iFi micro iDSD Signature
User Manual and Technical Specifications
Product Overview
The iFi micro iDSD Signature is a high-fidelity portable DAC and headphone amplifier designed to deliver exceptional audio performance on the go.
Front Panel Features
The front panel features the following controls and outputs:
- 1. Single-ended 6.3mm output: For connecting single-ended 6.3mm headphones. A 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter can be used for single-ended 3.5mm headphones. Tip: For new headphones, start with volume at 9 o'clock and Power Mode set to 'Eco'.
- 2. S-Balanced 4.4mm analogue output: Connect balanced 4.4mm headphones. Tip: The 4.4mm output is recommended due to the balanced nature of the micro iDSD Signature.
- 3. XBass+®: Extends bass response using a pure analogue signal circuit. (On/Off)
- 4. 3D+®: Recreates a holographic sound field using a pure analogue signal circuit, designed to combat the 'music inside the head' sensation. (On/Off) Tip: Neither XBass+ nor 3D+ use sonically-hindering DSP; they utilize high-quality discrete analogue components.
- 5. Audio Format LED (kHz): Indicates the audio format and sampling frequency.
- Green: PCM 44/48/88/96kHz
- Yellow: PCM 176/192/352/384kHz
- White: PCM 768kHz
- Cyan: DSD64/DSD128
- Blue: DSD256
- Red: DSD512
- Magenta: MQA
- 6. ON/OFF and Analogue Volume Control: Features a superior analogue volume control. Warning: Start at a low volume level due to the device's high power to prevent damage to headphones or hearing. iFi audio is not responsible for misuse-related damage.
- Power ON: Turn clockwise.
- Power OFF: Turn counter-clockwise to the OFF position.
For more information, please refer to www.ifi-audio.com.
Rear Panel Features
The rear panel provides connectivity options:
- 7. S/PDIF 3.5mm Coaxial/Optical input: Connect to a Coaxial/Optical cable (via a Toslink Mini-Plug) when USB is not in use. Tip: A Toslink Mini-Plug to Toslink adaptor is included. The S/PDIF standard supports PCM up to 192kHz.
- 8. RCA analogue output: An analogue output for connecting to other audio equipment.
- 9. USB3.0 'Type A' input port: For data transfer. Connect smartphones using a Lightning to USB Camera Adapter (Apple) or USB On-The-Go (OTG) cable (Android). Use a standard USB cable for other audio sources.
- Tip: USB 3.0 ports are preferable over USB 2.0 ports on PCs.
- Tip: The device comes with MQA-optimized firmware supporting up to PCM384/DSD256. For PCM768/DSD512 (non-MQA), install the corresponding firmware.
- Tip: Latest firmware updates are available at www.ifi-audio.com/downloads/.
Operational Modes and Settings
- 10. Power Mode: Selectable power output levels for different headphones.
- Turbo: For demanding headphones (~6 hours listening time).
- Normal: For medium-sensitivity headphones (~9 hours listening time).
- Eco: For high-sensitivity IEMs (~12 hours listening time).
- 11. Digital Filter: User-selectable filters for different audio formats.
- DSD: Extreme/Extended/Standard Range (analogue) filters.
- PCM: Bit-Perfect/Minimum-Phase/Standard (digital) filters.
- DXD: Bit-Perfect Processing (fixed) analogue filter.
- 12. iEMatch® switch: Matches sensitive In-Ear-Monitors (IEMs) to the device.
- Off: Disabled.
- High Sensitivity: For High Sensitivity IEMs.
- Ultra Sensitivity: For Ultra Sensitivity IEMs.
- 13. USB-C (5V) battery charge input: For charging the internal battery. A full recharge takes approximately 3 hours with a high-powered charger or 12 hours with a standard charger.
- 14. LED for Battery Status: Indicates the battery charge level.
- White*: > 75%
- Green*: > 25%
- Red*: > 10%
- Red (flashing): ≤ 10%
Key Technologies
- Octa-DSD512/PCM768 and 2X DXD support.
- Dual-Core Native DSD/PCM Burr-Brown chipset.
- S-Balanced 4.4mm output with 4,100mW capability.
- Direct-Drive® and Headamp Turbo® performance enhancement.
- Upgraded Zero Jitter/Femto clock system for reduced phase-noise/jitter.
- Digital engine with iFi custom ultra-low noise Op-Amp Ov2028.
- Analogue section with iFi custom ultra-low noise Op-Amp Ov2627.
- Ultra-low impedance OS-CON polymer capacitors and Panasonic audio-grade ECPU film capacitors.
- Performance-tuned 3D+ and XBass+ technologies.
- Multiple Power Modes: Turbo/Normal/Eco.
Specifications
Digital Inputs
USB 3.0 type A "OTG" Socket (USB2.0 compatible, with iPurifier technology built-in) / S-PDIF (3.5mm coaxial/optical)
Output
4.4mm S-Balanced, 6.3mm/RCA S-E
DAC Section
DAC: | Dual-Core Native DSD/PCM Burr-Brown |
Clock: | Ultra low jitter GMT Femtosecond Clock |
Formats: | DSD 512 / 22.6MHz, PCM 768kHz, MQA Full Decoder |
Filters: | DSD: Extreme/Extended/Standard Bandwidth PCM: Bit-Perfect/Minimum-Phase/Standard DXD: Bit-Perfect Processing |
Line Output DNR: | >117db(A) |
THD + N: | <0.003% @ 0dBFS |
Output Voltage: | >2V |
Output Impedance: | <240Ω |
Jitter (correlated): | Below AP2 test set limit |
Headamp Section
Headphone Power Output
Mode | Power (max) | Power (continuous) |
---|---|---|
Turbo | 10.0V/4,100 mW | >1,560 mW @ 64Ω, >166 mW @ 600Ω |
Normal | 5.5V/1,900 mW | >100 mW @ 300Ω, >950 mW @ 32Ω |
Eco | 2.0V/500 mW @ 8Ω | >250 mW @ 16Ω |
DNR: >115dB(A) (Eco Mode, 2V Out)
THD + N: <0.008% @ 500mW/16Ω
Output Voltage: >10V (Turbo Mode)
Output Impedance: <1Ω (iEMatch not engaged)
Maximum Output Power: 4,100 mW @ 16Ω Load
Continuous Output Power: 1,000 mW @ 64Ω Load
Battery
Lithium-polymer 4800mAh
Power System
Charging via USB-C, BC V1.2 compliant up to 1500mA charging current
Dimensions
172 x 65 x 27 mm (6.8" x 2.6" x 1.1")
Net weights
295 g (0.65 lbs)
Limited Warranty
24 months*
*24 months typical or as permitted/required by local reseller laws. **Specifications are subject to change without notice.