FOR FREE: iFi iDSD BL, but only as a DAC!

SORRY MODS IF THIS IS IN THE WRONG PLACE, PLEASE MOVE IF SO. MY BAD, WASN'T SURE WHAT TO DO.

THANKS GUYS, THIS IS OFF TO ITS NEW HOME TOMORROW.


Hi Guys,

So basically, I’m currently (the loaners arrived today) working on a review of both the iFi iDSD Signature, and iFi iDSD Diablo. I’m really digging them, and am thinking I will probably end up purchasing one of them, as I still haven’t found a better product for transportable use, with harder to drive headphones.

That brings me to the point of this thread. I’ve still got my iDSD Black Label, but one channel of the Analog section is borked. This may be fixable, but I don’t think its worth paying iFi to fix it, as its out of warranty, and that money could go towards an updated version.

This means that the headphone out and the DAC output with the pre amp function engaged only works out of one channel, I think it’s the left channel.

Further disclaimers

- I’ve used the hell out of this iDSD. Its covered in scratches, and has been WELL loved, and WELL used.
- No warranty, but hey its free.
- Its free

HOWEVER

The digital section of the iDSD is in perfect working order, so IF all you want to use it as, is as a DAC, it would work just fine. The filters work. The battery holds a charge still, not as well as brand new, but definitely for a few hours. Also, if you use it as a desktop DAC, then boom, bypass the battery by turning the unit on after plugging it in, and you are good to go indefinitely.

Inputs are either SPDIF, 3.5mm Optical, or USB.

If you’re in Canada, shipping is on me. If you're in the states, I’ll check out how much its gonna be, and I’ll cover it if its not crazy. Further afield, I’d have to check and get back to you.

So yeah. If you are maybe a beginner and you are using a Magni (or similar) with a 3.5mm to RCA from your motherboard as your DAC, this would be a solid upgrade. If you are using maybe a Geek Out or Dragonfly as your DAC, this would be a solid upgrade.

Please don’t ask for this if you don’t need it. i really want to find someone who could really put it to good use and it would be a solid upgrade to their current main set ups DAC. i’m hoping to help someone out, not add to a pile of junk

Here is a photo of it from a few years ago, expect some more paint rubbed off, and a few more scratches, but it does exist.

 

Have you ever opened it up to try and diagnose what may be borked? or I wonder if some pictures here might be enough for one of us to spot something.

I'd almost be willing to try fixing it and passing it along within Canada, though I kinda doubt my DIY skills would be good enough.

 

I've never soldered a thing in my life, so I wouldn't have the first clue about fixing it. If there is someone out there who wants it as a DAC, but also feels they have the engineering/soldering/audiodiy'ing chops to fix it, even better, they've got an amp as well.

 

In addition to DAC functionality, the iDSD works great as a D2D converter. If the RCA outputs work (which they must if it still functions as a DAC), it can also be a preamp. Sounds like the only tool missing from this Swiss Army Audio Knife is the headphone amp.

The iEMatch switch on my OG unit is a little dodgy and cuts out in one channel. Maybe your switch has one channel completely borked?

I tried opening mine up and even though I loosed all the screws, I still couldn't get it open. NFC how they ASS-embled the thing.

Maybe this listing would fit better in the For Sale forum? That's where stuff usually goes that's free.

 

It won't work as a pre amp as the pre amp uses the analog circuitry (at least the volume control part thats borked,) meaning one channel is dead. I think it might work as a D2D still though, USB in to SPDIF or Optical out.

If a mod wants to move it to the for sale forum, then no problemo. I can't do it myself though.

 

So the RCA in back works fine in fixed mode?

 

oui.

 

I had great success with IFI RMA, if you are the first owner I recommend that route. Best of luck.

 

I did try emailing them, would cost a solid amount to fix, enough that it wasn't worth doing vs. the price of replacement.

 

If whoever gets this figures out how to open up the chassis, I'd love to see how it's done.