BEAUTIFUL SOUND IN A SMALLER PACKAGE... AND NOW WITH A TAIL All this goodness is packed into a sleek new case that measures just 2.26" x 0.73" x 0.47" (57.5mm x 18.6mm x 11.9mm), making the latest DragonFly 10% smaller and even a bit more pocket-friendly. Finally, to easily accommodate the increasing number of electronic devices that feature USB-C ports, DragonFly Cobalt comes with AudioQuest's USB-A to USB-C adaptor. THE REST OF THE DRAGONFLY FLEET: DRAGONFLYS BLACK AND RED While the original DragonFly created a new category of portable DAC, its USB power draw made it compatible with computers only. Black and Red answered the call of music lovers everywhere for DragonFlys that could be used with Apple iOS mobile devices and Android smartphones and tablets. These DACs proved for once and for all that convenience and performance need no longer be mutually exclusive. All current-production DragonFly models incorporate 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC chips. The DAC chips we’ve selected are remarkably powerful and sophisticated, yet we’ve intentionally limited DragonFly’s processing capabilities to 24-bit/96kHz resolution. This makes using DragonFly as simple as it’s always been: All models are fully compatible with PCs without having to download and install new drivers. Most importantly, DragonFly is designed to honor the music you already own and love. Whether you’re listening to Spotify, YouTube, Tidal, Qobuz, ripped CDs, or state-of-the-art high-resolution files, DragonFly will deliver a more emotionally compelling and enjoyable experience. STREAM TIDAL MASTERS EVERYWHERE DragonFlys Black, Red, and Cobalt support Tidal Masters (MQA) playback from iPhones and Android smartphones. MQA's technology folds high-resolution files into smaller files that can be streamed on the go. As MQA Renderers, DragonFlys Black, Red, and Cobalt complete the unfolding process, allowing music lovers to enjoy a wider selection of high-res music. STREAM QOBUZ’S VAST CATALOG OF OUTSTANDING HI-RES MUSIC DragonFlys Black, Red, and Cobalt support Qobuz high-res playback from iPhones, Android smartphones, and MacOS and Windows computers. Qobuz streams and downloads music in bit-perfect FLAC, the most widely used format for mastering and archiving, at resolutions of up to 24-bit/192kHz. With DragonFlys Black, Red, and Cobalt, listeners can enjoy more than 40 million tracks in lossless 16-bit CD resolution and over 2 million hi-res files. NATURALLY BEAUTIFUL SOUND IS RIGHT AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Whatever music turns you on, wherever you are, an AudioQuest DragonFly USB DAC delivers inspiring, dynamic, and beautiful sound to earbuds, headphones, powered speakers, or complete audio systems. With a DragonFly, music appreciation and exploration are limitless: Plug into an Apple or Windows® computer or connect to an iOS® or Android mobile device. Play YouTube or Vimeo videos. Go hunting on Bandcamp or SoundCloud. Explore playlists on Spotify or Pandora. Stream high-res audio from Tidal or Qobuz. No matter the choice of musical pleasure, DragonFly delivers beautiful sound, unraveling the emotional expression and nuance that makes music and movies so enjoyable. Now, more than ever before, naturally beautiful sound is right at your fingertips—however you want it, whenever you want it.
