Can you handle the Beast! Introducing the iDSD Diablo 2!

Your Ultimate Portable DAC/Amp for Home and Mobile!

Heavenly Sound. Devilish Power.
The Diablo 2, dressed in Devilish Red, succeeds the Diablo-X, boasting a slew of enhancements such as increased headphone output power, support for lossless Bluetooth codecs, xMEMS technology, iEMatch, a USB-C input, improved circuitry, and more.
As an audiophile, you likely use different systems for home and mobile setups. The Diablo 2 offers the best of both worlds with its powerful 5,180mW output and balanced dual-mono circuitry, making it the most powerful headphone amplifier of its size.

Diabolical Innovation. Shattering Boundaries.
The Diablo 2 is the world’s first portable DAC/Amp with Bluetooth 5.4, it supports aptX Lossless, the only Bluetooth codec for lossless CD-quality streaming without sacrificing audio quality.

The predecessor of Diablo 2 pioneered support for xMEMS solid-state micro-speaker technology, enhancing IEM and headphone performance with several unique benefits:

• A 15µsec mechanical response, 150 times faster than typical drivers.
• A 2° flat phase response for precise sound and precise +/- 1° phase matching for enhanced spatial sound accuracy.
• A speaker diaphragm made of silicon, 95 times stiffer than plastic, reducing speaker break-up and delivering clearer mid-high frequencies.

Due to the high voltage requirements of xMEMS, iFi has partnered with them to integrate this technology into the new Diablo 2. It utilises the piezoelectric effect to create paper-thin solid-state speakers by converting electrical energy into mechanical energy, exciting an integrated silicon membrane to generate powerful acoustic sound waves for enhanced audio output.

“It’s got a NOS fogger system and a T4 Turbo, Dominic.”
Struggling with your power-hungry headphones? Press the NOS button, and our Diablo goes into beast mode. The Diablo 2 offers three power modes: Normal for IEMs, Turbo for mid-sensitivity headphones, and Nitro for demanding headphones, boasting a 19.2V maximum output.
A switch underneath activates iFi’s iEMatch technology. This feature is tailored for high-sensitivity headphones and earphones, greatly benefiting your in-ear monitors (IEMs). It removes background noise and increases the usable volume range.
The Diablo 2 accommodates a wide range of headphones, from IEMs to power-hungry over-ears. It features a 6.3mm single-ended headphone socket and a 4.4mm balanced output. Additionally, a 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter is included for versatile connectivity.

Ruling all Bluetooth codec and music formats.
The Diablo 2 features the latest Bluetooth 5.4 technology, supporting the new aptX Lossless codec, which provides a maximum bitrate of 1,200kbps. In comparison, aptX Adaptive has a maximum bitrate of 420kbps, while LDAC offers a higher bitrate of 990kbps.

The Diablo 2 used Qualcomm’s new QCC518x Bluetooth audio chip, is qualified to Bluetooth 5.4, supported all* Bluetooth formats including: aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC and SBC.

*As of 10 Nov 2023. Check your device for Bluetooth codec support.

Dual Core Burr Brown chipset provides Bit-Perfect DSD and PCM support at sample rates up to 768kHz, DSD512, and Full MQA decoding. Even as Spotify is moving towards Lossless, don’t get left behind.

Wings of Inferno.
The Diablo 2 comes with four wings that you can customise to position it horizontally, like a desktop DAC/amp, or vertically to save space.
Additionally, it features twenty-two rails for improved cooling performance, with eight of these rails being compatible with the Diablo wings, enabling desktop stand use.



Devil in the details.
When examining the Diablo 2’s front panel, you’ll find a new Volume Lock switch next to the volume control, preventing accidental adjustments during transport.

At the back panel’s left side, there’s a switch for mode selection and Bluetooth pairing. On the right side, two USB-C ports streamline cable management—one for audio and the other for charging.


