Disclaimer: I received the Nano iDSD Black from dukkanhifi, the official distributor of iFi Audio in Turkey. Special thanks to them for sending out the device. It goes for 200$ on the market. I’m not affiliated with the iFi brand and this review reflects my own, unbiased thoughts like always.
INTRO
You don’t always need to have a full dedicated DAC + amplifier on your desktop to have a fine desktop system. There are some devices that can do it all. And if you have headphones that ate a chunk out of your bank account, then you can definitely opt for an all in one device. iFi wants to prove that, and they want to do so with a very compact package in a competitive price range. Their proof is the Nano iDSD Black Label.
iFi AUDIO
iFi doesn’t necessarily need a detailed introduction to the audiophile domain, as they’re a distinctive brand in the market already. They’re operating under the group AMR (Abbingdon Music Research Group), which is one of the largest audio equipment manufacturers in UK, London. Their most popular model, as far as I know, has been the Micro iDSD. I know friends who have/had the Micro iDSD for long time, and it’s a highly regarded DAC/Amp in the market. Last year iFi released the Black Label version of it as well, and it also was very successful and high performing.
They also offer other supportive products such as iPurifier, iUSB 3.0, DC iPurifier, IEMatch 2.5 and so on… If you seek perfectly clean audio signals from your sources, or if you are in search for improving the performance of your system by cleaning the power/USB inputs, iFi has the answer for you.
iFi also is an active brand here in Turkey, with many HiFi stores selling their products. We appreciate their focus on our market. Last year I reviewed their Nano iOne here, which is a product that shows their effort to appeal to the home audio folk out there. I’ve recently been using it with my pair of studio monitors and it performs great. Let’s see how it goes this time around.
You can check out iFi’s website here.
iFi Nano iDSD Black Label
UPGRADES & USABILITY
The Nano iDSD Black Label is the upgraded version of the already successful Nano iDSD. The upgrades include stronger power output, improved power supply, audiophile Thin – Film Resistor and Polymer Capacitors, a new “IEMatch” feature, MQA support and a new volume knob design. iFi claims that 600 Ohm headphones can now be driven from the BL, but I can’t prove that as I don’t have any 600 Ohm headphones with me at this point.
With the IEMatch feature and the high power output, it’s a perfect choice for audiophiles who have a wide range of phones from IEMs to full sized cans. It has lots of connection options for you to use with your smartphone, computer or other sources. With all of these features, it feels like iFi’s version of the famous Chord Mojo, but costing only 200$. It’s incredibly useful and flexible with any type of device you hook up to it. It’s also very lightweight and compact for mobile use, with a battery that can serve you for about 8 hours in real life conditions.
Everything you need is inside the package, including adapters for USB-B type cables, except the USB OTG cable for smartphones & DAPs. Since it’s very easy to find those cables everywhere, I personally don’t mind this absence at all. Be careful about the size of the connectors though. The Nano iDSD Black has a recessed USB port, so you might want to check out the cable you’re going to buy beforehand.
Did I say it supports every kind of file format with its Burr Brown chip?
iFi Nano iDSD Black Label
DESIGN & BUILD
The design of the iFi products has been identical for a long time, and that is perfectly fine in my book. I love brands that have a distinctive, original and consistent look with their products. You’d easily figure out an iFi device even if you looked at it from a distance, and even if there wasn’t any logo on top of it.
And actually the BL iteration is quite stealth looking with its full black color scheme. But if you know iFi, than you’ll distinguish the device easily. Since I love black with everything, I absolutely love this device’s look. Orange text on the front and the back also gives it a very professional tone. iFi’s silver colored products maybe are classics, but this one also makes a great impression with a more serious outlook.
Build quality is top notch just like we’re used to from iFi’s previous devices. There’s not much for me to highlight here. With the full aluminum body, very tight and robust connectors and a sturdy volume knob, this device is perfect in terms of build quality.
The LED on the front lights up with different colors as you switch to different bit rates. This was also present with the Nano iOne. The volume knob moves very smooth and seamless and I just love playing with it up and down. It’s not stiff but not very easy to turn at the same time, which proves they’ve found the perfect balance there. It actually also acts as an on/off switch. There’s also a switch on the back which gives you options between “Listen” and “Measure”. This affects the output sound to a degree, but to me it’s very subtle and not easy to hear at first listen.