Launched in 2012, press and public alike have enthusiastically embraced AudioQuest’s multi-award-winning DragonFly USB digital-to-analog converter/preamp/headphone amp as the rare audio product that bridges the gap between die-hard audiophiles and mainstream music lovers. DragonFly plugs into a computer’s USB port to bypass the computer’s compromised audio circuitry and deliver cleaner, clearer, more naturally beautiful sound to headphones, powered speakers, and complete audio systems. Small, affordable, easy to use, and remarkably effective, DragonFly was named Stereophile’s 2012 “Computer Audio Component of the Year” and 2012 “Budget Component of the Year;” Tone Audio’s 2012 “Digital Product of the Year;” Computer Audiophile’s 2012 “Computer Audiophile Product of the Year;” AudioStream’s “Greatest Bits;” and What Hi-Fi?’s 2014 “Product of the Year.” Perhaps most memorably, DigitalAudioReview.net’s John Darko quipped: “A DAC with the DragonFly’s performance at the DragonFly’s price point is as rare as rocking horse sh*t.” We couldn’t have said it better. THE NEXT GENERATION: DRAGONFLY BLACK & DRAGONFLY REDWhile the original DragonFly defined the market for micro-DACs, its USB power draw made it compatible with computers only. Music lovers have craved a more portable version—one that could be reliably used with Apple and Android smartphones and tablets. We’re delighted to present two new options that do just that: DragonFly Black and DragonFly Red. Convenience and performance are no longer mutually exclusive. With DragonFly Black and Red, any computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone can be used as a true high-fidelity music player, allowing music lovers to enjoy beautiful sound wherever they go, whenever they please.AUDIOQUEST, GORDON RANKIN, AND MICROCHIP : A BEAUTIFUL PARTNERSHIPAudioQuest and DragonFly designer Gordon Rankin worked alongside Microchip Technology to develop a new high-performance, full-speed USB microcontroller solution that delivers improved signal-to-noise ratio and significantly lower power consumption. Drawing 77% less current than the previous microcontroller, the new Microchip PIC32MX microcontroller enables true compatibility with Apple and Android smartphones and tablets. Further, we simply cannot overstate the significance of Gordon Rankin’s contributions to AudioQuest. The new DragonFly models embody many of Gordon’s most innovative, creative, and elegant digital-audio solutions to date.IMPROVED 32-BIT DIGITAL PERFORMANCEFor greater overall performance, the new DragonFly models also incorporate improved 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC chips—the 9010 in Black and the higher-performance 9016 in Red—both of which employ minimum-phase filtering for naturally detailed, more authentic sound. While DragonFly Black uses the same high-quality headphone amp and analog volume control found in DragonFly v1.2, DragonFly Red includes the latest ESS headphone amp and a bit-perfect digital volume control that resides on the 9016 DAC chip itself—a sophisticated implementation that ensures maximum fidelity, dynamic contrast, and signal-to-noise ratio. DragonFly Black will output 1.2 volts—enough power to successfully drive all preamplifier input circuits and a wide range of today’s efficient headphones. Meanwhile, with its higher 2.1-volt output, DragonFly Red will be compatible with a wider range of headphones, including power-hungry, low-efficiency models. While the DAC chips we’ve selected are remarkably powerful and sophisticated, we’ve intentionally limited DragonFly Black and DragonFly Red’s processing capabilities to 24-bit/96kHz resolution. This makes using the DragonFlys as simple as it’s always been: they’re fully compatible with PCs without having to download and install new drivers. Most importantly, DragonFly is designed to honor the music you already own and love. Whether you’re listening to Spotify, YouTube, Tidal, ripped CDs, or state-of-the-art high-resolution files, DragonFly will deliver a more emotionally compelling and enjoyable experience.FREE DESKTOP APPLICATION FOR SOFTWARE UPGRADABILITY (FOR DRAGONFLY BLACK AND RED ONLY)In addition, the new DragonFlys will be software upgradeable through a complimentary Windows or OS X desktop application. As new developments arise in music player applications, streaming protocols, or other associated software, DragonFly users will be able to incorporate those updates to their existing devices.ONLY THE BEGINNINGIntroduced to the media at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show, DragonFly Black and DragonFly Red were named “Stars of CES” by What Hi-Fi? Magazine. But this is only the beginning. We look forward to building stronger, more meaningful connections between music enthusiasts and the artists, albums, songs, and videos they love. Our hope is that with DragonFly Black, DragonFly Red, and future AudioQuest digital products, more people than ever before can enjoy beautiful music—wherever they go, whenever they please. Specifications :USB Stick-Sized Digital-to-Analog ConverterPlays all music files: MP3 to high-resCompatible with Apple and Windows PCs, as well as iOS and Android mobile devices (requires Apple Camera Adapter or Made for Android/OTG adaptor)Drives headphones directlyFixed output feeds preamp or AV receiverAsynchronous transfer ensures digital timing integrityMedium output (1.2 volts) drives a wide range of headphones32-bit ESS 9010 DAC with minimum-phase filterAnalog volume control
