iFi audio xCAN - the official thread
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iFi audio
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iFi audio xCAN
Killer Bluetooth. Balanced Combo
Introduction
With every product release, iFi manages to surpass itself, and their latest release, the xCAN, is no exception.
The xCAN is a portable, wireless DAP amp capable of storing eight Bluetooth devices at once while delivering 1000mW of power per channel. And with in-built aptX and AAC Hi-Res streaming via Bluetooth, music has never sounded this clear.
It’s so clever it replaces two previous iFi products in one go, the micro iCAN SE and the nano iCAN.
Dynamic range
And by this we don’t just mean the music! Not only can the xCAN be used as a powerful headphone amplifier with smartphones, computers and DAPs, it can also be used at home with your smart TV.
Smart Thinking
Imagine the scenario. It’s late at night and you feel like watching a film or firing up the Xbox but you don’t want to disturb your other half. Your headphones don’t quite reach from your smart TV to your bed or comfortable place on the sofa.
The xCAN is the answer. Pair the xCAN with your smart TV via Bluetooth, plug your headphones into the xCAN at your side and you are good to go. No more untidy wires! Or problems with short cables!
Power boost
Got a digital audio player? While the DACs in most high-end DAPs are more than worthy of doing the job, their inbuilt headphone amplifiers often fall short as they lack in power. Give them the boost they deserve with the xCAN. With a 1000mW of power per channel, the difference is there to be heard. Match our power with your player for the perfect combo.
Phone freedom
Not happy with your smartphone’s amplification but don’t want wires getting in the way? Simple – plug your headphones into the xCAN, pair it with your phone and pop it into your pocket. No more wires. You are free to use your phone as you wish – to text, to take selfies or to finish that annoying game of Candy Crush – all while listing to your favourite hi-res tunes.
Sonic boom
With a pure analogue volume control retaining full-resolution at all volume levels, the xCAN is a significant sonic step up for all smartphones, DAPs computers and TVs.
The 3D+® and XBassⅡ® functions bring both sensitivity and power and the listener will feel the music and lyrics flowing around the room. And it delivers high-end audio quality from both Balanced and S-Balanced outputs.
Powerful stuff.
Fully-Loaded features
The xCAN is packed with advanced features, including:
Strong and mighty
All these features have been packed into a resilient magnesium-aluminium body measuring just 95 x 66.5 x 19mm, just like the xDSD.
And coming in at a weight of just 127g, the xCAN packs a mighty punch without breaking a sweat.
Take a look at the front panel controls (left to right) below:
Rear panel controls (left to right)
*based on the Olive/Welti target response for correct natural sound with Headphones and IEMs.
The xCAN gives audio the boost it needs by cutting background noise and restoring a natural, cleaner sound. Whether listening to the latest chart-topper or much-loved 60’s classic, music never grows old with the iFi xCAN.
The retail price of the xCAN is US$299 (ex-tax) or €349/£299 (incl VAT).
Killer Bluetooth. Balanced Combo
Introduction
With every product release, iFi manages to surpass itself, and their latest release, the xCAN, is no exception.
The xCAN is a portable, wireless DAP amp capable of storing eight Bluetooth devices at once while delivering 1000mW of power per channel. And with in-built aptX and AAC Hi-Res streaming via Bluetooth, music has never sounded this clear.
It’s so clever it replaces two previous iFi products in one go, the micro iCAN SE and the nano iCAN.
Dynamic range
And by this we don’t just mean the music! Not only can the xCAN be used as a powerful headphone amplifier with smartphones, computers and DAPs, it can also be used at home with your smart TV.
Smart Thinking
Imagine the scenario. It’s late at night and you feel like watching a film or firing up the Xbox but you don’t want to disturb your other half. Your headphones don’t quite reach from your smart TV to your bed or comfortable place on the sofa.
The xCAN is the answer. Pair the xCAN with your smart TV via Bluetooth, plug your headphones into the xCAN at your side and you are good to go. No more untidy wires! Or problems with short cables!
Power boost
Got a digital audio player? While the DACs in most high-end DAPs are more than worthy of doing the job, their inbuilt headphone amplifiers often fall short as they lack in power. Give them the boost they deserve with the xCAN. With a 1000mW of power per channel, the difference is there to be heard. Match our power with your player for the perfect combo.
Phone freedom
Not happy with your smartphone’s amplification but don’t want wires getting in the way? Simple – plug your headphones into the xCAN, pair it with your phone and pop it into your pocket. No more wires. You are free to use your phone as you wish – to text, to take selfies or to finish that annoying game of Candy Crush – all while listing to your favourite hi-res tunes.
