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iFi xDSD Portable Bluetooth DAC and Headphone Amplifier - for Smartphones/Tablets/Computers/Digital Audio Players
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Purchase options and add-ons
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 4 x 3 x 1 inches |
Manufacturer | Abbingdon Music Research |
Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
Brand | iFi |
Number of Channels | 2 |
About this item
- WIRELESS OR WIRED - Improve the sound from any smartphone, laptop, tablet, or DAP to your wired headphones with a built in CD quality Bluetooth streaming receiver, or connect directly to your USB device with an Android OTG cable or Apple Camera Connection Kit. S/PDIF, optical, toslink, and coax are options as well. Our S Balanced 3.5mm headphone output brings the benefits of the balanced connection to single ended headphones and cuts crosstalk
- POWERFUL AMPLIFIER - Experience the full dynamic range and unleash the full potential of your headphones, 32ohm to 600ohm, with an impressive Dual-mono headphone amplifier consisting of 500mW of power per channel. Make sensitive IEMs super quiet thanks to our Cyberdrive circuit design that puts the analog volume under digital control for the best of both worlds, while retaining full bit resolution at all volume levels.
- HIGH RESOLUTION AUDIO - Playback any hi-res audio format natively with our signature Burr Brown digital to analog signal processing chip, which means file formats or information remain unchanged for the truest sound. Supports native PCM 384 quad, DSD 256, and MQA straight out of the box, or choose high resolution audio up to PCM 768kHz and DSD 512 with a quick firmware update
- PORTABLE DESIGN - With an internal Lithium Polymer Battery, playback time is up to 6 to10 hours, depending on the headphones you are driving and what settings you enable
- TECH PACKED - Low end bass frequencies are no problem thanks to our XBass + analogue bass correction system which corrects headphone bass frequency to deliver a deep, tight and prodigious bass. You will feel the music all around thanks to the wide soundstage from our 3D+ Holographic dual-analogue matrix create a more immersive, deeper soundstage that puts the artist with you in the room, not just in your headphones
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From the brand
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About iFi
You love music, so that’s why we create products that improve sound quality and eradicate noise, distortion and hiss.
With our vast catalogue of devices, you can bring the live experience into your home. Or if you prefer your music on-the-go, we deliver every cymbal crash and pluck of a string in clear isolation straight to your ears.
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What makes our products unique?
Our products are known for their high-quality sound, unique features, and innovative technology. They use proprietary technologies, high-quality materials, and offer a wide range of products, including portable options.
Are our products high quality?
Our company uses high-quality components and advanced circuitry in their products, which results in clean and accurate sound reproduction. We have a dedicated team of experienced engineers and designers who are passionate about producing the best possible audio products.
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Looking for specific info?
Product Description
iFi was born in 2012 with one goal in mind: to produce 'ultra-fidelity' audio products that push the sonic envelope whilst still priced within the mainstream.
iFi audio is under our parent company, AMR, Abbingdon Music Research, which designs and produces top-end luxurious audio products. AMR saw in 2010 that customer demand for wireless and portable headphones was expanding as the whole audio dynamic was changing. Thus, iFi was launched.
iFi offers small but prodigious personal audio products thanks to the superior knowledge of AMR’s technology. Today, we are proud of our British (and international) roots. We continue to design and produce over 35 different products. We are headquartered in Southport, UK with distribution including retailers such as B&H and etailz with production overseas.
We source parts from around the world from manufacturers including AMOS (UK), GE Valves (USA), WIMA (Germany) and TDK (Japan).
Why do you need a DAC and Amp?
