Reviews by MLGrado
EuphonicReview.com
My background is in music. Yes, a bland and generic statement, yet it indeed is true. Though I have no poetic inspiration that inspires great prose to roll off my tongue like a Greek master, nonetheless, it is true that I studied Classical Music on the dollar of University of Tennessee. One of the things you get to do as a 'music major' is Ear Training. What a beautiful course, and I wish all college courses were the same. If you master the material early, you get your 'A' and never go back to that class again. In fact, you may enroll into the higher levels, and before you know it, you have 2 years of credit in a month.
Yeah, I was one of those kids. I passed first semester Ear Training in a single week. I have always had the ear for the subtleties in music. One of the more basic exercises is a simple tuning test. The subject must listen to a series of pitches all within a few 'cents' of each other, and must match them exactly with no assistance. Only your ear can be your tool.
No problem.
How that helps me as an audio technology critic, I am not sure. My hope however is my ear is just as attuned in this task as it was there many years ago in the Ear Training Lab. Readers can be the judge of that. But for now, let me be the judge of the subject of this entry. The iFi ZEN DAC V2.
iFi Audio, a part of AMR Audio, has offered budget but excellent sounding technology since 2012. The first product to the market was the semi-portable iDAC. It was based on ESS technology, and received decent reviews in the audio press. iFi continued to build on their early success, finding a popular niche in the portable and 'head-fi' scenes. Interest in what this company was doing is how I became interested and involved in the 'head-fi' scene.
iFi, at that time under the technical leadership of Thorsten Loesch of DIY fame, left behind the ESS 'ready made' reference standard, in favor of the Burr-Brown/Texas Instruments DSD1793 chip, which would become the backbone of iFi tech. iFi pushed the limits and continues to push the DSD1793 beyond what its original Japanese engineers ever considered possible.
One of the more appealing aspects of the chipset is it has a separate logic that processes DSD in its native format, bypassing the onboard Delta-Sigma Modulator. Many would consider this 'pure' or 'native' DSD processing, as the DAC output 'switches' groups of resistors to act as a Moving Average FIR filter with only 8 clock cycles/bits of delay for the taps. It is an excellent choice for DSD playback, as well as PCM via its own unique process. Click here for my in depth explanation why this chip was chosen by iFi.
Internal to the ZEN DAC V2, the DSD1793 shines, although in this case it has limited features as compared to some other iFi products. In higher end iFi hardware, the chip can process Double DXD over 700khz, and DSD up to 1024fs. NOT HERE though. This ZEN V2 is limited to 1x DXD at 352.4 and 384khz, and DSD at 256fs. (click here for more info on the venerable chipset)
So how does the iFi ZEN DAC V2 stack up to its peers? After a thorough review, it acquits itself quite well.
Compared to other iFi offerings, this is quite a simple DAC to operate. Install the necessary software if you have a PC, plug in the DAC, and voila! Macintosh is simply plug-in-play, however DSD must be transmitted via DoP. Although Roon doesn't recognize the iFi ZEN DAC V2 as ROON READY, Roon spots the DAC and you can configure it as a USB device via the Roon control panel very easily. (Want true ROON READY ethernet/wifi connectivity? The iFi Stream is easily added and is the subject of an upcoming review)
Once you have decided how you will deliver sound to the DAC, it is easy pickin's. Every software I have thrown at it from Roon to Jriver and Audirvana to Foobar, comes accross without a hitch.
The ZEN DAC V2 can be used as a standalone DAC with analog volume control. In this case, there is a switch on the back that toggles the output from 'VARIABLE' to 'FIXED'. Variable mode with volume control at maximum will produce a higher voltage output than fixed mode, and can allow one to bypass any extra preamplifier in favor of a direct amplifier connection. None of my tests were conducted this way. All were conducted in fixed mode.
The front headphone output is always variable regardless of the switch on back. Also, iFi is kind enough to take any guesswork on what the gain need be via headphone output. It has a 'POWER MATCH' button on the far left of the front panel. This is a necessity for allowing compatibility with different headphones. My test reference Sennheiser HD650 were underpowered with the power match turned off. A push of the switch and all was well. No longer did volume need to be at 100 percent for average listening levels. Now I can listen at average to high levels with the volume dial around 40 to 50 percent.
Headphone outputs come in two forms. The 1/4 inch single ended headphone output, as well as a 4.4mm fully balanced Pentaconn output. Pentaconn output is also available on the back, allowing a short jumper cable to attach to other Pentaconn devices such as the ZEN CAN headphone amplifier. Standard RCA stereo terminations are included if you do not have a Pentaconn device, although there are several aftermarket solutions that breakout standard XLR pin L/R terminations from a single Pentaconn connector.
One final feature found on the front panel is a 'TRUEBASS' button. True to its word, it gives a noteworthy boost in bass frequencies, however, this boost is only applicable to the headphone outputs. The amount of boost offered is visible in our MEASUREMENTS SECTION, below article.
Power for the iFi ZEN DAC V2 comes from the 5v bus on the USB input. However, also supplied is an external switching supply that is said to provide better performance. I noted no measurable difference; however it is admitted that measurements only tell part of the story. The human auditory system is very complex and not completely understood. It is possible one may find a subjective listening advantage. For disclosure all my tests were conducted using a iFi iPower 5v external switching supply.
Now came the time for some listening. The listening notes you read below come via a HP all-in-one PC running Roon. I am evaluating the DAC with its own headamp, while Sennheiser HD650 headphones are the listening transducer of choice.
I opened Roon and queued up a few of my reference tracks to see what this budget powerhouse can do. First up was the Allegro from Sibelius Violin Concerto in D minor op. 71. Performed by Akiko Suwanai in 2002 with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Sakari Oramo, it is recorded in native DSD64 by the impeccable Polyhymnia team and is part of the Philips Classics Decca library. A good DAC can transport one into another world with this recording. It can be a transcendent experience that defies the mundane daily routine.
What strikes first is the excellent tonality. The violin sounds like a violin. The overtones send shivers down the spine, and there is nothing that sounds clinical here. It 'rings' and I mean ring in a good way. I call it 'ear candy', and I could get lost in this beautifully musical presentation for hours on end. It is not the most detailed presentation of this recording, yet nothing seems missing while you are in another world of musical bliss. Criticisms are small, and considering the price of this kit, more nitpicky than anything. The overall orchestral soundstage is slightly congested with tones that can sometimes be a bit wooly. The brass section on the other hand, is powerfully dynamic and beautiful. Brass comes across as powerful and low distortion, and the tight intonation of the BSO players is done no injustice. Rather the effect sends goosebumps running down my arms. Backgrounds are quite black, and there is aways a good sense of the recording space. We are off to a great start with this little DAC that can.
Next up on my listening chart was "Ballads for Audiophiles" performed by Aldo Zunino, Alfred Kramer, Paolo Birro, and Scott Hamilton. The album was recorded at the Hotel II Castello – Palazzo di Scoto di Semifonte in Stereo DSD64 on the Pyramix Recorder using a DCS ADC for the Fone label. I cued up the track "Everything Happens to Me". As a concert pianist, I appreciate when the recording engineer gets the piano just right, and it is very right here. The sonority and the decay is captured perfectly, and the ZEN DAC V2 doesn't shortchange anything. The placement of the piano in the mix is slightly behind and to the left, and once again the ZEN is powerful enough to call attention to the small details that can fool us into thinking we are right there in the room with the players. It makes all the difference in the listening experience. Lesser DACs can make a saxophone sound 'honky' and somewhat indistinguishable from a few other reed instruments, but here, the ZEN DAC V2 nails the tone and sonority. Fine detail is present to complete the illusion. Every breath and keypress is there to help create the 'live' illusion. The drums present with no unnatural distortion or harshness. Cymbals have a natural tonality. The bass line is very good, but can get a bit wooly and indistinct at times. Overall, the presentation of this piece is very, very nice and quite frankly for the money, may be hard to beat.
No review is complete of this DAC without mentioning it is a full MQA decoder and renderer. The next demo I queued up was from Tidal Masters. "Blues from Before" on the album "Four" performed by Bill Frisell. WOW what a sound. I know the arguments about MQA, and it has its lovers and haters. All I know is, it sounds GREAT. I don't know why, (actually I have my reasonable suspicions) but it is just good listening! The iFi ZEN DAC V2 brings outstanding MQA playback to this entry level price bracket. Guitar is captured with outstanding tone and nuance, while drums sound realistic and live, with excellent depth and layering. The distinct 'bell like' tone of the clarinet is captured and reproduced commendably here. Things sound just right, and there is excellent 'space' for all instruments to 'breath' and interact.
Having heard quite a few DAC/headamps in this price range, I have yet to hear anything exceed the iFi ZEN DAC V2 for under $200. Of course I have not heard every DAC in this price range, but I am confident that if you are looking for an entry into real hi-fi and have a smaller budget, or just don't think the incremental improvements that come with higher priced kit are worth it, the ZEN DAC V2 is a DAC for you. How it might compare to the newer Signature edition I do not know. What I do know is you cannot go wrong with this excellent DAC/headphone amp. However, if your primary use is with headphones, stick with phones that are reasonably powered. Some of the more power hungry cans out there will need a separate, more powerful headamp, such as the matching ZEN CAN, currently under review.
CLICK here for factory specs.
our lab measurements: (please note that graphs are at bottom of article)
DAC measurements:
Frequency response (from 40 Hz to 15 kHz), dB+0.02, -0.18
Noise level, dB (A)-114.1
Dynamic range, dB (A)114.2
THD, %0.00205
THD + Noise, dB (A)-90.9
IMD + Noise, %0.0024
Stereo crosstalk, dB-95.5
IMD at 10 kHz, %0.00226
Headphone amp measurements:
Frequency response (from 40 Hz to 15 kHz), dB+0.03, -0.32
Noise level, dB (A)-94.9
Dynamic range, dB (A)94.8
THD, %0.01807
THD + Noise, dB (A)-71.7
IMD + Noise, %0.015
Stereo crosstalk, dB-78.1
IMD at 10 kHz, %0.010
The iFi ZEN DAC V2 has right at 19 bits of resolution.
All PCM rates below 352.8 khz are oversampled with a FIR Linear Phase filter with sharp rolloff.
**Of interest is the original ZEN DAC could receive a firmware update that enabled the iFi 'GTO' filter. The GTO filter is a very short linear phase FIR filter with small amounts of pre and post ringing, slow rolloff and less image rejection above Nyquist. As far as the iFi ZEN DAC V2 is concerned, I cannot find any confirming data saying it can be updated to use the GTO filter.**
The iFi ZEN DAC V2 frequency response is flat impressively flat.