Let’s get to the listening.
Eduardo
How does this play with the HD650?
Berkhan
No idea, sorry.
Jason
It drives the HD600 strong, clean, and accurate through the direct output. I dunno about walking around with this thing because it’s quite thick but it’s great for an all-in-one desktop solution.
Ian Melville
It should be fine. I had a loan of the Nano BL and it drove my HD800s very well and very clearly. I think its one of the best devices ifi Audio have produced and at its price is a bargain.
Berkhan
Agreed. Thanks for the comment.
Albert C
mojo killer? I was considering getting a mojo for home use but should I save and get this instead?
Berkhan
If you want to save some money for other things, then yes, you can get the Nano BL.
Paola
Hi, need some help. I’m choosing between a 2nd hand ifi nano idsd black and a 2nd hand ifi hip dac, both priced at just under 80 USD.
I only have earphones that are easily driven and my music is Spotify, 320kbps mp3 and some flac (so I don’t need a lot of the bells and whistles). But I’d like to buy planars sometime next year, and I’m buying some new in ears this December.
I prefer warm-neutral tuning, and sub bass instead of over emphasized mid bass. And preferably neat treble.
Which should I choose? It’s going to be paired with my laptop or my dap, but I won’t be using it on the move. Also, how useful is the line out at the back of the idsd black?
Mont
Does this new IFI outperform DFred?
Berkhan
No idea
dale thorn
Using what source?
Tim
Does it have galvanic isolation to eliminate noise coming from USB? I want to use it with my MBP, but sadly the new MBP optical output no longer exists. So, I have to use USB instead
Berkhan
No it doesn’t have it I think
DC
By the comments people are liking it with the 600 and the 800s, how would it be with the 650s? Any idea?
For home use, how would this be in relation to O2 + Odac, since it is the same value?
dale thorn
I had the O2 a long time ago and liked it, but it had a weird power supply. I was thinking at one time to get the ODAC, but I’ve decided to add the iFi Black Label to my collection instead since it’s more modern and a mainstream design. And it looks really cool.
Berkhan
I’m using it with my new HD660S, and it sounds great. Not sure the harder to drive 650 will pair this good, but I guess it’s still be very very nice. Nano BL is a great DAC/AMP.
DC
If it is ok with the 660s, it probably should also be with the 650, even the 660s being half the impedance of the 650, the difference would be only 2db. And the dac, have you ever tested how it works with a solid amp or amp otl?
Thomas
Hi, I’m thinking about a combination of Beyerdynamic T5P (2. Gen.), Lehmann Drachenfels and ifi nano bl. Do you think, that this could be a good pairing? Thanks, Thomas
Berkhan
That would be a very nice pair indeed.
Ramin chamani
Can everyone compare:
iFi-Audio Nano iDSD Black Labe
dragonfly red
Topping nx4 dsd
?
Which one is better for audio technica ckr9?
Which is the best in sound processing?
I want to use one of them with ckr9 and home integrated amplifier with AUX-RCA cable.
Berkhan
No idea, I only listened the Nano among those three.
John
I would also like to know.
Bhavin Lakdawala
Hello @Berkhan.
ifi company claim tht “TI Burr Brown 1793 DAC” chipset used in “ifi Nano BL” makes it only DAC Amp in the market who converts DSD file formats to Native DSD without convert it to PCM first.
ifi claim tht other DAC chipset & other DAC first converst DSD to PCM & then give DSD output.
Is this claim of ifi company right? Also did u get better sound through ifi Nano BL than other DAC Amp while u used it for listen DSD files?
Pls replay. Thanks & regards,
~ Bhavin
Berkhan
I didn’t hear any special performance with DSD files compared to other DACs. Sure it sounds very good with DSD, but it’s not very different to other DSD capable DACs.
Mike
Yes, there is an organic tonality to DACs that don’t convert DSD to PCM and I noticed this with the iDSD micro. The DSD to PCM conversion loses the magic DSD is known for.
Shreeram Bhat
How will it perform with my Shure SE425 IEMs and Samsung S10 Lite mobile?
Berkhan
It will perform well, but I suggest you to check out the Earmen TR-Amp.
Shreeram Bhat
Is this available in India?
Berkhan
I don’t know, you tell me 🙂
Shreeram Bhat
I mean the Earmen TR-Amp