If you have high quality or hi-fidelity headphones you are going to need some power in the form of an amplifier to drive them to their true performance potential. You are also going to need an exceptional external HiFi Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) to process your music files in high resolution to enhance your experience even further. The DACs in a smartphone, computer, tablet or audio player on the market are not designed for processing high quality sound. iFi audio has developed top of the line products to meet the various needs and preferences whether you are an everyday listener or an experienced audiophile.
iFi audio xDSD Portable Digital Analogue Converter and Amplifier
The xDSD is a top rated, award winning, ultra portable, lightweight Digital to Analogue Converter (DAC) and amplifier. It is designed to be used with headphones and mobile digital sources such as smartphones, Digital Audio Players, as well as stationary devices or audio systems like computers, TVs, and game consoles. It delivers CD-quality Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to stream your favorite music from popular services, such as: iTunes, Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal. It is small enough to fit right in your pocket while packing big sound. Fit for any lifestyle,you will fall in love with it. Far from a basic gadget, listen at home or work, on a relaxing day out, on the commute, and anywhere you want to take your music to the next level. It is compatible with any iPhone or Android that supports audio over Bluetooth or USB. Get the best performance from your headphones and enjoy listening to your music in amazing detail. Expect nothing less than extraordinary from the iFi audio brand.
The Tech
The xDSD supports high resolution PCM 768, DSD 512 (with quick complementary firmware update), or the latest MQA (rendered) formats with PCM 384 and DSD 256. With the iFi S-Balanced 3.5mm TRRS headphone circuit, which delivers 500mW of power per channel and full analogue volume control the xDSD is a major sonic step up for your music source. It shines both inside and out from its AAC/aptX Bluetooth connectivity which will provide CD quality sound to its luxurious magnesium alloy construction. It can be operated either in wireless or wired mode via dedicated aptX/AAC Bluetooth component (wireless) or (wired) USB A connector, 3.5mm, SPDIF (Coax/Optical combo, 192kHz supported). A large 2200mAh Lithium-Polymer battery provides an average of six to eight, up to 10 hours of playing time.
The xDSD is not compatible with Bluetooth headphones.
CD-Quality Bluetooth:
Deliver CD-Quality music wirelessly to your xDSD and wired headphones from your smartphone (Apple iPhone or Android), DAP (Apple iPod and similar), laptop or smart TV.
Digital Inputs:
Wired, the USB type A OTG/CCK connector offers the ultimate High-Res audio performance for smartphones, laptops and USB enabled DAPs. The 3.5mm coaxial/TOSLINK combo S/PDIF input gives older DAPs and CD players a new lease of life as a transport to serve High-Resolution audio.
Burr-Brown Chipset:
Hear music as the artist intended. The Burr-Brown True Native chipset means file formats remain unchanged for the truest sound.
MQA Compatible:
Listen to MQA straight out of the box.
For MQA tracks, simply connect to Tidal (on your computer) and check the options to stream MQA.
Hi-Res Audio:
True Native playback of all music formats from MP3 to DSD512, PCM768 and 2xDXD.
S-Balanced Technology:
The iFi exclusive S-Balanced technology delivers the maximum performance from single-ended and balanced headphones alike.
Reap the benefits of balanced, enjoy lower distortion and reduced crosstalk.
3D and XBass:
Our 3D+ Holographic dual-analogue matrices create a louder, deeper soundstage that puts the artist with you in the room, not just in your headphones.
And the XBass+ analogue bass correction system corrects headphone/speaker bass response to deliver a deeper tighter, rich and more prodigious bass.
Battery:
With a separate power input (USB C) to charge its own internal battery. It does not draw from your smartphone. Playback time is up to ten hours.
Plus it boasts a USB Type A connector for a stable wired connection. Just use an Apple CCK cable or Android OTG cable and away you go.
Cyber Drive Headphone Amplifier
The Cyberdrive headphone amplifier stage is one of the pivotal new circuit designs in the x-series. This new design places all parameters of the fully analogue system under digital control for a ‘best of both worlds’ scenario.The Cyberdrive design incorporates the iFi exclusive OV4627 ultra low noise FET input Op-Amp and W990VST digitally controlled stepped attenuator to deliver a new level of sound-quality.