Channel Balance is absolutely superb via both single ended RCA and balanced Pentaconn outputs. Via headphone output, Left and Right channels have a slight imbalance of less that half a decibel across entire frequency range. In practice this should not be of any notable detriment.
BASS BOOST, an analog process that preserves bit-perfect integrity of the digital signal, provides a healthy if not hefty boost to frequencies from approximate 200 hz extending downward into the infrasonic, with what appears to be about a 10db gain at 20hz.
Jitter is well controlled here. iFi/AMR has always used a buffer system and a reclocker to reduce jitter, and that process has seen considerable improvement as their products have evolved. LSB harmonics at 16 bit are very close to expected levels, and the noise floor at both 16 and 24 bit is very clean, free of PSU sidebands, hash, or idle tones.
In the graphs shown below is the filter response curve at 44.1 khz and 96khz.
Not shown is the imaging test conducted at 44.1 khz. A single 19khz tone at 0db intensity will image a tone at 25.1 khz, above the Nyquist cutoff. The 25.1 khz aliased image was suppressed by over 90db.
The iFi ZEN DAC V2 measures well. All our tests came back close to the specifications advertised by iFi. Jitter rejection is especially impressive here.
Again, highly recommended DAC/headamp at this price, and should be making a few more expensive DAC/headamps sweat it out.
OUR RATING: (0-10 scale. 8 or higher numbers represent best of industry. For the final score calculation, each category is given a (undisclosed) weighting and is tallied for final score. Although perfect 'fairness' is unlikely, our system tries to be as unbiased as possible.
sound quality: 8.0
build quality: 9.0
ease of use: 9.5
measurements: 8.0
value: 10.0
TOTAL RATING: 86.5/ 100
BASS BOOST w/ZOOM
Spectrum of 1 khz at 0db 20bit dither
44.1 khz Impulse Response Linear Phase Filter
J-TEST 16 bit 44.1 khz harmonics correct level
J-TEST 24 bit 44.1 khz
44.1 khz filter response
96 khz filter response
My background is in music. Yes, a bland and generic statement, yet it indeed is true. Though I have no poetic inspiration that inspires great prose to roll off my tongue like a Greek master, nonetheless, it is true that I studied Classical Music on the dollar of University of Tennessee. One of the things you get to do as a 'music major' is Ear Training. What a beautiful course, and I wish all college courses were the same. If you master the material early, you get your 'A' and never go back to that class again. In fact, you may enroll into the higher levels, and before you know it, you have 2 years of credit in a month.
Yeah, I was one of those kids. I passed first semester Ear Training in a single week. I have always had the ear for the subtleties in music. One of the more basic exercises is a simple tuning test. The subject must listen to a series of pitches all within a few 'cents' of each other, and must match them exactly with no assistance. Only your ear can be your tool.
No problem.
How that helps me as an audio technology critic, I am not sure. My hope however is my ear is just as attuned in this task as it was there many years ago in the Ear Training Lab. Readers can be the judge of that. But for now, let me be the judge of the subject of this entry. The iFi ZEN DAC V2.
iFi Audio, a part of AMR Audio, has offered budget but excellent sounding technology since 2012. The first product to the market was the semi-portable iDAC. It was based on ESS technology, and received decent reviews in the audio press. iFi continued to build on their early success, finding a popular niche in the portable and 'head-fi' scenes. Interest in what this company was doing is how I became interested and involved in the 'head-fi' scene.
iFi, at that time under the technical leadership of Thorsten Loesch of DIY fame, left behind the ESS 'ready made' reference standard, in favor of the Burr-Brown/Texas Instruments DSD1793 chip, which would become the backbone of iFi tech. iFi pushed the limits and continues to push the DSD1793 beyond what its original Japanese engineers ever considered possible.
One of the more appealing aspects of the chipset is it has a separate logic that processes DSD in its native format, bypassing the onboard Delta-Sigma Modulator. Many would consider this 'pure' or 'native' DSD processing, as the DAC output 'switches' groups of resistors to act as a Moving Average FIR filter with only 8 clock cycles/bits of delay for the taps. It is an excellent choice for DSD playback, as well as PCM via its own unique process. Click here for my in depth explanation why this chip was chosen by iFi.
Internal to the ZEN DAC V2, the DSD1793 shines, although in this case it has limited features as compared to some other iFi products. In higher end iFi hardware, the chip can process Double DXD over 700khz, and DSD up to 1024fs. NOT HERE though. This ZEN V2 is limited to 1x DXD at 352.4 and 384khz, and DSD at 256fs. (click here for more info on the venerable chipset)
So how does the iFi ZEN DAC V2 stack up to its peers? After a thorough review, it acquits itself quite well.
Compared to other iFi offerings, this is quite a simple DAC to operate. Install the necessary software if you have a PC, plug in the DAC, and voila! Macintosh is simply plug-in-play, however DSD must be transmitted via DoP. Although Roon doesn't recognize the iFi ZEN DAC V2 as ROON READY, Roon spots the DAC and you can configure it as a USB device via the Roon control panel very easily. (Want true ROON READY ethernet/wifi connectivity? The iFi Stream is easily added and is the subject of an upcoming review)
Once you have decided how you will deliver sound to the DAC, it is easy pickin's. Every software I have thrown at it from Roon to Jriver and Audirvana to Foobar, comes accross without a hitch.
The ZEN DAC V2 can be used as a standalone DAC with analog volume control. In this case, there is a switch on the back that toggles the output from 'VARIABLE' to 'FIXED'. Variable mode with volume control at maximum will produce a higher voltage output than fixed mode, and can allow one to bypass any extra preamplifier in favor of a direct amplifier connection. None of my tests were conducted this way. All were conducted in fixed mode.
The front headphone output is always variable regardless of the switch on back. Also, iFi is kind enough to take any guesswork on what the gain need be via headphone output. It has a 'POWER MATCH' button on the far left of the front panel. This is a necessity for allowing compatibility with different headphones. My test reference Sennheiser HD650 were underpowered with the power match turned off. A push of the switch and all was well. No longer did volume need to be at 100 percent for average listening levels. Now I can listen at average to high levels with the volume dial around 40 to 50 percent.
Headphone outputs come in two forms. The 1/4 inch single ended headphone output, as well as a 4.4mm fully balanced Pentaconn output. Pentaconn output is also available on the back, allowing a short jumper cable to attach to other Pentaconn devices such as the ZEN CAN headphone amplifier. Standard RCA stereo terminations are included if you do not have a Pentaconn device, although there are several aftermarket solutions that breakout standard XLR pin L/R terminations from a single Pentaconn connector.
One final feature found on the front panel is a 'TRUEBASS' button. True to its word, it gives a noteworthy boost in bass frequencies, however, this boost is only applicable to the headphone outputs. The amount of boost offered is visible in our MEASUREMENTS SECTION, below article.
Power for the iFi ZEN DAC V2 comes from the 5v bus on the USB input. However, also supplied is an external switching supply that is said to provide better performance. I noted no measurable difference; however it is admitted that measurements only tell part of the story. The human auditory system is very complex and not completely understood. It is possible one may find a subjective listening advantage. For disclosure all my tests were conducted using a iFi iPower 5v external switching supply.
Now came the time for some listening. The listening notes you read below come via a HP all-in-one PC running Roon. I am evaluating the DAC with its own headamp, while Sennheiser HD650 headphones are the listening transducer of choice.
I opened Roon and queued up a few of my reference tracks to see what this budget powerhouse can do. First up was the Allegro from Sibelius Violin Concerto in D minor op. 71. Performed by Akiko Suwanai in 2002 with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Sakari Oramo, it is recorded in native DSD64 by the impeccable Polyhymnia team and is part of the Philips Classics Decca library. A good DAC can transport one into another world with this recording. It can be a transcendent experience that defies the mundane daily routine.
What strikes first is the excellent tonality. The violin sounds like a violin. The overtones send shivers down the spine, and there is nothing that sounds clinical here. It 'rings' and I mean ring in a good way. I call it 'ear candy', and I could get lost in this beautifully musical presentation for hours on end. It is not the most detailed presentation of this recording, yet nothing seems missing while you are in another world of musical bliss. Criticisms are small, and considering the price of this kit, more nitpicky than anything. The overall orchestral soundstage is slightly congested with tones that can sometimes be a bit wooly. The brass section on the other hand, is powerfully dynamic and beautiful. Brass comes across as powerful and low distortion, and the tight intonation of the BSO players is done no injustice. Rather the effect sends goosebumps running down my arms. Backgrounds are quite black, and there is aways a good sense of the recording space. We are off to a great start with this little DAC that can.
Next up on my listening chart was "Ballads for Audiophiles" performed by Aldo Zunino, Alfred Kramer, Paolo Birro, and Scott Hamilton. The album was recorded at the Hotel II Castello – Palazzo di Scoto di Semifonte in Stereo DSD64 on the Pyramix Recorder using a DCS ADC for the Fone label. I cued up the track "Everything Happens to Me". As a concert pianist, I appreciate when the recording engineer gets the piano just right, and it is very right here. The sonority and the decay is captured perfectly, and the ZEN DAC V2 doesn't shortchange anything. The placement of the piano in the mix is slightly behind and to the left, and once again the ZEN is powerful enough to call attention to the small details that can fool us into thinking we are right there in the room with the players. It makes all the difference in the listening experience. Lesser DACs can make a saxophone sound 'honky' and somewhat indistinguishable from a few other reed instruments, but here, the ZEN DAC V2 nails the tone and sonority. Fine detail is present to complete the illusion. Every breath and keypress is there to help create the 'live' illusion. The drums present with no unnatural distortion or harshness. Cymbals have a natural tonality. The bass line is very good, but can get a bit wooly and indistinct at times. Overall, the presentation of this piece is very, very nice and quite frankly for the money, may be hard to beat.
No review is complete of this DAC without mentioning it is a full MQA decoder and renderer. The next demo I queued up was from Tidal Masters. "Blues from Before" on the album "Four" performed by Bill Frisell. WOW what a sound. I know the arguments about MQA, and it has its lovers and haters. All I know is, it sounds GREAT. I don't know why, (actually I have my reasonable suspicions) but it is just good listening! The iFi ZEN DAC V2 brings outstanding MQA playback to this entry level price bracket. Guitar is captured with outstanding tone and nuance, while drums sound realistic and live, with excellent depth and layering. The distinct 'bell like' tone of the clarinet is captured and reproduced commendably here. Things sound just right, and there is excellent 'space' for all instruments to 'breath' and interact.