Sound So Moving. Even the Devil May Cry.
Diablo 2 features PureWave, Servoless DirectDrive, OptimaLoop, and Advanced Jitter Reduction Technology, delivering exceptionally pure, detailed, and emotionally touching sound, these technologies elevate performance to unparalleled heights, even challenging desktop DAC/amps.
PureWave’s full balanced dual-mono circuitry elevates clarity by separating channels and reducing noise. DirectDrive removes the need for coupling capacitors, ensuring purer audio.
OptimaLoop employs tailored multiple feedback paths in amplifiers, refining gain control and reducing distortion. The enhanced GMT femto-precision clock with Smart storage cache minimises phase noise for cleaner sound.
Diablo 2 is the most formidable DAC/Amp on the planet. Your headphones should be scared.



Diablo’s Energy Sources
The Diablo 2 can be powered by battery or mains.

Battery power provides ultra-clean and stable DC current, avoiding mains electricity issues like dips, spikes, and noise inducing RFI/EMI pollution. However, there are sonic downsides due to low output voltage and inconsistent output impedance as batteries discharge.

The bundled iPower2 power supply features Active Noise Cancellation II, effectively cancelling out all incoming EMI and RFI noise and making it more than 10 times quieter than most audiophile power supplies.

To make less efficient headphones, like planar magnetics, sing, the voltage needs to be stepped up from 3.7V to +/- 15V. We use a step-up converter operating at 1.2MHz – a frequency far beyond audibility and easier to filter than a typical switch-mode supply, ensuring high linearity and ultra-low noise.

Accessories for Diablo 2
Diablo 2 comes with a variety of accessories, all included with the product, so you won’t need to make separate purchases.
These accessories include the iPower 2 power supply (which is 10 times quieter than typical audiophile power supplies), a USB-C cable, a USB-C-to-A adapter, a TOSLINK optical adapter, a 3.5mm to 6.3mm headphone adapter, and an iTraveller carrying case.


The XMOS 16-Core chip processes the audio data received via the USB* digital input.
This low-latency XMOS microcontroller has greatly enhanced processing power. Compared to the current generation of eight-core chips, this 16-core IC delivers double the clock speed (2000MIPS) and four times the memory (512KB), as well as the latest SuperSpeed USB standard.
iFi’s in-house digital development team has programmed the XMOS firmware to optimise sound quality and ensure a perfect partnership with the Burr-Brown DAC.
(* Also on S/PDIF on the Diablo-X)

Extensive jitter-eradication technologies are applied to the digital stage, including our GMT (Global Master Timing) femto-precision clock and intelligent memory buffer. This represents a total ‘out-of-the-box’ systematic digital solution that solves jitter once and for all.

The Burr-Brown True Native® chipset means file formats remain unchanged or ‘bit-perfect’. This means you are listening to music as the artist intended in the format in which it was recorded.
At iFi we use Burr Brown extensively in our products having selected it for its natural-sounding ‘musicality’ and True Native architecture. Our experience with this IC means we know how to make the most of it.


An important aspect of the circuit design is its direct-coupled nature (no coupling capacitor is present), achieved without a conventionally applied DC servo.
DirectDrive® equals a direct signal path which means less signal degradation. This direct signal path is unequalled in audio and is the reason why the sound is so ‘true’.

MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is supported through the USB with full decoding of MQA files up to 384kHz thanks to the processing power of the new 16-core XMOS chip.
Check out how to set up your MQA decoder via Tidal, Roon and Audirvana here.
This means that the full ‘three unfold’ decoding process is performed internally, as opposed to only the final unfold in the manner of an MQA ‘renderer’.
Globally, MQA has become an important consideration for any comprehensively equipped DAC. It is available through for Tidal Masters, Audirvana and Roon.


‘Negative feedback’ is used in amplifier circuits to compare the output signal with the input signal and correct errors, in order to control gain and reduce distortion.
For sound quality, this is positive; BUT commonly applied, one-size-fits-all ‘global negative feedback’ can also highlight different problems at the same time as solving others – corruption of the error signal, phase shifts, group delay and so on can all have a negative impact on sound quality.
We recognised that different parts of a circuit benefit from specifically optimised feedback loops and have developed a negative feedback system that is much more accurate than the usual approach. This incorporates multiple feedback paths instead of a global loop, each path optimised for a particular function and working synergistically with the others to deliver optimal overall performance.


As with many other iFi audio products, we’ve incorporated a custom OV Series operational-amplifier. This top-notch component contributes to the extremely low noise, low distortion (0.0001%) and wide bandwidth.