Launched in 2012, press and public alike have enthusiastically embraced AudioQuest’s multi-award-winning DragonFly USB digital-to-analog converter/preamp/headphone amp as the rare audio product that bridges the gap between die-hard audiophiles and mainstream music lovers. DragonFly plugs into a computer’s USB port to bypass the computer’s compromised audio circuitry and deliver cleaner, clearer, more naturally beautiful sound to headphones, powered speakers, and complete audio systems. Small, affordable, easy to use, and remarkably effective, DragonFly was named Stereophile’s 2012 “Computer Audio Component of the Year” and 2012 “Budget Component of the Year;” Tone Audio’s 2012 “Digital Product of the Year;” Computer Audiophile’s 2012 “Computer Audiophile Product of the Year;” AudioStream’s “Greatest Bits;” and What Hi-Fi?’s 2014 “Product of the Year.” Perhaps most memorably, DigitalAudioReview.net’s John Darko quipped: “A DAC with the DragonFly’s performance at the DragonFly’s price point is as rare as rocking horse sh*t.” We couldn’t have said it better. THE NEXT GENERATION: DRAGONFLY BLACK & DRAGONFLY REDWhile the original DragonFly defined the market for micro-DACs, its USB power draw made it compatible with computers only. Music lovers have craved a more portable version—one that could be reliably used with Apple and Android smartphones and tablets. We’re delighted to present two new options that do just that: DragonFly Black and DragonFly Red. Convenience and performance are no longer mutually exclusive. With DragonFly Black and Red, any computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone can be used as a true high-fidelity music player, allowing music lovers to enjoy beautiful sound wherever they go, whenever they please.AUDIOQUEST, GORDON RANKIN, AND MICROCHIP : A BEAUTIFUL PARTNERSHIPAudioQuest and DragonFly designer Gordon Rankin worked alongside Microchip Technology to develop a new high-performance, full-speed USB microcontroller solution that delivers improved signal-to-noise ratio and significantly lower power consumption. Drawing 77% less current than the previous microcontroller, the new Microchip PIC32MX microcontroller enables true compatibility with Apple and Android smartphones and tablets. Further, we simply cannot overstate the significance of Gordon Rankin’s contributions to AudioQuest. The new DragonFly models embody many of Gordon’s most innovative, creative, and elegant digital-audio solutions to date.IMPROVED 32-BIT DIGITAL PERFORMANCEFor greater overall performance, the new DragonFly models also incorporate improved 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC chips—the 9010 in Black and the higher-performance 9016 in Red—both of which employ minimum-phase filtering for naturally detailed, more authentic sound. While DragonFly Black uses the same high-quality headphone amp and analog volume control found in DragonFly v1.2, DragonFly Red includes the latest ESS headphone amp and a bit-perfect digital volume control that resides on the 9016 DAC chip itself—a sophisticated implementation that ensures maximum fidelity, dynamic contrast, and signal-to-noise ratio. DragonFly Black will output 1.2 volts—enough power to successfully drive all preamplifier input circuits and a wide range of today’s efficient headphones. Meanwhile, with its higher 2.1-volt output, DragonFly Red will be compatible with a wider range of headphones, including power-hungry, low-efficiency models. While the DAC chips we’ve selected are remarkably powerful and sophisticated, we’ve intentionally limited DragonFly Black and DragonFly Red’s processing capabilities to 24-bit/96kHz resolution. This makes using the DragonFlys as simple as it’s always been: they’re fully compatible with PCs without having to download and install new drivers. Most importantly, DragonFly is designed to honor the music you already own and love. Whether you’re listening to Spotify, YouTube, Tidal, ripped CDs, or state-of-the-art high-resolution files, DragonFly will deliver a more emotionally compelling and enjoyable experience.FREE DESKTOP APPLICATION FOR SOFTWARE UPGRADABILITY (FOR DRAGONFLY BLACK AND RED ONLY)In addition, the new DragonFlys will be software upgradeable through a complimentary