Tag Archives: iFi Audio

Brand Story: iFi Audio

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iFi audio is an award-winning audio tech company with one aim in mind – “to improve your music enjoyment”. Founded in 2012, iFi Audio continues to be at the forefront of technological innovation and continues to release products that make a real difference to their customers lives. iFi Audio manufactures a plethora of high quality portable audio devices from AMPs to DACs, DAPs, Power Adapters, Digital Enhancers, Cables, Connectors and and the like. This year alone they have revolutionised the stratospheric Wireless Earphones category with their GO Pods.

Not only focussing on the portable scene, they also dedicate a range of products to spruce up the enjoyment of life at home such as with their highly regarded and very beautiful all-in-one music system the Auroura. Having over 60 products is a large undertaking for any company, but iFi represents a good balance of quality audiophile-grade gear with affordable enough prices. Ranging from entry-level to High-end they offer something for every music lover regardless of their budget.

iFi NEO iDSD 2

About iFI Audio & caterting to High-octane audio that takes your breath away.

iFI oversee the design, development and manufacturing of more than 60 products from their headquarters in Southport, UK. To uphold high-quality iFi Audio sources parts for its products from across the globe, including Germany, USA and Japan. Their focus is on creating products that improve sound quality and eradicate noise, distortion and hiss from the source device. In turn this allows you to hear as close as possible the studio-quality audio your favourite artists created.

This dedication to delivering the cleanest, most noise-free signal possible has resulted in iFi Audio also creating a range of power conditioners and isolators that ensure all mains and USB noise is blocked from contaminating the signal. On top of this they have developed a reange of high quality cables to carry those very signals.

iFi loves innovation and catering their products to up and coming technology

Over the last 11 years of research & development, iFi Audio has managed to put out an outstanding line-up of devices that have won many awards for their superior performance. Some of their most successful products include the Hip DAC 2, GO Bar, Zen DAC V2, iSilencer+, GO Blu, Zen Blue V2, the iFi XDSD Gryphon & the GO Link, to name but a few.

iFi loves innovation and catering their products up and coming technology, it does position itself as a “tech” company after all. Every iFi DAC and Amp features some of the best technologies around today. Burr-Brown DAC Chips, Custom Op-Amps and exceptional battery life. Many products even feature iFi’s cutting-edge technologies like 3D+ and XBass and the ability to drive xMEMs drivers.

iFi xDSD Gryphon
iFi Aurora

Portable Audio

If you the type of person who enjoys your music on the go, then iFi has you covered. They are determined to deliver every symbal crash and a each pluck of a string straight into your ears. Their GO range of products has taken 2023 by storm and let’s not forget how successful and popular their Hip-dac2 is and how much new tech they have managed to pack into their iDSD Diablo X.

Home Audio

Another success story is iFi Audios home audio range and in particular the the ZEN series of DAC’s/Amps/Steamers/pre-amps. The most successful USB D/A converter is without a doubt the ZEN DAC V2, which is also available in a signature version (ZEN DAC Signature V2) and a “stripped down” version, the ZEN DAC Air. There is also the ZEN CAN headphone amplifier which is proudly advertised as a fully balanced amp that provides nitro for your headphones. Customers, reviewers and the awards received could not agree more.

iFi GO pod
iFi iDSD Diablo-X
iFi xCAN

Our Top 5 iFi Audio Product Picks

1. iFi Audio ZEN CAN Signature – £299.00

The ZEN CAN Signature is an upgraded version of the original, award-winning ZEN CAN headphone amplifier. Design for IEMs and headphones with audiophile-grade components for superior sound. The ZEN CAN Signature offers more than just power; it also delivers warm and exceptional sound quality. This is thanks to its Class A discrete balanced circuitry, inherited from the flagship Pro iCAN headphone amplifier.

2. iFi Audio GO link – £59.00

GO link from iFi audio – the headphone dongle linking you with your music. Its purpose is twofold. First, to enable corded headphones and earphones to connect to digital devices that don’t have a 3.5mm headphone output. Second, even if a device does have a headphone socket, the GO link delivers a big sonic upgrade. This is because its sophisticated DAC (Digital-to-Analogue Converter) and headphone amp circuitry is superior to the audio tech contained within mobile devices and computers.

3. iSilencer+ & iDefender+ – £59.00

Have a buzz problem from your sources USB? Get the iDefender+. Getting pops, clicks, delays? Fear no more! The iSilencer+ whisks those noises away.

