About the iFi Audio iDSD Diablo
Clear sound and pristine power in a travel-friendly design
Clear sound and pristine power in a travel-friendly design
Maximum sonic performance. That's what informed every design choice for the battery-powered iFi Audio iDSD Diablo DAC/headphone amp combo. The beauty is in its simplicity. Sure, there's a lot of cutting-edge tech and high-grade circuitry under the hood. But it doesn't feature all the extra DSP modes and tweaky controls found in other iFi gear — like the micro iDSD Signature. Instead, this piece is designed to preserve audio purity.
It's at home in a premium desktop headphone setup — or you can palm the lightweight yet heavy-duty Diablo and take it with you on the go. There are plenty of digital and analog audio inputs for your sources, as well as balanced and unbalanced outputs for your headphones. And under the hood, iFi has separated and fine-tuned the digital and analog circuitry to give you the most out of your music.
Product highlights:
- battery-powered desktop/portable USB DAC with built-in high-performance headphone amp
- iFi's top-of-the-line portable amp/DAC designed for pure audio signal and clean power
- improves sound from your PC, digital music player, iPhone®, and/or Android™ phone
- USB-A audio cable included (Lightning adapter sold separately)
- balanced and unbalanced headphone connections
- compact design with metal chassis
- 16-core XMOS processor/microcontroller programmed by iFi's development team for optimized sound and perfect cooperation with digital-to-analog converter chip
Built-in digital-to-analog converter:
- dual Burr-Brown "True Native" digital-to-analog converter chips for precise stereo playback
- allows for separate signal pathways for PCM and DSD
- plays PCM digital audio sources up to 32-bit/768kHz; DSD up to 24.576 MHz (DSD 512)
- up to 24-bit/192kHz PCM via S/PDIF optical digital connection
- offers full decoding for MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) audio files
- selectable digital filter settings for fine-tuning performance with different digital sources
Balanced headphone amplifier:
- two front-panel headphone outputs:
- one unbalanced 1/4" headphone output (3.5mm mini to 1/4" adapter included)
- one balanced 4.4mm output
- power output up to 4,980mW
- iFi's "Purewave" dual-mono circuitry helps reduce crosstalk between the left and right audio channels
- Panasonic OSCON, ECPU, and TDK C0G (Class 1 ceramic) capacitors offer high-stability signal
- balanced output power (max):
- >19.2V / 611 @ 600 ohms
- > 12.6V / 4,980mW @ 32 ohms
- unbalanced output power (max):
- > 9.6V / 153mW @ 600 ohms
- > 8.8V / 2,417mW @ 32 ohms
DAC/preamp connections and controls:
- high-precision volume control dial with power on/off switching
- power mode (gain) switch for three levels of output power: "Turbo," "Normal," or "Eco"
- USB-C input for charging and connecting PC, smartphone, and other mobile devices
- coaxial/mini optical digital combination input/output
- standard Toslink to mini optical adapter included
- functions as a coaxial digital output when USB audio signals are applied
- without USB audio signals, functions as an optical or coaxial digital input
- not compatible multichannel Dolby® Digital signals
- one balanced 4.4mm output for connecting a compatible powered speaker or amp
- 4.4mm-to-4.4mm balanced audio cable included
- Note: do NOT connect balanced headphones to this output — the full signal could damage your headphones and/or hearing.
General info and specs:
- rechargeable battery provides up to 6 hours of playback on a full charge
- iFi iPower 5V adapter included
- uses active noise canceling circuitry to lower noise floor up to 40dB
- rubber feet included
- cloth storage pouch
- output impedance: 32-600 (balanced and unbalanced)
- THD: 0.002% (balanced); 0.001% (unbalanced)
- 2-3/16"W x 1"H x 6-1/2"D
- weight: 11.6 oz.
- warranty: 1 year
- MFR # 303015
What's in the box:
iFi Audio iDSD Diablo owner's manual
- Digital-to-analog converter
- 6" USB cable (Type A USB on one end and USB-C on other end)
- 39" USB extension cable (Type A USB 3.0 male on one end and Type A USB 3.0 female on other end)
- Optical adapter (Toslink female-to-mini optical male)
- Headphone adapter (3.5mm female-to-6.5mm male)
- 6" USB power adapter (USB-C male on one end and female DC barrel connector on other end)
- 40" Balanced audio adapter (4.4mm Pentaconn plug on one end and dual XLR-3 plugs on other end)
- iPower DC power supply with attached 79" DC output cord (DC output: 5V 2.5A)
- 2-prong AC plug adapter
- Fabric carrying case
- Wrist strap
- User Manual
- Warranty / Terms & Conditions
Reviews (1)
Customer reviews for iFi Audio iDSD Diablo
Loading reviews...