Windows or OS X desktop application. As new developments arise in music player applications, streaming protocols, or other associated software, DragonFly users will be able to incorporate those updates to their existing devices.ONLY THE BEGINNINGIntroduced to the media at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show, DragonFly Black and DragonFly Red were named “Stars of CES” by What Hi-Fi? Magazine. But this is only the beginning. We look forward to building stronger, more meaningful connections between music enthusiasts and the artists, albums, songs, and videos they love. Our hope is that with DragonFly Black, DragonFly Red, and future AudioQuest digital products, more people than ever before can enjoy beautiful music—wherever they go, whenever they please. Specifications :USB Stick-Sized Digital-to-Analog ConverterPlays all music files: MP3 to high-resCompatible with Apple and Windows PCs, as well as iOS and Android mobile devices (requires Apple Camera Adapter or Made for Android/OTG adaptor)Drives headphones directlyFixed output feeds preamp or AV receiverAsynchronous transfer ensures digital timing integrityHigh output (2.1 volts) drives almost all headphones, including power-hungry models32-bit ESS 9016 DAC with minimum-phase filterBit-perfect digital volume control
Power your headphones. Big style. With maximum output power (32R) around 10 times that of iPhone 6 (285mW vs. 27mW), the nano iDSD Black Label can drive most headphones on the market.From In-Ear-Monitors to mid-size headphones, the nano iDSD BL is able to drive them with ease. Below is more background information on the S-Balanced circuit and iEMatch/Normal outputs. Take your headphones to the max. Uber convenientIt’s small, lightweight and battery powered. You can take the nano iDSD Black Label everywhere you go and it won’t drain your phone’s battery.Just switch on the BL first and then plug in your device. The Lithium Polymer battery gives the nano iDSD Black Label up to 10 hours of non-stop musical enjoyment. It also has a special USB male ‘A’ connector for a direct connection. Use a USB-to-Lightning (Apple) or OTG connector (Android). Or if at home, just use the enclosed USB3.0 cable to connect to a PC. Stream Apple Music/Google Play/Spotify/Tidal/Youtube content from your phone to a whole other level of quality. Add kick-a** sound to your gaming by connecting your console or computer. Master Quality AuthenticatediFi always strives to bring you choice. We’ve added yet another file format to our portfolio in the form of MQA in the new BL. Take TIDAL or your MQA file to a whole new level.MQA is an audio technology developed by Bob Stuart. This technology makes hi-res audio streaming a reality and delivers studio master quality audio to your headphones.An original Master file of up to 384kHz/24Bit which has been encoded in MQA, is transmitted as a 48 kHz/24Bit file. At the end of the chain, whether the decoding and rendering takes place in the same device, or whether the process is split between a software application and a separate DAC, the result will still yield the full, original 384kHz/24BIt file. For mobile DACs with both portability and power considerations, MQA Rendering is the ideal solution as the workload is shared between the host (computer) and the client (DAC). In this case, for a DAC such as the nano iDSD BL, less CPU processing and lower electrical power are needed. This approach for the iFi portable range remains a full end-to-end MQA solution and the listener still enjoys the full benefits of MQA without compromise. High-Res Audio CertifiedThe nano iDSD Black Label is one of the best native highest-resolution DACs you can find, supporting PCM up to 32/384 kHz and DSD up to 256 times the sample rate of a CD, even on Mac OSX* and mobile phones*. It is also certified ‘High-Res Audio’ according to the stringent criteria set down by JEITA and JAS (Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association and Japan Audio Society). Don’t accept low-resolution music!(*firmware upgrade needs to be applied to enable DSD256 on all devices) Perfect your listening pleasureThe nano iDSD Black Label lets you choose between the ‘Listen’ (Minimum Phase Bezier Filter) and ‘Measure’ (Linear Phase Transient Aligned Filter) options. It’s the only portable DAC to give you so much control. Compatible. Like no other.The new headphone amplifier delivers more than double the power of the original nano iDSD into 16 Ohm and over four times the power into high-impedance headphones. Meanwhile, the built-in IEMatch circuit ensures that even extremely sensitive headphones and IEMs are ‘hiss free’ throughout the volume range.The nano iDSD Black Label also includes the S-Balanced wiring system for the headphone outputs, giving the full benefit of balanced outputs when used with headphones and IEMs (fitted with balanced wiring) with