4. Zen DAC V2 – £199.00

Compact enough to use as a USB DAC/amp on your work desk and stylish enough to use at home with your favourite active speakers or amp, it delivers a level of specification and performance that punches above its super-affordable price tag.

5. iFi Audio NEO Stream – £1,299.00

iFi NEO Stream is built to deliver optimal versatility and sonic performance. It combines the latest version of our network streaming engine with our award-winning DAC stage to deliver a level of audio previously unattainable without spending much more than its price tag. Just add your choice of amp and speakers.

Lastest iFi Audio Updates and News:

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Best DACs & Headphone Amps 2020: USB, Portable, Desktop

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Our pick of the Best DAC and Headphone Amplifier for all budgets and uses:

Not to be overlooked, a good quality DAC and amp can do wonders to any setup. We have seen huge growth in interest towards DACs and amps, so it makes sense that we put together our favourite headphone amplifiers and DACs to help make that decision easier.

Whether you want to use them with your TV, computer, laptop, smartphone or hifi system. We’ve gathered our picks for the best DACs and headphone amplifiers that you can buy!

 

BEST DAC / AMP UNDER £100

1. Shanling UP2 – £79.99

Shanling UP2

The Shanling UP2 is the perfect way to bring added power and audio quality to your smartphone, tablet or computer. Using Bluetooth, the UP2 will connect wirelessly to your phone – or any Bluetooth compatible audio device – and thanks to the on board dedicated headphone amplifier and high quality Sabre DAC chip – you’ll be able to get high fidelity audio wherever you go.

READ MORE: Shanling UP2 Portable Bluetooth DAC & Headphone Amplifier Review

 

BEST DAC / AMP UNDER £200

2. JDS Labs Atom – £129.99

JDS Labs Atom

JDS Labs has mastered the art of making high quality amplifiers and DACs at affordable prices – and the Atom is their most impressive yet. For just over £100, the Atom desktop headphone amplifier will drive any headphone you throw at it and will bring improved soundstage, depth and dynamics to your setup. All in a neat and tidy desktop design.

READ MORE: JDS Labs Atom Desktop Headphone Amplifier Review

 

3. Periodic Audio Ni (Nickel) – £199

Periodic Audio Nickel

This one’s for the purists out there. On the outside, the Periodic Audio Ni seems like a very simple and basic headphone amplifier – plug it into your source and you’ll soon see that it most definitely isn’t simple or basic. This amp brings added power, punch and improved dynamics to whichever device it gets used with. Those that really appreciate good sound will love the Nickel.

MORE INFO: Periodic Audio Ni (Nickel) Portable Headphone Amplifier Review

 

BEST DAC / AMP UNDER £500

4. iFi Audio xDSD – £399

iFi Audio xDSD

The xDSD from iFi Audio is a portable amplifier and DAC that can connect to your audio source wirelessly. So if you like to use your phone, but want to plug in some high quality headphones – then the xDSD will allow you to get the most from them, without adding more cables. The xDSD will take over the amp and DAC roles, so you will know that you’re getting the best sound no matter the source device.

MORE INFO: iFi Audio xDSD Portable Bluetooth DAC & Headphone Amplifier Review

 

5. JDS Labs Element II – £399

JDS Labs Element II

If it is a desktop option you need, then the JDS Labs Element II will not only bring an audio upgrade – it will look great too. Beautifully designed with a simple yet striking look – the Element II will fit into any setup. Historically, JDS Labs has been known for their functional design and great sound – now with the Element II, they have shown that they can make great looking equipment too.

 

BEST DAC / AMP UNDER £1000

6. iFi Audio Micro iDSD BL – £599

iFi Audio Micro iDSD BL

For the ultimate amp and DAC solution, look no further. The 2 Burr-Brown DAC chips provide a solid foundation for the custom op-amps, which help to deliver an impressive amount of fidelity and power. Using sensitive IEMs? This amp/DAC handles these superbly, with no noise or distortion. Whether used on a desktop or on the move – the iFi Audio Micro iDSD BL does it all… really well. 

MORE INFO: iFi Audio Micro iDSD BL Portable DAC & Headphone Amplifier

 

Have We Missed Anything Out?

Please feel free to leave a comment below and let us know…

Do You Need A Headphone Amplifier?

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Do I Need A Headphone Amplifier?

What is a headphone amplifier?

