Three-in-One DAC / Headphone Amp with MQA Decoding
The NEO iDSD is iFi Audio's new three-in-one DAC / headphone amp. With balanced 'PureWave' circuitry plus hi-res Bluetooth5.0 and MQA, it offers the ultimate in hi-res playback. Place it horizontally or vertically to suit its surroundings. The OLED display flips to match orientation. One rotary knob controls functionality.
Enjoy the NEO iDSD as a pure DAC, connecting it to a separate integrated amp or preamp using the fixed-level analogue output. Or treat it as a DAC/preamp with a variable output. It's the ideal companion to a power amp or active speakers. Headphone users will love using the excellent amp stage to create a fabulous 'head-fi' system.
Enhanced Digital Engine
A Burr-Brown DAC chipset fuels the NEO's 'digital engine,' but iFi souped it up with a new 16-core, XMOS microcontroller that processes the data via USB and S/PDIF digital inputs. It provides double the clock-speed and four times the memory. Add in jitter eradication, including iFi's GMT femto-precision clock, intelligent memory buffer, and iFi's GTO filter as standard, and you've got one heck of a super DAC.
The Burr-Brown True Native® chipset means file formats remain unchanged or 'bit-perfect'. This means you are listening to music as the artist intended in the format in which it was recorded.
iFi uses Burr Brown extensively in its products, having selected it for its natural-sounding 'musicality' and True Native architecture. iFi's experience with this IC means iFi know how to make the most of it.
The XMOS 16-Core chip processes the audio data received via the USB and S/PDIF digital inputs. This new low-latency XMOS microcontroller has greatly enhanced processing power. Compared to the current generation of eight-core chips, this new 16-core IC delivers double the clock speed (2000MIPS) and four times the memory (512KB), as well as the latest SuperSpeed USB standard.
iFi's in-house digital development team has programmed the XMOS firmware to optimize sound quality and ensure a perfect partnership with the Burr-Brown DAC.
Excels with PCM, DSD, DXDx2, and MQA
The NEO iDSD supports PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD up to 512 and DXDx2. All remain 'bit-perfect'. The NEO provides full MQA decoding to ensure the best possible sound quality. Plus with MQA over S/PDIF, take advantage of any MQA CDs in your collection.
MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is supported through the USB and S/PDIF inputs, with full decoding of MQA files up to 384kHz thanks to the processing power of the new 16-core XMOS chip. This means that the full 'three unfold' decoding process is performed internally, as opposed to only the final unfold in the manner of an MQA 'renderer'. Globally, MQA has become an important consideration for any comprehensively equipped DAC. It is available through Tidal Masters, Audirvana and Roon.
Bleeding-edge Bluetooth
iFi uses Qualcomm's new QCC5100 Bluetooth processing IC in combination with proprietary circuits to create an audibly superior 'Bluetooth engine'. All current high-definition Bluetooth audio formats are supported – aptx, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX LL, LDAC, HWA/LHDC, AAC and SBC. And that's not all. The NEO iDSD remembers up to seven devices and has impressive range on Bluetooth5.0.
Of the 24-bit-capable codecs, aptX Adaptive and aptX HD support up to 48kHz, while LDAC and LHDC reach 96kHz. iFi's 'Bluetooth engine' can also be updated over-the-air, so future codecs may be added.
Ride the 'PureWave'
Not only is the NEO iDSD a purist design – no DSP, no digital filter selection and no change in analog playback – it is also all designed around a balanced circuit design named 'PureWave'. It uses audiophile-grade components and delivers sonic 'purity' thanks to the extraordinarily low levels of noise and distortion.
PureWave is a new, balanced, symmetrical dual-mono topology with short, direct signal paths. The name refers to the sonic purity it achieves thanks to exceptional linearity and infinitesimally low levels of noise and distortion.
High-quality components are used throughout, including custom ultra-low-distortion op-amps, multilayer ceramic TDK C0G capacitors, MELF thin-film resistors and inductors from Murata and Taiyo Yuden. Their class-leading qualities such as low ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance), high linearity and low noise pay great dividends in terms of sound quality.
The headphone amp stage has a continuous power output of more than 1000mW into 32ohms available through the balanced headphone socket. To retain maximum resolution, the volume is adjusted in the analog domain via a resistor ladder, under precise microprocessor control.
Power and Poise
The headphone amp stage maintains an engaging balance between sonic power and poise – no matter what it is tasked to drive. From high-sensitivity in-ear monitors to current-hungry planar headphones, it drives them with aplomb. It has a continuous power output of over 1000mW into 32ohms available through the balanced headphone socket. Plenty of oomph for headphone user.
Just More Music
The NEO iDSD contains top-notch audio components to back-up the outstanding balanced circuit design. Even the OLED SilentLine display is engineered to ensure there is no electrical noise to interfere with the audio signal as it switches itself off when not in use. Quality components mean more clarity and texture, a more engaging performance. You just hear more of the music.
TDK C0G (Class 1 ceramic) capacitors offer high stability and low losses for resonant circuit applications. They are pricey but are a perfect addition to our products.
muRata control-type, low-ESR high-Q multi-layer capacitors. The 'ESR control' aspect of the Murata is something special. Their noise suppression abilities are impressive.
Switching between settings has been engineered to ensure sonic transparency with advanced trench technology MOSFET is used as a muting switch. This FET-based switching is handled by a micro-controller, which only 'wakes up' when the user changes a setting, thus eradicating any sonically deleterious interference.