low-noise and lower distortion. Even single-ended headphones benefit, as S-Balanced cuts crosstalk in half (without the need to re-wire headphones to benefit). And as always, we use the ultimate components…As is the AMR/iFi DNA, we love to audition and vet new parts as they come onto the market and where possible, use the ultimate components. Whereas some shun internals pictures, we always strive to show ‘what’s under the hood’ as customers like to make informed purchasing decisions based upon sonics and outright ‘sound for the pound’.The nano iDSD Black Label, while very affordable, is packed to the rafters with boutique components. Specifications:Input(rear): USB2.0 type A “OTG” Socket (with iPurifier® technology built-in)Output(rear); 1 x Audio fixed line out L+R 3.5mmDigital Filter: 2 positions, 2 filtersOutputs(front): 2 x Headphone Audio 3.5mm one direct and one with iFi iEMatch® integratedClock: Low-jitter crystal clock Filter–PCM: Listen(transient optimised minimum phase)Amplifier: Dual Mono 2 x 285mW Direct Drive, coupling capacitor free circuit for highest fidelityVolume Control: 3.5mm TRRS with Balanced compatible wiringChannel Separation: > 79dB @ 600Ω Load (Direct)Jitter(correlated): Below test set limitDimensions: 96(l) x 64(w) x 25.5(h)mmWeight: 139g (0.31 Ibs)Warranty period: 12months
Apogee Groove is the best portable USB DAC and headphone amp for listening to music on your Mac or PC. Groove takes the same high quality audio technology found in the world’s most prestigious recording studios and delivers it to your laptop. Connect Groove to your computer’s USB port and your headphones or powered speakers to Groove’s audio output. It’s that easy. Groove’s output provides ample power at any impedance and Apogee’s Constant Current Drive technology makes your headphones sound their best. You’ll be amazed by the difference in sound quality – the precise stereo image, punchy bass and stunningly clear high-hats.For 30 years Apogee has been an innovator and industry leader in digital audio recording. From rock to classical, hip-hop to country, and reggae to jazz, the world’s most successful artists, producers and audio engineers rely on Apogee gear to capture GRAMMY winning recordings. Now, for the first time, Apogee Groove takes this same recording studio technology and makes it available in a simple take-anywhere device dedicated to delivering the ultimate listening experience.Specifications:USB 2.0 connection to Mac and PCUp to 24 bit / 192kHz audioESS Sabre DACEnhances your iTunes, Pandora, Spotify, Tidal or other music listening experienceConstant Current Drive™ provides smooth frequency response with any headphonesQuad Sum DAC™, 4 DACs per channel for highest dynamic range and lowest distortionAsynchronous clockingMulti-color LEDs for status and level indicationPowered by USBTop panel buttons for adjusting volume levelCompact and portable (95mm L x 30mm W x 16mm H)Premium aluminum build qualityBuilt in the USA
Highest quality stereo analog audio up to 384kHz/32bit available on your PC, Mac, Linux computer, iPad or Android tablet. 2.0Vrms line output level, 112dB THD+N. Very low jitter oscillators, asynchronous 2.0 Audio Class USB. Also drives most medium- or high-impedance headphones. Highest value-for-money.Compact size (2x1.4x8.8cm) with hi-end performance hiFace DAC has been conceived to make hi-end equipment performance at hand to budget-conscious audiophiles, without any compromise. One hiFace DAC and a laptop, Mac Mini or even an iPad make for a hi-end music file source at the cost of a middle range digital interconnect.The hiFace DAC includes all necessary features to be the perfect DAC for all kind of hi-fi systems: asynchronous data transfer mode on USB 2.0, compliancy to USB 2.0 Audio Class (no drivers needed for MacOS, IOS, Linux and Android), very low phase noise oscillators and last-generation conversion IC capable of 384kHz and 23 bits.Windows users will enjoy it in Direct Sound, Kernel Streaming, WASAPI and ASIO (depending on the OS version), while Mac users will be able to take advantage from Integer mode and Direct mode. While the hiFace DAC output is purposely designed to give its best with amplifiers’ and preamplifiers’ line level inputs, it may also be used to drive medium- and high-impedance headphones: try it with iPhone’s in-ear headphones.Specifications:Connections: Input 1 x USB A type maleOutput 1 x 3.5mm stereo jack socket I/OStandard: Input USB 2.0 Audio Format, Output stereo analogSampling Frequency 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4khZ, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz Resolution 16 up to 32 bitOutput voltage: 2.0Vrms @10kOhmsFrequency response: 5-22kHz (fs=44.1kHz) - 5-150kHz (fs=384kHz)THD+N: 112dB (@ 1kHz, A-weighted)Dimensions:8.8(d) x 1.4(h) x 2(w) Power Supply:5V DC from USB bus Temperature: 0°C to 70°C Weight: 20gr approx.