News

iFi Audio has launched a new mains-powered DAC, the NEO iDSD. Designed with aluminium casework that can be positioned horizontally or vertically – the latter option via a supplied stand – it also sports an OLED display which automatically flips to suit the preferred orientation.

With three operational modes, the NEO iDSD can be used as a pure DAC with a fixed-level analogue output to connect to a separate integrated amplifier or preamp. It can also operate as a DAC/preamp with a variable output for connecting directly to a power amp or active loudspeakers. Alternatively, it can be used as a headphone amplifier stage, offering a claimed continuous power output of more than 1000mW into 32ohm loads.

The NEO iDSD’s ‘digital engine’ is based around a Burr-Brown DAC chipset including the XMOS chip that processes the audio data received via the USB and S/PDIF digital inputs. Hi-res audio support handles PCM data to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD up to DSD512, and single and double-speed DXD, while full decoding of MQA files up to 384kHz is also on hand.

Due to the Burr-Brown DAC chip’s four-channel True Native design, PCM and DSD take separate pathways, enabling them to remain bit-perfect in their native form right through to analogue conversion.

Bluetooth is also available, supporting formats including aptX Adaptive and aptX HD, LDAC, LHDC, AAC and SBC, while up to seven paired Bluetooth source devices can be ‘remembered’.

The NEO iDSD’s three digital inputs include asynchronous USB Type B, optical and coaxial, and there are single-ended RCA outputs and a pair of XLRs. Headphone sockets come in the shape of a 6.35mm single-ended and 4.4mm Pentaconn jack outputs.

Available to buy now for £700 you can find out more about iFi Audio's NEO iDSD here.