Review: iFi Audio xCAN – It Can

iFi xCAN

Today we take a look at the iFi xCAN, iFi Audio’s most recent portable headphone amplifier.

 

Disclaimer: The iFi xCAN is provided by iFi Audio for us to review. It goes for $ 300. Much thanks to iFi for their cooperation.

Intro

iFi Audio has released many practical and quality gear over the years. Some of them became fan favorites, especially their iDSD Series. I still see their Micro iDSD and Nano iDSD products around in my local audiophile community here. Now they’re a bit more active in the portable audio field since they’ve released the xDSD early last year and the xCAN after that.

About iFi Audio

Belonging to the group AMR (Abbingdon Music Research Group), which is one of the largest audio equipment manufacturers in UK, iFi Audio is a manufacturer of several DACs and amplifiers, as well as other accessories for computer & home audio. I already reviewed three iFi products before this review, which are the Nano iOne, the Nano iDSD Black Label and the xDSD.

iFi have a very open and charming communication which makes things a lot easier, at least it’s been the case for me. They pay attention to the products of course, but they also pay attention to make you happy. I’m pretty sure this is also the case for their actual customers. Also I would like to pay special thanks to Karina for this review sample.

About xCAN

You may feel confused when you look at the xDSD and the xCAN at a first glance, however things are easy to understand:

iFi xCAN

iFi xCAN

The purpose behind these two devices are different. The xDSD was designed to be a DAC/Amp solution for the people on the go. It functions exactly like a standard USB DAC device which we’re used to. It can be used with a desktop system or with a smartphone. What it can also do is -as I exclusively remarked in its own review- connect your smartphone through Bluetooth and act as a Bluetooth DAC.

You can check out its own review below:

The iFi xCAN however simply is a portable headphone amplifier. If you have a DAP but need more juice to drive your headphone, the iFi xCAN is the one to get. It has 2.5mm and 3.5mm connections for both BAL and SE applications. It delivers nice power too; 1000mW of power per channel!

Just add the xCAN to drive bigger and better headphones and boost your tunes.

You can also use the xCAN as a portable DAC/Amp, just like the xDSD. I know this sounds confusing, but you can only do it with the xCAN via Bluetooth. It supports the aptX technology as well, so you can get a really nice quality sound over Bluetooth using your phone as digital source. Otherwise, there’s no DAC function in the xCAN with USB cables and etc.

Package

The box is a familiar one that we’re used to see from iFi. But since this is not a USB DAC the package is much less crowded: There’s a black carrying pouch, a 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable for SE, and a 2.5mm to 2.5mm cable for BAL connection. The touch and close fasteners for stacking the device are here as well.

Lastly you have a USB Type C charging cable for charging the device. Yes, the xCAN supports the Type C cables instead of the old Micro USB cables. That wasn’t the case with the xDSD. However I found the included cable rather short. As a result, I’ve never used it and instead used some of my other cables which I normally use for my phone.

iFi xCAN

iFi xCAN

Design & Build

iFi came up with a quite different design language for the xDSD and xCAN devices. They look nothing like their previous iterations and it simply is a fresh renovation. In fact, they don’t look like any other device in the market either. They’re wavy, flashy, eye catching and cool. But that serious look which we like to see on iFi products is still there, just a little bit less when compared to their older models. They’re beautiful devices without any doubt though.

The body is from ridged magnesium – aluminum alloy. Back side is plastic, which is a deliberate decision for the sake of wireless usage. The device is very light thanks to the alloy chosen to build it. To be honest, it doesn’t feel like the previous iFi products regarding robustness and toughness. But considering the design choice and the target audience, I think this overall was the sensible option.

And coming in at a weight of just 127g, the xCAN packs a mighty punch without breaking a sweat.

My only complaint remains the same; the volume pot. This is also the responsible part for on/off functions. Somehow it doesn’t give a sturdy feeling like we saw with iFi’s previous offerings. Maybe it’s just me, but I wonder if they could’ve chosen another type of pot to improve that experience. It should work fine, I just want a little bit more premium feeling I guess.

As I said this device is shiny and flashy as you can see from the photos. It looks real cool, but to warn you; the body is very prone to fingerprints and smudges, like shiny smartphones these days. You might want to keep a small cloth with you to clean those up every once in a while. When clean it looks fantastic but it gets smudged easily.

Operation

On the front you have the 3.5mm and 2.5mm TRRS headphone outputs, and the volume control in the middle. It has the iFi logo in it but it also has a LED lightning in there. The light shows you the type of input when the device is opening. After that it helps to see the volume level, as it gets red when you crank up the volume too high. The volume pot also is a button to select the input type, and it also switches the device on & off.

iFi xCAN

iFi xCAN

On the right end you have LEDs indicating 3D+ and XBassII, and  a settings button. The back of the device hosts the USB Type C charging port, SE and BAL inputs and the XBassII switch with 3 mods; “Bass”, “Presence” and “Bass+Presence”.

There are 2 modes exactly like the xDSD; wired and wireless. When you start up the device while pressing the volume pot, it goes on with the mode you used last time around. To change the mod, you need to press the button longer than usual on startup, and you’ll see the LED light changing its color. Blue indicates it’s on wireless, and green shows that it’s on wired mode. You need to switch the device off before changing to the mod you want to use.

