iFi Pro iDSD DAC: www.headphones... iFi Pro iCAN Amp: www.headphones... The HEADPHONE Community thread: forum.headphon... iFi Pro iDSD manual: ifi-audio.com/...
I really liked the iCan when demoing it with a whole bunch of stuff in store - I also like having multiple headphones, but I don't like the clutter from multiple amps, so if I had the money, this'd be for me.
Hey Andrew, this is another great review! First as you said the DAC does not sound like a other Burr Browns, it was a bummer. Though with the tube mode it gets quite versatile. This LED light cheat by ifi for the tube indication - never read about it mentioned! Thank you for the information! Did you mention the different variations with the newer models supporting 4.4 pentacon out? Or was this in another ifi unit? Not sure. The sound vs the Cayin helped me to get an idea. So thanks for bringing this up!
Hey Martin, thanks for the kind words. Apparently there is a version of this DAC with a pentaconn connector yeah. And yeah the tube thing - I should clarify that there are actually tubes in them, that's just not what's emitting the light.
One comment: The iDSD DAC uses an off-the-shelf Burr Brown chip which is marked as "multi-bit". This is however still a sigma-delta design. One, like many others today, that uses multibit (usually 5-6) as opposed to old 1bit implementations. This shouldn't be confused with multi bit PCM DACs which feature a completely different technology. See for example R2R DACs like Schiit, MSB, dCS, denafrips, Airist and more.
Actually, dCS uses a 5-Bit/2.8MHz or 5-Bit/5.6MHz (depending on the generation one is looking at) implementations in their discrete Ring DAC design (versus an integrated chip), but is not a R2R ladder DAC. Apart from that, your point is well-taken.
usually, ppl discuss music, but are softer more laid back dacs or more analytical dacs better suited for movies? also, speaking of movies, if you are using a headphone with good holographic and soundstage qualities, do you still select stereo (because you're using headphones) or is it better to select surround sound?
Hey Resolve, i purchased my Ican pro for that exact same reason as you mention on the video, a versitile amp for my 3 headphones. But now its time to add one more to the line, a Zmf Verite. Looking on Zmf´s website i also got interest in the Pendant amp. My questions to you are: is worth buying the Pendant amp while having the Ican pro? What are your comparison between both as tube amps? Also is worth noticing that ive never experience a dedicated tube amp aside from the tube section of the Ican pro. Is imposible for me to be able to audition the Pendant before purchase because i live in Peru, so i depend on coments, forums and reviewers like you and ive watched your videos long enough to trust your opinion on the subject. I thank you in advance for any input you can provide.
The Pendant is a 'real' full tube amp - while the Pro iCAN's tube stage imparts a much smaller difference. For ZMF stuff (the Verite in particular), the Pendant is a crazy cool experience - but I'm not sold on it for other headphones.
The iFi Pro iDSD & iCAN stack costs $4,300 which is kinda borderline expensive on my budget for headphone listening. Instead, I'll just purchase a PrimaLuna EVO 300 Tube Integrated Amp for $3,999 which has a great sounding headphone. At least I'll do have an option to buy speakers for my listening pleasure in my living room. Its like hitting 2 birds with 1 stone.
So tell me what justifies the price of a headphone amp that cost over $1000? I mean how much better can this be over something like a SMSL SP200? Is it even noticeable? I really don't get it?
Amps really do sound different. And generally the best amps cost a lot. But as I mentioned in the video, I think for most people, we don't need to spend as much once we're at a certain point. A thx789 or something like it is probably all you need. It's when you start to get a lot of equipment that the versatility becomes appealing. Of course, then there's also tube amps - which are an entirely different beast.
Hey Andrew, no idea if I'll get a reply on a video this old, but does the tube setting on the IDSD only apply to the headphone outputs, or does it also affect the rear XLR/RCA outs?
Also the RCA/XLR outputs on both devises. Thus you can use the iDSD and/or the iCAN as a competent pre-amp without any compromises. Hence it is also a possible solution for your big hifi stuff with proper floor standing speakers. A proof that ifi means it serious is e. g. the 3D mode on the iCAN which has two distinguished functionalities. One for headphones and one for loudspeakers for your usage as a pre-amp. When you think about this, you realise you get even more than Andrew has told to us. Two wonderful components for your living room hifi rack and an ultimate headphones solution at once.
I have a question. So currently, I'm running the Chord Qutest to Cayin HA-300 tube amp to Audeze LCD-3. If I were to upgrade my DAC (not down or sidegrade) to something under $2700, what would you recommend? I like the Qutest a lot, especially with is resolution, but I can always ask for a bit more musicality, warmth, and bass slam.