Having heard quite a few DAC/headamps in this price range, I have yet to hear anything exceed the iFi ZEN DAC V2 for under $200. Of course I have not heard every DAC in this price range, but I am confident that if you are looking for an entry into real hi-fi and have a smaller budget, or just don't think the incremental improvements that come with higher priced kit are worth it, the ZEN DAC V2 is a DAC for you. How it might compare to the newer Signature edition I do not know. What I do know is you cannot go wrong with this excellent DAC/headphone amp. However, if your primary use is with headphones, stick with phones that are reasonably powered. Some of the more power hungry cans out there will need a separate, more powerful headamp, such as the matching ZEN CAN, currently under review.
CLICK here for factory specs.
our lab measurements: (please note that graphs are at bottom of article)
DAC measurements:
Frequency response (from 40 Hz to 15 kHz), dB+0.02, -0.18
Noise level, dB (A)-114.1
Dynamic range, dB (A)114.2
THD, %0.00205
THD + Noise, dB (A)-90.9
IMD + Noise, %0.0024
Stereo crosstalk, dB-95.5
IMD at 10 kHz, %0.00226
Headphone amp measurements:
Frequency response (from 40 Hz to 15 kHz), dB+0.03, -0.32
Noise level, dB (A)-94.9
Dynamic range, dB (A)94.8
THD, %0.01807
THD + Noise, dB (A)-71.7
IMD + Noise, %0.015
Stereo crosstalk, dB-78.1
IMD at 10 kHz, %0.010
The iFi ZEN DAC V2 has right at 19 bits of resolution.
All PCM rates below 352.8 khz are oversampled with a FIR Linear Phase filter with sharp rolloff.
**Of interest is the original ZEN DAC could receive a firmware update that enabled the iFi 'GTO' filter. The GTO filter is a very short linear phase FIR filter with small amounts of pre and post ringing, slow rolloff and less image rejection above Nyquist. As far as the iFi ZEN DAC V2 is concerned, I cannot find any confirming data saying it can be updated to use the GTO filter.**
The iFi ZEN DAC V2 frequency response is flat impressively flat.
Channel Balance is absolutely superb via both single ended RCA and balanced Pentaconn outputs. Via headphone output, Left and Right channels have a slight imbalance of less that half a decibel across entire frequency range. In practice this should not be of any notable detriment.
BASS BOOST, an analog process that preserves bit-perfect integrity of the digital signal, provides a healthy if not hefty boost to frequencies from approximate 200 hz extending downward into the infrasonic, with what appears to be about a 10db gain at 20hz.
Jitter is well controlled here. iFi/AMR has always used a buffer system and a reclocker to reduce jitter, and that process has seen considerable improvement as their products have evolved. LSB harmonics at 16 bit are very close to expected levels, and the noise floor at both 16 and 24 bit is very clean, free of PSU sidebands, hash, or idle tones.
In the graphs shown below is the filter response curve at 44.1 khz and 96khz.
Not shown is the imaging test conducted at 44.1 khz. A single 19khz tone at 0db intensity will image a tone at 25.1 khz, above the Nyquist cutoff. The 25.1 khz aliased image was suppressed by over 90db.
The iFi ZEN DAC V2 measures well. All our tests came back close to the specifications advertised by iFi. Jitter rejection is especially impressive here.
Again, highly recommended DAC/headamp at this price, and should be making a few more expensive DAC/headamps sweat it out.
OUR RATING: (0-10 scale. 8 or higher numbers represent best of industry. For the final score calculation, each category is given a (undisclosed) weighting and is tallied for final score. Although perfect 'fairness' is unlikely, our system tries to be as unbiased as possible.
sound quality: 8.0
build quality: 9.0
ease of use: 9.5
measurements: 8.0
value: 10.0
TOTAL RATING: 86.5/ 100
DAC Frequency Response 24/96 
Noise 
HEADPHONE 4.4 OUT Frequency Response (44.1khz) 
Headphone Out with BASS BOOST |
BASS BOOST w/ZOOM
Spectrum of 1 khz at 0db 20bit dither
44.1 khz Impulse Response Linear Phase Filter
J-TEST 16 bit 44.1 khz harmonics correct level
J-TEST 24 bit 44.1 khz
44.1 khz filter response
96 khz filter response
EuphonicReview.com
My background is in music. Yes, a bland and generic statement, yet it indeed is true. Though I have no poetic inspiration that inspires great prose to roll off my tongue like a Greek master, nonetheless, it is true that I studied Classical Music on the dollar of University of Tennessee. One of the things you get to do as a 'music major' is Ear Training. What a beautiful course, and I wish all college courses were the same. If you master the material early, you get your 'A' and never go back to that class again. In fact, you may enroll into the higher levels, and before you know it, you have 2 years of credit in a month.
Yeah, I was one of those kids. I passed first semester Ear Training in a single week. I have always had the ear for the subtleties in music. One of the more basic exercises is a simple tuning test. The subject must listen to a series of pitches all within a few 'cents' of each other, and must match them exactly with no assistance. Only your ear can be your tool.
No problem.
How that helps me as an audio technology critic, I am not sure. My hope however is my ear is just as attuned in this task as it was there many years ago in the Ear Training Lab. Readers can be the judge of that. But for now, let me be the judge of the subject of this entry. The iFi ZEN DAC V2.
iFi Audio, a part of AMR Audio, has offered budget but excellent sounding technology since 2012. The first product to the market was the semi-portable iDAC. It was based on ESS technology, and received decent reviews in the audio press. iFi continued to build on their early success, finding a popular niche in the portable and 'head-fi' scenes. Interest in what this company was doing is how I became interested and involved in the 'head-fi' scene.
iFi, at that time under the technical leadership of Thorsten Loesch of DIY fame, left behind the ESS 'ready made' reference standard, in favor of the Burr-Brown/Texas Instruments DSD1793 chip, which would become the backbone of iFi tech. iFi pushed the limits and continues to push the DSD1793 beyond what its original Japanese engineers ever considered possible.
One of the more appealing aspects of the chipset is it has a separate logic that processes DSD in its native format, bypassing the onboard Delta-Sigma Modulator. Many would consider this 'pure' or 'native' DSD processing, as the DAC output 'switches' groups of resistors to act as a Moving Average FIR filter with only 8 clock cycles/bits of delay for the taps. It is an excellent choice for DSD playback, as well as PCM via its own unique process. Click here for my in depth explanation why this chip was chosen by iFi.
Internal to the ZEN DAC V2, the DSD1793 shines, although in this case it has limited features as compared to some other iFi products. In higher end iFi hardware, the chip can process Double DXD over 700khz, and DSD up to 1024fs. NOT HERE though. This ZEN V2 is limited to 1x DXD at 352.4 and 384khz, and DSD at 256fs. (click here for more info on the venerable chipset)
So how does the iFi ZEN DAC V2 stack up to its peers? After a thorough review, it acquits itself quite well.
Compared to other iFi offerings, this is quite a simple DAC to operate. Install the necessary software if you have a PC, plug in the DAC, and voila! Macintosh is simply plug-in-play, however DSD must be transmitted via DoP. Although Roon doesn't recognize the iFi ZEN DAC V2 as ROON READY, Roon spots the DAC and you can configure it as a USB device via the Roon control panel very easily. (Want true ROON READY ethernet/wifi connectivity? The iFi Stream is easily added and is the subject of an upcoming review)
Once you have decided how you will deliver sound to the DAC, it is easy pickin's. Every software I have thrown at it from Roon to Jriver and Audirvana to Foobar, comes accross without a hitch.
The ZEN DAC V2 can be used as a standalone DAC with analog volume control. In this case, there is a switch on the back that toggles the output from 'VARIABLE' to 'FIXED'. Variable mode with volume control at maximum will produce a higher voltage output than fixed mode, and can allow one to bypass any extra preamplifier in favor of a direct amplifier connection. None of my tests were conducted this way. All were conducted in fixed mode.
The front headphone output is always variable regardless of the switch on back. Also, iFi is kind enough to take any guesswork on what the gain need be via headphone output. It has a 'POWER MATCH' button on the far left of the front panel. This is a necessity for allowing compatibility with different headphones. My test reference Sennheiser HD650 were underpowered with the power match turned off. A push of the switch and all was well. No longer did volume need to be at 100 percent for average listening levels. Now I can listen at average to high levels with the volume dial around 40 to 50 percent.
Headphone outputs come in two forms. The 1/4 inch single ended headphone output, as well as a 4.4mm fully balanced Pentaconn output. Pentaconn output is also available on the back, allowing a short jumper cable to attach to other Pentaconn devices such as the ZEN CAN headphone amplifier. Standard RCA stereo terminations are included if you do not have a Pentaconn device, although there are several aftermarket solutions that breakout standard XLR pin L/R terminations from a single Pentaconn connector.
One final feature found on the front panel is a 'TRUEBASS' button. True to its word, it gives a noteworthy boost in bass frequencies, however, this boost is only applicable to the headphone outputs. The amount of boost offered is visible in our MEASUREMENTS SECTION, below article.
Power for the iFi ZEN DAC V2 comes from the 5v bus on the USB input. However, also supplied is an external switching supply that is said to provide better performance. I noted no measurable difference; however it is admitted that measurements only tell part of the story. The human auditory system is very complex and not completely understood. It is possible one may find a subjective listening advantage. For disclosure all my tests were conducted using a iFi iPower 5v external switching supply.
Now came the time for some listening. The listening notes you read below come via a HP all-in-one PC running Roon. I am evaluating the DAC with its own headamp, while Sennheiser HD650 headphones are the listening transducer of choice.
I opened Roon and queued up a few of my reference tracks to see what this budget powerhouse can do. First up was the Allegro from Sibelius Violin Concerto in D minor op. 71. Performed by Akiko Suwanai in 2002 with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Sakari Oramo, it is recorded in native DSD64 by the impeccable Polyhymnia team and is part of the Philips Classics Decca library. A good DAC can transport one into another world with this recording. It can be a transcendent experience that defies the mundane daily routine.
What strikes first is the excellent tonality. The violin sounds like a violin. The overtones send shivers down the spine, and there is nothing that sounds clinical here. It 'rings' and I mean ring in a good way. I call it 'ear candy', and I could get lost in this beautifully musical presentation for hours on end. It is not the most detailed presentation of this recording, yet nothing seems missing while you are in another world of musical bliss. Criticisms are small, and considering the price of this kit, more nitpicky than anything. The overall orchestral soundstage is slightly congested with tones that can sometimes be a bit wooly. The brass section on the other hand, is powerfully dynamic and beautiful. Brass comes across as powerful and low distortion, and the tight intonation of the BSO players is done no injustice. Rather the effect sends goosebumps running down my arms. Backgrounds are quite black, and there is aways a good sense of the recording space. We are off to a great start with this little DAC that can.