Average review:
4.0 out of 5 starsThanks for submitting your review
Customer photos
This review was collected as part of a promotion
Pros:
Cons:
More details on the iFi Audio iDSD Diablo
Features & specs
| Design | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type | Portable | |
| Built-in Rechargable Battery | 4800 mAh | |
| Built-in Headphone Amplifier | ||
| Output Power | 4980mW / 2417mW | |
| Output Impedance (Unbalanced) | 32-600 Ohms | |
| Output Impedance (Balanced) | 32-600 Ohms | |
| Audio Specs | ||
| Bit Depth (USB) | 32 | |
| Max Sampling Rate (USB) | 768 kHz | |
| Bit Depth (S/PDIF) | 24 | |
| Max Sampling Rate S/PDIF | 192 kHz | |
| S/N Ratio (Unbalanced, in dB) | 114 | |
| S/N Ratio (Balanced, in dB) | 120 | |
| THD (Unbalanced) | 0.001% | |
| THD (Balanced) | 0.002% | |
| Supported File Types | ||
| PCM | Up to 768kHz | |
| DSD | DSD 512 | |
| DXD | DXD 768 | |
| MQA | Yes | |
| Inputs | ||
| Total Inputs | 2 | |
| USB | Male Type-A 3.0 | |
| Optical Digital | None | |
| Coaxial Digital | None | |
| 3.5mm Digital | 1 | |
| Stereo RCA Analog | None | |
| Stereo 3.5mm Analog | None | |
| Stereo XLR Analog | None | |
| Headphone Outputs | ||
| 3.5mm Unbalanced | None | |
| 1/4-inch Unbalanced | 1 | |
| 4.4mm Balanced | 1 | |
| XLR4 Balanced | None | |
| Other Headphone Outs | N | |
| Line Level & Digital Outs | ||
| RCA Line Out | None | |
| 3.5mm Line Out | None | |
| XLR Line Out | None | |
| Subwoofer Out | None | |
| Optical Digital Out | None | |
| Coaxial Digital Out | None | |
| Wireless Connectivity | ||
| Bluetooth | No | |
| Wi-Fi | No | |
| Apple-compatible | No | |
| Android-compatible | No | |
| General Info | ||
| Width (inches) | 2-7/8 | |
| Height (inches) | 1-1/16 | |
| Depth (inches) | 6-5/8 | |
| Weight | 0.73 lbs. | |
| Parts Warranty | 1 Year | |
| Labor Warranty | 1 Year | |
Product Research
Features
Overview: The iFi-Audio iDSD Diablo is a bright red transportable DAC (digital-to-analog converter) and headphone amplifier with USB and S/PIDF digital inputs, balanced and unbalanced headphone outputs, and a balanced line output. You can use it with your smartphone or tablet, your home or office computer, or a home disc player with a digital output. The iDSD Diablo and all its accessories can be stored in the iTraveller travel case. It measures 2-3/4" x 1" x 6-5/8", and weighs just over 11-1/2 ounces.
Digital-to-Analog Conversion: The iDSD Diablo plays Hi-Res audio in the native format, including DSD (up to 512 MHz), DXD (up to 768 kHz), and PCM (up to 768 kHz). It also fully decodes MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) tracks up to 384kHz, performing the full three unfold decoding process. It uses dual Burr-Brown True Native® DAC chips and the XMOS 16-core processing chip. With iFi-Audio's GMT (Global Master Timing) femto-precision clock and intelligent memory buffer, digital jitter is virtually eliminated. The iDSD Diablo transportable DAC supports the following audio formats:
- DSD: 512, 256, 128, 64 MHz (Octa-/ Quad-/ Double-/ Single-Speed DSD)
- DXD: 768, 705.6, 384, 352.8 kHz (Double / Single-Speed DXD)
- PCM: 768, 705.6, 384, 352.8, 192, 176.4, 96, 88.2, 48, 44.1 kHz
- MQA decoder
PureWave: iDSD Diablo utilizes a new, balanced, symmetrical dual-mono design called PureWave, which fully separates the left and right channels to reduce noise and crosstalk. PureWave uses short, direct signal paths, providing a pure sonic performance.
