Enhance Your Audio Experience with the iFi Audio NEO iDSD 2: The Ultimate 3-in-1 DAC/Amp
When it comes to audio, the iFi Audio NEO iDSD 2 stands as a testament to versatility and excellence. Tailored for CAS audiophiles, it effortlessly integrates into your setup, whether you're into head-fi, desk-fi, or traditional hi-fi configurations.
Read our impression of the iFi Neo IDSD 2 Here
Revolutionary Bluetooth 5.4 Technology
Unleash the power of the latest Bluetooth 5.4 technology with the NEO iDSD 2 by iFi Audio. It proudly supports the groundbreaking aptX Lossless codec, boasting an impressive maximum bitrate of 1,200kbps. In comparison, other codecs like aptX Adaptive (420kbps) and LDAC (990kbps) fall short. What sets aptX Lossless apart is its unique ability to stream lossless CD-quality audio without compromising sound quality, unlike other codecs that employ detrimental compression methods.
With Qualcomm's QCC518x Bluetooth audio chip, the NEO iDSD 2 is not only cutting-edge but also versatile, supporting a wide range of Bluetooth formats, including aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC, and SBC. (As of September 22, 2023)
Unmatched Headphone Output Power
Prepare to be amazed by the iFi Audio NEO iDSD 2's headphone output power, a staggering 5 times more potent than its predecessor. With a maximum headphone output of 5,551 mW (@ 32Ω), it can even outperform dedicated headphone amplifiers, giving your high-demanding headphones the power they crave. The iFi Audio NEO iDSD 2 also features Auto iEMatch to eliminate hiss from high-sensitivity headphones while preserving dynamic range. With four gain settings ranging from -12dB to +16dB, it caters to all your IEMs and headphone types, from super-sensitive to power-hungry.
Tailored Sound with Analog Processing Modes
The iFi Audio NEO iDSD 2 is not just powerful; it's also finely tuned for your ears. Its newly added analog processing modes, XSpace and XBass II, along with four digital filters, offer precise control over the sound. XSpace and XBass II, in particular, are pure analog signal processing modes designed to sculpt the soundstage and enhance low-frequency response to match your headphones.
Flexible Placement Options
Regardless of whether you're using the iFi Audio NEO iDSD 2 as a desk-fi or hi-fi solution, it adapts effortlessly to your needs. Position it horizontally or vertically to suit your setup. When utilized as a desk-fi component, its vertical orientation saves space and pairs beautifully with your active speakers, thanks to its powerful 19.5V maximum balanced output. The NEO iDSD 2's analog volume control surpasses digital alternatives, ensuring superior sound quality.
In hi-fi configurations, you can place it horizontally to function as a pure DAC, handling all Hi-Res music files, from PCM 32-bit/768kHz to DSD512 and full MQA decoding. Alternatively, connect it directly to your power amplifier as a preamplifier, utilizing its analog volume control.
Precision Clocking and Circuitry
The iFi Audio NEO iDSD 2 boasts an internal GMT femto-precision clock and intelligent memory buffer to eliminate jitter in the digital signal, resulting in pristine and accurate sound. Its enhanced PureWave circuit design, featuring a balanced dual-mono topology and short signal paths, ensures outstanding linearity and minimal noise and distortion. This translates to an improved Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) of >120dB(A), Dynamic Range (DNR) of -120dB(A), and Total Harmonic Distortion plus Noise (THD+N) of <0.0015%.
Introducing the iFi Nexis App
To unlock the full potential of your NEO iDSD 2, iFi Audio introduces the iFi Nexis App. Simply search for "NEO iDSD 2" in the app to access a suite of features and settings. Enjoy the convenience of OTA upgrades, which seamlessly update your device over the network. The app provides an easy and intuitive way to control your NEO iDSD 2, allowing you to customize functions and settings effortlessly.
True Native® Playback for Hi-Res Audio
The iFi Audio NEO iDSD 2 offers state-of-the-art True Native® playback, supporting PCM data up to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD up to DSD512, and single and double-speed DXD. Thanks to its Burr-Brown DAC chip's four-channel True Native design, PCM and DSD maintain their 'bit-perfect' integrity throughout the conversion process.
High-Performance XMOS Chip
The XMOS 16-Core chip handles audio data received via the USB digital input. This advanced microcontroller boasts enhanced processing power, double the clock speed (2000MIPS), four times the memory (512KB), and compliance with the latest SuperSpeed USB standard. iFi's in-house digital development team has meticulously programmed the XMOS firmware to optimize sound quality in perfect harmony with the Burr-Brown DAC.
Full MQA Decoding and Burr-Brown Excellence
The iFi Audio NEO iDSD 2 fully supports MQA decoding, thanks to the processing power of its 16-core XMOS chip. This means that the entire 'three unfold' decoding process is handled internally, ensuring your MQA files are faithfully reproduced. This comprehensive MQA support is crucial, especially for streaming platforms like Tidal Masters, Audirvana, and Roon.
Burr-Brown True Native® Chipset
With the Burr-Brown True Native® chipset, file formats remain unchanged or 'bit-perfect,' delivering music precisely as the artist intended. iFi Audio's extensive experience with Burr Brown's natural-sounding 'musicality' and True Native architecture guarantees an exceptional listening experience.
Superior Bluetooth Engine
iFi Audio combines Qualcomm's new QCC518x Bluetooth processing IC with proprietary circuits to create an audibly superior 'Bluetooth engine.' This engine supports all current high-definition Bluetooth audio formats, including aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX, LDAC, LHDC, AAC, and SBC. Among these codecs, aptX Adaptive reaches up to 48kHz, while aptX Lossless, LDAC, and LHDC reach 96kHz. Moreover, iFi's 'Bluetooth engine' can be updated over-the-air to accommodate future codecs.
Advanced Jitter Eradication
The iFi Audio NEO iDSD 2 implements extensive jitter-eradication technologies, including the GMT (Global Master Timing) femto-precision clock and intelligent memory buffer. These technologies provide an all-encompassing digital solution to eliminate jitter and ensure crystal-clear audio.
Balanced, Differential Analog Circuit Design
The iFi Audio NEO iDSD 2 embraces balanced, differential analog circuit design, a hallmark of high-end audio quality. This design reduces noise and cross-talk within the signal path by fully separating the left and right channels. The result is a PureWave topology with short, direct signal paths, delivering exceptional linearity and minimal noise and distortion.
Top-Notch Components
iFi Audio's commitment to audio excellence is evident in its choice of top-notch components. The custom OV Series operational amplifier contributes to extremely low noise, low distortion (0.0001%), and wide bandwidth.
iFi Audio Neo IDSD 2 User Manual