Next up on my listening chart was "Ballads for Audiophiles" performed by Aldo Zunino, Alfred Kramer, Paolo Birro, and Scott Hamilton. The album was recorded at the Hotel II Castello – Palazzo di Scoto di Semifonte in Stereo DSD64 on the Pyramix Recorder using a DCS ADC for the Fone label. I cued up the track "Everything Happens to Me". As a concert pianist, I appreciate when the recording engineer gets the piano just right, and it is very right here. The sonority and the decay is captured perfectly, and the ZEN DAC V2 doesn't shortchange anything. The placement of the piano in the mix is slightly behind and to the left, and once again the ZEN is powerful enough to call attention to the small details that can fool us into thinking we are right there in the room with the players. It makes all the difference in the listening experience. Lesser DACs can make a saxophone sound 'honky' and somewhat indistinguishable from a few other reed instruments, but here, the ZEN DAC V2 nails the tone and sonority. Fine detail is present to complete the illusion. Every breath and keypress is there to help create the 'live' illusion. The drums present with no unnatural distortion or harshness. Cymbals have a natural tonality. The bass line is very good, but can get a bit wooly and indistinct at times. Overall, the presentation of this piece is very, very nice and quite frankly for the money, may be hard to beat.
No review is complete of this DAC without mentioning it is a full MQA decoder and renderer. The next demo I queued up was from Tidal Masters. "Blues from Before" on the album "Four" performed by Bill Frisell. WOW what a sound. I know the arguments about MQA, and it has its lovers and haters. All I know is, it sounds GREAT. I don't know why, (actually I have my reasonable suspicions) but it is just good listening! The iFi ZEN DAC V2 brings outstanding MQA playback to this entry level price bracket. Guitar is captured with outstanding tone and nuance, while drums sound realistic and live, with excellent depth and layering. The distinct 'bell like' tone of the clarinet is captured and reproduced commendably here. Things sound just right, and there is excellent 'space' for all instruments to 'breath' and interact.
Having heard quite a few DAC/headamps in this price range, I have yet to hear anything exceed the iFi ZEN DAC V2 for under $200. Of course I have not heard every DAC in this price range, but I am confident that if you are looking for an entry into real hi-fi and have a smaller budget, or just don't think the incremental improvements that come with higher priced kit are worth it, the ZEN DAC V2 is a DAC for you. How it might compare to the newer Signature edition I do not know. What I do know is you cannot go wrong with this excellent DAC/headphone amp. However, if your primary use is with headphones, stick with phones that are reasonably powered. Some of the more power hungry cans out there will need a separate, more powerful headamp, such as the matching ZEN CAN, currently under review.
CLICK here for factory specs.
our lab measurements: (please note that graphs are at bottom of article)
DAC measurements:
Frequency response (from 40 Hz to 15 kHz), dB+0.02, -0.18
Noise level, dB (A)-114.1
Dynamic range, dB (A)114.2
THD, %0.00205
THD + Noise, dB (A)-90.9
IMD + Noise, %0.0024
Stereo crosstalk, dB-95.5
IMD at 10 kHz, %0.00226
Headphone amp measurements:
Frequency response (from 40 Hz to 15 kHz), dB+0.03, -0.32
Noise level, dB (A)-94.9
Dynamic range, dB (A)94.8
THD, %0.01807
THD + Noise, dB (A)-71.7
IMD + Noise, %0.015
Stereo crosstalk, dB-78.1
IMD at 10 kHz, %0.010
The iFi ZEN DAC V2 has right at 19 bits of resolution.
All PCM rates below 352.8 khz are oversampled with a FIR Linear Phase filter with sharp rolloff.
**Of interest is the original ZEN DAC could receive a firmware update that enabled the iFi 'GTO' filter. The GTO filter is a very short linear phase FIR filter with small amounts of pre and post ringing, slow rolloff and less image rejection above Nyquist. As far as the iFi ZEN DAC V2 is concerned, I cannot find any confirming data saying it can be updated to use the GTO filter.**
The iFi ZEN DAC V2 frequency response is flat impressively flat.
Channel Balance is absolutely superb via both single ended RCA and balanced Pentaconn outputs. Via headphone output, Left and Right channels have a slight imbalance of less that half a decibel across entire frequency range. In practice this should not be of any notable detriment.
BASS BOOST, an analog process that preserves bit-perfect integrity of the digital signal, provides a healthy if not hefty boost to frequencies from approximate 200 hz extending downward into the infrasonic, with what appears to be about a 10db gain at 20hz.
Jitter is well controlled here. iFi/AMR has always used a buffer system and a reclocker to reduce jitter, and that process has seen considerable improvement as their products have evolved. LSB harmonics at 16 bit are very close to expected levels, and the noise floor at both 16 and 24 bit is very clean, free of PSU sidebands, hash, or idle tones.
In the graphs show below is the filter response curve at 44.1 khz and 96khz.
Not shown is the imaging test conducted at 44.1 khz. A single 19khz tone at 0db intensity will image a tone at 25.1 khz, above the Nyquist cutoff. The 25.1 khz aliased image was suppressed by over 90db.
The iFi ZEN DAC V2 measures well. All our tests came back close to the specifications advertised by iFi. Jitter rejection is especially impressive here.
Again, highly recommended DAC/headamp at this price, and should be making a few more expensive DAC/headamps sweat it out.
OUR RATING: (0-10 scale. 8 or higher numbers represent best of industry. For the final score calculation, each category is given a (undisclosed) weighting and is tallied for final score. Although perfect 'fairness' is unlikely, our system tries to be as unbiased as possible.
sound quality: 8.0
build quality: 9.0
ease of use: 9.5
measurements: 8.0
value: 10.0
TOTAL RATING: 86.5/ 100
BASS BOOST w/ZOOM
Spectrum of 1 khz at 0db 20bit dither
44.1 khz Impulse Response Linear Phase Filter
J-TEST 16 bit 44.1 khz harmonics correct level
J-TEST 24 bit 44.1 khz
44.1 khz filter response
96 khz filter response
My background is in music. Yes, a bland and generic statement, yet it indeed is true. Though I have no poetic inspiration that inspires great prose to roll off my tongue like a Greek master, nonetheless, it is true that I studied Classical Music on the dollar of University of Tennessee. One of the things you get to do as a 'music major' is Ear Training. What a beautiful course, and I wish all college courses were the same. If you master the material early, you get your 'A' and never go back to that class again. In fact, you may enroll into the higher levels, and before you know it, you have 2 years of credit in a month.
Yeah, I was one of those kids. I passed first semester Ear Training in a single week. I have always had the ear for the subtleties in music. One of the more basic exercises is a simple tuning test. The subject must listen to a series of pitches all within a few 'cents' of each other, and must match them exactly with no assistance. Only your ear can be your tool.
No problem.
How that helps me as an audio technology critic, I am not sure. My hope however is my ear is just as attuned in this task as it was there many years ago in the Ear Training Lab. Readers can be the judge of that. But for now, let me be the judge of the subject of this entry. The iFi ZEN DAC V2.
iFi Audio, a part of AMR Audio, has offered budget but excellent sounding technology since 2012. The first product to the market was the semi-portable iDAC. It was based on ESS technology, and received decent reviews in the audio press. iFi continued to build on their early success, finding a popular niche in the portable and 'head-fi' scenes. Interest in what this company was doing is how I became interested and involved in the 'head-fi' scene.
iFi, at that time under the technical leadership of Thorsten Loesch of DIY fame, left behind the ESS 'ready made' reference standard, in favor of the Burr-Brown/Texas Instruments DSD1793 chip, which would become the backbone of iFi tech. iFi pushed the limits and continues to push the DSD1793 beyond what its original Japanese engineers ever considered possible.
One of the more appealing aspects of the chipset is it has a separate logic that processes DSD in its native format, bypassing the onboard Delta-Sigma Modulator. Many would consider this 'pure' or 'native' DSD processing, as the DAC output 'switches' groups of resistors to act as a Moving Average FIR filter with only 8 clock cycles/bits of delay for the taps. It is an excellent choice for DSD playback, as well as PCM via its own unique process. Click here for my in depth explanation why this chip was chosen by iFi.
Internal to the ZEN DAC V2, the DSD1793 shines, although in this case it has limited features as compared to some other iFi products. In higher end iFi hardware, the chip can process Double DXD over 700khz, and DSD up to 1024fs. NOT HERE though. This ZEN V2 is limited to 1x DXD at 352.4 and 384khz, and DSD at 256fs. (click here for more info on the venerable chipset)
So how does the iFi ZEN DAC V2 stack up to its peers? After a thorough review, it acquits itself quite well.
Compared to other iFi offerings, this is quite a simple DAC to operate. Install the necessary software if you have a PC, plug in the DAC, and voila! Macintosh is simply plug-in-play, however DSD must be transmitted via DoP. Although Roon doesn't recognize the iFi ZEN DAC V2 as ROON READY, Roon spots the DAC and you can configure it as a USB device via the Roon control panel very easily. (Want true ROON READY ethernet/wifi connectivity? The iFi Stream is easily added and is the subject of an upcoming review)
Once you have decided how you will deliver sound to the DAC, it is easy pickin's. Every software I have thrown at it from Roon to Jriver and Audirvana to Foobar, comes accross without a hitch.
The ZEN DAC V2 can be used as a standalone DAC with analog volume control. In this case, there is a switch on the back that toggles the output from 'VARIABLE' to 'FIXED'. Variable mode with volume control at maximum will produce a higher voltage output than fixed mode, and can allow one to bypass any extra preamplifier in favor of a direct amplifier connection. None of my tests were conducted this way. All were conducted in fixed mode.
The front headphone output is always variable regardless of the switch on back. Also, iFi is kind enough to take any guesswork on what the gain need be via headphone output. It has a 'POWER MATCH' button on the far left of the front panel. This is a necessity for allowing compatibility with different headphones. My test reference Sennheiser HD650 were underpowered with the power match turned off. A push of the switch and all was well. No longer did volume need to be at 100 percent for average listening levels. Now I can listen at average to high levels with the volume dial around 40 to 50 percent.
Headphone outputs come in two forms. The 1/4 inch single ended headphone output, as well as a 4.4mm fully balanced Pentaconn output. Pentaconn output is also available on the back, allowing a short jumper cable to attach to other Pentaconn devices such as the ZEN CAN headphone amplifier. Standard RCA stereo terminations are included if you do not have a Pentaconn device, although there are several aftermarket solutions that breakout standard XLR pin L/R terminations from a single Pentaconn connector.