LED Indicator: The iDSD Diablo has an LED beside the volume control that indicates the sampling frequency received from the source. The LED color scheme is as follows:
- Yellow: PCM 44.1, 48 kHz
- White: PCM 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8, 384, 705.6, 768 kHz
- Cyan: DSD 64, DSD 128
- Red: DSD 256, DSD 512
- Green: MQA
- Blue: MQA Studio
- Magenta: Original Sample Rate (MQB)
Headphone Amplifier: The iFi-Audio iDSD Diablo has a powerful headphone amplifier that can drive most headphones and in-ear monitors. There are two headphone outputs: a 4.4mm Pentaconn balanced output, and a 6.3mm (1/4") single-ended output. A 3.5mm-to-6.3mm adapter is provided for your 3.5mm-equipped headphones and IEMs. The iDSD Diablo can provide up to 166 times more output power, compared to a typical laptop headphone output (4980mW vs 30mW). Using the front panel switch, you can choosing one of three settings to get the right amount of output for your headphones or IEM:
- Eco: lower output for high-sensitivity IEMs
- Normal: for medium-sensitivity headphones
- Turbo: highest output to drive the most demanding headphones
Combo S/PDIF Input: The iDSD Diablo has a combination S/PDIF input that accepts both electrical (coaxial) and optical signals, via the 3.5mm connector (Toslink mini plug adapter supplied).
Note: The S/PDIF port supports PCM signals only up to 192kHz.
USB Input: The iDSD Diablo has a male Type-A USB 3.0 input that can be used with your smartphone, tablet, or home/office computer. The male connector is used rather than a typical female USB port because of greater mechanical integrity. A 39" USB 3.0 male-to-female Type-A cable is provided for connecting the iDSD Diablo to your laptop. You will need an Apple CCK cable for connecting your iPhone, or an "OTG" cable for your Android device, if desired.
Balanced Output: The device is equipped with a 4.4mm (Pentaconn) balanced line output on the rear panel. This allows you to use the iDSD Diablo as a balanced DAC for connecting to active speakers or a stereo amplifier. Included with the device is a 4.4mm-to-dual XLR adapter to make it easier to connect with an amp or powered speakers.
USB-C Power Port: The rear panel has a USB-C (5V) power port for charging the device's internal battery. A full recharge with a standard charger (5V 1A) takes approximately 12 hours to complete. With a high-powered charger (5V 2.5A), such as the supplied iPower AC adapter, the recharge would take approximately 6 hours. An LED indicator beside the charging port displays the battery status:
- White: >75%
- Green: >25%
- Red: >10%
- Red (flashing): <=10%
Battery Power: The iDSD Diablo is powered by a built-in 4800mAh Lithium-polymer battery. When fully charged, the battery life is dependent upon the selected power mode. In the Eco Mode, you can expect approximately 12 hours of battery life. In Normal Mode, approximately 9 hours is expected. In Turbo Mode, battery life is expected to be approximately 6 hours.
iPower AC Adapter: Bundled with the iDSD Diablo is the iFi-Audio iPower ultra-low noise power supply. You'll need the supplied adapter (USB-C to DC barrel connector) to connect the power supply to the DAC. iPower can be used to charge the built-in battery, or to power the device with household current. iFi-Audio recommends using battery power to assure that you get ultra-clean and stable DC current.
Specifications:
- Frequency Response: 10Hz - 80kHz (-3dB)
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio:
- Balanced: -120dB
- Single-Ended (S-E): -114dB
- Dynamic Range:
- Balanced: 120dB
- S-E: 114dB
- THD+N:
- Balanced: 0.002%
- S-E: 0.001%
- Headphone Max Output:
- Balanced: >19.2V / 611mW (600Ω); >12.6V / 4980mW (32Ω)
- S-E: >9.6V / 153mW (600Ω); >8.8V / 2417mW (32Ω)
- Power Consumption:
- Turbo: 12W
- Normal: 5W
- Eco: 2W
- Dimensions: Width 2.82", Height 1.007", Depth 6.58"
- Weight: 11.6 ounces
Loading accessories...
Customer Q&A
Loading articles...