Specifications
- USB Input: up to PCM768kHz & DSD512 (24.6/22.6MHz)
- S/PDIF Coaxial and Optical Input: up to 192kHz/24Bit
- Dynamic Range: > 113dB (A)
- Volume Control: -101dB…0dB in 1dB steps
- Output power: > 2.82V/500 mW @ 16 Ohm > 3.7V/270mW @ 50 Ohm > 3.8V/48 mW @ 300 Ohm > 3.8V/24 mW @ 600 Ohm
- Line out Level: > 2.1V @ 0dBFS (& 0dB Volume)
- THD &N (1V/16R): < 0.005%
- Output Impedance: < 1 Ohm
- Battery: 3.8V/2200mAh
- Dimensions and Weight: 95 (l) x66.5 (w) x19 (h) mm ;127g (0.28 Ibs)
xDSD | nano iDSD Black Label | micro iDSD Black Label | xCAN | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Customer Reviews |
4.1 out of 5 stars
177
|
4.2 out of 5 stars
264
|
— |
4.0 out of 5 stars
138
|
Primary Use | Portable | Portable | Transportable | Portable Amplifier |
iEMatch | Yes/Auto | Yes | Yes | Yes/Auto |
3D Matrix, XBass | On/Off | No | On/Off | On/Off |
Max. Power | 500mW @ 16 Ohm | 285mW @ 30 Ohm | 4,000mW @ 16 Ohm | 1,000mW @ 32 Ohm |
Battery Playback | 6-10 Hours | 6-8 Hours | 8-10 Hours | 12-18 Hours |
Inputs | Bluetooth, USB, SPDIF, Optical | USB, SPDIF | USB, SPDIF, Optical. 3.5mm (line In) | Bluetooth, 3.5mm (TRS or TRRS S-Balanced), 2.5mm (TRRS) Bal |
Outputs | 3.5mm, 3.5mm Fixed Line Out | 3.5mm, 3.5mm Fixed Line Out | 6.5mm (3.5mm Adaptor), RCA, SPDIF Coax | 3.5mm (TRS or TRRS S-Balanced), 2.5mm (TRRS) Bal |
MQA Ready | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
DAC | Burr Brown | Burr Brown | Burr Brown (Dual) | ESS Sabre |
Formats | PCM768 / DSD512 | PCM384 / DSD256 / DXD384 | PCM768 / DSD512 | 44.1/48k 16-Bit (AAC,aptX) (on Bluetooth) |
Product information
Product Dimensions | 4 x 3 x 1 inches |
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Item Weight | 4.5 ounces |
ASIN | B07C4TLPQN |
Item model number | 4336299358 |
Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included) |
Customer Reviews |
4.1 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #291,505 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #303 in Headphone Amps |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | April 12, 2018 |
Manufacturer | Abbingdon Music Research |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the sound quality, quality and bluetooth functionality of the headphones. For example, they mention that it's designed for hi-res audio, the music sounds more lively and musical, and the bass boost was an added plus. That said, some appreciate clarity, appearance, and durability. That being said, opinions are mixed on performance, and ease of use.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the sound quality of the headphones. They say it's designed for hi-res audio, but makes a huge difference to normal audio files. The music sounds more lively and musical, the bass boost was an added plus, and the soundstage is wider. Some like the slightly dark sound and the excessive power. Overall, customers are satisfied with the sound and recommend it to others.
"...It features a full body and authoritative sound that can drive lower impedance headphones. I can listen to the xDSD or the Micro BL all day long...." Read more
"...The amp on xDSD is strong enough to power my HD 650 can. Soundstage is wider compare to FiiO Q5. I can hear every single instruments in a track...." Read more
"...it brings to the music without giving artificiality is truly worth its price. Oh, and Bluetooth works great!..." Read more
"...At the price, this is an amazing value. Best of all is the MQA support, which provides the best reproduced sound I’ve ever heard...." Read more
Customers like the quality of the DAC. They say it's a great device with a good set of features and sound quality. Some customers also mention that it'll be a better all-around choice than the XDSD. Overall, customers are satisfied with the quality and features of the product.