Sonic boom
With a pure analogue volume control retaining full-resolution at all volume levels, the xCAN is a significant sonic step up for all smartphones, DAPs computers and TVs.
The 3D+® and XBassⅡ® functions bring both sensitivity and power and the listener will feel the music and lyrics flowing around the room. And it delivers high-end audio quality from both Balanced and S-Balanced outputs.
Powerful stuff.
Fully-Loaded features
The xCAN is packed with advanced features, including:
- Dual-mono headphone amplifier with 1000mW of power per channel, which can unleash the full potential of both 32ohm and 600ohm headphones
- Wireless Bluetooth (aptX and AAC) for CD-quality wireless sound
- ESS Sabre DAC with time domain jitter eliminator
- Balanced 2.5mm headphone output deliver high power and all the benefits of balanced connection
- S-Balanced compatible 3.5mm headphone output delivers the benefits of the balanced connection to single-ended headphones
- Advanced Analogue Signal Process (ASP), 3D+® and XBassⅡ® headphone optimisation circuits
- Pure analogue volume control retaining full-resolution at all volume levels
- Large 2200mAh Lithium-Polymer battery providing six-to-eight hours of playing time
Strong and mighty
All these features have been packed into a resilient magnesium-aluminium body measuring just 95 x 66.5 x 19mm, just like the xDSD.
And coming in at a weight of just 127g, the xCAN packs a mighty punch without breaking a sweat.
Take a look at the front panel controls (left to right) below:
- 2.5mm TRRS Balanced output
- 3.5mm TRS S-Balanced output
- Stepped attenuator volume control (-95dB...+18dB gain)
- Analogue Domain 3D Matrix/ XBassⅡ® (on/off)
Rear panel controls (left to right)
- 2.5mm TRRS Balanced input (Balanced TRRS wiring ONLY)
- 3.5mm TRS input (compatible with TRS Headphones/IEMs)
- Analogue Domain XBassⅡ® iQ correction (on/off with 3 presets*)
- USB C charging input port (charging only)
*based on the Olive/Welti target response for correct natural sound with Headphones and IEMs.
The xCAN gives audio the boost it needs by cutting background noise and restoring a natural, cleaner sound. Whether listening to the latest chart-topper or much-loved 60’s classic, music never grows old with the iFi xCAN.
The retail price of the xCAN is US$299 (ex-tax) or €349/£299 (incl VAT).
iFi audio
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xCAN - Tech Note 1/2
Killer Bluetooth + Balanced Combo
Introduction
The xCAN is the next generation in mobile headphone amplifiers – it replaces the micro iCAN SE and the nano iCAN.
Bluetooth but not as you know it
Bluetooth functionality in a device is one thing. To make it sound really great is another.
The cookie cutter route - get a do-it-all SOC[1] module, implement according to the datasheet and you are done. Like this:
These SOCs are mainly specified for ‘voice’ calling. Is it any wonder that audio on Bluetooth is distinctly ‘average’?
This is not the iFi way. So, for the xCAN (and the xDSD) we developed a ground-up solution where the SOC is used only for reception (ie: no conversion/amplification) and includes aptX and AAC codecs for best audio quality from both iDevices (AAC) and Android devices, laptops etc (aptX).
The signal from SOC has a huge amount of jitter so it is then sent to an ESS Sabre Hyperstream DAC chipset with Time Domain Jitter Elimination and discrete oscillator, to eliminate jitter for conversion to analogue, before being sent to the amplifier.
The result? Quite an amazing performance from Bluetooth that is a positive surprise. And for all wishing to enjoy cordless audio/movies, the xCAN (like the xDSD) has ‘cut the cable’.
[1] SoC (‘System on Chip’) is a module with several functions embedded. Various SoCs are inside smartphones, tablets etc. Great for miniaturization, not so great for sound quality
Killer Bluetooth + Balanced Combo
Introduction
The xCAN is the next generation in mobile headphone amplifiers – it replaces the micro iCAN SE and the nano iCAN.
- With high-end Bluetooth connectivity, just about every modern device is able to stream audio to it without the need for cumbersome cables.
- The xCAN delivers high-end audio quality from both Balanced and S-Balanced outputs, using a balanced dual-mono circuit topology that draws from the flagship Pro iCAN in an extremely portable package.
- The 3D+® Matrix for Headphones and the new XBassⅡ® system enhance your enjoyment of music by correcting common flaws even in very expensive headphones, offering the most musical enjoyment from the widest range of headphones.