Click here for PAGE 2, or use the page numbers below.

4.1/5 - (37 votes)
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A keen audiophile and hobby photographer, Berkhan is after absolute perfection. Whether it is a full-frame camera or a custom in-ear, his standpoint persists. He tries to keep his photography enthusiasm at the same level as audio. Sometimes photography wins, sometimes his love for music takes over and he puts that camera aside. Simplistic expressions of sound in his reviews are the way to go for him. He enjoys a fine single malt along with his favourite Jazz recordings.

21 Comments

  • Reply March 21, 2019

    David Sharpe

    so as far as Bluetooth use goes does it sound better than the AK XB-10 ? on AAC since I am stuck with a company iphone

    • Reply March 26, 2019

      Berkhan

      I’ve never used the AK XB-10 so sorry.

  • Reply March 21, 2019

    Nick Pouchkareff

    These IEMs from AAW would get the most ouf of the ESS DAC in my new LG G7 phone.

  • Reply March 24, 2019

    Trippy Mandala

    This iFi xCAN, iFi audio is amazing. Will you please tell me about it’s availability in India? Want to have one.

    • Reply March 26, 2019

      Berkhan

      I don’t have an idea about that. Check amazon

  • Reply March 26, 2019

    Shikha

    Hello. That was a nice article and quite informative as well. This review was very useful for my purchase. Thanks a Ton

  • Reply March 28, 2019

    sexy thigh high socks

    This iFi xCAN, iFi audio is amazing. Will you please tell me about it’s availability in India? Want to have one.

  • Reply January 9, 2020

    Mark Jones

    Hi,Can you give me an idea of the cables running between the WM1a and the xCAN? I have a WM1a,a little extra juice may well be a good thing.Many thanks!

    • Reply January 10, 2020

      Berkhan

      It’s simply a 2.5mm to 2.5mm cable which is included in the box. I plugged one end to the iBasso 4.4mm adapter for BAL output.

  • Reply January 30, 2020

    Mark Jones

    Thanks!

  • Reply March 30, 2020

    xoxiax

    Hi Headfonia friends, i have a very unique question for you, one that i haven’t found answered after hours of search around internet, forgotten manuscripts or even the deepest areas of the deep web.

    I just received my Audeze Lcd2 classic and, as i expected, with my sony zx300 through their balanced output the headphones sound fine but far from it’s full potential. I want a portable amp for them and right now i’m thinking about buying the ifi xcan, but i’ve also found for sale second hand Cypher Labs Duet and Vorzuge Duo for the same price as a new xcan.

    However, there’s no single comparison between them as they belong to different periods of human evolution. So, as you have the three on your list, i’d love to know your impressions about them, specially thinking about using them with the Audezes (but not only). ¿Does a very good amp from 2019 improve an excellent amp from 2016 or 2014 or humanity’s economical, political and cultural regression during this period has affected also technologies?

    Thank you very much in advance, you are my last hope!

    • Reply March 30, 2020

      Berkhan

      Hello 🙂

      Vorzuge amps are very very good. I recommend getting it over the xCAN. I don’t know about the Cyper Labs Duet though, I’ve never listened to it.

      Can you describe how your setup will be? Tomorrow we will publish a new DAC/Amp review and it’s very good for the price.

  • Reply March 30, 2020

    xoxiax

    Thanks, that was fast!

    My setup would be Sony zx300+amp+ audeze lcd2. I also have Sennheiser ie800, flares pro 2hd ad dali io6. I suppose that all of them could also benefit with better amplification, although my perception is that the find enough power on the sony zx300.

    My use of the LCD2 is strictly domestic, but i want it portable in any case because i like to move around the house with my music. Apart from working situations, i don’t conceive myself sitting on a desktop chained to my amp. That’s why i’d love to find the closest experience to good stationary amp in a compact and portable fit.

    300 euros was my initial budget, and i’d rather not to exceed it. I find the lcd2, deliiously “musical” but rather dark, so a bit of air to their sound would be welcomed.

    Thanks again!

    • Reply March 31, 2020

      Berkhan

      Is your ZX300 Japanese version or European? Because on the EU version there’s a volume cap. You can uncap the device for more volume.

      • Reply March 31, 2020

        xoxiax

        Good point. It’s uncapped. However i’d say that the problem is not about volume but air, separation, soundstage, layering… As i said it’s not a bad option, but i think that a more authoritative power behind could make it sound better also at lower volumes. But i’m not an expert… am i wrong?

        Will i perceive a clear improvement with any of the models i mentioned (or others that you could recommend me)? Or with the balanced output or the Sony i’ve already entered in the diminishing returns area where investments won’t be so noticeable as i’m expecting?

        Thanks again for your answers!

        • Reply March 31, 2020

          Berkhan

          I suggest you to get the Earmen TR-Amp. We have just reviewed it today and it entered to our recommended list.

          Also check out our Amp and DAC/Amp recommendation lists.

          But I strongly recommend the Earmen amp.

        • Reply March 31, 2020

          Berkhan

          But if you can get the Vorzuge amp with a good price that’s also a great option.

          • Reply April 3, 2020

            xoxiax

            Thanks again, thank you for all your answers!!!

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