"...But everything else is a no for me. The XDSD is just a better all around choice...." Read more
"...This is 97% the way there. It’s smaller and lighter, and beautiful! Under $300, get this one." Read more
"...Using Bluetooth is quite convenient, but at the cost of minor quality loss." Read more
"...It’s actually quite tiny in my hand - the hand model must be a munchkin. Beautiful construction and intuitive controls...." Read more
Customers like the bluetooth connection of the headphones. They mention that the bluetooth functionality is a great feature, the compatibility is very useful, and using Bluetooth is quite convenient. However, some customers report minor quality loss when using Bluetooth. Overall, most are satisfied with the performance and sound quality of the product when using bluetooth.
"...Again, a great performance when listened with Bluetooth but I completed my listening with USB because the vocals were slightly more open and..." Read more
"...Oh, and Bluetooth works great! It works so well that going wired is an afterthought well into a listening session ... I often don't even bother." Read more
"...Using Bluetooth is quite convenient, but at the cost of minor quality loss." Read more
"...Without considering LDAC etc, the SQ from xdsd through bluetooth is sooooo average and even es100 can beat this easily in terms of bluetooth SQ...." Read more
Customers appreciate the clarity of the headphones. They say it produces ear candy and makes them feel like they're floating on a cloud. They also mention that the track quality differences become very clear.
"...I do love it for what it does, offer great clarity, but to my ears the clarity comes wrapped in a blanket...." Read more
"...With all the limitations of xDSD, I forgive everything for its clear, specious, detailed dymamic sound." Read more
"...It definitely makes music louder and more clear. I'm not sure it's worth$400 for the slight increase...." Read more
"...Now, with this little machine, the track quality differences become very clear, and just like in any good system, the recording and sound..." Read more
Customers like the appearance of the headphones. They mention that the stylish, shiny aluminum body leads to beautiful construction and intuitive controls.
"Wonderful sound, great design, superb technology. At the price, this is an amazing value...." Read more
"...This is 97% the way there. It’s smaller and lighter, and beautiful! Under $300, get this one." Read more
"...The only negative I can possibly note is that the stylish, shiny aluminum body leads to fingerprints getting on the unit...." Read more
"...Beautiful construction and intuitive controls. Love when the purple light tells me I’m listening to an MQAPlenty of power on the IEM’s...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the durability of the headphones. They mention it has a solid build, and the amp is strong enough to power their HD 650 can.
"...The amp on xDSD is strong enough to power my HD 650 can. Soundstage is wider compare to FiiO Q5. I can hear every single instruments in a track...." Read more
"...Plenty of power on the IEM’s. Will test with my Audeze LCD-2’s as soon as my 4.4mm balanced female -> 3.5 balanced male adapter arrives..." Read more
"impressed, a little expense, built well, pairs fairly easily the very first time, after that it took a few tries...." Read more
"Solid build and makes your headphones shine..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the performance of the headphones. Some mention that it works well, while others say that it stops working and doesn't pair. The Bluetooth connection on the xDSD does not work very well with Apple devices. The headphones have great sound, but lose headphone app functions and die after some months.
"...4 stars is because the Bluetooth connection on xDSD does not work very well with Apple device. My iPhone X is my main music player...." Read more
"...Oh, and Bluetooth works great! It works so well that going wired is an afterthought well into a listening session ... I often don't even bother." Read more
"...Just the next day after receiving and reviewing it, the xDSD stopped functioning...." Read more
"What a pity! If I sit at my desk it works perfectly. But, if I walk 15 feet line of sight the signal begins to give up...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the ease of use of the headphones. Some mention it's easy to use, with intuitive controls, while others say it'll be a little complicated to figure out at first. The interface is clumsy at best, and the controls are not intuitive. The instructions are not clear, and setup on this device is difficult.
