Very well reviewed iFi Pro iDSD Signature DAC / Preamp / Headphone Amp still under warranty and in immaculate condition (still has protective films on screen and tube window). Used lightly in a smoke-free and HEPA filtered environment as part of a desktop setup for only a few months. Excellent sounding DAC with several features (digital filters, DSD “RemasterIng”, Solid-State / Tube / Tube+ modes) that allow adjustment of the output to preference. An iFi iPower Elite is also included, which is incredibly quiet and performs comparably to a highly regulated battery power supply, without the hassle.
Had a small defect which was causing some microphonic feedback in tube modes. After two round trips to the iFi Service Center, all of the internal boards, components, and NOS tubes were completely replaced. Has been working flawlessly following this repair. This is essentially a brand new DAC that has now been properly burned in, but still has very little use. The wireless module was removed at the factory at my request to reduce RF / EMI sources around my gear, but I still have the module and it can be installed upon request.
Ships with original packaging and all factory included accessories.
Features
Overview: The Pro iDSD Signature is iFi Audio's new reference-class flagship DAC (digital-to-analog converter), digital music streamer, and headphone amplifier. The Pro iDSD Signature lets you connect a wide variety of digital sources, from computers and routers to CD transports and NAS drives. You can also insert memory cards, USB drives, and external HDDs. Pro iDSD Signature can also stream Hi-Res digital music files from your favorite network sources. The unit has a reference-level DAC chip that supports PCM up to 768kHz and DSD1024. You can even choose between tube and analog output stage. The Pro iDSD Signature includes iFi-Audio's top-of-the-line iPower Elite ultra low-noise power supply. Dimensions: 8.384"W x 2.518"H x 8.1"L; Weight: 4.78 pounds.
Digital-to-Analog Conversion: The Pro iDSD Signature is equipped with a quad stack of Bit-Perfect DSD and DXD DACs by Burr-Brown that uses up to 8 pairs of differential signals (4 for each channel) in an interleaved configuration. It also has the 2nd generation XMOS XU216 X-Core 200 series 16-core processor that decodes the signals from all sources, whether it's from USB, AES/EBU, and S/PDIF, plus Wi-Fi, network, or mass-storage. The Pro iDSD Signature is capable of playing back audio at the following sample rates:
* PCM: up to 768 kHz
* DSD: up to 49.152 MHz (DSD 1024) (Note: USB Input accepts up to DSD 512)
* DXD: DXD and double-speed DXD (2xDXD)
* MQA: full decoding of MQA files up to 384/352.8 kHz
Inputs: The Pro iDSD Signature features a wide variety of digital inputs to choose from. All inputs, including the USB, feature full galvanic isolation for ultra-quiet operation.
* Device USB: This Type B USB port is USB 3.0 compatible (and backwards-compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.0 standard), and can be used to connect your PC, laptop, or music server. You can also connect a PS4 or PS5. A USB 3.0 cable is included.
* Coaxial / Optical Digital Input: This combo RCA coaxial and 3.5mm mini optical input is for connecting a S/PIDF source, such as a high-end CD transport, or a CD/DVD disc player with a digital output. A Toslink-to-mini optical adapter is included.
* XLR Digital Input: This single AES/EBU XLR-3 input allows you to connect an XLR single link source unit, such as a high-end CD transport or a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).
* BNC Digital Input: You can connect a device, such as a high-end CD transport, in this BNC multifunction input (S/PIDF / AES3id). You can also use the BNC connector to sync to an external clock device, and output the sync signal to another device via the second BNC connection. A rotary selector (adjustable with the included screwdriver) lets you choose the correct clock device: Atomic Clock, DARS (Digital Audio Reference Signal), or Word Clock. You should select "Standalone" if no external clock source is used.
* Wi-Fi / Ethernet / Hard Disk / Micro SDHC
Digital Filters: The iFi-Audio Crysopeia FPGA Digital Engine provides several options for digital filtering, selectable on the front panel:
* Bit Perfect: No processing for 44.1 - 192kHz, always used for 352.8 - 768kHz
* Bit Perfect+: 44.1 - 96kHz
* Gibbs Transient Optimised (GTO): 44.1 - 384kHz
* Apodising: 44.1 - 384kHz
* Transient Aligned: 44.1 - 384kHz
Output Modes: The Pro iDSD Signature has both solid-state and tube output stages. Using the front panel 3-way switch, you can select from the following output modes:
* Solid-State Mode: The device employs a pure solid-state circuit using J-FET transistors, with fully-discrete Class A performance.
* Tube Mode: The two NOS GE5670s tubes are engaged, and the J-FET circuits are bypassed, to give you an all-valve Class A operation.
* Tube+ Mode: The Tube+ position reduces overall loop-gain and minimizes negative feedback. This mode produces more of the tubes' natural harmonics, resulting in an even more luxurious sound.
Headphone Amplifier: The iFi Pro iDSD Signature has a strong headphone amplifier that can drive most headphones and in-ear monitors (IEMs). The headphone outputs are up to 1575mW RMS x 2 at 64 ohms, and up to 4200mW Max x 2 at 16 ohms. The front panel has three headphone outputs: 1/4" (6.3mm), 4.4mm (TRRS balanced), and 3.5mm (single-ended, TRRS iFi S-Balanced). S-Balanced is a special iFi technology that lets you enjoy the benefits of a balanced connection in single-ended headphones.
Analog Outputs: In addition to the headphone outs, the Pro iDSD Signature has two other analog outputs: Balanced XLR stereo pairs and Single-ended RCA stereo pairs. You can set the signal output to different levels, depending upon the connected equipment and usage. You can choose between Hi-Fi Fixed, Hi-Fi Variable, Pro Fixed, and Pro Variable. The front panel volume control can make adjustments for the Hi-Fi Variable and Pro Variable settings. The analog outputs on the rear panel include:
* Balanced XLR: Two XLR-3 connectors present a balanced signal output. The max output is 4.6V (+15.5dBu) at the Hi-Fi setting, or 10V (+22dBu) at the Pro setting.
* Single-ended RCA: Left and right RCA outputs. The max output is 2.3V (Hi-Fi) or 5V (Pro).
Volume Control: The front panel aluminum rotary volume control can be operated by hand, or with the included wireless remote control. The volume control is a balanced (6-gang) Japanese Alps potentiometer. The volume control is motorized when used with the remote control.
Remote Control: The Pro iDSD Signature comes with a sleek aluminum infrared remote control (RC-101). With the remote, you can raise and lower the volume, change input, access the menu, turn on/off the display, and control some music playback (depending on the input). The remote has a range of approximately 5 meters (16.4 feet), and is powered by a 3V Lithium CR2025 coin-cell battery (not included).
iPower Elite: The Pro iDSD Signature ships with the separately packaged iPower Elite, iFi-Audio's flagship power supply. iPower Elite has a whisper-quiet noise floor at less than 1 μV, which is 1000 times quieter than a typical power supply, and 100 times quieter than audiophile linear power supplies. It features Active Noise Cancellation II to actively cancel all incoming noise. iPower Elite is made of aircraft-grade 6063 aluminum for excellent heat dissipation and long life. Its 41"-long, extra-large OFHC copper power cable delivers high power with low loss. The power supply is rated at 15V - 3.5A output, and comes with various DC barrel connectors and a reverse-polarity plug. Dimensions: Length 5.843", Width 2.178", Height 2.02"; Weight 1.2 pounds