iFi nano iDSD Black Label
Portable DAC and Headphone Amplifier
Product Overview
The iFi nano iDSD Black Label is a compact and powerful portable Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) and headphone amplifier designed for audiophile-grade sound on the go. It features advanced Burr Brown processing for DSD, DXD, and PCM audio formats, MQA rendering technology, and the proprietary iEMatch® system for optimal headphone performance.
The device is powered by a rechargeable battery and can also be powered via USB. It offers versatile connectivity options for various audio sources and headphones.
[iFi Logo]
Key Features and Connections
1. Input: USB2.0 type A 'OTG' socket (with iPurifier® technology built-in)
Connects to your audio source (PC, iPhone/iPad, Android, etc.) via a USB cable. The integrated iPurifier® technology helps to clean the USB signal. For mobile devices, specific Apple (Camera Connection Kit) or Android (USB On-The-Go) cables may be required. Standard 'charging' cables are not suitable for data connection. This port also serves for battery charging.
2. Output: 3.5mm Line Out
Provides a fixed-level line output for connecting to devices with their own volume control, such as active speakers, HiFi systems, or external headphone amplifiers.
3. Digital Filter
Offers selectable digital filters for PCM and DSD audio. Users can choose between the 'Listen' filter (transient-optimized minimum phase) for a preferred listening experience or the 'Measure' filter (frequency response optimized) for analytical purposes.
4. Output: 3.5mm headphone jack
This is the primary headphone output. The nano iDSD Black Label features a powerful headphone amplifier, significantly more potent than typical smartphone outputs, capable of driving demanding headphones. It includes the iFi iEMatch® system for compatibility with sensitive headphones and In-Ear Monitors (IEMs), reducing background noise and optimizing gain.
iEMatch® Explanation
The iEMatch® system is designed for regular-sensitivity headphones and IEMs, ensuring reduced background noise and matched gain. For very sensitive headphones, the iEMatch® output is recommended. If satisfactory volume levels are not achieved, switching to the Direct output can maximize dynamic range and sound quality. Note: Only one headphone should be connected at any time.
5. LED for audio format/battery status
The multi-color LED indicator provides information on the audio format being processed and the battery status.
Audio Format Indication:
- Blue: DSD 256
- Cyan: DSD 128/DSD 64
- White: DXD PCM 352.6/384kHz
- Yellow: PCM 176.4/192kHz
- Green: PCM 44.1/48/88.2/96kHz
- Magenta: MQA (all sample rates)
- Green (flashing): Waiting for USB connection
- Red alternating with any of the above: Battery is fully discharged, USB power is being used to play music but battery is NOT being charged.
- Red: Battery is < 10% and requires charge.
- No LED: Battery empty.
Battery Status Indication:
- When the device is switched off and a 5V USB power supply is detected, the LED turns blue to indicate charging.
- A fully charged battery offers approximately 10 hours of music playback.
- Blue (Power OFF): Charging.
6. ON/OFF & Analogue Volume Control
The device features a rotary knob that functions as both the power switch and the analogue volume control. It offers smooth attenuation from 0dB down to -40dB.
Powering On:
- USB Power: Turn the knob to 'ON'. Connect the USB cable from the host.
- Battery Power: Turn the knob to 'ON'. Then connect to the computer or audio source.
[Diagram: Step 1 ON knob, Step 2 USB connection]
Tip: In Battery Power mode, the nano iDSD Black Label will continue to use battery power even if the USB cable is connected. For Apple iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch and Android devices, using Battery Power is recommended to avoid potential error messages from the device.
For more information, please refer to ifi-audio.com.
7. MQA (Master Quality Authenticated)
MQA is an award-winning technology that delivers the full sound of the original master recording. MQA files are authenticated and optimized for streaming or download. The nano iDSD Black Label includes MQA rendering technology, enabling playback of MQA audio files and streams for an authentic listening experience.
Visit mqa.co.uk for more information.
The LED glows magenta when the unit is rendering an MQA stream or file, indicating the final unfold of the MQA content.