"...The instructions, for me at least, were a nightmare. The controls are not intuitive. I was lost trying to swap from Bluetooth and back...." Read more
"...I wouldn’t buy it again based on how immensely frustrating it is to pair with everything I’ve used it with." Read more
"...Beautiful construction and intuitive controls. Love when the purple light tells me I’m listening to an MQAPlenty of power on the IEM’s...." Read more
"Revision 4: I demote xDSD to two stars as it is not able to handle consistently even simplest DSD files, sooner or later it begins to stumble and to..." Read more
Reviews with images
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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The xDSD can play via USB or Bluetooth. The great news: the Bluetooth sounds fantastic. For giggles, I served some music via Bluetooth to the xDSD and completed the connection to the Sony wh-1000xm2 with a wire. This arrangement sounded MUCH better to me than serving music via Bluetooth directly to the Sony using the Sony's built-in LDAC or APTX-HD. Sony has better Bluetooth specs but the xDSD provides MUCH better Bluetooth sound.
I then served music via Bluetooth to the xDSD and listening with my JH Audio Laylas. Wow! I then switch to a third party OTG (On-The-Go) cable and was rewarded with 2x to 3x the volume. The xDSD will put out more power than my Laylas will ever need so I dialed it back and continued the comparison. Bluetooth isn't as quick or detailed as OTG but I wouldn't know it if I wasn't listening critically.
I own a few headphones and chose the Mr. Speakers Ether Flow C for the remainder of my tests. I use these in the hotel or when sitting next to my wife. It is closed back so I don’t bother anyone. If I have a long flight, I use it rather than the Layla to block airplane noise and it does so better than the Sony wh-1000xm2 with noise cancellation. A direct connection to the xDSD provides more power but Bluetooth is more than sufficient to drown out the talk and crying babies.
The xDSD has many of the sound characteristics of the Micro BL. It features a full body and authoritative sound that can drive lower impedance headphones. I can listen to the xDSD or the Micro BL all day long. The xDSD is a little faster than the Micro BL. I initially thought the Micro BL might have a slightly smoother and more refined sound but I am not so sure now that the xDSD had completed some burn-in.
Included in my testing was a DSD-64 recording (Patricia Barber, 2013 Smash) from my computer with the USB cable. USB sounded great with the xDSD and the Micro BL. Bluetooth listening with the xDSD betrayed a loss of shimmer but sounded better than I expected it to. Overall, the tonal signature was about the same to my ears.
I stepped back to a regular 16bit 44.1khz FLAC recording (Till Bonner's Oceana). Again, a great performance when listened with Bluetooth but I completed my listening with USB because the vocals were slightly more open and revealing. Nonetheless, I was never disappointed when walking around the hotel using Bluetooth.
Subjectively, the xDSD appears about half the size and a third the weight of the Micro BL. The xDSD is about the size and weight of a deck of 52 playing cards. The xDSD includes Velcro steps to attach it to a phone. The xDSD package includes most of the cables you need but does not include an OTG cable. The xDSD gives me less size, less weight, and the Bluetooth inclusion requires that my only cable is connected to my headphone.
A few notes on use:
• To power on or off, push the volume button for about 2 seconds.
• To switch between USB and Bluetooth, power off and then push the volume button for about 4 seconds.
• To mute, give the volume button a quick push
• To pair, put in Bluetooth mode and push the XBass+ / 3D+ button for 2 seconds.
My preferences:
• I don’t use the XBass+ / 3D+ features. I don’t notice much of a sound difference. I find that XBass+ / 3D+ creates some fatigue for my ears and mind. I’m sure the next person will have another opinion.
