iFi Audio introduces NEO iDSD 2
Balanced analogue outputs incorporate a standard 6.35mm single-ended headphone socket and a 4.4mm out, while around the back single-ended RCA outputs are accompanied by balanced XLRs, to connect the NEO iDSD 2 to an amp and speakers or a pair of active speakers.
Measuring 214 x 41 x 158mm, it can lie vertically or horizontally on a shelf and boasts a new 2in retina-grade TFT colour display, which rotates automatically to suit its orientation while a multi-function rotary control helps to ensure easy use.
The NEO iDSD 2 has three operational modes: it can be used as a pure DAC with a fixed-level analogue output to connect to a separate integrated amp or preamp in an audio system; as a DAC/preamp with a variable output for connecting directly to a power amp or active speakers; and headphone users can use its amp stage.
The DAC stage incorporates a Burr-Brown XMOS chip and 32-bit, 16-core XMOS Cortex microcontroller to provide bit-perfect audio support for PCM files up to 32-bit/768kHz and up to DSD512. MQA is also supported.
The headphone amp delivers a claimed 5,551mW/13.3V into 32ohm and 650mW/19.5V into 600ohm through its 4.4mm balanced output – up to 10 times the power of the original NEO iDSD. There are four gain settings to tailor output to suit the connected headphones. The default mode is Normal (0dB); from there the user can step up to Turbo (+8dB) or Nitro (+16dB). There is also an IEMatch attenuation mode (-12dB) designed to be used with super-sensitive in-ear buds.
XBass II is a proprietary circuit that can be engaged to enhance low frequencies and offers three separate headphone EQ options: ‘Bass’ (which targets low frequencies), ‘Presence’ (which focuses on the upper midrange) and ‘Bass + Presence’ (which implements both together).
XSpace is another analogue processing mode, this time designed to compensate for the ‘in-head localisation’ effect that can occur when using headphones to listen to music mixed for/using speakers. When engaged, XSpace widens the headphone soundstage to deliver a more spacious and speaker-like experience.
The NEO iDSD 2 comes with a new aluminium remote handset and the option of using iFi’s Nexis app, which is available for Android and iOS devices.
Available to buy now for £900, you can find out more about the NEO iDSD 2 here.
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Pro-Ject Debut EVO 2 turntable, Advance Paris sub-£500 X-i50 BT integrated amp, DALI's stunning Rubikore standmount loudspeakers, Triangle Capella wireless active speakers, EAT's Fortissimo turntable with F-Note tonearm, our headphone Group Test and much, much more... |