One final feature found on the front panel is a 'TRUEBASS' button. True to its word, it gives a noteworthy boost in bass frequencies, however, this boost is only applicable to the headphone outputs. The amount of boost offered is visible in our MEASUREMENTS SECTION, below article.
Power for the iFi ZEN DAC V2 comes from the 5v bus on the USB input. However, also supplied is an external switching supply that is said to provide better performance. I noted no measurable difference; however it is admitted that measurements only tell part of the story. The human auditory system is very complex and not completely understood. It is possible one may find a subjective listening advantage. For disclosure all my tests were conducted using a iFi iPower 5v external switching supply.
Now came the time for some listening. The listening notes you read below come via a HP all-in-one PC running Roon. I am evaluating the DAC with its own headamp, while Sennheiser HD650 headphones are the listening transducer of choice.
I opened Roon and queued up a few of my reference tracks to see what this budget powerhouse can do. First up was the Allegro from Sibelius Violin Concerto in D minor op. 71. Performed by Akiko Suwanai in 2002 with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Sakari Oramo, it is recorded in native DSD64 by the impeccable Polyhymnia team and is part of the Philips Classics Decca library. A good DAC can transport one into another world with this recording. It can be a transcendent experience that defies the mundane daily routine.
What strikes first is the excellent tonality. The violin sounds like a violin. The overtones send shivers down the spine, and there is nothing that sounds clinical here. It 'rings' and I mean ring in a good way. I call it 'ear candy', and I could get lost in this beautifully musical presentation for hours on end. It is not the most detailed presentation of this recording, yet nothing seems missing while you are in another world of musical bliss. Criticisms are small, and considering the price of this kit, more nitpicky than anything. The overall orchestral soundstage is slightly congested with tones that can sometimes be a bit wooly. The brass section on the other hand, is powerfully dynamic and beautiful. Brass comes across as powerful and low distortion, and the tight intonation of the BSO players is done no injustice. Rather the effect sends goosebumps running down my arms. Backgrounds are quite black, and there is aways a good sense of the recording space. We are off to a great start with this little DAC that can.
Next up on my listening chart was "Ballads for Audiophiles" performed by Aldo Zunino, Alfred Kramer, Paolo Birro, and Scott Hamilton. The album was recorded at the Hotel II Castello – Palazzo di Scoto di Semifonte in Stereo DSD64 on the Pyramix Recorder using a DCS ADC for the Fone label. I cued up the track "Everything Happens to Me". As a concert pianist, I appreciate when the recording engineer gets the piano just right, and it is very right here. The sonority and the decay is captured perfectly, and the ZEN DAC V2 doesn't shortchange anything. The placement of the piano in the mix is slightly behind and to the left, and once again the ZEN is powerful enough to call attention to the small details that can fool us into thinking we are right there in the room with the players. It makes all the difference in the listening experience. Lesser DACs can make a saxophone sound 'honky' and somewhat indistinguishable from a few other reed instruments, but here, the ZEN DAC V2 nails the tone and sonority. Fine detail is present to complete the illusion. Every breath and keypress is there to help create the 'live' illusion. The drums present with no unnatural distortion or harshness. Cymbals have a natural tonality. The bass line is very good, but can get a bit wooly and indistinct at times. Overall, the presentation of this piece is very, very nice and quite frankly for the money, may be hard to beat.
No review is complete of this DAC without mentioning it is a full MQA decoder and renderer. The next demo I queued up was from Tidal Masters. "Blues from Before" on the album "Four" performed by Bill Frisell. WOW what a sound. I know the arguments about MQA, and it has its lovers and haters. All I know is, it sounds GREAT. I don't know why, (actually I have my reasonable suspicions) but it is just good listening! The iFi ZEN DAC V2 brings outstanding MQA playback to this entry level price bracket. Guitar is captured with outstanding tone and nuance, while drums sound realistic and live, with excellent depth and layering. The distinct 'bell like' tone of the clarinet is captured and reproduced commendably here. Things sound just right, and there is excellent 'space' for all instruments to 'breath' and interact.
Having heard quite a few DAC/headamps in this price range, I have yet to hear anything exceed the iFi ZEN DAC V2 for under $200. Of course I have not heard every DAC in this price range, but I am confident that if you are looking for an entry into real hi-fi and have a smaller budget, or just don't think the incremental improvements that come with higher priced kit are worth it, the ZEN DAC V2 is a DAC for you. How it might compare to the newer Signature edition I do not know. What I do know is you cannot go wrong with this excellent DAC/headphone amp. However, if your primary use is with headphones, stick with phones that are reasonably powered. Some of the more power hungry cans out there will need a separate, more powerful headamp, such as the matching ZEN CAN, currently under review.
CLICK here for factory specs.
our lab measurements: (please note that graphs are at bottom of article)
DAC measurements:
Frequency response (from 40 Hz to 15 kHz), dB+0.02, -0.18
Noise level, dB (A)-114.1
Dynamic range, dB (A)114.2
THD, %0.00205
THD + Noise, dB (A)-90.9
IMD + Noise, %0.0024
Stereo crosstalk, dB-95.5
IMD at 10 kHz, %0.00226
Headphone amp measurements:
Frequency response (from 40 Hz to 15 kHz), dB+0.03, -0.32
Noise level, dB (A)-94.9
Dynamic range, dB (A)94.8
THD, %0.01807
THD + Noise, dB (A)-71.7
IMD + Noise, %0.015
Stereo crosstalk, dB-78.1
IMD at 10 kHz, %0.010
The iFi ZEN DAC V2 has right at 19 bits of resolution.
All PCM rates below 352.8 khz are oversampled with a FIR Linear Phase filter with sharp rolloff.
**Of interest is the original ZEN DAC could receive a firmware update that enabled the iFi 'GTO' filter. The GTO filter is a very short linear phase FIR filter with small amounts of pre and post ringing, slow rolloff and less image rejection above Nyquist. As far as the iFi ZEN DAC V2 is concerned, I cannot find any confirming data saying it can be updated to use the GTO filter.**
The iFi ZEN DAC V2 frequency response is flat impressively flat.
Channel Balance is absolutely superb via both single ended RCA and balanced Pentaconn outputs. Via headphone output, Left and Right channels have a slight imbalance of less that half a decibel across entire frequency range. In practice this should not be of any notable detriment.
BASS BOOST, an analog process that preserves bit-perfect integrity of the digital signal, provides a healthy if not hefty boost to frequencies from approximate 200 hz extending downward into the infrasonic, with what appears to be about a 10db gain at 20hz.
Jitter is well controlled here. iFi/AMR has always used a buffer system and a reclocker to reduce jitter, and that process has seen considerable improvement as their products have evolved. LSB harmonics at 16 bit are very close to expected levels, and the noise floor at both 16 and 24 bit is very clean, free of PSU sidebands, hash, or idle tones.
In the graphs show below is the filter response curve at 44.1 khz and 96khz.
Not shown is the imaging test conducted at 44.1 khz. A single 19khz tone at 0db intensity will image a tone at 25.1 khz, above the Nyquist cutoff. The 25.1 khz aliased image was suppressed by over 90db.
The iFi ZEN DAC V2 measures well. All our tests came back close to the specifications advertised by iFi. Jitter rejection is especially impressive here.
Again, highly recommended DAC/headamp at this price, and should be making a few more expensive DAC/headamps sweat it out.
OUR RATING: (0-10 scale. 8 or higher numbers represent best of industry. For the final score calculation, each category is given a (undisclosed) weighting and is tallied for final score. Although perfect 'fairness' is unlikely, our system tries to be as unbiased as possible.
sound quality: 8.0
build quality: 9.0
ease of use: 9.5
measurements: 8.0
value: 10.0
TOTAL RATING: 86.5/ 100
|
DAC Frequency Response 24/96
Noise
HEADPHONE 4.4 OUT Frequency Response (44.1khz)
Headphone Out with BASS BOOST |
BASS BOOST w/ZOOM
Spectrum of 1 khz at 0db 20bit dither
44.1 khz Impulse Response Linear Phase Filter
J-TEST 16 bit 44.1 khz harmonics correct level
J-TEST 24 bit 44.1 khz
44.1 khz filter response
96 khz filter response
![Wyred 4 Sound DAC-1 LE (Limited Edition) DSD-capable DAC [SILVER]](https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/9181685_thumb.jpg)
This is a review of the Wyred 4 Sound DAC-1 LE with the FEMTO clock upgrade. I was looking to upgrade my iFi iDSD Micro portable headphone amp/DAC to a pure desktop DAC. I no longer needed the head amp of the Micro, since I do all my headphone listening though an outboard amp. The Micro is a GREAT DAC, but its weaknesses, slight as they may be, are an ultimate lack of control in the lower registers, and some grain in the treble, and some problems with sibilance. One of its strengths is ability to play back every format in existence, and then some. So, I had collected quite a few commercial examples of all the esoteric audiophile formats, including DXD and DSD256, so ability to decode those two formats in DAC was a must. Check for the DAC-1 LE!
The DAC-1 LE came to be when Wyred 4 Sound decided to upgrade all their DAC-1 in warehouse to more modern standards in order to remain competitive. The old 24/96 USB receiver was replaced by a modern Amanero solution, (including Galvanic Isolation), and full DSD compatibility was added all the way to DSD256 (I don't believe DSD256 was initially added to the units at FIRST, so it is possible that some older firmware units are floating around that will not decode DSD256. As a matter of fact, my unit, while it will decode DSD256 no problem, is two firmware updates behind, which means when playing back DSD256 the front display won't display the file type properly).
In addition to the Amanero Asynchronous USB solution, the dac uses the ESS 9018, which has 8 dacs in parallel for maximum resolution. The DAC-1 LE has a FULLY BALANCED signal chain with both balanced and unbalanced outputs. There are, however, no preamp functions on the DAC-1. The onboard ESS digital volume control is not accessible. Preamp functions are reserved for the DAC-2DSD and DAC-2DSD SE, higher in the pecking order.
As mentioned before, there is an optional FEMTO clock upgrade available, which takes the price of the DAC from $999 to $1,124. My model has the Femto clock installed.
Here is a photo of the back of the unit, with stickers detailing the installed options.
--------
SOUND QUALITY
Now to the meat of the review. This is a darn good DAC. I think it is a LOT of DAC for the price. My immediate comparison is the iFi iDSD Micro. Compared to the iDSD, the DAC-1 LE has notably more low level detail. For instance, take the wow and flutter and imperfections that can be heard in the background of a recording made on reel to reel tape. The iDSD glosses over these small details, while they are easily heard on the DAC-1 LE.