Simply put, every device that allows you to plug in headphones has an amp built in. The amp takes the audio signal and boosts it, allowing us to hear sound through the headphones. Amps don’t only boost volume; they can add and improve qualities like soundstage and separation. Adding an amp to a setup can also bring extra warmth or clarity. This all depends on the quality of the amp and how it has been designed.

The reality is that most people won’t need an external headphone amp. That’s not to say that they wouldn’t benefit from one, though. Smartphones are now a very common music source, and with the technology getting better and better, they do a decent job of delivering good quality sound to most portable headphones and earphones.

There are plenty of headphones designed to be used with mobile phones and other low powered portable devices. These headphones generally have a low impedance of up to 32ohm, and high sensitivity of around 100db, so they are very easy to drive and are more likely to go louder. Remember though: not only do amps add extra power but they can also improve the quality of the sound. So, once you start looking at higher quality headphones, improving your amp will start to make more sense as you will want to get the most out of them. No matter how good your headphones are, the sound quality will be limited by how good the amp is.

Choosing a headphone amp

If you’ve decided to go for a headphone amp, you now need to decide which one to go for. There are many to choose from, and they go for anything between £20 to £2000 and more. Amps can be split into two main groups: portable and desktop.

If you want to add some power to your phone or laptop, then you will want to look for a portable amp. These amps can be charged, and will run off batteries, making them ideal for using on the move. They are also small in size, and there are some out there (like the iFi Audio xCAN) which can connect to the source wirelessly using Bluetooth.

 If you only use your headphones at home, or intend to use headphones that are particularly hard to drive, then you will probably want to go for a desktop amp as they are generally more powerful. Not only are they more powerful, they also tend to have a larger amount of inputs and outputs, making them very versatile. They will need to be plugged it at all times, so will need a power socket to work.

As amps can bring their own character to the overall sound quality, it’s worth making sure you choose wisely and pick an amp that will compliment your headphones. For example, if your headphones have a warm or bassy sound then it’s a good idea to go for a neutral or bright sounding amp. This also works the other way around; a warm sounding amp will complement bright headphones and help to balance the sound out.

Get in touch!

If you have any questions about choosing the right amplifier then please feel free to comment below! We’ll be happy to offer advice on this.

Top 10 Audio Best Buys for 2018

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Top 10 Best Buys for 2018

 

It’s that time of year again. So here’s our pick of the best audio gadgets available – with something for everyone.

 

Audeze Mobius

Audeze have created a superb all rounder in the Mobius. Whether music, films or gaming is your thing – the Audeze Mobius does it all extremely well. Inside the housings are planar magnetic drivers, providing sound quality that even the audiophiles out there will appreciate. Then the 3D emulation technology delivers a superb surround sound experience, perfect for watching films or playing Fortnite and thanks to the integrated head tracking – you’ll hear sound effects as if they’re really there.

 

Bower & Wilkins PX

The B&W PX is the ultimate portable headphone. With the latest aptX HD Bluetooth technology, wireless sound quality is of the highest level. Providing a very well balanced sound with tight bass – bass heads may want to look elsewhere – crystal clear clarity and superb soundstage. The PX also has adaptive noise cancelling and uses six microphones to help block out external sounds – allowing you to focus on the music. Along with the advanced technology – the PX has superb build quality and comfort – making them our go to recommendation for wireless headphones.

 

SoundMAGIC P22BT

At under £40 – the SoundMAGIC P22BT Bluetooth headphone provides high quality at a low price. The design is sturdy and comfortable, with a lightweight foldable headband which is great for portable use. These headphones are easy to use with controls conveniently placed on the left earcup. The most impressive feature is the sound quality – audio is crisp and punchy with plenty of energy, making them a lot of fun to listen to.

 

SoundMAGIC E11C

SoundMAGIC seems to have nailed the under £50 earphone. If you’re looking for a wired earphone and want to keep the price down, then we believe that the E11C is the one. SoundMAGIC have gone for a mature design, and used a silver plated copper cable to deliver superb sound quality which will compete with earphones over £100. The E11C has plenty of energy and punch with a dynamic and well detailed sound. There is also a 3 button inline control and mic, which is fully compatible with Apple and Android smartphones.

 

Flare Audio Flares Jet 2

Now, if you’re looking for an earphone with a more aggressive sound then the Flares Jet 2 could be the one. These earphones go loud, and they provide thumping bass and sharp clarity. The housings are made of aluminium and are built to last. There is also an in line single button remote to take calls and the cable itself is strong and tough. The design of the Jet 2 definitely stands out and the shape makes them very comfortable.