Features/Specifications
General
| Input (rear) | USB2.0 type A "OTG" Socket (with iPurifier® technology built-in) |
| Output (rear) | 1 x Audio fixed line out L+R 3.5mm |
| Digital Filter | 2 positions, 2 filters |
| Outputs (front) | 2 x Headphone Audio 3.5mm (one direct and one with iFi iEMatch® integrated) |
DAC
| DAC | DSD, DXD, PCM DAC by Burr Brown Bit-Perfect DSD processing, Bit-Perfect DXD processing |
| Clock | Low-jitter crystal clock |
| Audio Formats |
|
| Filter - PCM | Listen (transient optimised minimum phase) Measure (frequency response optimised) |
| Filter - DSD | Listen (extended bandwidth transient optimised) Measure (narrow bandwidth, low output band noise optimised) |
| Filter - DXD | Fixed Bit-Perfect Processing |
| Filter - MQA | Fixed MQA Filter |
| Note: for Windows drivers download | ifi-audio.com/downloads/ |
Headphone Amplifier
| Amplifier | Dual Mono 2 x 285mW Direct Drive, coupling capacitor free circuit for highest fidelity |
| Volume Control | Analog 2-Track Potentiometer w. power switch, < 2dB tracking error - 40dB...0dB Attenuation |
| Headphone Connection | 3.5mm TRRS with Balanced compatible wiring |
| Dynamic Range (including DAC) | > 109dB(A) @ 3v (Direct) > 107dB(A) @ 0.5V (iEMatch®) |
| THD &N (@ 125mW/30R) | < 0.005% |
| Max. Output (<10% THD) | > 3.5V @ 600Ω Load (Direct) (20mW/600Ω) > 2.9V @ 30Ω Load (Direct) (285mW/300Ω) > 1.7V @ 15Ω Load (Direct) (200mW/15Ω) |
| Output Impedance | < = 1Ω (Direct) < = 4Ω (iEMatch®) |
| Channel Separation | > 79dB @ 600Ω Load (Direct) > 79dB @ 150Ω Load (Direct) (1kHz, TRRS plug Balanced wiring) |
Line Output
| Dynamic Range (Line) | > 109dB(A) |
| THD & N (0dBFS Line) | < 0.004% |
| Output Voltage (Line) | 2.15V (+/-0.05V) |
| Output Impedance | < 240Ω |
| Channel Separation | > 99dB (@ 1kHz) |
| Jitter (correlated) | Below test set limit |
| Dimensions | 96 (l) x64 (w) x25.5 (h) mm |
| Weight | 139g (0.31 lbs) |
| Warranty period | 12months |
Warranty & Terms
iFi guarantees that this iFi product shall be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 1 year for parts and labour.
The warranty period begins at the date of retail sale by an authorized iFi distributor/dealer and is subject to the following requirements and understandings:
- It is the responsibility of the buyer within 30 days from the original sale, to register and activate the product warranty with the iFi website.
- The original invoice must be produced for authentication prior to any warranty claim.
- The iFi product must not have been modified in any manner whatsoever, or the warranty will immediately become void.
- The iFi warranty is only valid in the country of original sale.
- The product must not have been stored in a humid environment; nor subjected to weather, water, or saltwater spray.
- iFi shall not, under any circumstances, be liable for any incidental or consequential damages arising from the loss of property or other damage or losses due to the failure of an iFi product. iFi is not liable for loss of use or inconvenience caused by the failure of an iFi product. iFi is not liable for damage caused to other audio components because of the failure of an iFi product.
- During the warranty period, iFi will repair the product to working order, or, at iFi's discretion, replace the defective module with a similar available product.
- All repairs performed after expiry of the warranty period will be charged to the owner and will carry a 180-day warranty on parts and labour. The customer is responsible for shipping the unit to the iFi distributor in the original packaging. This includes the payment of any shipping charges and related taxes.
- Should any warranty issues arise, iFi's decision is full and final.
Activate Your Warranty
In order to activate the warranty for this iFi product, you must register with the iFi website.
Component: _________________________
Serial no: _________________________
Register at: ifi-audio.com