The iDSD could get a bit harsh and sibilant on some recordings. The DAC-1 LE if anything could be too smooth in the treble. No harshness or sibilance here. The treble response could be described as 'sweet' on the DAC-1 LE. Actually, the effect makes audio sound almost 'vinyl-like' at times. Forgive me for repeating what has become something of a reviewer cliche, but, it really is an accurate description of the voicing of this DAC. From the warm and full low end, to the smooth and rolled off treble, this is very much like an 'analog' experience.
The DAC-1 LE is great for those long listening sessions, free from any ear fatigue. It makes hotter recordings sound more listenable, while still doing justice to the best recordings. MUCH attention seems to have been paid here to the internal power supply. Perhaps more important in a DAC than anything else is the power supply. If you read through the W4S literature they talk a lot about their power supply, and I am happy to say the results speak for themselves. This is a job well done.
I only have one other real complaint about this DAC. Since it uses the ESS chipset, all audio goes through internal DSP. This means everything really sounds very much alike. There is very little difference here in the sound of DSD and PCM recordings. DSD recordings, while sounding great on the DAC-1 LE, are missing that last little bit of breath, air, and smoothness that differentiate DSD from PCM. Also, it lacks the impressive transient response and attack I am used to hearing on DSD recordings. This is one area where the iFi iDSD is very strong in comparison, since it converts DSD directly without any DSP. That said, I would still rather listen to my DSD files via the DAC-1 LE, due to its strengths which outweigh this weakness. Still, if native DSD conversion is a must have for you, and you want the best native DSD your money can buy, I would suggest looking to a DAC that uses something other than the ESS chipset.
In conclusion, if you are in the market for a DAC in the $1000 range, I think you would be remiss in overlooking this DAC. It belongs on your audition list, ESPECIALLY if you value smoothness, warmth and analog like sound over all else.
----------------
Other equipment used in this review
CUSTOM PC running Jriver - 4 terrabytes of all high resolution music
INTONA USB Galvanic Isolator
iFi iUSB Power, iFi Gemini two headed cable
REGEN AMBER with generic LPS, Wireworld USB cables
iFi IDSD Micro
Rega RP3 turntable, Audio-Technica OC9/ III cart, custom made step up transformer, Music Hall Phono Amp
Icon Audio Stereo 20 PP tube amp- headphone output via dedicated transformer
Telam/Polam EL84 NOS tubes x 4
Westinghouse Black Plate 12AU7 NOS tubes x 2
Valvo ECC83 'I60' NOS tube x1
Audioquest RCA interconnects
AUDEZE LCD-X (2016 revision)
The DAC-1 LE came to be when Wyred 4 Sound decided to upgrade all their DAC-1 in warehouse to more modern standards in order to remain competitive. The old 24/96 USB receiver was replaced by a modern Amanero solution, (including Galvanic Isolation), and full DSD compatibility was added all the way to DSD256 (I don't believe DSD256 was initially added to the units at FIRST, so it is possible that some older firmware units are floating around that will not decode DSD256. As a matter of fact, my unit, while it will decode DSD256 no problem, is two firmware updates behind, which means when playing back DSD256 the front display won't display the file type properly).
In addition to the Amanero Asynchronous USB solution, the dac uses the ESS 9018, which has 8 dacs in parallel for maximum resolution. The DAC-1 LE has a FULLY BALANCED signal chain with both balanced and unbalanced outputs. There are, however, no preamp functions on the DAC-1. The onboard ESS digital volume control is not accessible. Preamp functions are reserved for the DAC-2DSD and DAC-2DSD SE, higher in the pecking order.
As mentioned before, there is an optional FEMTO clock upgrade available, which takes the price of the DAC from $999 to $1,124. My model has the Femto clock installed.
Here is a photo of the back of the unit, with stickers detailing the installed options.
--------
SOUND QUALITY
Now to the meat of the review. This is a darn good DAC. I think it is a LOT of DAC for the price. My immediate comparison is the iFi iDSD Micro. Compared to the iDSD, the DAC-1 LE has notably more low level detail. For instance, take the wow and flutter and imperfections that can be heard in the background of a recording made on reel to reel tape. The iDSD glosses over these small details, while they are easily heard on the DAC-1 LE.
The iDSD could get a bit harsh and sibilant on some recordings. The DAC-1 LE if anything could be too smooth in the treble. No harshness or sibilance here. The treble response could be described as 'sweet' on the DAC-1 LE. Actually, the effect makes audio sound almost 'vinyl-like' at times. Forgive me for repeating what has become something of a reviewer cliche, but, it really is an accurate description of the voicing of this DAC. From the warm and full low end, to the smooth and rolled off treble, this is very much like an 'analog' experience.
The DAC-1 LE is great for those long listening sessions, free from any ear fatigue. It makes hotter recordings sound more listenable, while still doing justice to the best recordings. MUCH attention seems to have been paid here to the internal power supply. Perhaps more important in a DAC than anything else is the power supply. If you read through the W4S literature they talk a lot about their power supply, and I am happy to say the results speak for themselves. This is a job well done.
I only have one other real complaint about this DAC. Since it uses the ESS chipset, all audio goes through internal DSP. This means everything really sounds very much alike. There is very little difference here in the sound of DSD and PCM recordings. DSD recordings, while sounding great on the DAC-1 LE, are missing that last little bit of breath, air, and smoothness that differentiate DSD from PCM. Also, it lacks the impressive transient response and attack I am used to hearing on DSD recordings. This is one area where the iFi iDSD is very strong in comparison, since it converts DSD directly without any DSP. That said, I would still rather listen to my DSD files via the DAC-1 LE, due to its strengths which outweigh this weakness. Still, if native DSD conversion is a must have for you, and you want the best native DSD your money can buy, I would suggest looking to a DAC that uses something other than the ESS chipset.
In conclusion, if you are in the market for a DAC in the $1000 range, I think you would be remiss in overlooking this DAC. It belongs on your audition list, ESPECIALLY if you value smoothness, warmth and analog like sound over all else.
----------------
Other equipment used in this review
CUSTOM PC running Jriver - 4 terrabytes of all high resolution music
INTONA USB Galvanic Isolator
iFi iUSB Power, iFi Gemini two headed cable
REGEN AMBER with generic LPS, Wireworld USB cables
iFi IDSD Micro
Rega RP3 turntable, Audio-Technica OC9/ III cart, custom made step up transformer, Music Hall Phono Amp
Icon Audio Stereo 20 PP tube amp- headphone output via dedicated transformer
Telam/Polam EL84 NOS tubes x 4
Westinghouse Black Plate 12AU7 NOS tubes x 2
Valvo ECC83 'I60' NOS tube x1
Audioquest RCA interconnects
AUDEZE LCD-X (2016 revision)
It was around February of 2014 when I first read of iFi while skimming the Head-fi forums. I was looking for a DSD capable DAC in the sub $500 range to replace the first generation Audioquest Dragonfly serving my desktop listening needs. There was only a handful of options at the time, and my interest in DSP free DSD playback further limited the choice. Actually, my choice was made for me. The iFi iDSD nano was the only DAC I could find that fulfilled this requirement in my price bracket. The only problem was I knew nothing about iFi, and I was concerned by the incredibly low price. Surely the raw sound quality would be compromised at this price point. Then again, at a mere $189 there was little risk, so with a 'What the heck?' attitude I ordered one. And wow. Wow. Wow again.
I am glad I took the risk of a blind buy. In addition to being impressed with the sound quality, I became equally impressed with the crew at iFi/ AMR. Their customer interaction and support is superb. And they are truly committed to their vision of Hi-Fi, which is unapologetically different than the hi-fi norm. In the end, they are committed to providing the best sound and most useful feature set for the dollar.
It should come as no surprise, then, that I followed closely the crowd design of the iDSD Micro, and am among the first 512 owners. An 'Octa-Adopter.'
OCTA-WHAT???
'Octa' as in 8x DSD, or DSD512. Yes, this DAC will playback DSD rates up to 24.6 Mhz! This is the first example of such support in a consumer level product. It also supports PCM up to 768khz. Although I know of no content currently available at these high rates, upsampling to DSD512 is possible in software, and PCM 768 allows for DSD256 playback via DoP, which means ASIO is not required for playback at that rate. Although I am not as familiar with the state of Mac computer audio, I believe this may be the first time DSD256 is available on the Mac without a need for special driver software.
A DIFFERENT KIND OF HI-FI
I mentioned earlier that iFi doesn't follow the hi-fi norm. What does that mean? iFi believes in minimal DSP, and believes that one should be listening to as close to the source audio as possible. DSP's such as upsampling, volume control, format conversion, etc. create unavoidable mathematical losses. The more conversions, the greater the losses. The more changes to the source signal, the more likely the changes become audible. This may especially be the case with DSD. DSP such as filtering, sample rate conversion and volume control require conversion of the 1-bit bitstream to a multibit intermediary, and remodulation back to 1 bit.
Therefore, the iDSD Micro uses a chipset that converts DSD to analog natively with no extra digital conversion or DSP. The 1 bit DSD signal is sent to an analog FIR filter for conversion. That's it! Also, the iDSD micro has a 'BitPerfect' filter option for PCM. This eliminates the oversampling reconstruction filter used in PCM conversion.
So in a DAC loaded with features, simplicity characterizes the nature of the actual audio conversion. This matches my personal audio values.
THE iFi EXPERIENCE
Unboxing an iFi product is a treat! Packaging is reminiscent of that other "i" company.
In the box you will find a plethora (hyperbole, of course) of quality adapters and cables. Which calls attention to the unique 'OTG' USB port on the back of the Micro. It is a unique port engineered for mobile convenience. To use it with a standard desktop USB cable, an adapter is required. Two versions of the adapter are included. The adapter I chose to use is cable-less. The other adapter has a very short cable between terminations. I chose the first adapter presuming higher quality, but the cabled version may be more convenient when space behind the DAC is a concern. The 'hard' adapter combined with my iFi Gemini cable requires several inches of clearance. It is also an interesting little detail that the 'hard' adapter comes packed in an anti-static bag, like what you would expect to find enclosing delicate computer components. Also, I think it is important to add that the included USB cables are OTG cables, so if you don't already have an expensive USB cable like the Gemini, I would suggest forgetting about the adapters and going with one of the included cables.
This is all I will have to say about the adapters, mobile uses, battery, etc. I will leave that to others, as I use this iDSD exclusively in a desktop environment, and cannot adequately review mobile functionality.
