[Tato333]

How does the iFi Signature compare to the Naim Uniti Atom music streaming player Headphone Edition? I'm currently considering both, so any recommendations would be very welcome. Thank you very much!

 

[Tato333]

I have thoroughly researched their respective reviews, but have come across none that compares these two models, despite being in a similar price range

 

[iFi audio]

I have thoroughly researched their respective reviews, but have come across none that compares these two models, despite being in a similar price range

I think that this may well be because of a "two different animals" scenario.

To explain I would think most folks believe the NAIM would be an "all-in-one" type solution whereas the iFi would fall more into a DAC/AMP category rather than the former.

Perhaps asking folks about the performance of Amp vs. Amp would be better suited, instead of unit vs. unit. I am sure they are both excellent in terms of this, but if you were looking for an all-in-one unit perhaps in this case the NAIM may be better suited for you.

Cheers!!

 

[Tato333]

I think that this may well be because of a "two different animals" scenario.

To explain I would think most folks believe the NAIM would be an "all-in-one" type solution whereas the iFi would fall more into a DAC/AMP category rather than the former.

Perhaps asking folks about the performance of Amp vs. Amp would be better suited, instead of unit vs. unit. I am sure they are both excellent in terms of this, but if you were looking for an all-in-one unit perhaps in this case the NAIM may be better suited for you.

Cheers!!

Thanks a lot for your reply! Given that the iFi also offers streaming capabilities, I thought it could also be considered as an "all-in-one" solution, but I may be wrong.

Yes, definitely a comparison of the AMP/DAC functionality between both devices (and the music quality, which I guess may vary across different headphones) would be extremely helpful. Has anybody tested them both (or is aware of any online review making the comparison)?

Thanks a lot for any help!

 

[iFi audio]

Thanks a lot for your reply! Given that the iFi also offers streaming capabilities, I thought it could also be considered as an "all-in-one" solution, but I may be wrong.

Yes, definitely a comparison of the AMP/DAC functionality between both devices (and the music quality, which I guess may vary across different headphones) would be extremely helpful. Has anybody tested them both (or is aware of any online review making the comparison)?

Thanks a lot for any help!

You are quite welcome!

I would not consider the iFi a "Streamer" although it does have some functionality in that department I would think The Naim would rule it there. Network steamer functionality yes but not to the level of the NAIM, I use mine with a Zen stream if I am being honest.

Cheers!!

 

[Tato333]

You are quite welcome!

I would not consider the iFi a "Streamer" although it does have some functionality in that department I would think The Naim would rule it there. Network steamer functionality yes but not to the level of the NAIM, I use mine with a Zen stream if I am being honest.

Cheers!!

Thanks a lot for the honest advice!

 

[iFi audio]

Thanks a lot for the honest advice!

Very welcome! Let us know how you make out!

Cheers!!

 

[piguetpolo]

I have to ask, how the heck do you get Airplay to work? I can't even figure out how to get it on the wifi, every instruction and note just glances over it like it's super obvious. I mean, an ethernet cable to the router would probably work, but a cable through the entire living room kinda defeats the purpose.

Ethernet Cable. I ran mine around the edge of the living room with a 33ft cable. The iDSD Pro's wireless reception through the external antenna isn't great especially if your unit is tucked amidst other components.

I choose a wired connection regardless because unless it's a pure apple made product, the wifi radio is usually not so good on most third party product implementation.

Case in point, my AppleTV4K can wirelessly stream 4k movies whilst sitting in a metal entertainment console with the doors closed. My Yamaha receiver is contained in that same console, but can't stream apple music without dropping the signal. Sometimes, it won't even connect, so it's not Apple's fault.

Just save yourself the grief and run a long ethernet cable around the room if you can. You only have to do it once.

 

[piguetpolo]

Thanks a lot for your reply! Given that the iFi also offers streaming capabilities, I thought it could also be considered as an "all-in-one" solution, but I may be wrong.

Yes, definitely a comparison of the AMP/DAC functionality between both devices (and the music quality, which I guess may vary across different headphones) would be extremely helpful. Has anybody tested them both (or is aware of any online review making the comparison)?