You only spent about 15 seconds discussing the Pro iCAN's xbass and 3d knobs when they're the primary selling point of the amp. Really? Other amps do little more than make things louder. I'm disappointed that you didn't try xbass/3d with your collection of headphones, as the extent of the effects vary depending on the headphone used.
They really aren't the primary selling points. The xbass is somewhat useful depending on the headphones, but I'd never recommend buying it specifically for those features.
Nice review, there are few iFi Pro iCAN amp coming up to sale than iFi Pro iDSD DAC with better cost. Can I just use the iCAN amp instead of DAC? even if I have to pair a DAC then please recommend a good economical option available for iCAN amp
I’m having a hard time deciding between buying the ifi iDSD Pro and the Matrix Element X. It would be great if you could do an Element X vs iDSD Pro review.
@@jpined14 I went with the iFi Pro iDSD. Truth be told I'm not that happy with it. It's the classic case of diminishing returns; especially when comparing the Pro iDSD/iCAN stack against the Topping A90/D90 stack. There's no way the Pro iDSD/iCAN stack sound two to three times better than the Topping stack. I realized that before pulling the trigger but the reality becomes even more evident when you have the stacks side by side. During a recent a/b session the Camp Fire Andromedas sound much better on the Topping stack. Sometimes the sound signature of the Pro iDSD leans a little too warm, making it sound veiled when listening to the Focal Clears. I haven't gotten around to auditioning the Element X. I did audition the Matrix Audio mini-i Pro 3. The mini-i Pro 3 overall sounded way too congested when compared to the Topping stack. I returned the mini-i Pro 3 last week.
@@dmarcus1260 I am in pretty much exactly the same situation. I've got the Topping A90/D90 stack, and love it. I've had the RME ADI2 FS, and, while I am certainly a sucker for detail above most everything, it was just so harsh in my setup - so I returned it. I then went with the Matrix X-Sabre Pro MQA. Also really great - I'm not sure if it's $1000 better than the Topping, but it's better/more detailed. Now, I'm going to try out the iFi stack. I hoping this gives me a feel for implementation of different chips, but since you have similar devices, could you please provide a little commentary? Thanks!
@@nicklynchard7594 Despite the fact that I have the iFi stack, I'm not sure if I can be much help. Being 66 years old my hearing isn't as good as it use to be. According to this hearing test: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-H-iCZElJ8m0.html My hearing taps out just slightly over 16,000 Hz. I only bring this up because I struggle to hear any discernible difference in sound when comparing the Topping D90 and the iFi iDSD Pro DACS using the Sennheiser HD 800S. The main difference I hear when comparing the headphone amps (Topping A90 vs iFi iCAN) is the A90 has a wider soundstage, sounds more organic at the expense that at times it sounds congested during complex music passages. Nothing ever seems to get lost in the mix during complex music passages on the iCAN. The iCAN sounds more dynamic, especially the attack on drums. Both headphone amps have a warmish tilt to my ears, especially the Topping A90. During long listening sessions I find the Topping stack to be less fatiguing. However I find the iCAN more resolving without sounding too analytical. My biggest beef with the iCAN is how WARM it gets especially in Tube mode. Hope this gives you some more insight.
@@dmarcus1260 that's very helpful! I have moreorless the same opinion. I'm trying to compare the Matrix X-Sabre Pro vs. the iDSD. The iDSD is certainly warmer - and I'm finding I love warmer. But I'm not sure I like it more than the Matrix. Sigh... the struggle of these first world problems!
I would recommend the Questyle CMA400i, if you don't mind spending the 800 bucks. I remember listening to Susvaras through it and it could pretty easily drive them to be quite loud.
ADI-2 DAC is using an older chip and it only goes up to 256 dsd, and is really a waste of money an time for non professional users. We got the topping D90, smsl d1 or qutest around the same price and I am still trying to decide between them.
@@the007p7 I didn't. I ordered a pair of LCD-X because I got a sale for 1100€. On the other hand I want to see what aune s8 will be capable of, since 8x got stellar reviews. So far I am somewhere between D90 MQA and 8s. Most people agree that you can't tell apart a D90 and an ADI-2 DAC, and you pay for fetures, but I want to use it in pure DAC mode, and for 2-300€ cheaper.
@@MititeluRadu thanks for reply. Im still undecided what dac haha i just purchased ifi iCan. Going to check out LCD X tomorrow myself. Im leaning towards high end closed back maybe Stellia. Dont want to annoy too many people in the office haha.
@@the007p7 I never had an open headphone in my life so I went for the open design. Other than that I am looking for 3 headphones: 1 for female vocals and stuff, moded T60 RP for bass, and something relaxing.
