Whether in preamp mode or driving a pair of headphones, volume is controlled by a precision analogue potentiometer delivering the quality expected of full-size hi-fi equipment. From highly sensitive in-ear monitors to current-hungry planar headphones. The direct-coupled 4100mW amp stage is able to drive all kinds of headphones with even more sonic texture and detail than its Black-label predecessor.

The micro iDSD features a Burr-Brown DAC chip that is selected for its natural-sounding and True Native ‘bit-perfect’ architecture. Hi-res audio supports streams to 32-bit/768kHz, all levels of DSD up to DSD512 plus single- and double-speed DXD. MQA is also supported. Extensive jitter-eradication technologies are applied, including iFi’s GMT (Global Master Timing) femto-precision clock and intelligent memory buffer. Also two of the DAC chips are installed and enables a differential (balanced) signal which lowers the noise floor, improves channel separation and enhances the DAC’s ability to resolve fine musical detail and micro-dynamics.

The iDSD benefits from a variety of filter settings: ‘Standard’, ‘Minimum Phase’ and ‘Bit-Perfect’ for PCM streams; ‘Standard Bandwidth’, ‘Extended Bandwidth’ and ‘Extreme Bandwidth’ for DSD. The amp stage also has three settings to adjust power and gain: ‘Normal’, ‘Turbo’ (for current-hungry headphones) and ‘Eco’ (for high-sensitivity in-ears and/or extend battery life). Further optimization for sensitive in-ear monitors is supplied via IEMatch technology with ‘High Sensitivity’ and ‘Ultra Sensitivity’ settings.

XBass+ and 3D+ settings have been performance-tuned for the Micro iDSD and may be switched in or out according taste, fine-tuning the sound in the analogue domain to maintain sonic purity. XBass+ adjusts frequency response to enhance low frequencies of open-back headphones. 3D+ effectively widens the headphone soundstage to deliver a more speaker-like experience.

Being battery-powered, the Micro iDSD provides an ultra-clean and stable DC power, negating the issues that can be introduced by AC mains electricity with its dips, spikes and noise-inducing RFI/EMI pollution. The battery delivers 6-12 hours of playing time. If the battery runs low whilst in use, it can be plugged into a power source to charge and play at the same time.