Bluetooth but not as you know it
Bluetooth functionality in a device is one thing. To make it sound really great is another.
The cookie cutter route - get a do-it-all SOC[1] module, implement according to the datasheet and you are done. Like this:
These SOCs are mainly specified for ‘voice’ calling. Is it any wonder that audio on Bluetooth is distinctly ‘average’?
This is not the iFi way. So, for the xCAN (and the xDSD) we developed a ground-up solution where the SOC is used only for reception (ie: no conversion/amplification) and includes aptX and AAC codecs for best audio quality from both iDevices (AAC) and Android devices, laptops etc (aptX).
The signal from SOC has a huge amount of jitter so it is then sent to an ESS Sabre Hyperstream DAC chipset with Time Domain Jitter Elimination and discrete oscillator, to eliminate jitter for conversion to analogue, before being sent to the amplifier.
The result? Quite an amazing performance from Bluetooth that is a positive surprise. And for all wishing to enjoy cordless audio/movies, the xCAN (like the xDSD) has ‘cut the cable’.
[1] SoC (‘System on Chip’) is a module with several functions embedded. Various SoCs are inside smartphones, tablets etc. Great for miniaturization, not so great for sound quality
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iFi audio
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Also folks, the second biggest audio event in Europe and one of the biggest in general - Poland's Audio Video Show - starts in 9 days.
And we'll be there!
If you're there, please visit us!
And we'll be there!
- Where: Warsaw (Poland)
- Where exactly: The PGE Narodowy stadium, 1st floor
- When: November 16-18, 2018
If you're there, please visit us!
iFi audio
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No time for rest at iFi if we want to bring close to you the latest in high quality audio gear!
This weekend you’ll be able to see us at the HXOS audio show in Athens, Greece! So make sure to drop on by and listen to all the iFi audio gear on display.
This weekend you’ll be able to see us at the HXOS audio show in Athens, Greece! So make sure to drop on by and listen to all the iFi audio gear on display.
iFi audio
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Silence in Seattle
We all enjoy music, whether we’re at home, in the car or pounding the treadmill at the gym.
However, from time to time we all need time to enjoy some rest and relaxation. Whether that’s from music, television or, dare we say it, the better half.
So, whenever you need to unplug from the world around you, reach for the new iFi Ear Plug.
The Tech Spec
- Premium 100% pure memory foam
- Incredible 37dB noise reduction (62dB total noise reduction if used in conjunction with Noise-Cancellation headphones which offer 25dB noise reduction)
All iFi Ear Plugs come with a hard, clear plastic case with the option of purchasing an iPouch which stores both earplugs and your IEMs.
The Art of Noise
The following graph depicts the level of noise attenuated (reduced) in four situations:
- Headphones Without ANC: 20dB reduction above 300kHz
- Headphones With ANC: 20dB attenuation from 40kHz to 1kHz
- iFi Ear Plugs: 30dB to 50dB reduction across the frequency range
- iFi Ear Plugs with Headphones with ANC: 40dB reduction up to 70dB reduction
It’s clear the iFi Ear Plugs alone are incredibly effective, and when coupled with NC headphones, they make an unbeatable team.
Crybaby
According to medical experts, a baby’s cry can reach up to 130dB. That’s only 10dB less than a jet engine on take-off!
It’s hardly a surprise then the sound of a crying baby can pierce your ears and sound so unpleasant.
We’ve all experienced extreme noise – and crying babies are a perfect example.
Picture this. You’re on a plane, you take off and – BHAM – a baby starts to cry because of the air pressure change in the cabin. Typically, this is anywhere up to 130dB (but this varies across the frequency range).
The graph below depicts the typical baby cry which from 300kHz to 8kHz surpasses 70dB – then charts the reduction in noise when an NC headphone and iFi Ear Plug are introduced.
With an NC headphone, this noise level is reduced by some 25dB to 40dB or so.
However, with the iFi Ear Plug and the NC headphones, the combined noise reduction brings the noise down to a barely perceptible 20dB - or even lower.
Now, that’s got to be music to anyone’s battered ears.
Full product info: https://ifi-audio.com/products/ifi-audio-ear-plugs/
iFi audio
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xCAN - Tech Note 2/2
Balanced on the go.
[TABLE="width: 100%"]
[TR]
[TD]The xCAN offers balanced in/out to take full advantage of the growing availability of balanced sources and headphones. The xCAN uses the W990VST analogue volume control with digital CyberDrive control. For amplification, the OV4627 amplifier chip (4 channel) is used to deliver exceptional sonic performance on-the-go.
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
All New 3D+ and XBassII.
