The iFI Audio iEMatch Adapter: the little giant of big sound!

There’s no hiding from British sleuths or British manufacturers. Before we had time to review two hit novelties iFi DAC

Pro iDSD

i

xDSD

, a new compliment from the brand arrived: a miniature accessory designated as the iEMatch. A surprising curiosity!

iEMatch is an adapter which, when paired with headphones, relieves music lovers from interference, and regardless of the sound source. Also, the connection between headphones and player or amplifier becomes more consistent, as the new accessory optimally adapts to the output impedance of the amplifier part. This is especially useful if you tend to wear sensitive in-ear headphones on your head. Besides, the gimmick iEMatch allows you to switch between normal and balanced mode. So it only remains for me to tear off the veil of obscurity from the hero of this review with a light movement of my hand.

We thank pult internet store for provided sample for listening

Specifications:

Look and kit

iFI Audio iEMatch came in a white box. On top – the logo, authentic photo of the accessory and a brief list of its features. Inside the package we found the iEMatch itself, a black velvet pouch for storing it, and an adapter/plug for connecting it on the plane. A nice bonus is a pair of green earplugs, which were also found in the box. If you get bored listening to music, you can disconnect from the noise and rushing around. Everything you need to immerse yourself in a world of magic sounds or magical silence!

Silver adapter looks sleek and stylish, made of aluminum. The cable connecting the jacks is flexible and pretty, made of silver-plated copper 6N in transparent insulation. On one side is a 3.5mmTRRS plug dad , on the other side is a 3.5mm input jack mom .

On the part of the body with the input jack is printed white logo, serial number and function of the switch “Sensitivity” Hihg/Ultra , on the side of the jack is another toggle switch – BAL/SE . Needless to say the build quality of iFI is beyond praise!

How it works

The iFI iEMatch is the perfect bridge between the sound source and our exquisite ears. For example, you hear interference and noise when you connect the headphones to the smartphone, or the volume is adjusted in leaps and bounds. In this case we switch the sensitivity on/off switch to Ultra. The signal level immediately adjusts more correctly, dropping into the clear range and reducing noise and interference coming from your smartphone.

Or here’s a different life situation. I test headphones all the time, and in the case of the very sensitive armature IEM/CIEM, the output impedance of the amplifier has a big impact on the sound. Some players, and stationary solutions, have 10 ohms at the output, the connection to them too “nervous” headphones entails a distortion of the frequency response. That’s where you need the magic iFI wand, which easily reduces the output resistance to 2.5 ohms High mode and 1 ohm Ultra . So for me this device is a true gift of fate!

Admittedly, in the case where there is a transition from unbalanced to balanced connection and back, there are some questions.

First, most modern audio players have a 2.5mm balanced jack, not a 3.5mm. Although I read that the brand has a version of the adapter with 2.5mm. If so, we are waiting for a new parcel!

Secondly, I can hardly imagine going from a regular jack with a 3-pin pinout to a balance equipped with a 4-pin? Reverse is possible, but from small to large – how much of a bend is required to perform such a stunt?? However, knowing the brilliant engineering solutions of iFI, I admit the probability of a technical miracle. But then I would like to unravel the secret of such a trick..

The iFI brand already has devices we recently reviewed them – DAC xDSD and PRO iDSD , where all solutions and ground for similar wonders. By the way, here’s another plus from the 4 pin plug: when you connect your headset or headphones to your smartphone, it will definitely work correctly.

Efficiency

The quality of the final sound, of course, depends on its source and headphones. However, our hero achieves maximum harmony between them. In my opinion, in many cases iEMatch will be an indispensable accessory, which will be an insuperable barrier on the way of “crooked” sound.

Conclusion

A beautiful device that solves a lot of problems in one fell swoop. Convenient, pretty, multifunctional. It also comes with earplugs, just in case you’re already sick of it! I highly recommend it – extremely useful gizmo.

Price of iFI Audio iEMatch in American online stores is 4 485 Dollars, which is not much for the small giant of big sound.

Pros

Functionality, build, design, price.

Cons

No.