[BRN]

I would really like to see a review of the Micro iDAC2. I'm looking for a new DAC for my 2 channel system and really interested in this DAC. I'm using the Nano iDSD and like the sound and thinking that the iDAC2 would be the right choice without investing a lot more money.

Are there plans for a review in the near future? The

[Pez]

iDac2 is one of my favorite unsung heros in the iFi line. Versatile and extraordinary build quality and exemplary compatibility with all types of high resolution formats. As far as a reviewer, BRN please check your PM I have someone in mind. 

[mlundy57]

How does the micro iDAC2 compare to the micro iDSD for use in an in-home 2 channel system?

Mike

[sonicxtc]

I've been seeking the same kind of information.
Strictly based on what I've read, the iDAC2 may offer superior sonic qualities as a DAC, whereas the idsd may offer a superior headphone listening experience. I'm NOT stating this as a fact; it's what I read. I do wish ifi did a better job defining distinctions between their products and best use cases.
[That's just a suggestion, Mr. ifi and Ms. ifi2...oh and Uncle Nano...oh and Toto 3.0].

I'll be following this thread as I'm interested, too.

[gadfly]

I'm also considering the iDAC2.  Music direct sells it
with a 60 day return policy.  My casual research
comparing to micro iDSD is, iDSD has battery,
DSD 512, screwy cable situation if stationary
for speaker stereo system, available in black,
will lighten your wallet a bit more.  There's a
guy on computer audio who is gaga for his
micro iDSD black powered by an uptone audio
lps-1 delivering DSD512 to his main stereo.
More complicated than I'm contemplating.  If
the iDAC2 delivers better PCM with its own power
compared to iDSD self powered, I could be
tempted.  Probably comes down to how much
complication I can stand.

gad-

[Zero]

Had both.  iDAC 2 is the better sounding piece.    The caveat with the iDAC2 is it's a desktop solution, whereas the Micro iDSD is a ridiculously versatile mobile/desktop solution.  As I understand it, the new Black Label's DAC section is on par with the iDAC2 due to the upgrade of internal parts.

Hope this helps!

[mlundy57]

Had both.  iDAC 2 is the better sounding piece.    The caveat with the iDAC2 is it's a desktop solution, whereas the Micro iDSD is a ridiculously versatile mobile/desktop solution.  As I understand it, the new Black Label's DAC section is on par with the iDAC2 due to the upgrade of internal parts.

Hope this helps!

Thanks

I have the original micro iDSD which I use exclusively in a desktop system. The iDSD feeds an integrated amp powering speakers. I don't use headphones. Sounds like if I want to upgrade, the iDAC2 would be more appropriate for this system than the Black Label micro iDSD.

Mike

[Pez]

One idea I would like to float when considering between iDac2 and Micro iDSD. As far as sonics I feel both are superb. iDac2 might just edge out mDSD, but as stated before, versatility matters. For desktop only the answer is obvious- iDac2, but if you want to have the most versatile and sonically superior portable headphone amp with the balls to drive pretty much anything, then the Micro iDSD Black Label becomes the obvious answer. Personally, I couldn't live without either! 

[Zero]

Hey Mike,

I'd say the iDAC2 suits your situation the best bet.  It's a rare thing in this hobby - when the more affordable component ends up being the better solution!   

[mlundy57]

Thanks I'll check it out.

Mike

[gadfly]

Just placed an order for the micro
idac2 ipurifier bundle, $349, free
fedex ship., 60 day return policy,
from Music Direct.

After product burn-in and expectation
bias burn-off, will report back.

gad-

[gadfly]

Shame on me.  I just read the iDAC2 manual,
after ordering one yesterday. The manual says,
"When using SqueezeBox Touch or similar,
ALWAYS connect and power on ALL other
devices before connecting the USB cable to
the iDAC2 as the final step."  My 2 channel
set up is squeezebox touch->uptone audio
regen->dac.  Will the regen, which is always
on, permit me to permanently leave the
iDAC2 connected?  It's a deal breaker if
I have to disconnect the iDAC2 after every
listening session.

thanks,

pb-

[Pez]

Just placed an order for the micro
idac2 ipurifier bundle, $349, free
fedex ship., 60 day return policy,
from Music Direct.

