Out of this world

Sporting a Space Blue finish and powered by a built-in rechargeable battery, the micro iDSD Signature from iFi, is a transportable DAC/headphone amplifier that’s ready for anything that the universe throws at it. Battery power means it’s ultra-clean with ultra-stable DC power and avoids the pitfalls of AC mains – dips, spike and noise-inducing RFI/EMI pollution. And with up to 12 hours playing time, depending on the headphones and performance mode engaged, it is iFi's top-of-the-range desktop amp.

Based around two Burr-Brown DAC chips in a custom ‘interleaved’ configuration, the digital engine has four pairs of differential signals – two pairs per channel. This means a lower noise floor, improved channel separation and finer musical detail and micro-dynamics.

Extensive jitter-eradication technologies are applied to the digital engine, including iFi’s GMT (Global Master Timing) femto-precision clock and the intelligent memory buffer. The micro iDSD Signature also comes with iFi’s GTO (Gibbs Transient Optimized) digital filter installed and exclusive firmware available on their website means you can change digital filters as you wish.

With up to 4100mW of power, the micro iDSD Signature can drive all manner of headphones with aplomb, from highly sensitive in-ear monitors to current hungry planar headphones. The signal path has been refined to maximise sonic texture. High spec components featuring class-leading qualities such as low ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance), high stability and low distortion mean top-notch sound quality and maximum musical enjoyment.

The micro iDSD Signature features two digital audio inputs – USB Type-A and an S/PDIF socket that accepts both electrical, via a 3.5mm connector and optical signals – adapter supplied. It also houses a pair of RCA analogue outputs to connect to a pair of powered speakers or a power amp to act as a DAC. There is a 6.3mm output for headphones that have a standard single-ended connector (headphones with a 3.5mm jack can be connected using an adapter) and a 4.4mm Pentaconn output for headphones offering our S-Balanced connection. Both headphone outputs utilise iFi's  ‘S-Balanced’ output circuitry. This delivers the sonic benefits of balanced connections with all headphone/earphone types – even those with single-ended connectors – cutting crosstalk and associated distortion in half.

Technical Details