• The measure / listen switch on the back side is usually in the listen position. The listen position is slightly more warm and enjoyable for my ears. Thankfully, those are all the options for the xDSD. I have a habit of accidentally pushing a button on the Micro BL and then hunting all over to restore the sound the way I want it to be.
Other thoughts:
• I must disable my computer's Bluetooth when I listen to my phone's Bluetooth (and vice versa). If I think of the xDSD as a one-to-one connected device, I manage Bluetooth connections without trouble.
• I have not tested the S/PDIF Input on the xDSD.
• I did not test the line output. Be aware of how that works so you don’t accidentally enable it and damage your ears with a 2V output! (see the manual for doing this).
• Other reviews comment on a noise when first connected and prior to music. This may be because some shielding is omitted so Bluetooth can communicate. It is noticeable and might be unacceptable to some. The noise is not present between tracks or after the music has completed. I prefer this xDSD behavior to the Micro BL which does not play the first half second of music after pressing the play button.
• The xDSD communicates “media audio” (music) and will not play “call audio” (phone calls). I use USB Audio Player Pro on my cell phone and the music pauses while the phone call is in progress and continues the music afterward. Most modern cell phones pair an additional Bluetooth device for “call audio” (phone calls). A Bluetooth earpiece like the superb Plantronics Voyager Legend can be the second “call audio” Bluetooth device.
• I also purchased a $99 Bluetooth device hoping it would be half as good as the xDSD. It included LDAC and APTX-HD and was smaller and included a microphone for phone calls. It had all the features I thought I wanted but the music was like a mouse squeaking compared to the xDSD. This is one of those times when more money got me what I want I wanted.
Nov 10, 2018 Update:
I've been using balanced cables the past few weeks for my Layla, Mr Speakers Etherflow C, and now my Fostex TH-909 headphones. (The stock Fostex cable was too long so one thing led to another.) I hear the greatest improvement with the Layla. All the headphones now provide more detail, bass extension, etc.
August 2019 update:
My iFi xDSD developed problems in July. I'm not sure the cause but iFi technical support speculated that it was power related. I shipped my xDSD to iFi, they confirmed a problem and then shipped me a new unit. The new iFi has a USB-C power connector (the old one had USB micro). I can't say for certain but it seems like the replacement iFI xDSD sounds better and might have more power for my headphones. Whatever the facts, I am amazed and very grateful for the quick in-warranty resolution!
Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2018
The xDSD can play via USB or Bluetooth. The great news: the Bluetooth sounds fantastic. For giggles, I served some music via Bluetooth to the xDSD and completed the connection to the Sony wh-1000xm2 with a wire. This arrangement sounded MUCH better to me than serving music via Bluetooth directly to the Sony using the Sony's built-in LDAC or APTX-HD. Sony has better Bluetooth specs but the xDSD provides MUCH better Bluetooth sound.
I then served music via Bluetooth to the xDSD and listening with my JH Audio Laylas. Wow! I then switch to a third party OTG (On-The-Go) cable and was rewarded with 2x to 3x the volume. The xDSD will put out more power than my Laylas will ever need so I dialed it back and continued the comparison. Bluetooth isn't as quick or detailed as OTG but I wouldn't know it if I wasn't listening critically.
I own a few headphones and chose the Mr. Speakers Ether Flow C for the remainder of my tests. I use these in the hotel or when sitting next to my wife. It is closed back so I don’t bother anyone. If I have a long flight, I use it rather than the Layla to block airplane noise and it does so better than the Sony wh-1000xm2 with noise cancellation. A direct connection to the xDSD provides more power but Bluetooth is more than sufficient to drown out the talk and crying babies.
The xDSD has many of the sound characteristics of the Micro BL. It features a full body and authoritative sound that can drive lower impedance headphones. I can listen to the xDSD or the Micro BL all day long. The xDSD is a little faster than the Micro BL. I initially thought the Micro BL might have a slightly smoother and more refined sound but I am not so sure now that the xDSD had completed some burn-in.
