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Highlights supported Hi-Res formats, Bluetooth capabilities, power output, and component quality.
Details the OLED display, multi-function knob, input selector, power switch, and analogue outputs.
Lists supported digital inputs, audio formats, and Bluetooth codecs.
Details headphone output voltage, power, and impedance for balanced/unbalanced.
The iFi NEO iDSD is a versatile balanced USB and Bluetooth DAC/amplifier designed for audiophiles seeking high-resolution audio playback and a purist sound experience. It serves as a central hub for various digital audio sources, offering both headphone amplification and a line-level output for integration into a larger audio system.
The NEO iDSD functions primarily as a Digital-to-Analogue Converter (DAC) and a headphone amplifier. It takes digital audio signals from multiple sources, converts them into analogue audio, and then outputs them to headphones or an amplifier. Its core design emphasizes a fully-balanced differential DAC/amplifier architecture, which helps to minimize noise and distortion, delivering a clean and powerful audio signal.
A key feature of the NEO iDSD is its comprehensive support for a wide range of high-resolution audio formats. It is capable of decoding DSD up to DSD512, PCM up to 768kHz, and MQA files up to 384kHz, making it compatible with virtually all modern high-resolution audio content. This ensures that users can enjoy their music in its purest form, as intended by the artist and producer.
Beyond wired connections, the NEO iDSD also incorporates Bluetooth 5.0 technology, allowing for wireless streaming from compatible devices. This Bluetooth implementation supports a variety of high-quality codecs, including aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX LL, LDAC, HWA/LHDC, AAC, and SBC, enabling high-resolution wireless audio playback up to 24/96kHz. This flexibility makes the device suitable for both critical listening setups and more casual wireless enjoyment.
The device offers multiple input options to accommodate different digital sources. It includes a USB 3.0 B input (backward compatible with USB 2.0) for connecting to computers, as well as S/PDIF inputs (coaxial and optical) for other digital audio sources like Apple TV, Google Chromecast, gaming consoles (PS4, Xbox), or high-end CD transports. This broad connectivity ensures that the NEO iDSD can integrate seamlessly into various audio ecosystems.
For outputs, the NEO iDSD provides both balanced and single-ended options. Headphone users can connect via a balanced 4.4mm analogue output or a single-ended 6.3mm analogue output. For connecting to an external amplifier, it offers balanced XLR analogue outputs and RCA single-ended analogue outputs. The balanced outputs are particularly recommended to take full advantage of the device's balanced design, which typically offers improved signal integrity and lower noise.
Operating the NEO iDSD is designed to be intuitive, with a multi-function knob and an OLED display providing clear feedback. The OLED display shows essential information such as the audio format, sampling rate, current volume level, and the active input mode, allowing users to easily monitor the device's status.
The multi-function knob serves several purposes. It acts as an analogue volume control, allowing precise adjustment of the headphone or pre-amplifier volume. This analogue volume control is highlighted as superior to digital volume controls, preserving audio quality. A short press of the knob mutes the audio, and pressing it again or turning it unmutes the device. A long press (3 seconds) allows users to adjust the brightness of the OLED display, cycling through high, low, and off modes. In the 'off' mode, the OLED will go to sleep after three seconds of inactivity, conserving power and reducing visual distraction.
One of the unique features controlled by the multi-function knob, in conjunction with the power button, is the selection between "Variable" and "Fixed" output modes. This mode determines whether the NEO iDSD's analogue volume control is active. In "Variable" mode, the knob controls the volume, suitable for direct headphone use or as a pre-amplifier. In "Fixed" mode, the volume control is bypassed, providing a fixed line-level output, ideal for connecting to an amplifier with its own volume control. This selection is made during power-on by holding down the knob and then pressing the power button, allowing the user to cycle through and select the desired mode. The device remembers the last used mode if no selection is made.
Input selection is managed by a dedicated button, which cycles through the four available inputs: Coaxial, Optical, USB, and Bluetooth. For Bluetooth pairing, after selecting the Bluetooth input, the OLED display will flash as it searches for a previously paired device. If no device is found, it automatically enters pairing mode. To manually initiate pairing, users can press and hold the input selector button for three seconds until the Bluetooth icon flashes. The NEO iDSD can store up to 8 paired Bluetooth devices, making it convenient for households with multiple users or devices.
The device is powered by a DC 5V input, and it is crucial to use only a 5-volt power supply. iFi provides a super-silent iPower supply with the device, and an upgrade to an ultra-low noise iPower X 5V power supply is suggested for optimal performance.
While the manual does not explicitly detail maintenance features in a dedicated section, several aspects contribute to the device's longevity and performance. The use of audiophile-grade components is highlighted, suggesting a design intended for durability and consistent sound reproduction without distortion or coloration.
The purist design, without any Digital Signal Processing (DSP), implies a focus on signal integrity, which inherently reduces potential points of failure or degradation over time. The device's robust support for various high-resolution formats and codecs ensures its relevance and compatibility with evolving audio standards, reducing the need for frequent upgrades due to format obsolescence.
For optimal wireless performance, users are instructed to attach the enclosed antenna, which ensures maximum reception quality for Bluetooth signals. This simple step is a form of user-level maintenance to ensure the best possible wireless experience.
The manual also mentions a 12-month warranty period, providing assurance and support for any manufacturing defects or issues that may arise during the initial year of ownership. This warranty is a standard maintenance-related feature, offering peace of mind to the user.
In essence, the NEO iDSD is designed to be a high-performance, user-friendly, and future-proof audio device that prioritizes sound quality and versatile connectivity. Its features cater to both casual listeners and serious audiophiles, offering a premium listening experience across various digital audio sources and output preferences.
General| DSD Support | up to DSD512 |
|---|---|
| MQA Support | Full Decoder |
| DAC Chip | Burr-Brown |
| PCM Support | Up to 768kHz |
| Inputs | USB, Optical, Coaxial |
| Outputs | RCA, 4.4mm Balanced, 6.3mm Headphone |
| Bluetooth | Yes (aptX HD, LDAC, AAC, SBC) |
| THD+N | 0.0015% |
| Dimensions | 214 x 146 x 41 mm |
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