Introduction

iFi impressed us earlier this year with its take on the portable Bluetooth DAC/amp formula in the form of the iFi GO blu. The iFi GO blue was among the first such entries to feature a 4.4 mm balanced output, executing the basics very well in the form of a user-friendly multi-function knob with some of iFi's most popular tech via dedicated buttons too. The company takes this design philosophy to heart and prioritizes analog signal processing done well, over software/app-based customization. It's certainly worked well commercially too, based on how often iFi products get recommended, and I wanted to see whether the positive user experience DNA from the iFi GO blu continues, when moving up the product ladder.


The only other iFi product review on TechPowerUp before this one was over five years ago and for the iFi nano iDSD LE—a larger form factor portable DAC/amplifier that, fittingly, is a direct predecessor to the subject of today's review. You see, iFi is known for its iDSD and micro iDSD line with the Signature and Black Label versions used only for those versions that take things up a few notches. The micro iDSD Signature is a statement made in the increasingly competitive world of portable DAC/amps, that it can hang with desktop setups in performance, while offering more features. Imagine getting over 4 W of power from a battery-operated device you can carry around, while enjoying a plethora of iFi-specific tech too! There is a lot to see here, and thanks to iFi for providing a review loaner to TechPowerUp, as we begin with looking at the product specifications below. Be sure to click the image twice to fully open it and go through all the details.

Specifications

Packaging and Accessories

Given the portable nature of the iFi micro iDSD Signature, I was not surprised to see a compact product box. We get a rectangular cuboid cardboard box that comes sealed in plastic, a two-piece design with a sleeve over an inner box. On the front is the iFi logo and product name along with salient marketing features and a render showing most of the unit. More marketing info is seen on the back, along with the products specs themselves, and you can simply push out the inner box for further access as seen above.


iFi is not shy of prominent branding, with the company logo adorning the front and sides of this inner box too, which in turn also prefers the two-piece approach with a thick lid over the base. The micro iDSD Signature is seen right away here inside a wax paper pouch, and there's silica gel to help keep it dry and pristine on its way to you. It's surrounded by a foam liner all around the sides for further protection during transit. The accessories themselves are seen in the compartments underneath, including paperwork in the form of a warranty card and a user manual (online copy here) that is well worth going through, so you understand better the capabilities of the device and how best to make use of it for your specific needs.


The compartmentalized unboxing experience continues with two whole boxes to go through now, and these come marked parts A and B to help you keep track of what goes where. Box A contains a branded soft carry pouch for the iFi micro iDSD Signature—as opposed to a larger carry case that could also host other accessories—as well as two stretch bands that allow you to tie cables to the device or even have it connected to a phone too. There is also a set of short RCA interconnects if you wish to use the micro iDSD Signature purely as a DAC connected to an external amplifier, which is cool to see. Box B has a silicone anti-slip pad, a male-female USB Type-A extension cable, a shorter USB Type-A to Type-C cable, an S/PDIF adapter, a USB Type-B to Type-A adapter, and finally a 3.5 mm TRS to 6.35 mm (1/4") TRS adapter.