iFi nano iDSD BL impressions

iFi loaned me this unit for a couple weeks, need to send it back ASAP.

Hopefully @Marvey buys one for the SBAF loaner pool.
@Tyll Hertsens just included nano iDSD BL in his Holiday Gift Guide so might as well start a new thread.

• Sources: MacBook Pro, Audirvana for Tidal FLAC. usb-c to USB adapter
iPad Pro lightning to USB adapter. Tidal and NePlayer for FLAC.
listened to mostly rock music, along with some binaural acoustic recordings for imaging purposes.

• TL;DR
○ if you need one product that works off laptop USB or battery power for iDevices this is an impressive small black box.
○ good detailing, slightly warmer than SABRE DACs, not fatiguing in the least.
○ no unnecessary features, switches, filters or doo dads.
○ Low Price, great sonics, high versatility (for sensitive IEMS and easy to drive cans) = high value

nano iDSD BL is slightly warm DAC/amp, delivers music a couple steps back from the front row stage which helps with depth perception of drums and vocals.

○ headstage is normal in terms of width and height. only so much small SS amps can do here IMO.
more of an intimate stage, not expansive or overly wide/airy.
○ may not deliver that last step of uber up close presentation detail, but nano still very good.
delivers details in layers at varying volumes.
○ less bite on bass guitar strings, touch softer, smoother. same goes with cymbals.
○ drums lack a bit initial attack, but is not rounded or flabby. definition still good.
○ doesn't sound like a dry sterile solid state amp. no glare or treble brittleness.
○ probably a better pairing with brighter IEMs like Andro and cans (Focal Clear)
○ not fatiguing at all over long listening sessions with brighter cans/IEMs.
○ vocals are not pushed out in front, nice blend within instruments.

With CA Andromeda IEMs:
○ built in IEMatch 3.5mm jack is perfect, no dongle needed. no hiss.
black background with barely any air when volume knob is maxed out with no music playing.
○ normal listening vol pot 10am-2p
○ even presentation across the spectrum, no whacked frequency respone, nor bass boosting.

With Focal Clear headphones single ended:
○ use Direct 3.5mm jack, vol pot usually in the 10a-2p range.
○ all great qualities remain, don't detect any bass nor treble enhancing.
○ nano delivers enough power for Focal Clear to shine. unsure about different high ohm loads.

Usability
○ nano runs both from USB power or battery. no need for 2 models depending on laptop or iPhone source.
○ form factor great on desk or airplane tray. not for bus rides.
○ the larger size of nano compared to other USB DAC/Amp is fine IMO, due to:
regular USB a more stable connection than micro USB and the volume knob is better than buttons.
○ runs cool even after hours of USB power and headphone listening.
○ if one cares about MQA, it's in nano iDSD BL.

let's see what the SBAF loaner tour finds with a wider range of IEMs and single ended headphones.

 

Forgot about this. Anyone know where to buy one?