Introducing the iFi xDSD – next-generation mobile audio

INTRODUCTION

When iFi audio launched its original micro iDSD headphone amp, preamp, and DAC back in 2014, it raised the bar for small portable, high-performing DACs. It’s been lifting it higher ever since.

Last November saw the introduction of the nano iDSD Black Label, with a host of new features including support for MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) audio. Now, iFi has excelled itself again with the launch of xDSD – the first in the company’s next generation of portable DACs.

MORE FUNCTIONAL

The pure analogue volume control which retains full-resolution at all volume levels, means the xDSD is a major sonic step up for all smartphones, digital audio players and computers.

Its selectable 3D+ and XBass+ functions bring both sensitivity and power to the careful listener. While the 3D+ function provides two separate circuits, one optimised for headphones and the other for loudspeakers, XBass+ delivers a tight and deep bass sound.

MORE PORTABLE

The xDSD has pulled off the task of being ultra-portable and wireless while supporting high-resolution formats, including MQA, and delivering 500mW of power per channel. By means of aptX HD and AAC, it brings hi-res streaming to Bluetooth.

MORE OPTIONS

As always, iFi audio likes to cater to user’s tastes. Out of the box, the xDSD comes already optimised for MQA and can handle up to PCM384 and DSD256. For those who prefer PCM768 and DSD512, a simple firmware download can be found on ifi-audio.com.

The retail price of the xDSD is US$399 (ex-tax) or €449/£399 (incl. VAT).

IN A NUTSHELL

The xDSD is an MQA-optimized DAC/amp that can be ultra portable or home-based. With aptX and AAC Bluetooth, it delivers high-resolution audio up to PCM768kHz and DSD512 at 500mW per channel to amplifiers, active speakers and headphones of all types.

 

FEATURES

MULTIBIT DIGITAL ENGINE WITH AMR GLOBAL MASTER TIMING

The xDSD is very much akin to the micro iDSD Black Label as both products are based on the Burr-Brown DSD1793 D/A converter chip and share extremely similar digital and analogue stages. The Burr-Brown Hi-Res Native DSD chipset is the one for discerning listeners.

HI–RES WIRELESS ON THE GO

With both aptx and AAC Bluetooth, the xDSD can be wirelessly paired with smartphones or DAPs. Wired, the USB type A OTG/CCK connector offers supreme portability and dependability and the 3.5mm jack acting as a coaxial/TOSLINK combo S/ PDIF input enhances these aspects even further.

OPTIMISED FOR MQA OR NON MQA FORMATS

Out of the box the xDSD comes pre-installed with firmware v5.30 and optimized for MQA. This can also handle formats up to PCM384 and DSD256. We also offer firmware v5.20 which is optimised for music file formats up to DSD512/PCM768 (non-MQA). This can be easily downloaded from our website.

S-BALANCED OPTIMISED FOR BALANCED IEMS

Our S-Balanced technology extracts the maximum performance from single-ended and balanced headphones alike. Plugging in unbalanced headphones with a TRS connector instead of TRRS will cause zero issues and, in fact, crosstalk is cut by 50%, compared to using a TRS socket.

BRAND NEW ‘CYBERDRIVE’

The ‘Cyberdrive’ headphone amplifier stage is one of the pivotal new circuit designs in the xDSD. This new design places all parameters of the fully analogue system under digital control for a ‘best of both worlds scenario’. Performance is increased, both noise and distortion are lowered. Find out more about ‘Cyberdrive’ and how else it enhances the xDSD on our website.

BATTERY POWER

A large 2200mAh Lithium-Polymer battery provides six to eight hours of playing time depending on your choice of headphones and connections. S/PDIF 10 hours, Bluetooth 8 hours and USB 6 hours.

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CONNECTIONS

 

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Input Options: USB Audio Class 2 (up to 768kHz/32Bit & DSD512)*

SPDIF Coax and optical (up to 192kHz/24Bit)

Bluetooth (up to 48kHz/16Bit)**

Automatic selection between USB and SPDIF

Manual switching between Bluetooth mode and USB/SPDIF

• Firmware download required, DSD512 also requires ASIO support by playback software and operating system

**Bluetooth supports AAC for Apple iDevices at iTunes/Apple Music bit rates and aptX to deliver CD quality for all market-leading Android Phones and tablets

Clock:	Ultra-low jitter GMT computer controlled Clock
	RMS jitter 12kHz – 1MHz < 280 Femtoseconds
Battery:	1750mAH/3.8V with Fast Charge support*
	* Fast Charge support includes standard and proprietary high current chargers (Apple, BC1.2,
	Samsung, Tom Tom etc.)
Playback time:	SPDIF > 10 Hours
	BT	>	8 Hours
	USB	>	6 Hours

Charging time: 500mA Standard USB <= 4.5 Hours

• 1A Fast Charger <= 2.5 Hours

Dimensions95 (l) x66.5 (w) x19 (h) mm

Weight 127g (0.28 Ibs)


 

ABOUT US

At iFi (pronounced ‘eye-fi’) we design and manufacture high-end audio equipment – DACs, headphone amplifiers, phono stages, pre-amps, all-in-ones and a range of signal and power accessories. The company launched at RMAF 2012 with 4 units, won an EISA for Best Product in 2014-15, and now we have over 30 multi-award winning products in our portfolio.

Today, we have a global presence spanning all the major markets. Our retailers range from B&H Photo (NYC) to Virgin Megastore (Dubai) to Yodabashi Camera (Tokyo).

For further information and product reviews, please go to

ifi-audio.com

Contact:

Victoria Pickles – Markets

Balmoral Lodge, 139-141 Cambridge Road,

Southport, Merseyside, PR9 7LN

5. victoriap@ifi-audio.com

20. +44 (0)1704 227 204

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