Thanks for the thorough and well-written review. I have a micro iDSD BL and I am considering upgrading to the Pro iCAN, however I am somewhat held back by questions I have on pairing a DAC to it (at least until a Pro iDAC is released, at God knows what price). Do you think the micro DAC section serves the purpose well enough? Or does the DAC also need to be balanced?
Thank you!

Pro iDAC will be *around* ~$2000.

To your other question, yes I do! I think the micro iDSD makes a fine pairing with the Pro as an intermediary before you choose a dedicated component. Doubly true for the Chord Mojo.

What cans do you intend to use with the Pro?

Fostex TH500RP, Fidelio X2 (those I already have), for the future I was considering SD800s or even Stax 007 maybe. Any suggestions?

I think the Pro iCAN is a bit overboard for those cans unless you plan to grow into something harder to drive. What is nice though about the Pro is that you can buy the future Energizer module and then add the 007 or even 009 to your stable?

I should qualify the above statement that I still believe both the TH500RP and X2 will improve with the Pro nevertheless.

Thanks for the Metal-Fi take on the amp!

You mean iFi is bringing out an Energizer module? This being the case I'll just wait 'til it comes and then scrap the bottom of the barrel and go for the whole bunch (Pro+Energizer+007A or 009). I'll keep enjoying my current cans with the micro while waiting... 

@jeffhawke they're bringing out both, the dac and the energizer, most likely the energizer first as it's been showcased already.

I have a high-res picture of the Pro iDSD and iCAN on "the rack" on my site (check out the CanJam NYC trip report). I'm told "soon."

I saw it, thanks, although blowing up the picture the iDSD looks like a mock-up to me. Also, I don't understand why it has a headphone output, is it supposed to have an amp section too? If so, I feel it's a bit of a waste, unless they plan on selling it as a standalone, at which point I wonder if the iCAN still makes sense at that price point. 

Not a mock-up, that's the real thing (though I suppose the chassis could change). It is supposed to have a headphone amp. I think they are thinking that the Pro iDSD will be like the Benchmark on its own. But I don't speak for iFi.

I didn't think you did. The reason it looked like a mock-up to me is that, if you blow up the picture all the way, not only the ares that are supposed to be lit up when it's turned on appear to be printed or engraved, but the power button on the bottom left is pushed in all the way, so obviously not functional. But it doesn't really matter, I wonder though if it wouldn't have made more sense to keep it as a fully balanced DAC/preamp instead so as not to needlessly duplicate functionalities since the Pro iDSD is most likely far superior as a headphone amp. 

I just saw this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYnH93pgK5w
It was not a mock-up
As you can see, the energizer is ready and working as well. I wonder how much the whole stack is going to cost, probably between 5 and 6 grand...

Told you so! ! The iDSD is again suppose to be around $2k. The Pro iCAN is $1700 and my guess is the energizer will be similarly priced (they have not announced so take what I'm saying with a grain of salt). I was told more about the iDSD but I can't divulge. Suffice it to say, it's real!

Appreciate that Alex, thanks. The interesting thing about the energizer is that there is a hint in the video about it being able to power electrostatic speakers, and you can see in the back of the energizer speaker cable connectors. As I am also considering getting a pair of electrostatic speakers, well, there you are.. 
Maybe this is the info you can't reveal :-D

http://www.head-fi.org/t/702376/ifi-audio-pro-idsd-discussion-thread/1515#post_13067755
http://www.head-fi.org/t/702376/ifi-audio-pro-idsd-discussion-thread/1590#post_13232527
and lastly: http://www.head-fi.org/t/702376/ifi-audio-pro-idsd-discussion-thread/1500#post_13043631