Ifi Micro iDSD

Remember that equipment with built-in batteries will ship from the factory pre-charged. Any initial charging necessary will only be to top-up whatever has been lost as the item sits on the shelf. At least, that's what logic tells me.

Gordon.

did ifi ever release their desktop dac/amp?

Review of Micro

www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0914/ifi_audio_micro_idsd_dac_headphone_amplifier.htm

Well, I don't particularly agree with the idea of burn in if I'm honest. More like 'brain adjustment' imo.

I try very hard to hear burn in, but tbh, I really haven't heard that much real evidence of it. I experienced a lack of bass on a Superlux headphone for 30 minutes or so and it suddenly woke up. I also had a strange experience with my Mont Blanc amp after it hadn't been used for some time, it sounded kind of shut in. Then after a few minutes, the output did a 'pop' and normal service resumed ...... Burn in?

Not sure about that.

The Micro seems to be a real quality unit that is pretty versatile in what it can power and what kinds of files it can decode. I intend to use it as a semi portable amp in the garden as well as connect digital out from my x3, IPad and computer to it. So it will be multi purpose for me.

Plus it has the x Bass which is very useful for portable headphones that are lacking and this curious 3d effect, which Mick really likes with headphones.

It's a powerful wee beastie too!!

Yeah, I agree. I've heard the effects of burn-in on loudspeakers and to a lesser extent headphones but there's logic to that as they're mechanical drivers. But in electronics I'm skeptical to say the least. Perhaps in the first five minutes maybe but after that it's highly unlikely.

I do like the look of the iFi as a semi-portable device though but I also like the look of the new Oppo unit too.

This summer I'm wanting to work out some way of streaming from my Mac to the garden but I have no idea how to go about it.

Gordon.

My Micro has been on its 24 hour charge and on plugging in, the sheer power just hits you like a brick wall. It has a helluva lot of power. I'm using the low power setting with the iem switch on the bottom to take it down even further, so a comfortable volume is at 12 'o clock on the vol pot. So it's running on Eco power plus the attenuation that the high sensitivity switch on the bottom adds. It's that powerful it's ridiculous. Masses of headroom.

The 3d effect is great. It really opens up the headphones. It slightly boosts part of the treble as well. Bass boost is subtle and low down. Actually, it's a wonder that some kind of 3d effect isn't added to most headphone amps. It really does open the headphone up and gives you another perspective without a doubt. It's not the same as cross feed, and works a lot better.

Plent of headroom; in fact bags of headroom. I was surprised at how many power settings are available as well. The three on the side plus the iem switch at the bottom. Going to high Power reveals the noise floor on the Fostex, so low power is way better for them and much more controllable.

Lots of connection options which is great.

The sound is kind of invisible. Even the headphone out on the IPad is improved greatly with a more 'crystal' and transparent sound. This is a terrific amp let alone, dac it matches extremely well with the th900 even though the th900 is so easy to drive. It does respond to the extra power available and attacks are really potent on the beginning of notes.

The sound is a really clear, open sound that makes it seem as though the amp isn't actually there.

I'm quite curious how the nano sounds as a headphone amp now as well. The Ifi amp sound is crystal clear, like its just not there. If the Nano has that open 3d sound, then imo it's a really good buy at £150 ish I think. It adds something new to the mix and can also be switched out in any case. It has less power that this beastie, but the th900 doesn't need a great deal to drive it either. This one excels on digital material which the Nano can't do, but I am curious how the amps compare for normal line out listening.

The funny thing about the Micro is that it seems as though it isn't there!!! It's audibly invisible basically!!!!! It's also so effortless sounding. A wonderful amp to be sure.

It has a sharper treble and feels like similar power in use.

With the th900 I can hear that the top end of the Polaris and Ember is slightly softer. The Micro is extremely 'crisp' by comparison and very etched. In terms of what I prefer,, it's quite hard to say tbh. The Polaris sound has been 'tailored' to sound like a tube amp whereas the Micro most certainly hasn't.

It's the best portable I've had. Huge amount of power. The other thing is that it allows digital connections direct, so I can use it via the digital out on the IPad, X3 and the TV. The digital section is just superb. The clarity and depth is amazing. Way better than the O2.

As a straight amp, it's main advantage is being portable and providing a lot of really clean power. It also provides a bass boost and the 3d effect which works surprisingly well. The 3d effect makes a straight amp sound slightly bland and shut in if I'm honest by comparison.

I slightly prefer the Polaris to the Ember, I think. Less noise and slightly cleaner sounding. The Micro is definitely SS and you can hear that plainly, so I guess it's a matter of what you prefer in the end.

It's a different market though with it being digital and portable. I'm very glad I got one since it is extremely good and puts portable listening on the same level as home gear. It's the first portable I've heard which I feel is really satisfying in terms of frequency response and power levels.

Hi res files just take off. They are just brilliant (if the recording is good) the downside is that poor recordings are etched in glorious technicolour and you hear plenty of faults. Listening to digital sound from TV is also superb. No interference and great depth.