Balanced, differential analogue circuit design has long been championed for its ability to reduce noise and cross-talk within the signal path by fully separating the left and right channels.
PureWave is a new, balanced, symmetrical dual-mono topology with short, direct signal paths. The name refers to the sonic purity it achieves thanks to exceptional linearity and infinitesimally low levels of noise and distortion.


Switching between settings has been engineered to ensure sonic transparency with advanced trench technology MOSFET is used as a muting switch.
This FET-based switching is handled by a micro-controller, which only ‘wakes up’ when the user changes a setting, thus eradicating any sonically deleterious interference.

TDK C0G (Class 1 ceramic) capacitors offer high stability and low losses for resonant circuit applications.
Getting ever closer to the theoretical ideal of pure, frequency-constant capacitance, these capacitors reduce capacitor-induced distortion to vanishingly low levels.
They are pricey but are a perfect addition to our products.


Vishay MELF resistors – complex, costly but superior.
These metal electrode leadless face resistors have excellent accuracy, stability, reliability, and pulse load capability. They provide optimal power rating and pulse load capability. They show some of the lowest noise and distortion of any resistor available in the market, period.

Panasonic OS-CON caps totaling 5,410uF give very-low Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR), excellent noise reduction capability and frequency response characteristics. In addition, OS-CONs have a long-life span and its ESR changes little even at low temperatures since the electrolyte is solid.
They are not often found in products costing <US$1000.

Texas Instruments low-noise ICs offer great unity-gain bandwidth, very low noise and distortion, high output drive capability, Common-mode and Power Supply Rejection Ratios of over 100 dB, wide maximum-output-swing bandwidths and high slew rates.

muRata control-type, low-ESR high-Q multi-layer capacitors. The ‘ESR control’ aspect of the Murata is something special. Their noise suppression abilities are impressive.





Get it right here...

Diablo 2

Cheers!!

 

OMFG!!!

 

That looks like it'd hurt to hold, haha. Why the excessive clearance though, how hot does the thing get? (I'm sorry I didn't actually read the whole thing, eyes glazed a bit)

 

If manufacturers insist on marketing how they can POWAH hungry headphones, I’m gonna hafta throw down the HE-6 card…

This has nothing over A&K DAPs.

 

Who else hears this guy’s voice when they read this ad copy

 

I’d like to get a clear answer from iFi about how much power this thing actually puts out. I think the power put out by the gen 1 version was like 1.5watts into 30ohm when using the balanced output, nowhere close to the 5watts they were claiming. I’d imagine that this one is pretty similar.

 

I ended up asking haha. The lack of specificity is a bit concerning, though I guess I COULD have been more helpful by suggesting run time and ambient temps. Stupid question box was very character-limited though.

 

As in the original Diablo the line out also functions as a line in, you just need to adapt whatever your source is to the 4.4mm input.

Often referred to as the Line in "Easter Egg" but this function is the same on Diablo and Diablo 2 allowing you to use the Diablo and Diablo 2 as a pure amp and bypass the internal dac.

Cheers!!

 

Please. I'm actually having fun seeing how very unpredictable things can be at assorted SPLs across the full audible spectrum.

I still consider myself a fan of iFi gear (I recommend them or Schiit to anyone starting out depending on whether they think they want more "fun" or "proficient" sounds) but the terse response here is kinda funny.

Add: My guess is I'm pretty sure it'll be an improvement over the OG Diablo in THD, but curious how harmonic profiles might differ if at all.

 

Thanks to @jexby and @iFi audio for this loaner!


GEAR & CHAINS

HPs: Utopia, Atrium, Verite Closed, JAR6XXB, RAD-0
Roon --> HQPlayer --> USB --> iFi Diablo 2
iPad --> Lightning to USB --> iFi Diablo 2

I primarily compared the Diablo 2 to my iFi micro iDSD Signature Finale using full-size headphones. I barely ever use IEMs, so I didn't bother trying them with the Diablo 2.


BUILD & DESIGN

It's quite a bit larger and heavier than my iFi micro iDSD Signature Finale, but it's definitely still transportable. I didn't try carrying it around while listening on the move, however. I just put it down on my desk or table and then listened while stationary.

