iFi NEO iDSD
Best versatile desktop solution for high-resolution audio enthusiasts.
The iFi NEO iDSD is a versatile 3-in-1 DAC/amp designed for high-resolution audio playback. It features a balanced 'PureWave' circuit, advanced Bluetooth 5.0 with support for all major HD codecs, and MQA decoding. This device can function as a pure DAC, a DAC/pre-amp with variable output, or a powerful headphone amplifier. Its enhanced digital engine utilizes a 16-core XMOS microcontroller for superior processing. The NEO iDSD supports high-resolution formats up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512, ensuring bit-perfect playback. Its elegant design allows for horizontal or vertical placement, with an OLED screen that adjusts orientation accordingly.
$799.00
More NEO iDSD Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
255
/ 733
#255 in Headphone Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
-43%
Below average
Inputs
3.02.05.0
/ USB B (USB compatible)/S-PDIF (coaxial/optical) Bluetooth ™ (AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX LL, LDAC, LHDC/HWA Codec)
Who it's for
- Audiophiles integrating multiple digital sources into one system
- Listeners demanding high-fidelity clarity from diverse digital formats
- Headphone owners requiring robust power for demanding gear
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers seeking entry-level audio solutions
- Commuters needing a portable DAC for mobile listening
- Casual listeners preferring plug-and-play simplicity over advanced settings
Performance breakdown
Digital Versatility
Handles virtually every high-resolution format with effortless precision and speed.
Wireless Fidelity
Broad codec support ensures studio-grade audio quality over a Bluetooth connection.
Amplification Power
Drives most demanding headphones with clean, balanced, and distortion-free output.
Signal Purity
PureWave circuit design keeps noise floors exceptionally low for critical listening.
Form Factor
Sleek, adaptable chassis fits perfectly into any desktop or rack setup.
Interface Intuition
OLED display automatically adjusts orientation for seamless horizontal or vertical use.
Key Specs
Inputs
USB3.0 B (USB2.0 compatible)/S-PDIF (coaxial/optical) Bluetooth 5.0™ (AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX LL, LDAC, LHDC/HWA Codec)
Formats
DSD512 / 256 / 128 / 64, Octa / Quad / Double / Single-Speed DSD; DXD (768 / 705.6 / 384 / 352.8kHz), DXD dual/single-speed; PCM (768/705.6/384/352.8/192/176.4/96/88.2/48/44.1kHz); MQA Bluetooth 96kHz
Outputs
XLR Balanced 6.3V / 7.7V max. (variable) / 4.4V fixed; UnBAL RCA 3.2V / 3.9V max. (variable) / 2.2V fixed
Zout
Balanced <= 100Ω; UnBAL <= 50Ω
SNR
-112dB(A) @ 0dBFS (UnBAL/BAL)
DNR
>116dB(A) @ -60dBFS (UnBAL/BAL)
THD + N
<0.0015% @ 0dBFS (UnBAL/BAL)
Headphone Output (Balanced)
>6.4V / 68.6mW (@ 600Ω); >5.77V / 1040 mW (@ 32Ω)
Features
- High-resolution Bluetooth 5.0 with support for aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, LDAC, LHDC, and more.
- Full MQA decoding for studio-quality audio from services like Tidal Masters.
- PureWave balanced circuit design for exceptionally low noise and distortion.
- Versatile 3-in-1 functionality: DAC, DAC/Pre-amp, and Headphone Amplifier.
- Enhanced 16-core XMOS processor for superior digital audio processing.
- Bit-perfect playback of PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD up to DSD512.
- Sleek, adaptable design with an OLED display that flips to match orientation.
- Analog volume control for maximum sonic purity.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the iFi NEO iDSD for its exceptional sound quality, delivering remarkable clarity and detailed audio reproduction that significantly elevates the listening experience. Users frequently highlight the device's premium build and elegant design, appreciating its solid construction and modern aesthetic. The versatility and robust performance contribute to a highly satisfying product, making it a favored choice for audiophiles seeking a sophisticated digital to analog converter and headphone amplifier.
Know before you buy
Yes, the NEO iDSD features a variable output mode, allowing you to control the volume directly from the device when connected to powered speakers or a power amplifier.
Yes, the NEO iDSD is designed to be placed either horizontally or vertically. The built-in OLED display features an auto-rotate function to ensure the text remains readable regardless of your chosen orientation.
Absolutely. The NEO iDSD includes full MQA decoding, which allows you to unfold and play back studio-quality audio files from services like Tidal Masters exactly as the artist intended.
Yes, the NEO iDSD supports Bluetooth 5.0 with a wide range of high-definition codecs, including LDAC, LHDC, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive, ensuring high-fidelity wireless playback from your smartphone or tablet.
The NEO iDSD is quite capable, delivering over 6.4V at 600Ω through its balanced output. This provides plenty of headroom to drive most high-impedance audiophile headphones with ease.
The PureWave design uses a fully balanced, symmetrical dual-mono circuit topology. This approach significantly reduces crosstalk, noise, and distortion, resulting in a cleaner, more precise audio signal.
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$799