Build quality and appearance is typical iFi. The iDSD micro is well built but take care with the switches. They feel a little fragile, and as a matter of fact, I had some trouble with a sticky switch. My over aggressive tugging, attempting to 'un-stick' it, caused the red 'Turbo' switch that controls amp output level to go flying off into the floor!! Fortunately it easily reattached, and works properly now.
THE SOUND
Now on to the good stuff! The sound! Crisp detailed highs, smooth upper mids, slightly warm lower mids and upper bass. Clean extension into the lows. Not too much bass; just about right. Does it deviate from neutral? That is something I am not sure I can answer. Tonal balance is the product of an entire system, and all I can tell you is how it sounds in mine, which is a custom built AMD PC running the latest Jriver Media Center software, iDSD micro, iFi iUSB power, iFi Gemini 'split' USB cable, and a modded USB cable eliminating the 5v line pre iUSB Power. The review headphones are Grado RS1i's.
In comparison to the iDSD nano, the sound is the same tonally, but there is a notable increase in detail and dimensionality. On the Nano, audio images are wide, but slightly flat in comparison. The Micro has greater depth of soundstage. Never is the extra detail harsh, though. The micro is always delightfully smooth and listenable.
DSD was the strong suit of the iDSD nano, and is improved in the Micro. I feel the greatest improvement, though, is with PCM material, especially using the BitPerfect filter. The promise of the Burr Brown DSD1793 segment DAC is realized more fully here. PCM sounds both silky smooth AND extremely detailed, like a hybrid of true PCM and Delta Sigma conversion, which is EXACTLY what the segment DAC is.
For headphone use, which is how I exclusively use the iDSD, power is abundant and flexible. There are three settings, from Eco mode to 'Turbo' mode, which will tear paint off the walls with my Grados!!! Eco mode is already stronger than the headphone amp in the iDSD Nano, but I have settled on the middle 'Standard' mode for all my listening.
The headroom it provides for the dynamic orchestral recordings that dominate my listening is welcome. This addresses the only other weakness of the iDSD Nano. The iDSD Micro has plenty of power, dynamic swing and driver control to keep up when the music gets loud and complex.
I enjoy the 3D and XBass 'Analog Signal Processing'. The effect of both is subtle but notable. They never get in the way, and depending on soundtrack can really enhance the experience. For instance, the bass drum on orchestra recordings has deep authority with XBass turned on, and 3D mode really does widen the soundstage nicely, and puts the center image more 'out in front.' But I did notice that with 3D mode engaged, images on recordings I know well were placed too far to the edges for my liking, and overall imaging suffered. Instruments gain a greater sense of space, but lose their precise placement 'in space', so I do the majority of my listening with 3D mode disengaged. XBass seems ESPECIALLY useful at lower to moderate listening levels, filling in the low end nicely. At higher levels, or with music recorded with little dynamic range, the bass emphasis may be a bit much. But as most of my listening is to very dynamic music with moderate average levels, I leave XBass engaged most of the time and do enjoy the effect. Ultimately, results vary from soundtrack to soundtrack, though.
IN CONCLUSION
There are many more features included in this incredible product that I have not mentioned, but I believe I have covered everything that stands out to me after two days of listening. This is a special product, both in feature set and sound quality. Designed by a renowned audio engineer, with customized software and extreme functionality. Oh, and it sounds in a word, amazing. If you are looking to spend in the $500 to $1000 range, and maybe even more, you owe it to yourself to hear the iDSD micro.
Highly recommended.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
I am back to review the iFi iDSD Micro Black Label Edition. I was part of the tour group that was so lucky to receive a one week audition of the Black Label, simply abbreviated BL from here on. Unfortunately, I cannot create a new review entry. I am only allowed by the Head-Fi system to edit my existing review. So here is an addendum with my impressions of the BL Edition.
Based on my observation of the posts here on Head-fi, it seems many people see the iDSD Micro as a 'jack of all trades' at its price; that is, a device that squeezes in so many features at the expense of some quality. As if without all the many features and functions, more 'quality' could have been squeezed in. Maybe. It seems a logical assumption. But iFi is very resourceful. With their own software team and one extremely clever engineer at the helm, whose designs have long held considerable acclaim in the traditional audiophile world and the DIY audio community, they can get a LOT done for not a lot of money.
Features were not added in compromise of audio quality. Actually, when iFi went to the 'crowd design' concept with the iDSD Micro, there was already a prototype design, which was of course scratched for the actual final crowd-designed product. But in the end, perhaps the largest difference between the prototype and the final iDSD Micro was the increase in audio quality the higher price point afforded. It wasn't just about the bells and whistles.
Yet, here we are more than two years later, and iFi has managed to squeeze even more audio quality out of the iDSD Micro with just a slight price increase. And I say 'BRAVO'.
The increase in audio quality relative to price increase is impressive. For not a lot more, you get the same fully featured product that NOW has just enough of a refined sound to truly go head to head with the dedicated desktop DAC's in what I consider the next major price bracket of $1000. Not to mention how it stands up against other portables and head-amp/DAC combos.
So if the original iDSD is a 5 star product, and it still is, what is the BL? 5.5? Yeah, something like that, if we could do such a thing.
So how does the BL differ from the original? I would say in overall refinement. Less grain. A more airy, extended top end. Oh, and the KILLER mid-range that just kept me coming back for more and more. It is pretty amazing, actually. I in many ways prefered the BL in my main head-fi system, in place of my Wyred4Sound DAC-1 LE Femto clock edition DAC, which is double the price! Was the BL better? No, it wasn't better. But it was competitive, and did exceed in a few areas, like the aforementioned mid-range. The mids take on a smooth, silky and full tube like presence, that never lacks for micro-dynamics or detail. And I personally just love that kind of sound. But don't stop reading if you don't. For it gets balanced out by a more forward and lively presence region, and more treble 'air' as audiophiles like to say. Bass? Bass is well delineated, strong and full. No complaints.
Another area where I feel the BL, and the original as well, exceeds the W4S DAC is with DSD material. Well duh, one might say, since DSD is right there in the model name, so one can only assume that DSD is done extremely well. And it is of course. I must confess that I was at one time a DSD 'zealot'. Not so much anymore. I am more format agnostic these days. Other factors are important, or even more important than the delivery format. But, whatever that format is, I want my DAC to convert it in the best way possible.
The iDSD uses a FIR filter in the analog domain to convert the DSD signal. The 1-bit DSD signal needs to be stripped of its square-wave high-frequency ultrasonic content to exit the DAC in a listenable format. And that is really all it needs. And that is all the iDSD does. Relatively simple process, and it uses a moving-average filter that is just 8 bits long. (8 bits in the time domain). Which means as the sample rate increases, the time distortion of the filter lessens! By the time you get up to DSD512, there is truly excellent time domain performance here, which is one of the oft stated advantages of 'native' DSD over PCM.
My W4S DAC uses the ESS chipset, whose highly knowledgeable and respected designers took a different approach. They don't really tell us a lot about what they do to DSD, other than showing some response graphs that seem to show it isn't decimated all the way down to what we consider 'normal' PCM sample rates. (DXD and lower) We also know that the high frequency content of DSD is removed in the DIGITAL domain via AT LEAST an IIR filter, as opposed to analog ala iDSD and its Burr-Brown chip. But in order for DSD to be filtered digitally, it has to be turned into a digital multi-bit format. Absolutely has to be. It has to be digital multi-bit for the volume control, and the ASRC too. This is TYPICALLY accomplished within the architecture of a filter. The result might be called 'DSD-wide', or 'PCM-narrow'. Some would pass it off as true multi-bit delta-sigma, (especially those that sell ESS based DAC's with DSD as a major selling point) but I would disagree with that. That would require a modulator. Then again, the difference between multi-bit Delta Sigma and "Noise-Shaped low-bit-depth high-sample-rate PCM" might be semantics. ANYWAY. The point being, the ESS chipset requires more DSP and manipulation of the original DSD signal. DSD is subjected to the filtering, then possibly volume control, sample rate conversion, and THEN is re-modulated into another Delta-Sigma format (the ESS Hyperstream converter) before being filtered again at the final output stage for conversion to analog. It just seems to the layman like me more complex and involved (unnecessary?) than filtering to analog with an FIR filter realized in the analog domain.
And to my ears, this comes to fruition. DSD sounds more natural via the iDSD, and what I consider its characteristic sound is distinguishable from PCM. Via the W4S, though, DSD sounds, well, more processed. And very little different than PCM.
If you are a DSD lover, or if you have lots of DSD files such as myself, then you really are going to want the iDSD Nano, iDSD Micro, iDSD Micro BL, or something like it. Say, the upcoming iDSD Pro?
Can't wait to hear THAT one!
In conclusion, I am VERY thankful for the chance to review the Black Label. iFi is quite the company. They are customer oriented, forward thinking, and create excellent products. In all this they distinguish themselves from the rest of the very competitive industry.
iDSD Micro Black Label 5.5/5 stars
I am glad I took the risk of a blind buy. In addition to being impressed with the sound quality, I became equally impressed with the crew at iFi/ AMR. Their customer interaction and support is superb. And they are truly committed to their vision of Hi-Fi, which is unapologetically different than the hi-fi norm. In the end, they are committed to providing the best sound and most useful feature set for the dollar.
It should come as no surprise, then, that I followed closely the crowd design of the iDSD Micro, and am among the first 512 owners. An 'Octa-Adopter.'
OCTA-WHAT???
'Octa' as in 8x DSD, or DSD512. Yes, this DAC will playback DSD rates up to 24.6 Mhz! This is the first example of such support in a consumer level product. It also supports PCM up to 768khz. Although I know of no content currently available at these high rates, upsampling to DSD512 is possible in software, and PCM 768 allows for DSD256 playback via DoP, which means ASIO is not required for playback at that rate. Although I am not as familiar with the state of Mac computer audio, I believe this may be the first time DSD256 is available on the Mac without a need for special driver software.
A DIFFERENT KIND OF HI-FI
I mentioned earlier that iFi doesn't follow the hi-fi norm. What does that mean? iFi believes in minimal DSP, and believes that one should be listening to as close to the source audio as possible. DSP's such as upsampling, volume control, format conversion, etc. create unavoidable mathematical losses. The more conversions, the greater the losses. The more changes to the source signal, the more likely the changes become audible. This may especially be the case with DSD. DSP such as filtering, sample rate conversion and volume control require conversion of the 1-bit bitstream to a multibit intermediary, and remodulation back to 1 bit.
Therefore, the iDSD Micro uses a chipset that converts DSD to analog natively with no extra digital conversion or DSP. The 1 bit DSD signal is sent to an analog FIR filter for conversion. That's it! Also, the iDSD micro has a 'BitPerfect' filter option for PCM. This eliminates the oversampling reconstruction filter used in PCM conversion.
