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iFi NEO iDSD DAC & Headphone Amplifier

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SKU: IFNEOIDSD
WARNING: for more information go to http://www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

The NEO iDSD is iFi Audio's new three-in-one DAC/amp. With balanced 'PureWave' circuitry plus hi-res Bluetooth5.0 and MQA, it offers the ultimate in hi-res playback.

    $699.99 - $799.00
    $799.00
    In Stock
    Have a Question? Ask Our Experts!

    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.

    Product Features

    • Burr Brown DAC chip supports PCM 768kHz, DSD512 and full MQA decoding
    • Bluetooth 5.0 receiver compatible with all codecs, up to 24 bit / 96Hz streaming
    • USB, S/PDIF optical, and digital coax wired inputs
    • Fully balanced headphone amp with 4.4mm and 6.3mm connections, and XLR and RCA speaker outputs
    • OLED display with remote control; horizontal or vertical orientation
    • XMOS 16-Core chip processes the audio data received via the USB and S/PDIF digital inputs
    • PureWave balanced, symmetrical dual-mono topology with short, direct signal paths

    Product Specs

    Inputs
    • Digital: USB3.0 B (USB2.0 compatible) / S-PDIF (coaxial / optical); Bluetooth 5.0â„¢ ( AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX LL, LDAC, LHDC / HWA Codec)
    • Formats: DSD512 / 256 / 128 / 64, Octa / Quad / Double / Single-Speed DSD; DXD (768 / 705.6 / 384 / 352.8kHz), Double / Single-Speed DXD; PCM (768 / 705.6 / 384 / 352.8 / 192 / 176.4 / 96 / 88.2 / 48 / 44.1kHz); MQA; Bluetooth 96kHz
    Outputs
    • Balanced XLR: 6.3V / 7.7V max. (variable), 4.4V fixed
    • UnBAL RCA: 3.2V / 3.9V max. (variable), 2.2V fixed
    Zout
    • Balanced: <= 100Ω
    • UnBAL: <= 50Ω
    • SNR: -112dB(A) @ 0dBFS (UnBAL/BAL)
    • DNR: >116dB(A) @ -60dBFS (UnBAL/BAL)
    • THD + N: <0.0015% @ 0dBFS (UnBAL/BAL)
    Headphone Section
    • Output: Balanced >6.4V/68.6 mW (@ 600Ω), >5.77V/1040 mW (@ 32Ω); UnBAL >3.25V/17.6 mW (@ 600Ω), >3V/295 mW (@ 32Ω)
    • Output Impedance: <1Ω (UnBAL/BAL)
    • SNR: -112dBA (3.3V UnBAL/6.2V BAL)
    • THD + N: <0.0015% (125mW @ 32Ω)
    General
    • Power consumption: No Signal ~0.5W, Max Signal ~2.5W
    • Dynamic range : 120dB(A)
    • Input voltage: DC 5V/2.5A, AC 100 -240V, 50/60Hz (with iPower)
    • Dimensions: 8.4" x 5.7" x 1.6"
    • Weight: 2.14 lbs.

    Product Warranty

    2 Years IsoAcoustics Warranty Information

    "The NEO iDSD is much more of a 'plug and play' prospect, and even without a direct comparison with the range-topper, it's clear this newer, and much more keenly-priced model sounds very good indeed, whether used with high-quality 'phones or connected into a main system."

    "Whether you need a high-quality desktop audio/head-fi solution, or a slimline DAC to slot into your main system – or both – the NEO iDSD has much to commend it, from its powerful, weighty and controlled sound to its broad file format compatibility."

    - Andrew Everard, Hi-Fi News, April 27, 2021


    "iFi Audio’s Neo iDSD is a slick little component. Its small size and versatile form factor mean that it can easily serve as the centerpiece of a great desktop system. And, as my experience confirmed, it’s very much at home in a serious hi-fi setup."

    "This no-nonsense DAC never failed to draw me into the music I played. Time and again, I was wowed by its ballsy, dynamic sound and convincing reproduction of large spaces—a combination of qualities that belied its small size and low price."

    "iFi Audio’s Neo iDSD gets two enthusiastic thumbs up from me. I enjoyed every moment I spent listening to it."

    - Gordon Brockhouse, SoundStage! Simplifi, January 15, 2021


    "Ladies and gents, iFi has done it again. How they managed to combine a class-leading Bluetooth receiver, top-notch DAC, and super-clean headphone amp in such a sleek well-designed package for only 700 bucks is beyond me. To me, the clarity and tonality is spot on, and if you listen to a lot of acoustic or vocal-based music, this thing will knock your socks off. If you’re looking for a premium desktop amp/DAC combo for less than a grand, then you need to check out the NEO iDSD."

    - Paul Cash, HI-FI Trends, December 10, 2020


    "As a 3 in one DAC preamplifier, it works great, the quality shows and the iFi Audio NEO iDSD will make an excellent audio centerpiece to feed your desktop audio system and then some."

    - Louis Gonzalez, Headfonics, November 27, 2020

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