After product burn-in and expectation
bias burn-off, will report back.

gad-

Looking forward to it. 

Shame on me.  I just read the iDAC2 manual,
after ordering one yesterday. The manual says,
"When using SqueezeBox Touch or similar,
ALWAYS connect and power on ALL other
devices before connecting the USB cable to
the iDAC2 as the final step."  My 2 channel
set up is squeezebox touch->uptone audio
regen->dac.  Will the regen, which is always
on, permit me to permanently leave the
iDAC2 connected?  It's a deal breaker if
I have to disconnect the iDAC2 after every
listening session.

thanks,

pb-

I wish I could give everyone an absolute answer on stuff like this, but the reality is that it's very hard to predict how one component will affect another. In my experience the regen and iFi stuff tend to get along very well, that said ymmv.

[gadfly]

Looking forward to it. 

I wish I could give everyone an absolute answer on stuff like this, but the reality is that it's very hard to predict how one component will affect another. In my experience the regen and iFi stuff tend to get along very well, that said ymmv.

Update.  The iDAC2 has been in my system for 1 wk.
The regen/iDAC2 combo has been set and forget.
Sounds better than my 2 previous dacs each of which
was close to 7x the price.  I should be satisfied BUT
my neurotic nature demands that I compare it to
the iDSD black which is coming next wk. It's a
sickness. The usual caveats that this is all ear/brain/
room/system/mood dependent.

gad-

[BRN]

I can't wait to here what you think.

[gadfly]

iDAC2 vs. iDSD BL/ 2 channel spkrs., no headsets.....

caveat emptor:

The usual my ear/brain/system/room/music taste/
mood.......in other words your nuts if you don't
audition with a generous return policy; but of course
this is a hobby and it's all in fun and I bought these
dacs largely on other user's opinions, so here are
my non-consequential thoughts on 2 dacs whose
price to value ratio is off the charts.

system/room

squeezebox touch edo usb, previous dacs(W4S
dac2 dsdse, Schiit Yggdrasil), AVA fet valve CF
pre, AVA fet valve 600R amp, Salk HT3 spkrs.,
blue jean cables/spkr wire, non treated living
room BUT plinthless spkrs. slide nicely on
carpet and the listening position couch is on
sliders so a little quick repositioning and good
sound ensues until wife utters the classic,
whaaaaaaat!

problem:

iDSD BL battery management has been
challenging.  My listening is all PCM via the
SBT.  My first black listening session 5-6 hrs.
with some breaks was all on battery power
until blinking red/blue "battery critical"
shutdown    Unless solid green light
is sleep my black does not seem to go
into sleep.  I'm not exactly sure how but
I got the battery charged again.I'm in the
mrkt. for an upsampling killer computer
replacing the squeezebox touch which
hopefully has a more iFi compatible usb
port.  If this wasn't the best sounding dac
I've ever owned I would not put up with
this battery hassel.

Music:

current listening is mostly modern jazz.
These are some Tidal artists/albums
used to judge component synergy:

john scofield-uberjam deux
bill frisell-gone just like a train
tommaso monopoli-accidental rolling
yotam silberstein-the villiage
pete zimmer-prime of life
john patitucci-brooklyn
trio loco jass
jeff richman- live at the baked potato
harvie s- new beginning

comparison:

The iDAC2 is a very good dac.  With a
more efficient system the synergy
could be a great fit.  My system's big
hungry spkrs. don't click, dial in, get
real without lots of amp and source
power.  After the honeymoon the
iDAC2 invited critical listening.  My
ears wanted more presence/weight,
bass authority and that cymbal zing
thing shimmer fade.  The regen/iFi
Black combo checks all the boxes.
Just delivers non/thinking foot
tappin smiling times.



gad-



gad-

[BRN]

Gadfly,

Nice review. It would have been nice to compare both DACs. I think you nailed it on the head when you talked about system synergy. It plays a big part it the overall effect a piece of gear has in a system.