So in a DAC loaded with features, simplicity characterizes the nature of the actual audio conversion. This matches my personal audio values.
THE iFi EXPERIENCE
Unboxing an iFi product is a treat! Packaging is reminiscent of that other "i" company.
In the box you will find a plethora (hyperbole, of course) of quality adapters and cables. Which calls attention to the unique 'OTG' USB port on the back of the Micro. It is a unique port engineered for mobile convenience. To use it with a standard desktop USB cable, an adapter is required. Two versions of the adapter are included. The adapter I chose to use is cable-less. The other adapter has a very short cable between terminations. I chose the first adapter presuming higher quality, but the cabled version may be more convenient when space behind the DAC is a concern. The 'hard' adapter combined with my iFi Gemini cable requires several inches of clearance. It is also an interesting little detail that the 'hard' adapter comes packed in an anti-static bag, like what you would expect to find enclosing delicate computer components. Also, I think it is important to add that the included USB cables are OTG cables, so if you don't already have an expensive USB cable like the Gemini, I would suggest forgetting about the adapters and going with one of the included cables.
This is all I will have to say about the adapters, mobile uses, battery, etc. I will leave that to others, as I use this iDSD exclusively in a desktop environment, and cannot adequately review mobile functionality.
Build quality and appearance is typical iFi. The iDSD micro is well built but take care with the switches. They feel a little fragile, and as a matter of fact, I had some trouble with a sticky switch. My over aggressive tugging, attempting to 'un-stick' it, caused the red 'Turbo' switch that controls amp output level to go flying off into the floor!! Fortunately it easily reattached, and works properly now.
THE SOUND
Now on to the good stuff! The sound! Crisp detailed highs, smooth upper mids, slightly warm lower mids and upper bass. Clean extension into the lows. Not too much bass; just about right. Does it deviate from neutral? That is something I am not sure I can answer. Tonal balance is the product of an entire system, and all I can tell you is how it sounds in mine, which is a custom built AMD PC running the latest Jriver Media Center software, iDSD micro, iFi iUSB power, iFi Gemini 'split' USB cable, and a modded USB cable eliminating the 5v line pre iUSB Power. The review headphones are Grado RS1i's.
In comparison to the iDSD nano, the sound is the same tonally, but there is a notable increase in detail and dimensionality. On the Nano, audio images are wide, but slightly flat in comparison. The Micro has greater depth of soundstage. Never is the extra detail harsh, though. The micro is always delightfully smooth and listenable.
DSD was the strong suit of the iDSD nano, and is improved in the Micro. I feel the greatest improvement, though, is with PCM material, especially using the BitPerfect filter. The promise of the Burr Brown DSD1793 segment DAC is realized more fully here. PCM sounds both silky smooth AND extremely detailed, like a hybrid of true PCM and Delta Sigma conversion, which is EXACTLY what the segment DAC is.
For headphone use, which is how I exclusively use the iDSD, power is abundant and flexible. There are three settings, from Eco mode to 'Turbo' mode, which will tear paint off the walls with my Grados!!! Eco mode is already stronger than the headphone amp in the iDSD Nano, but I have settled on the middle 'Standard' mode for all my listening.
The headroom it provides for the dynamic orchestral recordings that dominate my listening is welcome. This addresses the only other weakness of the iDSD Nano. The iDSD Micro has plenty of power, dynamic swing and driver control to keep up when the music gets loud and complex.
I enjoy the 3D and XBass 'Analog Signal Processing'. The effect of both is subtle but notable. They never get in the way, and depending on soundtrack can really enhance the experience. For instance, the bass drum on orchestra recordings has deep authority with XBass turned on, and 3D mode really does widen the soundstage nicely, and puts the center image more 'out in front.' But I did notice that with 3D mode engaged, images on recordings I know well were placed too far to the edges for my liking, and overall imaging suffered. Instruments gain a greater sense of space, but lose their precise placement 'in space', so I do the majority of my listening with 3D mode disengaged. XBass seems ESPECIALLY useful at lower to moderate listening levels, filling in the low end nicely. At higher levels, or with music recorded with little dynamic range, the bass emphasis may be a bit much. But as most of my listening is to very dynamic music with moderate average levels, I leave XBass engaged most of the time and do enjoy the effect. Ultimately, results vary from soundtrack to soundtrack, though.
IN CONCLUSION
There are many more features included in this incredible product that I have not mentioned, but I believe I have covered everything that stands out to me after two days of listening. This is a special product, both in feature set and sound quality. Designed by a renowned audio engineer, with customized software and extreme functionality. Oh, and it sounds in a word, amazing. If you are looking to spend in the $500 to $1000 range, and maybe even more, you owe it to yourself to hear the iDSD micro.
Highly recommended.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDENDUM
I am back to review the iFi iDSD Micro Black Label Edition. I was part of the tour group that was so lucky to receive a one week audition of the Black Label, simply abbreviated BL from here on. Unfortunately, I cannot create a new review entry. I am only allowed by the Head-Fi system to edit my existing review. So here is an addendum with my impressions of the BL Edition.
Based on my observation of the posts here on Head-fi, it seems many people see the iDSD Micro as a 'jack of all trades' at its price; that is, a device that squeezes in so many features at the expense of some quality. As if without all the many features and functions, more 'quality' could have been squeezed in. Maybe. It seems a logical assumption. But iFi is very resourceful. With their own software team and one extremely clever engineer at the helm, whose designs have long held considerable acclaim in the traditional audiophile world and the DIY audio community, they can get a LOT done for not a lot of money.
Features were not added in compromise of audio quality. Actually, when iFi went to the 'crowd design' concept with the iDSD Micro, there was already a prototype design, which was of course scratched for the actual final crowd-designed product. But in the end, perhaps the largest difference between the prototype and the final iDSD Micro was the increase in audio quality the higher price point afforded. It wasn't just about the bells and whistles.
Yet, here we are more than two years later, and iFi has managed to squeeze even more audio quality out of the iDSD Micro with just a slight price increase. And I say 'BRAVO'.
The increase in audio quality relative to price increase is impressive. For not a lot more, you get the same fully featured product that NOW has just enough of a refined sound to truly go head to head with the dedicated desktop DAC's in what I consider the next major price bracket of $1000. Not to mention how it stands up against other portables and head-amp/DAC combos.
So if the original iDSD is a 5 star product, and it still is, what is the BL? 5.5? Yeah, something like that, if we could do such a thing.
So how does the BL differ from the original? I would say in overall refinement. Less grain. A more airy, extended top end. Oh, and the KILLER mid-range that just kept me coming back for more and more. It is pretty amazing, actually. I in many ways prefered the BL in my main head-fi system, in place of my Wyred4Sound DAC-1 LE Femto clock edition DAC, which is double the price! Was the BL better? No, it wasn't better. But it was competitive, and did exceed in a few areas, like the aforementioned mid-range. The mids take on a smooth, silky and full tube like presence, that never lacks for micro-dynamics or detail. And I personally just love that kind of sound. But don't stop reading if you don't. For it gets balanced out by a more forward and lively presence region, and more treble 'air' as audiophiles like to say. Bass? Bass is well delineated, strong and full. No complaints.
Another area where I feel the BL, and the original as well, exceeds the W4S DAC is with DSD material. Well duh, one might say, since DSD is right there in the model name, so one can only assume that DSD is done extremely well. And it is of course. I must confess that I was at one time a DSD 'zealot'. Not so much anymore. I am more format agnostic these days. Other factors are important, or even more important than the delivery format. But, whatever that format is, I want my DAC to convert it in the best way possible.
The iDSD uses a FIR filter in the analog domain to convert the DSD signal. The 1-bit DSD signal needs to be stripped of its square-wave high-frequency ultrasonic content to exit the DAC in a listenable format. And that is really all it needs. And that is all the iDSD does. Relatively simple process, and it uses a moving-average filter that is just 8 bits long. (8 bits in the time domain). Which means as the sample rate increases, the time distortion of the filter lessens! By the time you get up to DSD512, there is truly excellent time domain performance here, which is one of the oft stated advantages of 'native' DSD over PCM.
My W4S DAC uses the ESS chipset, whose highly knowledgeable and respected designers took a different approach. They don't really tell us a lot about what they do to DSD, other than showing some response graphs that seem to show it isn't decimated all the way down to what we consider 'normal' PCM sample rates. (DXD and lower) We also know that the high frequency content of DSD is removed in the DIGITAL domain via AT LEAST an IIR filter, as opposed to analog ala iDSD and its Burr-Brown chip. But in order for DSD to be filtered digitally, it has to be turned into a digital multi-bit format. Absolutely has to be. It has to be digital multi-bit for the volume control, and the ASRC too. This is TYPICALLY accomplished within the architecture of a filter. The result might be called 'DSD-wide', or 'PCM-narrow'. Some would pass it off as true multi-bit delta-sigma, (especially those that sell ESS based DAC's with DSD as a major selling point) but I would disagree with that. That would require a modulator. Then again, the difference between multi-bit Delta Sigma and "Noise-Shaped low-bit-depth high-sample-rate PCM" might be semantics. ANYWAY. The point being, the ESS chipset requires more DSP and manipulation of the original DSD signal. DSD is subjected to the filtering, then possibly volume control, sample rate conversion, and THEN is re-modulated into another Delta-Sigma format (the ESS Hyperstream converter) before being filtered again at the final output stage for conversion to analog. It just seems to the layman like me more complex and involved (unnecessary?) than filtering to analog with an FIR filter realized in the analog domain.
And to my ears, this comes to fruition. DSD sounds more natural via the iDSD, and what I consider its characteristic sound is distinguishable from PCM. Via the W4S, though, DSD sounds, well, more processed. And very little different than PCM.
If you are a DSD lover, or if you have lots of DSD files such as myself, then you really are going to want the iDSD Nano, iDSD Micro, iDSD Micro BL, or something like it. Say, the upcoming iDSD Pro?
Can't wait to hear THAT one! In conclusion, I am VERY thankful for the chance to review the Black Label. iFi is quite the company. They are customer oriented, forward thinking, and create excellent products. In all this they distinguish themselves from the rest of the very competitive industry.
iDSD Micro Black Label 5.5/5 stars
WhiskeyJacks
Is the IFI nano idsd still a good buy? or would say screw and jump right in the micro idsd at the difference in price?
tre9
MLGRADO Is full of it. What a big LIAR
JUGA
did the X-Bass function works? if yes - can you here difference? we have 4 unit and in all 4 devices X-Bass das not works. There is no difference between switch off and switch on.