 

Final E4000

For those that appreciate their music a bit more and are happy to up their budget,  Final’s E4000 is a superb place to start. Final have been in the audio game for a long time, and their E series shows us what they can do. The E4000 is the sweet spot for me – musical and well balanced sound quality that draws you in, great comfort and design and a nicely made replaceable cable – all for just over £100.

 

Shanling M0

For something so small, the Shanling M0 manages to pack in a load of features. Starting with the design, the M0 looks and feels great. The display is made by LG and is very crisp – and thanks to Shanling’s own MTouch software, the player is extremely easy to use. The sound from the M0 is clear with good bass-weight, punch and fine detail. Thanks to the on board EQ settings, you can add some warmth or sharpness to suit your taste. The M0 can pair with Bluetooth headphones, and the 2-way Bluetooth feature will allow you to connect to your phone to use the player as an external DAC/amp – very clever.

 

Optoma NuForce BE Sport4

The NuForce BE Sport4 is widely regarded as the go to Bluetooth earphone – and we would agree. At just under £90, they combine good value with superb sound quality – the Graphene coated drivers deliver a crisp and punchy sound with plenty of clarity. The BE Sport4 is IPX5 water resistant and can provide up to 10 hours or battery life. And to top it off, you get 2 hours of charge in just 15 minutes thanks to their Fast Charge feature.

 

JDS Labs Element DAC

Whether you like to listen to your headphones at home using your computer, laptop or hifi system – the JDS Labs Element will breathe life into your setup. For a long time now, JDS Labs have been making high quality headphone amplifiers and DACs with a simple design and superb value. The Element shows that not only do they have the technical knowhow – they have a great eye for design too. With analogue RCA inputs and digital USB – the Element is extremely versatile and as expected, provides a clean, expressive and powerful sound.

 

iFi Audio XDSD

Ever wondered if you could have a high quality headphone amplifier connect to your phone or laptop wirelessly? Well wonder no more. The iFi Audio xDSD is the perfect way for you to get the most from your headphones and chosen device – without adding more wires. Use your phone to listen to Spotify, your favourite podcast or play PUBG and let the xDSD wirelessly drive your headphones, giving them all the power they would need to deliver a balanced and dynamic sound.

Review- The iFi Audio xDSD

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iFi xDSD

 

The xDSD is tiny but packed full of tech; a must have for the audiophile who listens on the go.

 

Aesthetics and Build Quality:

The xDSD is a lovely little thing, with a shiny gunmetal finish and matte black backplate it is neat and tidy. The finish is a bit of a fingerprint magnet though, so be sure to give it a wipe down from time to time. On the back you have the inputs, on the front you have the volume knob/on-off switch, xBass and 3D+ button, and the 3.5mm headphone output.

 

 

Build quality wise it is a solid unit; the mostly metal construction should help it to survive day to day use along with holding up to the occasional knock that is bound to happen. All the sockets are tight and the buttons all feel sturdy. The volume knob is flush with the main body, meaning there won’t be additional stress added to it.

 

 

Features:

The xDSD accepts all sorts of inputs, you have the main USB input for using with a mobile phone (camera connection kit requires for iOS devices). On the back there is also the 3.5mm coaxial/TOSLINK combo S/PDIF input for DAP’s and CD players. Internally you have Bluetooth connection, allowing you to transmit Bluetooth audio from your device to the xDSD, it supports the regular Bluetooth protocols along with AptX, in the future it would be nice to see it support LDAC.

 

On the back you have a micro-USB port that is for charging only, along with a filter switch. This changes the digital filter from Measure to Listen. The differences between the 2 filters modes is subtle, so play around and see which you prefer. To my ears the Measure is a little more neutral, the Listen is a little more forgiving and better for extended listening.

 

 

The 3.5mm socket on the back can be set as a line-out so you can use the xDSD as a DAC for your hifi system or to connect to a different amplifier. Overall for the size of the device, iFi have managed to pack a lot in.

 

The volume knob has a clear centre that changes colour depending on the volume, starting at blue (low) and going up to red (high). Next to this are LED indicators, showing what input is being used and the bitrate, along with showing if the 3D+ and xBass+ settings are in use.