Also, I had to laugh about your wife and repositions your speakers. I have a similar issue with speaker placement and making sure she is happy. A happy wife a happy wife.

[mr_bill]

iDAC2 vs. iDSD BL/ 2 channel spkrs., no headsets.....

caveat emptor:

The usual my ear/brain/system/room/music taste/
mood.......in other words your nuts if you don't
audition with a generous return policy; but of course
this is a hobby and it's all in fun and I bought these
dacs largely on other user's opinions, so here are
my non-consequential thoughts on 2 dacs whose
price to value ratio is off the charts.

system/room

squeezebox touch edo usb, previous dacs(W4S
dac2 dsdse, Schiit Yggdrasil), AVA fet valve CF
pre, AVA fet valve 600R amp, Salk HT3 spkrs.,
blue jean cables/spkr wire, non treated living
room BUT plinthless spkrs. slide nicely on
carpet and the listening position couch is on
sliders so a little quick repositioning and good
sound ensues until wife utters the classic,
whaaaaaaat!

problem:

iDSD BL battery management has been
challenging.  My listening is all PCM via the
SBT.  My first black listening session 5-6 hrs.
with some breaks was all on battery power
until blinking red/blue "battery critical"
shutdown    Unless solid green light
is sleep my black does not seem to go
into sleep.  I'm not exactly sure how but
I got the battery charged again.I'm in the
mrkt. for an upsampling killer computer
replacing the squeezebox touch which
hopefully has a more iFi compatible usb
port.  If this wasn't the best sounding dac
I've ever owned I would not put up with
this battery hassel.

Music:

current listening is mostly modern jazz.
These are some Tidal artists/albums
used to judge component synergy:

john scofield-uberjam deux
bill frisell-gone just like a train
tommaso monopoli-accidental rolling
yotam silberstein-the villiage
pete zimmer-prime of life
john patitucci-brooklyn
trio loco jass
jeff richman- live at the baked potato
harvie s- new beginning

comparison:

The iDAC2 is a very good dac.  With a
more efficient system the synergy
could be a great fit.  My system's big
hungry spkrs. don't click, dial in, get
real without lots of amp and source
power.  After the honeymoon the
iDAC2 invited critical listening.  My
ears wanted more presence/weight,
bass authority and that cymbal zing
thing shimmer fade.  The regen/iFi
Black combo checks all the boxes.
Just delivers non/thinking foot
tappin smiling times.



gad-



gad-

Thank you for your review.
I see the Yggdrasil noted as you have owned that Dac before. Yggy is very highly regarded.
Could you pull that Dac into your comments on the black label?  Moving from Yggy to BL is very telling- I'd like to hear.  You have a great system. I use Squeezebox Touch too.

[gadfly]

per my ears,brain,system,room,metabolism,mood

mea culpa:

Due to the superiority of longer term impressions
vs. shorter term impressions I have engaged in
serial retailer return policy abuse; for this I am
sincerely sorry, but compared to the let down of
ending up with lesser gear system integration, I
can deal with it 

After further weeks of listening to both the iDAC2
and iDSD BL the iDAC2 is in my system.  The detail
emphasis of the Black while engaging over time lost
out to the more refined finesse of the iDAC2.  The
ease afforded by not having to manage a battery in
my 2 channel only application also weighed in
favor of the 2.  I rather enjoyed switching back and
forth.  I considered dac polygamy but the prospect
of a property settlement at my stage of life is
daunting.

So there you have it.  More non-consequential
anecdotal evidence that long term listening
impression is THE metric.

foot tappin smilin times: