Here's my review of the $499 iFi iDSD Micro...

http://headphone.guru/ifi-idsd-micro/

Really terrific DAC for the money and works just as well as part of a big system.

 

Nice review. I'm giving this product serious consideration, although I wish it had analog inputs (to use as a headphone amp).

 

Thanks!

 

I've got two more expensive DACs coming in for review soon so the DAC comparisons will continue.

 

Think one of the recent reviews in the UK mags talked of brightness with this item, any sounds of that for you Lee?

 

Not on my main system or the desktop system...

 

Hey Lee...thanks for the link..I am going to read it asap.

I have it hooked up to $20,000 of electronics...and it is absolutely not being embarrassed...with the iUSB btw...

 

ZERO brightness or harshness.

 

Nice review Lee. Thanks!

 

Well done review, and to the point. Thanks a bunch for posting. At least I know I am not crazy...I think it is a very serious product, $499 not withstanding....a must hear.

 

Based on the iUSB I thought it would be good but I agree 100% with your assessment...it is a superb product.

 

Thanks for the review. Very informative. I am looking at a bunch of DACs (including the Chord Hugo referenced in the review) in the $1k to $2k range to replace my Rega DAC. This sounds like it could be a great deal at a fraction of the cost.

They are supposed to be coming out with a desktop model in Q1 of next year that will retail for $1.5k. It will be interesting to see how that compares to the Micro.

 

It's very good but if you can do the Hugo I must admit that is even better. The Hugo is on par, imho, with the Berkeley Alpha DAC (the original one).

I will be reviewing iFi's Mini which is the $1K range DAC due out in Q1.

 

I haven't heard the Berkeley but that is quite a statement. The only concern with the Hugo is that with the small buttons and odd design it looks like a pain to turn on and off if using as a standalone DAC. Your review of the Hugo in a past thread was very helpful.

I am looking forward to your review of the Mini.

 

Yes it is, and you did a fine job.

 

I

I am definitely interested in the Mini.

 

Do you happen to know if the Mini has RCA analog inputs? This would solve all of my needs, fingers crossed.

 

I don't know but I will know in a couple of weeks possibly.

 

The Hugo is very easy to use and power up/down. My only issue is that the micro-usb connector is not ideal from my perspective.

Now the designer is soon to do a component-sized design for the "Qute" replacement I believe which will be the FPGA in the Hugo but with more regular inputs and outputs and beefier power supply, etc. That will be very interesting!

 

Well, for you maybe but the guys elsewhere felt differently...or should that be 'DIFFERENTLY'?

The point being that it's worth bearing in mind I think.

 

Well written review, Lee. Great intro.

 

Who are the "guys elsewhere"?

 

It was either, and my memory is sketchy here, Hi Fi Choice / World / News or maybe Andrew Everard! I'll have to check. Aargh, too many magazines!!

 

Ok, that is one "guy", not guys. If you remember which, feel free to post a link.

I don't mind reading reviews where the reviewer disagrees with what I hear. It is always good to hear differing opinions.

 

Doubt it's online yet as it's this or last month's issue. However I'll check.