Review of the iFi xDSD portable DAC/amplifier: a music cigarette case that will also quit smoking!

Leaving in English means not saying goodbye. And to leave in American is to say goodbye and not to leave. So today we continue the story of new products from the British brand iFI. Last time we reviewed the stunning flagship iFI Pro iDSD is DAC and headphone amplifier, and now the junior model xDSD, which nevertheless is also packed very interesting.

The iFI xDSD is positioned as a portable DAC amplifier with digital signal reception via cable and wireless. The new device is especially suitable for those who, when separated from the stationary Hi-Fi system, are unable to put up with the averaged sound from a smartphone. In short, the model xDSD deserves the most careful attention. Let’s hear it? Switching on, plugging in – here we go!

Thank you online store pult for providing a sample for listening

Specifications:

Type: Digital-to-analog converter + headphone amplifier

Manufacturer: iFi Audio, brand country: UK

Series: X

DAC: Burr Brown DSD1793

Inputs: USB 768kHz/24bit, DSD512 , S/PDIF-Coax/OrthiSplit 3.5mm 192kHz/24bit

Bluetooth: aptX, AAC

Outputs: headphones 3.5mm/3.5mm balanced combined

Dynamic range: >113dB

Output power: >2.82V/500 mW @ 16&Omega, >3.8V/24mW @ 600&Omega

Harmonic Distortion/Noise: <0.005%

Battery: 3.8V, 2200mAh

Dimensions: 9,5 cm x 6,7 cm x 2 cm

Weight: 127g.

Appearance and package

This box comes in a nice white box: brand logo on top, photo of the device and a brief listing of its features. From the inside comes out, like a white swan, another box with silver “ifi” letters. As always, everything is stylish and beautiful.

Opening the package, we find the xDSD DAC, a black cloth case, a USB cable to connect to a PC and power adapter, two USB type A and type B adapters, a 3.5 mm adapter for an optical cable , “self-adhesive” to attach the device to the signal source and instructions-warranty. The package is impressive!

I can’t help but notice that the DAC is in a new and remarkable design, completely unlike previous iFI brand products. It has a shiny metal case as far as I know it’s magnesium alloy and shaped like a cigarette case or a flask with longitudinal ribs, which make it nice and comfortable to hold the xDSD in your hand.

On the front panel is a 3.5mm headphone output, combined with a 3.5mm balanced. The processor is smart, it instantly understands which connector is connected, 3pin or 4pin, and automatically switches to the right mode. Next, two indicators light up to show the selected input and signal frequency

On the front panel, the black control wheel with a “colored eye” was a child’s delight: when you spin it, it changes its color. Pressing it toggles the device on or off, and holding it down for longer toggles USB, S/PDIF displayed in green and Bluetooth displayed in blue, like the signal search modes. A little to the right are two indicators of 3D+ and Xbass+ modes and a button to switch these modes.

On the back panel are: 3.5mm S/PDIF input combined coaxial optical , USB input for PC and smartphone for Android requires OTG adapter for iOS – Lightning Audio , then comes the switch of digital filter measure/listen , microUSB connector for cable connection to the power adapter and LED, which indicates the level of battery power.

The back of the body, where the BT-receiver is located, closed plastic, as a result of this design problems with loss of signal will not.

Build quality has nothing to complain about, no backlashes and clearances.

The battery lasts about 7-8 hours when switching between different digital signal sources USB/Coaxial/BT . The result for such a baby 9.5cm x 6.7cm x 2cm is pretty decent. According to the manufacturer, depending on how you connect the xDSD can run from 6-7 to 10 hours. Charging time takes approximately 3.5 hours.

Sound

Signal sources: xDuoo X10t digital transport optical/coaxial , Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge USB OTG/Bluetooth , Computer USB/QED Performance Graphite USB A-B cable through the included adapter . No problems with connection to iFI xDSD to the listed sources or signal interruption detected.

For listening the following headphones were used: 64 AUDIO A18 Tzar, Vision Ears VE8, Lime Ears Aether, Custom ART FIBAE 2, InEar ProPhile 8, Audio-Technica SX1a, Phonon SMB-02. With all headphones the device played properly, I have not noticed any genre deviations.

Despite the fact that the modes XBass and 3D work quite correctly, which is a pleasure in itself, listening, as befits a true lover of quality sound, I spent in the mode “Flat”, that is, “modes for the general public” simply did not include.