Included in my testing was a DSD-64 recording (Patricia Barber, 2013 Smash) from my computer with the USB cable. USB sounded great with the xDSD and the Micro BL. Bluetooth listening with the xDSD betrayed a loss of shimmer but sounded better than I expected it to. Overall, the tonal signature was about the same to my ears.
I stepped back to a regular 16bit 44.1khz FLAC recording (Till Bonner's Oceana). Again, a great performance when listened with Bluetooth but I completed my listening with USB because the vocals were slightly more open and revealing. Nonetheless, I was never disappointed when walking around the hotel using Bluetooth.
Subjectively, the xDSD appears about half the size and a third the weight of the Micro BL. The xDSD is about the size and weight of a deck of 52 playing cards. The xDSD includes Velcro steps to attach it to a phone. The xDSD package includes most of the cables you need but does not include an OTG cable. The xDSD gives me less size, less weight, and the Bluetooth inclusion requires that my only cable is connected to my headphone.
A few notes on use:
• To power on or off, push the volume button for about 2 seconds.
• To switch between USB and Bluetooth, power off and then push the volume button for about 4 seconds.
• To mute, give the volume button a quick push
• To pair, put in Bluetooth mode and push the XBass+ / 3D+ button for 2 seconds.
My preferences:
• I don’t use the XBass+ / 3D+ features. I don’t notice much of a sound difference. I find that XBass+ / 3D+ creates some fatigue for my ears and mind. I’m sure the next person will have another opinion.
• The measure / listen switch on the back side is usually in the listen position. The listen position is slightly more warm and enjoyable for my ears. Thankfully, those are all the options for the xDSD. I have a habit of accidentally pushing a button on the Micro BL and then hunting all over to restore the sound the way I want it to be.
Other thoughts:
• I must disable my computer's Bluetooth when I listen to my phone's Bluetooth (and vice versa). If I think of the xDSD as a one-to-one connected device, I manage Bluetooth connections without trouble.
• I have not tested the S/PDIF Input on the xDSD.
• I did not test the line output. Be aware of how that works so you don’t accidentally enable it and damage your ears with a 2V output! (see the manual for doing this).
• Other reviews comment on a noise when first connected and prior to music. This may be because some shielding is omitted so Bluetooth can communicate. It is noticeable and might be unacceptable to some. The noise is not present between tracks or after the music has completed. I prefer this xDSD behavior to the Micro BL which does not play the first half second of music after pressing the play button.
• The xDSD communicates “media audio” (music) and will not play “call audio” (phone calls). I use USB Audio Player Pro on my cell phone and the music pauses while the phone call is in progress and continues the music afterward. Most modern cell phones pair an additional Bluetooth device for “call audio” (phone calls). A Bluetooth earpiece like the superb Plantronics Voyager Legend can be the second “call audio” Bluetooth device.
• I also purchased a $99 Bluetooth device hoping it would be half as good as the xDSD. It included LDAC and APTX-HD and was smaller and included a microphone for phone calls. It had all the features I thought I wanted but the music was like a mouse squeaking compared to the xDSD. This is one of those times when more money got me what I want I wanted.
Nov 10, 2018 Update:
I've been using balanced cables the past few weeks for my Layla, Mr Speakers Etherflow C, and now my Fostex TH-909 headphones. (The stock Fostex cable was too long so one thing led to another.) I hear the greatest improvement with the Layla. All the headphones now provide more detail, bass extension, etc.
August 2019 update:
My iFi xDSD developed problems in July. I'm not sure the cause but iFi technical support speculated that it was power related. I shipped my xDSD to iFi, they confirmed a problem and then shipped me a new unit. The new iFi has a USB-C power connector (the old one had USB micro). I can't say for certain but it seems like the replacement iFI xDSD sounds better and might have more power for my headphones. Whatever the facts, I am amazed and very grateful for the quick in-warranty resolution!
