iFi Pro iDSD Signature Full Review!

[@AndreaRavaioli]

I think the amplifier companion, the iCan Pro Signature, is fantstic. I foolishly sold it and I missed it from day one. I then had Cayin HA-3A, Aune S17, Topping A70 Pro, Hifiman Serenade: none of them sounds as full as the iCan Pro with a bit of tweaking. As soon as one pops up on the used market at a decent price I will buy it again and the Serenade will be used as DAC only.

[@dynamic-audio]

How do you compare this ifi vs the hugo tt2 (both as a dac)? In terms of soundstage size, detail, timbre, etc

[@TonkyTronicus]

iFi's more entry level stuff is great. I still love the Go Blu and the Gryphon.

[@klc2578]

Use the Wi-Fi via upnp with MConnect and login tidal as controller to play wireless on Pro idsd bit perfect.

[@taidee]

This on top of what the Diablo 2 turned out to be, and it seems iFi is to be avoided. Thanks Director.

[@DirectorsGarage]

I think it's product dependent. The Micro iDSD Signature is a fantastic product-- especially if you have picky IEMs. So is the iGo iPhone dongle DAC. But the Diablo didn't work for me at that price and the Diablo II apparently is overstating their power delivery-- I haven't heard the Diablo II personally so I can't say. This product is good, even great, in some situations-- but it has limitations here and there that could be a deal-breaker for some.

[@Tssukiii]

Hi there! How do the KSE1200 stack up today in your opinion? And can I connect them to the DX3 Pro + or Fiio K7 and if so, how? Additionally, if that’s possible, are they good enough DACs for the KSE1200?

[@DirectorsGarage]

I have only reviewed the KSE1500, which has a DAC attached. The 1200 does not. I always lobby for the KSE 1500 because it has EQ built in, and these headphones need the support down low, they are bass light. The 1200 should have a 3.5mm line-level input. If your source has a line-level out, with a few adapters you should be able to feed the KSE 1200. I think for speed and resolution the KSE is still a player in the high end, though I'd like to see these prices drop a bit. FWIW I have a KSE 1500 in my Director's Garage Sale, if interested. Email me at [e-mail] Cheers!

[@Tssukiii]

@@DirectorsGarageThank you very much!

[@gringostarr69]

Hi Michael. Long time no seen

[@krzysztofs3t532]

I don't believe it - you want to stream high res files from the iPhone and are surprised that it doesn't work? :P If you want to set your phone as the file source for the high res files, you need an Android phone + third party software (USB Player Pro).

[@kevintj604]

Yup. Nightmare of a device. For essentially the same money you can pick up a Ferrum Oor & Wandla stack and drive practically any headphone on the planet with unbelievable functionality and sound quality.

[@DirectorsGarage]

I don't want to call it a nightmare because there are things it does quite well. Many people would not run into the hiccups I ran into, because the limitations are specific to certain use-cases. If you love a lot of filters and the tube stage-- then this might be something that interests you. I agree, it's a LOT of money for what it delivers, and I completely agree there are better options out there for what I expect in a device at this price.

[@TheVeganVicar]

@@DirectorsGarage, you will NEVER convince me that the iFi Phantom I received last week is not a nightmare.

[@ansel111]

I can feel how much you don’t like giving a critical review. It’s OK man, they can’t all be winners.

[@DirectorsGarage]

It’s not a bad product. A bad product sounds terrible and doesn’t work. This thing sounds very good to great, as long as you don’t throw that gain switch. This does its job well if you use it as a USB device or an AirPlay node. And I think that’s how most people will use it. At the same time, price must be a consideration. This thing is expensive. As I pointed out- there are many outstanding options at this price point. Ferrum, Burson, Chord, even Holo have options you can check out in this price range- and those are world-class products. This is not. And if it’s streaming you seek- my goodness, the Eversolo and Fiio offerings offer better functionality, touch screens, MQA, filters, all of it- for less money. You can see the work that went into developing this thing- but at the price point? It’s a pass for me.

[@theodorezurla496]

Bruh this sounds like a nightmare if a device 😅

[@thelastrhino2581]

It's true. People are starting to realize iFi is overpriced junk.

[@TheVeganVicar]

@@thelastrhino2581, especially the iFi Phantom that I received last week. I'm FUMING with anger!

[@DirectorsGarage]

I wouldn't say nightmare-- because there are some things it does quite well. There are many people out there (don't ask me how I know!) who despise MQA and won't have anything to do with it. If you are in that group, or use another streamer, you won't care that it has some challenges with MQA. If your use case is strictly Airplay, this thing is terrific. If you don't use Roon, then this thing could be a good fit. It doesn't work for me, personally, because I have a few hard-to-drive headphones, I love MQA with a decoder, and I use Roon with Tidal all the time, and I use a LAN setup (not wireless) for delivery.