iFi NEO iDSD 2 User Manual

Welcome

Thank you for purchasing the iDSD from Neo series. The NEO iDSD 2 is a balanced USB and Bluetooth Ultra-Res DAC + headphone amplifier.

Key Features

• Versatile audio hub: DAC, preamp, and headphone amp
• Ultra-Res digital audio – 32-bit/784kHz PCM, DSD512, and full MQA decoding
• Dual-core DAC design enables true-native DSD and PCM
• Advanced jitter reduction – GMT femto-precision clock and smart storage cache
• Four user-selectable digital filters – fine-tune sound to suit the source material
• State-of-the-art HD Bluetooth 5.4 – fully optimized performance, whatever your source device
• Every Bluetooth format supported: aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, and more
• Enhanced PureWave fully balanced dual-mono circuit design delivers ultra-low distortion
• Exceptional power drives the toughest headphone loads (5x the power of the first-gen NEO iDSD)
• XSpace and XBass II – adjust soundstage and frequency response to match your headphones
• iPower 2 included – audiophile AC/DC power supply with Active Noise Cancelation
• Position horizontally or vertically – 2-inch color display rotates to suit orientation

Device Layout

Top View

• 1. TFT display: Located on the front left, shows current input, XBass, XSpace, format, sample rate, and power mode.
• 2. Multi-function knob: Large central dial for volume control, mute, and menu navigation.
• 3. XSpace Matrix On/Off button: Below the multi-function knob.
• 4. Power On/Off and Brightness button: Below the multi-function knob.
• 5. Input channel selector/Bluetooth pairing button: Below the multi-function knob.
• 6. XBass II selection button: To the right of the multi-function knob.
• 7. Gain selection button: To the right of the multi-function knob.
• 8. Balanced 4.4mm headphone output: Located on the rear right.
• 9. Unbalanced 6.3mm headphone output: Located on the rear right.

Rear View

• 10. Balanced XLR analogue line output: Left rear, two connectors for balanced interconnects.
• 11. Unbalanced RCA analogue line output: Left rear, two connectors for single-ended output to an amplifier.
• 12. Unbalanced 3.5mm analogue line input: Left rear, single connector for analogue line level audio sources.
• 13. Clock sync input: Center rear, BNC connector for an optional 10MHz external clock source.
• 14. Coaxial digital input: Center rear, RCA connector for S/PDIF sources.
• 15. Optical digital input: Center rear, TOSLINK connector for S/PDIF sources.
• 16. USB audio input: Right rear, USB-B connector for connection to a computer.
• 17. DC power supply connection: Right rear, barrel connector for the power adapter.

Controls and Functions

3. XSpace Matrix On/Off

The XSpace Matrix on/off recreates a holographic sound field. It is a purely analogue signal processing circuit designed for listening to headphones as if one was listening to speakers. This addresses the 'music inside the head' sensation, which can make for uneasy listening.

4. Power On/Off and Brightness

Power ON/OFF

Long press the power switch to power on/off.

Screen Brightness (Short press)

• High: High brightness mode. The display brightness always remains High.
• Med: Medium brightness mode. The display brightness always remains Medium.
• Low: Low brightness mode. The display brightness always remains low.
• Off: Sleep mode. If no operation is performed within 10 seconds, the display will turn off.

5. Input selector/Bluetooth pairing

This cycles between the following inputs:

? USB     ? Bluetooth     ? Coaxial     ✨ Optical     ? Line (3.5mm)     ? Auto

Note: Please select the input channel according to your audio source input mode. For example, when using USB input, you need to switch the input channel to "USB".

Note: When “Auto” mode is selected, the input signal is detected and the input channel is automatically switched.

The NEO iDSD 2 receives Bluetooth signals via aptX, aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC, and SBC.

Bluetooth pairing

When the Bluetooth input is selected, the Bluetooth icon in the display will flash and search for a previously paired device. If a stored device is not found, it will automatically enter pairing mode and flash.

Press and hold the button (1s) to enter pairing mode until the Bluetooth icon flashes. To pair, find the 'iFi Lossless Audio' Bluetooth device on your audio source device such as a mobile phone.

The NEO iDSD 2 can store up to 8 paired Bluetooth devices. To delete all previously stored devices, please perform a factory reset (item 2 - VII).

6. Gain selection

Short press cycles through these four gain modes:

? iEMatch (-12dB) > ? Normal (0dB) > ? Turbo (+8dB) > ⚡ Nitro (+16dB)

Note: Always start from 0dB and then increase the gain level to attain an enjoyable and comfortable level of volume from the headphones.

Warning: At the outset do not use excessive gain, otherwise damage to hearing or connected headphones may ensue. AMR/iFi audio is not responsible for any damage caused.

7. XBass II selection

Cycle through the three bass modes to select:

Off > XBass > XBass + Presence

XBass II is an analogue circuit designed to 'add back' the lost bass response for more accurate reproduction of the original music.