Music wise it is not as great as my PHA-3 but that cost three times more and requires a Pono adapter. I would put it close to my Mojo with my older ears. I'll need to have someone young with a good ear to really test it. I just noted that the music was much better when using my PHA-3.
Another advantage is you can use it and charge it at the same time. That makes it good for the home if you don't want to spend more for a higher end desktop DAC.
I have not connected it to my PC yet so I'm not sure if you need drives or how well it works. My testing is strictly Android right now.
On the negative side getting an adapter to use it with a USB micro or C is almost required. With the supplied cables and a USB male to female to adapter, I was able to get it to work until the cable got here. They really should add that cable to the package as it is must have. I recommend you order the iFi Audio OTG Cable for USB C if your phone has a USB C connection.
The instructions, for me at least, were a nightmare. The controls are not intuitive. I was lost trying to swap from Bluetooth and back. I'm still not sure how to use the controls to the fullest and just leave it at where I need it most. The biggest is that you must press and hold the Volume control to swap modes. This is not clear in the instructions, meaning I wasted time pressing and holding other buttons while trying to make it work. I hope this hint helps you.
That said the problems were not enough to drop a star. It has become my on the go DAC, replacing my Mojo. This is mainly because of the MQA compatible.
I have not done any blind testing but it states that the DAC is balanced, even if it does not give you a balanced connector. Someday I'll do some testing to see if it is. I see no reason not to believe them as the reviews will quickly pick up on a lie. Highly recommended.
Top reviews from other countries
Beim Kauf für die Verwendung an iPhones unbedingt ein Camera Kit bestellen, ist keines mit dabei.
Die Räumlichkeit und die Wahrnehmbarkeit der einzelnen Instrumente hat deutlich zugenommen.
Man kann den Ausgang umschalten zum Line-out* (Hellbau-weiss / grün = normal ) ganz einfach und praktisch. Ebenso ist es möglich den XDSD auf bluetooth umzuschalten um ihn ohne das CameraKit zu betreiben. Klanglich muss man dann jedoch leichte Abstriche machen.
*Einen Line-out gab es beim Hip-DAC nicht.
Xbass+ ist interessant es verstärkt nur den Tiefbass im Bereich von ca. 125 Hz abwärts (Siehe Messdiagramm)
Akku:
Die Akkulaufzeit bei sind bei mir ca. 6 stunden, das Licht / die Anzeige für die Akkuladung ist sehr unscheinbar. Meistens geht er dann einfach aus nach 6 Stunden - finde ich ein wenig unpraktisch.
Insgesamt mach der XDSD einen klanglich und Baulich sehr hochwertigen Eindruck. Ich würde ihn wieder kaufen.
Reviewed in Germany on November 18, 2021
Beim Kauf für die Verwendung an iPhones unbedingt ein Camera Kit bestellen, ist keines mit dabei.
Die Räumlichkeit und die Wahrnehmbarkeit der einzelnen Instrumente hat deutlich zugenommen.
Man kann den Ausgang umschalten zum Line-out* (Hellbau-weiss / grün = normal ) ganz einfach und praktisch. Ebenso ist es möglich den XDSD auf bluetooth umzuschalten um ihn ohne das CameraKit zu betreiben. Klanglich muss man dann jedoch leichte Abstriche machen.
*Einen Line-out gab es beim Hip-DAC nicht.
Xbass+ ist interessant es verstärkt nur den Tiefbass im Bereich von ca. 125 Hz abwärts (Siehe Messdiagramm)
Akku:
Die Akkulaufzeit bei sind bei mir ca. 6 stunden, das Licht / die Anzeige für die Akkuladung ist sehr unscheinbar. Meistens geht er dann einfach aus nach 6 Stunden - finde ich ein wenig unpraktisch.
Insgesamt mach der XDSD einen klanglich und Baulich sehr hochwertigen Eindruck. Ich würde ihn wieder kaufen.