Introduction

So here I was learning more about iFi audio and its well-earned reputation in the consumer audio community for its DACs, amplifiers, and even some cool analog effects because I anticipated this to be the first iFi audio product review to go up on TechPowerUp. Having done my homework, I set the base for this review only to find out that I had again been beaten to the punch with the 2017 review of the iFi audio nano iDSD LE. In hindsight, I should have probably done a couple of things differently, including resuming coverage of the brand with the second iFi audio product here since it is much more a successor to that nano iDSD portable DAC/amplifier.


But such is the world of consumer tech today, especially portable tech, that things have massively changed since that original iFi audio review was published. Smartphones have become de-facto music players, and they have all but lost the venerable 3.5 mm audio jack. Portable DAC/amps today tend to be much smaller and connect to your phone via Bluetooth, reintroducing the 3.5 mm jack while hopefully enhancing your audio listening experience. Today, we examine iFi audio's first such attempt to take on the pocket-friendly portable DAC/amps out there, including those we have previously covered from the likes of FiiO, Qudelix, EarMen, and IKKO. Thanks to iFi audio for helping arrange a review sample for TechPowerUp!

Specifications