I agree with @jexby that the casework is nice. It feels sturdy and high quality and it's got a tasteful color scheme. One small downside is that it's relatively easy to accidentally engage the IEMatch toggle on the underside of the device. This happened to me a couple of times.

The volume pot is very nice! It's got a much better feel than the pot on the Signature Finale and more of the pot is usable and with less channel imbalance at low volumes. Props to iFi for this improvement.


SOUND

The following impressions are from a wired USB connection as opposed to Bluetooth and using the balanced 4.4mm output as opposed to the single-ended 6.35mm output. I'll talk briefly about Bluetooth and the 6.35mm further down.

Overall, I really liked the Diablo 2. I thought it had an even frequency response, with maybe a slight bass emphasis and treble roll off. It had a good sense of space that felt natural and wasn't distracting. It sounds warm in a way that I've come to associate with iFi's implementation of the Burr-Brown DAC chips. The mids have an "inner warmth" that makes them sound rich without sounding too soft or syrupy. It reminds me of how suede pads can make some headphones sound "warmer" in a sense, but the Diablo 2 doesn't blunt the transients like suede pads often do. All this to say that I enjoy the mids on the Diablo 2, just like I've enjoyed the mids on other iFi products.

The bass is also strong, with good extension and a nice sense of fullness without being overwhelming. It sounds a little like they boosted the bass relative to the other iFi products I've heard, but not the same extent as when I use the XBass switch. I would say this has the best bass of any iFi product that I've tried so far (micro iDSD Signature Finale, xDSD, and Zen One Signature).

I think the weakest part of the Diablo 2 is the treble. It's a bit rolled off, there isn't really a sense of airiness, and it sounds a bit brittle. The treble doesn't detract much from the listening experience, and I didn't notice it much until I did some A/B testing against my desktop setup, but it's a step behind the bass and the mids.

When comparing the Signature Finale to the iFi Diablo 2, it's quite evident that the Diablo 2 is a lot better in terms of technicalities. It's much more spacious sounding, there's better extension at both ends, but particularly the bass. The transients are snappier and cleaner. The tone and timbre are more realistic. The resolution is better and instruments are more clearly delineated in space. All of this was quite obvious as soon as I started listening. The Signature Finale is a bit warmer and fuzzier sounding, so it can be a bit more laid back and relaxing, but overall I prefer the Diablo 2.

I tried using the Diablo 2 with Bluetooth from my phone via Roon and I thought it sounded quite good, but it was a bit behind the wired input. The main difference was a touch of roughness to the sound that made it more fatiguing and less musical to my ears. I didn't spend too much time using Bluetooth because I preferred the wired input and I didn't need the convenience of Bluetooth during my time with the Diablo 2.

I also tried using the 6.35mm output and I found that it brought the sound closer to the Signature Finale, making it warmer and fuzzier with less snappy transients. Again, I didn't spend too much time here because I liked the 4.4mm output better.


HEADPHONE SYNERGY

It worked well with all of the headphones that I tried it with. I would say that the Utopia had perhaps the worst synergy because it highlighted the brittle treble the most, but it wasn't an unpleasant listen. The best synergy to my ears was with the JAR6XXB because it highlighted the warm mids wonderfully. But, as I said, the Diablo 2 did quite well with whatever I threw at it.


CONCLUSION

The Diablo 2 is a very enjoyable piece of gear without many faults, and I really like it as a portable AIO for full-size headphones. I haven't heard a ton of gear that fills this niche, so I don't have a ton of comparison points, but I'm quite impressed with it's performance.

 

For a more technical perspective, @GoldenOne did a review:

 

Got it on my desk for a review. Initial impressions weren't too pleasant as it seemed pretty bright. After half a day, I'm finally starting to feel what the fuss is about. It does sound extremely well for a transportable.

I suspect that the price will be a tough one. If the OG Diablo really is super close in terms of sound (the PCB's look similar) then ouch. You can get it for 450$ used.

The form factor is strange as well. It's not pocketable and I'm afraid that on-the-go the sonic benefits will be lost on most. The power output is impressive (even if not 12W) but for what? In any case, it's a very niche offering, methinks. Maybe bring it to the office and back home or on trips?