The sound of iFI xDSD, in my opinion, was quite neutral, smooth, without any obvious dominance and accents in one or another area of the frequency response. The device, like the older model micro iDSD BL, has a good tonal balance, but has a warmer and more dense manner of performance, which gives the sound a special charm and musicality. However, the “music cigarette case” is inferior to the more expensive device in detail, technicality and speed. But this is not bad, I’ll even say more: I liked the sound signature xDSD.

First of all, there are common features with the presentation of musical material on old multibit devices: “lamp mannerism”, lingering musicality, sound close to analog, which is to my liking personally.

Secondly, not too much detail is good in the case of streaming not the highest quality records via Bluetooth. Flaws and distortions are smoothed out, and the composition already sounds quite acceptable and even pleasant.

By the way, the slightly warmer delivery is more apparent with the wireless signal. If you connect via S/PDIF and USB, the overall picture becomes clearer and more accurate. If the bass lines lack speed when streaming with BT, with the rest of the connections it’s hard to find fault with this moment…

The same goes for the high frequency range. When transmitting via Bluetooth there is some smoothing and a little bit simplification of HF, and in wire connection this register is worked out already more qualitatively. Of course, these are not cardinal differences, and some might not notice it at all. I walked around with the unit for a week using Bluetooth and I was happy with everything.

In general, the sound, both in the air and via S/PDIF, USB, does not cause me any particular criticism. As always, the manner of sound reproduction from the iFI brand is neutral, honest and at a high level!

Separately, I would like to note the novelty of excellent transfer of the emotional component of the song. Whether it’s vocals or strings – everything sounds rich, alive and natural. The bass lines interpret the depth of the virtual space well, the midrange is pleasing with the correct positioning of the instruments: center – edges and further – closer. But if iFI micro iDSD served material broadly and linearly, so to say, with wide soul, so with xDSD the whole cloth is more compact, proportionate in its depth and breadth. So, the music from the “cigarette case” may well draw the listener directly into the very epicenter of the song.

For example, Madness “La Luna.”

Violins and woodwinds intertwine and envelop us with their enchantment. A classy timbre transfer, all authentic and without the slightest hint of synthetics.

Daniel Woodgate, tapping with his drumstick on the fringe of the snare drum, slaps the rhythm cleanly diluting Graeme MacPherson’s SUGGS narration with bangs.

Sharp rhythmic accents, smoothly turning into waltzing SKA cabaret, charming, making me sway aloof to the beat of the music. The guitar radiates its rhythmic stereo wave and rolls smoothly forward.

The catchy backing vocals, rustling with silky overtones, wander effortlessly and playfully from edge to edge. Everything is clear, natural, real!

And the SUGGS vocals, in places intertwined with Chas Smash’s voice, give off a calm and confident delivery:

“Estrellas y la luna, the rays are breaking through

Out come the twinkling stars shining down on you

Well, I’m in and out the window, my mind a wandering star

So many clear cut chances, I put right over the bar…”

“Bedford’s” enveloping bass lifts the song’s scrambled backdrop, waltzing through the listener’s soul, class! And then the violins start sobbing!

The unit delivers the song solidly, richly, without losing any detail, in a lively and naturalistic manner. I just burst into tears of joy! Nice!

The bottom line

The bass is linear without going over the middle, dense and mannered. Accurately forced, it is mainly noticeable in wireless mode, it sounds very natural.

The bass is not bad, it lacks a little speed, but it is felt only in comparison with more serious devices. The punch is thick and precise, with a bit of a softened, “tubey” feel.

HF are the adorable. The midrange is smooth and solid, with good but not too much detail, decent resolution and even tonal balance. It’s served in a wonderfully musical way. Strings, vocals and brass all sound natural.

The tweeter is smooth, smooth and clean. There are neither too many nor not too few, as many as you need. The high-frequency range is delivered neatly, which is conducive to listening to music for long periods of time. Although I admit that lovers of bright sound, because of this way of “smoothly rounding off” the HF may be a little lacking.

Conclusion

iFI does not cease to please us! The device is clearly a success. The xDSD is convenient, compact, looks sleek, buildable and a pleasure to use.

And its main advantages are certainly the impressive sound, which is available without any wires. And the price is quite appropriate for the moment. The price for iFI xDSD in American online stores varies around 36 000 Dollars. Considering the merits of this baby, I have no hesitation in recommending it for purchase. Without thinking twice, I paid for the novelty and kept it. It’s the kind of audio pet you want in any house where you like music. My xDSD is already settled in and never tires of pleasing me with its wonderful voice.

Pros

The sound, the package, the appearance, the functionality, the price

Minuses

No.