Note: Research into headphone frequency response showed that a purely flat response may not be correct. Our long present XBass fits the profile of the low-frequency correction required. However, it was also shown that a certain amount of upper midrange boost is needed to give many headphones a more 'natural' sound. This upper midrange region is usually called the 'presence' region; we have used this term to indicate the upper midrange correction. In the NEO iDSD2, XBass II (or perhaps better HPEQ) can be selected to have either Bass + Presence correction, only Bass, or only Presence correction.

Note: Sonically-hindering DSP is NOT used for XBass II nor XSpace matrix systems. They use the highest-quality discrete components and operate purely in the analogue domain. Hence all the clarity and resolution of the original music is retained.

8. Balanced 4.4mm headphone output

Connect balanced 4.4mm headphones.

9. Unbalanced 6.3mm headphone output

Connection for 6.3mm single-ended headphones. Please use a 3.5mm to 6.3mm adaptor for 3.5mm single-ended headphones.

10. Balanced XLR analogue line output

Connection of 4.4mm to XLR or similarly balanced interconnects.

11. Unbalanced RCA analogue line Output

Single-ended unbalanced signal output to an amplifier.

12. Unbalanced 3.5mm analogue line input

Connect to an analogue line level audio source with stereo 3.5mm connector.

13. Clock sync input

Connect to an external clock source (10MHz) (Optional)

Tip: The menu setting External Sync Clock needs to be on in order to use this input. If no 10MHz clock is detected or if there is an error in the external clock, the screen will indicate an error and the NEO iDSD 2 will automatically switch back to the internal clock.

A sine or square wave signal may be used, 1Vpp nominal, 75Ω.

14. Coaxial Digital input

Connect an S/PDIF source such as Apple TV, Google Chromecast, PS5, a high-end CD transport, etc.

15. Optical Digital input

Connect an S/PDIF source such as Apple TV, Google Chromecast, PS5, Xbox, a high-end CD transport, etc.

16. USB audio input

This is a USB3.0 B input (USB2.0 compatible). For a superior connection to a computer, use the enclosed USB3.0 cable. It connects the NEO iDSD 2 to the computer audio source.

17. DC Power Supply Connection

DC 9V/1.5A - 15V/0.9A* power input. Please connect NEO iDSD 2 to the enclosed power supply.

Note: A power supply unit must be able to deliver minimum rated repetitive current.

Tip: It is preferable to use a USB 3.0 over using a USB 2.0 port on the PC.

Note: For use with PC, it is necessary to download drivers.

Tip: For all latest firmware updates, please refer to our website here: ifi-audio.com/download-hub/

MQA Technology

The NEO iDSD 2 includes MQA technology, which enables playback of MQA audio files and streams, delivering the sound of the original master recording.

'MQA' or 'MQA.' indicates that the product is decoding and playing an MQA stream or file, and denotes provenance to ensure that the sound is identical to that of the source material. 'MQA.' indicates it is playing an MQA Studio file, which has either been approved in the studio by the artist/producer or has been verified by the copyright owner. 'OFS' confirms that the product is receiving an MQA stream or file. This delivers the final unfold of the MQA file and displays the original sample rate.

MQA and the Sound Wave Device are registered trade marks of MQA Limited © 2016.

MQA Usage:

1. Listen to MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) files straight out of the box.
2. For MQA tracks, simply connect to Tidal and check the options to stream MQA.
3. Visit mqa.co.uk for more information.

iFi Nexis App

Download the Nexis app for added features and future updates.

Set up your NEO iDSD 2 using our iFi Nexis App. Please search for "NEO iDSD 2" within the iFi Nexis app.

The iFi Nexis app helps you to use all the features and settings of the NEO iDSD 2, such as OTA upgrades*, remote control**, and more.

Note: *OTA (Over the Air Technology), or Over the Air download technology, automatically downloads firmware upgrade packages and upgrades automatically over the network.

Note: **Provides users with a convenient and easy-to-use way to control their device as an alternative to the traditional remote control, for adjusting all the functions and settings of the NEO iDSD 2 more easily, conveniently, and freely.

Cautions

1. Avoid extreme heat, cold, and humidity.
2. Avoid dropping or crushing the NEO iDSD 2.
3. If you experience discomfort or pain, try lowering the volume or discontinuing use temporarily.
4. Always check the actual output volume on your earphone, headphone, or loudspeakers before playing audio, as many music player software and operating systems do not appropriately apply industrial standards governing volume control (e.g., USB Device Class Definition for Human Interface Devices). If in doubt, before playing any music, turn off CyberSync or any other volume synchronization feature on the iFi Product and bring the volume down to the lowest setting.

Prolonged Heat Exposure

Your iFi Product may become very warm during normal use. It is important to keep your iFi Product on a hard, stable, and well-ventilated work surface when in use or charging.

Warning: To prevent possible hearing damage, do not listen at high volume levels for long periods.

Specifications

Digital Stage

Line Stage

Outputs

General

*A power supply unit must be able to deliver minimum rated repetitive current.

**12 months typical or as permitted/required by local reseller laws.

***Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Limited Warranty

The limited warranty is 12 months. Please refer to the notes regarding power supply requirements and typical warranty periods.