| Model | 4xBurr-Brown PCM1793 |
| PCM | 32Bit/768kHz |
| DSD | DSD512 |
| MQA | YES |
| USB Bridge | XMOS XU216 |
| Recommended | MIXED, wide features, breathtaking audio results but not super clean on linux during PCM<>DSD unfortunately…, no trigger 12v, basic and limited remote control, full HD Bluetooth implementation (phone/tablet with BT v5+ is needed for HD) |
| Ratings | |
| Reviewed |  |
The DAC/amp. Reloaded
The NEO iDSD is our new 3-in-one DAC/amp.
With balanced ‘PureWave’ circuitry, unbeatable hi-res Bluetooth5.0 and MQA, it is the ultimate in hi-res playback.
Place it horizontally or vertically to suit its surroundings. The OLED display flips to match orientation. One rotary knob controls functionality.
Sleek, sophisticated and versatile.
All. Bases. Covered.
Enjoy the NEO iDSD as a pure DAC. Connect it to a separate integrated amp or preamp using the fixed-level analogue output.
Or treat it as a DAC/preamp with a variable output. The ideal companion to a power amp or active speakers.
And headphone users will love using the excellent amp stage to create a fabulous ‘head-fi’ system.
All. Games. Played.
Love your music but also love gaming?
The NEO iDSD will enhance your current or next-gen gameplay. Feel more immersed than ever before as sound finally matches picture in spectacular fashion.
Pair it with new the PS4 or Xbox One X for the ultimate gaming experience.
Enhanced engine
The Burr-Brown DAC chipset still fuels the NEO‘s ‘digital engine’.
But we’ve souped it up with a new 16-core, XMOS microcontroller that processes the data via USB and S/PDIF digital inputs. Double the clock-speed. Four times the memory.
Add in jitter eradication including our GMT femto-precision clock, intelligent memory buffer and our GTO filter as standard, and you’ve got one heck of a super DAC.
Hi-res heaven
The NEO iDSD supports PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD up to 512 and DXDx2. All remain ‘bit-perfect’.
The NEO provides full MQA decoding to ensure the best possible sound quality. Check out our MQA set-up tutorial for Tidal, Roon and Audirvana here.
Plus with MQA over S/PDIF, take advantage of any MQA CDs in your collection.
Bleeding-edge Bluetooth
iFi uses Qualcomm’s new QCC5100 Bluetooth processing IC.
All current high-definition Bluetooth audio formats are supported – aptx, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX LL, LDAC, HWA/LHDC, AAC and SBC.
The NEO iDSD ‘remembers’ up to 7 devices and has impressive range on Bluetooth5.0.
Ride the ‘PureWave’
Not only is the NEO iDSD a purist design – no DSP, no digital filter selection and no change in analogue playback – it is also all designed around a balanced circuit design named ‘PureWave‘. Read more below.
It uses audiophile-grade components and delivers sonic ‘purity’ thanks to the extraordinarily low levels of noise and distortion.
Power and poise
The headphone amp stage maintains an engaging balance between sonic power and poise – no matter what it is tasked to drive. From high-sensitivity in-ear monitors to current-hungry planar headphones, it drives them with aplomb.
It has a continuous power output of over 1000mW into 32ohms available through the balanced headphone socket. Plenty of oomph for the headphone user.
Just more music
The NEO iDSD contains top-notch audio components to back-up the outstanding balanced circuit design. Scroll down for more.
Even the OLED SilentLine display is engineered to ensure there is no electrical noise to interfere with the audio signal as it switches itself off when not in use.
Quality components mean more clarity and texture, a more engaging performance. You just hear more of the music.
SPECIFICATIONS
Digital Inputs: USB3.0 B (USB2.0 compatible)/S-PDIF (coaxial/optical)/TM
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), Double/Single-Speed DXD
PCM (768/705.6/384/352.8/192/176.4/96/88.2/48/44.1kHz)
MQA
Bluetooth 96kHz
Line Section
Outputs:
Balanced XLR: 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 Section
Output:
Balanced: 2V / 6.2V max. 12Ω – 600Ω Headphone
UnBAL : 1V / 3.3V max. 12Ω – 300Ω Headphone
Output Power:
Balanced: >6.4V/68.6 mW (@ 600Ω)
>5.77V/1040 mW (@ 32Ω)
UnBAL: >3.25V/17.6 mW (@ 600Ω)
>3V/295 mW (@ 32Ω)
Output Impedance: <1Ω (UnBAL/BAL)
SNR: -112dBA (3.3V UnBAL/6.2V BAL)
DNR: -120dB(A)
THD + N: <0.0015% (125mW @ 32Ω)
Power consumption: No Signal ~0.5W
Max Signal ~2.5W
Input voltage: DC 5V/2.5A, AC 100 -240V, 50/60Hz (with iPower)
Dimensions: 214 x146 x 41 mm
8.4″ x 5.7″ x 1.6″
Weight: 970 g (2.14 Ibs)
Warranty period: 12months