 

 

 

Sound:

So how does the xDSD sound, well first off, I will say that it pairs equally well with IEM’s as it does with most full-size headphones. It will power most headphones, but may not be the best match for low sensitivity headphones, with 500mw@16 Ohms it really can pack a punch for its size.

 

The xDSD has superb audio quality though, as with most iFi products it is clean as a whistle but with a hint of smoothness to it, this prevents the xDSD from sounding too sterile. There is excellent definition to the sound, with great separation and everything is in its right place. The noise floor is low, you will only notice a tiny bit of noise with extremely sensitive IEM’s.

 

 

The xDSD steers clear of sounding too digital, the bass is controlled with only a slight hint of added body. The midrange is clean and insightful handling everything with ease. The highs are detailed and extended but without a hint of glare, overall it is a well balanced and detailed DAC/Amp.

 

What surprised me here is the Bluetooth quality, the sound quality is very consistent, no matter what input is used. The added convenience of going wireless is handy, and knowing that you don’t lose out on a lot of sound quality makes it ever better.

 

 

Conclusion:

iFi have managed to pack a lot into a small device, and it works in perfect harmony. Unfortunately, there is a tiny bit of background noise with extremely sensitive IEM’s. Overall however the xDSD is clean, detailed and easy to listen to. Nothing stands out, and the feature set is excellent for the price. A must have for the audiophile on the go.

Getting Amped Up for Autumn

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Getting Amped Up for Autumn

Our top recs for seriously impressive headphone amplifiers.

 

Stick a pin in it, summer’s just about done for.

Now we’re staring down the barrel of the big chill, and we’re gonna have to get serious about our indoor entertainment if we want to get through it without  either losing our marbles or freezing them off. What else are you supposed to do, take in the beautiful changing foliage? Get really into trick-or-treating?  As if.

It doesn’t have to be all gloom and doom, though! Whether you’re looking for something to complement your perfect gaming rig or a punch of power for your juice-hungry headphones, we’d be willing to bet we’ve got something for you to get excited about.

Pick 1: The Burson Audio Play with V6 Vivid

Settle in for a long winter’s night with this awesome, customisable amplifier from Burson. This is one of the most powerful headphone amps around, and it’s perfect for anybody looking to upgrade their gaming setup to include a serious sonic boost.

No high end soundcards in gaming feature the DAC chip found in the Play, which means PC gamers have to settle for distortion, poor sound quality, and noisy power supplies. Who wants subpar audio dragging you out of the moment when you’re trying to keep an ear out for raiders lurking in the capital wasteland?

The Play is perfect for users wanting to roll their opamps, which means you can tweak that sound to your exact specifications and lose yourself completely in whatever world you’d like to substitute for the cold, wet one outside.

Pick 2: The iFi Audio Micro iDSD Black Label with USB DAC

You’ve gotta show your face in the real world eventually, but why resign yourself to a less-than-stellar listening experience while you’re making moves?

The Micro iDSD Black Label is a perfect portable companion for those wanting to maintain a high standard both at home and on the way to your friend’s ill-advised homemade fireworks display. Drown out the sounds of his self-inflicted injuries with three power output modes to make it the perfect match for the most sensitive headphones all the way to the most power-hungry. What’s that? You need more options? It’s got you covered- the 3D+ option allows you to focus the stereo image, and the XBass+ gives you control over deepening and tightening bass frequencies.

This amp is a real ride-or-die. You’ll get 6-12 hours of power out of it depending on use and settings, and the USB port means you can charge your phone or other electronic devices as well! Do your other friends put in this kind of effort for you? Ricky won’t even lend you £5 for lunch. Serves him right about the fireworks mishap.

Pick 3: JDS Labs ‘The Element’

 

 

Treat yourself to a slice of simplicity in the form of The Element, a deceptively powerful unit from JDS Labs. You don’t need anything too showy- not like your neighbours already throwing their Christmas lights up. The Element’s gentle copper-coloured ring of light beneath the volume control will inspire plenty of warm cozy feelings.

The Element’s minimalist design houses absolute reference quality perfection in a body that doesn’t fight for attention, but will probably get it, because- let’s face it,  it looks good.

And it’s more multifaceted than it appears- just turn the amplifier off and use the analog jack inputs to turn The Element into a standalone DAC. The gift that keeps on giving!

So whether you’re dreading the change of the seasons or welcoming it with open arms, it’s more fun to do things with a buddy. Or three.