Thanks a lot for any help!

It's an all in one solution for me.

Streamer, DAC, upsampler and all those functions supercharged when connected to a 10mhz external clock.

 

[iFi audio]

It's an all in one solution for me.

Streamer, DAC, upsampler and all those functions supercharged when connected to a 10mhz external clock.

If you wouldn't mind sharing your streaming use case with @Tato333, perhaps your uses are better than mine and may help him out in his decision-making!

Thanks in advance!

Cheers!!

 

[Feischmaker]

Hi, I am interested in getting idsd signature primarily as a dac (and sometimes as AIO), i have couple questions (if any of these has been answered in previous pages, i am sorry)

1. If i play music file (i.e. redbook) via usb drive/micro sd, can i still resample it internally to DSD 1024?

2. Does the tube mode has any impact to sound outputted via balanced/unbalanced analogue output (to external amp), or is it only impacting sound via its internal amp?

3. any comparison in sq of its analogue output (rca vs xlr, any noticeable differences)?

4. How's its 4.4mm output in handling IEMs? any hiss?

Thank you so much.

 

[piguetpolo]

If you wouldn't mind sharing your streaming use case with @Tato333, perhaps your uses are better than mine and may help him out in his decision-making!

Thanks in advance!

Cheers!!

How does the iFi Signature compare to the Naim Uniti Atom music streaming player Headphone Edition? I'm currently considering both, so any recommendations would be very welcome. Thank you very much!

@Tato333 I haven't listened to the Naim Uniti Atom compared to the iFi iDSD pro thus I can't give the sound signatures of one compared to the other. I also don't listen through headphones, only speakers.

What I can say: It's likely the Naim is going to smoother and more organic and cleaner on the account of it's integrated toroidal linear power supply. The iDSD Pro Signature includes an upmarket Switch Mode Power Supply which is clean and works well… but when I use my aftermarket 15v Stack Audio toroidal linear power supply, the sound is noticeably more to my liking.

The iDSD Pro is very flexible in terms of sound. I run the Tube stage and DXD705 and it's got a sweet analog sound that smooths out the rough edges. I also run a 10mhz clock input and that make a world of difference in accuracy.

Hope that helps.

 

[piguetpolo]

Hi, I am interested in getting idsd signature primarily as a dac (and sometimes as AIO), i have couple questions (if any of these has been answered in previous pages, i am sorry)

1. If i play music file (i.e. redbook) via usb drive/micro sd, can i still resample it internally to DSD 1024?

2. Does the tube mode has any impact to sound outputted via balanced/unbalanced analogue output (to external amp), or is it only impacting sound via its internal amp?

3. any comparison in sq of its analogue output (rca vs xlr, any noticeable differences)?

4. How's its 4.4mm output in handling IEMs? any hiss?

Thank you so much.

1. Yes it can resample. But just don't use the SD/External USB. The App is weak and the function just isn't there to control or organize the files, and you will be very frustrated.
2. Yes, the tubes are at the preamp stage and affects internal and external outputs.

Can't answer 3 and 4 as I'm a speaker only listener and run RCA outputs.

 

[Tato333]

@Tato333 I haven't listened to the Naim Uniti Atom compared to the iFi iDSD pro thus I can't give the sound signatures of one compared to the other. I also don't listen through headphones, only speakers.

What I can say: It's likely the Naim is going to smoother and more organic and cleaner on the account of it's integrated toroidal linear power supply. The iDSD Pro Signature includes an upmarket Switch Mode Power Supply which is clean and works well… but when I use my aftermarket 15v Stack Audio toroidal linear power supply, the sound is noticeably more to my liking.

The iDSD Pro is very flexible in terms of sound. I run the Tube stage and DXD705 and it's got a sweet analog sound that smooths out the rough edges. I also run a 10mhz clock input and that make a world of difference in accuracy.

Hope that helps.

Thanks a lot. Yes, this is useful!

All the best!

 

[Audiofiend1]

Well you will need a DAC of some sort to use it. If you have a Micro iDSD, you could use that as your DAC into the Pro iCAN with no issues.

I got the Ican, how do i connect my micro idsd up to it correctly?