XBassⅡ® (On/Adj/Off) has been implemented in the xCAN for the first time.
In recent times, new research into headphone frequency response showed that a purely ‘flat’ response is not ‘ideal’ for enjoyable listening. Our long present XBass® fits the profile of the low-frequency correction required. However, it was also shown that a certain amount of lower midrange boost is needed to give many headphones a more ‘natural’ sound. As this lower midrange region is usually also called the ‘presence’ region we have used this term to indicate the lower midrange correction. In the xCAN, XBassⅡ®(or perhaps better HP-EQ) can be selected to have either Bass + Presence correction, only Bass or Presence correction only. Select according to listening preference.
Tip: DSP with its unavoidable loss of resolution and sound quality is NOT used for XBassⅡ® nor 3D+® Matrix systems. They operate purely in the analogue domain and use the highest-quality discrete components. Hence all the clarity and resolution of the original music is retained.
Cyberdrive. Fly-By-Wire.
[TABLE="width: 100%"]
[TR]
[TD]As seen in the recently launched xDSD, the xCAN has the same CyberDrive platform whereby a central rotary and one other button replaces the need for many buttons. The volume control system despite being ‘digital control’ in function remains ‘analogue’ in operation. This means that the full dynamic range and every ‘Bit’ of resolution is preserved to deliver the best sonic performance.
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
Features
Front panel
· 2.5mm TRRS Balanced output
· 3.5mm TRS S-Balanced output
· Stepped attenuator volume control (-95dB...+18dB gain)
· Analogue Domain 3D Matrix/ XBassⅡ® (on/off)
Rear panel
· 2.5mm TRRS Balanced input (Balanced TRRS wiring ONLY)
· 3.5mm TRS input (compatible with TRS Headphones/IEM)
· Analogue Domain XBassⅡ® iQ correction (on/off with 3 presets*)
· USB C charging input port (charging only)
*based on the Olive/Welti target response for correct natural sound with Headphones and IEM’s
Balanced on the go.
[TABLE="width: 100%"]
[TR]
[TD]The xCAN offers balanced in/out to take full advantage of the growing availability of balanced sources and headphones. The xCAN uses the W990VST analogue volume control with digital CyberDrive control. For amplification, the OV4627 amplifier chip (4 channel) is used to deliver exceptional sonic performance on-the-go.
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
All New 3D+ and XBassII.
XBassⅡ® (On/Adj/Off) has been implemented in the xCAN for the first time.
In recent times, new research into headphone frequency response showed that a purely ‘flat’ response is not ‘ideal’ for enjoyable listening. Our long present XBass® fits the profile of the low-frequency correction required. However, it was also shown that a certain amount of lower midrange boost is needed to give many headphones a more ‘natural’ sound. As this lower midrange region is usually also called the ‘presence’ region we have used this term to indicate the lower midrange correction. In the xCAN, XBassⅡ®(or perhaps better HP-EQ) can be selected to have either Bass + Presence correction, only Bass or Presence correction only. Select according to listening preference.
Tip: DSP with its unavoidable loss of resolution and sound quality is NOT used for XBassⅡ® nor 3D+® Matrix systems. They operate purely in the analogue domain and use the highest-quality discrete components. Hence all the clarity and resolution of the original music is retained.
Cyberdrive. Fly-By-Wire.
[TABLE="width: 100%"]
[TR]
[TD]As seen in the recently launched xDSD, the xCAN has the same CyberDrive platform whereby a central rotary and one other button replaces the need for many buttons. The volume control system despite being ‘digital control’ in function remains ‘analogue’ in operation. This means that the full dynamic range and every ‘Bit’ of resolution is preserved to deliver the best sonic performance.
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
Features
Front panel
· 2.5mm TRRS Balanced output
· 3.5mm TRS S-Balanced output
· Stepped attenuator volume control (-95dB...+18dB gain)
· Analogue Domain 3D Matrix/ XBassⅡ® (on/off)
Rear panel
· 2.5mm TRRS Balanced input (Balanced TRRS wiring ONLY)
· 3.5mm TRS input (compatible with TRS Headphones/IEM)
· Analogue Domain XBassⅡ® iQ correction (on/off with 3 presets*)
· USB C charging input port (charging only)
*based on the Olive/Welti target response for correct natural sound with Headphones and IEM’s
Attachments
iFi audio
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Folks, since it's almost holiday time...
Also we encourage you to check out our winter playlist in Tidal!
https://tidal.com/playlist/8c5a9a27-70df-4acf-8cd5-a3c938b757cf
Also we encourage you to check out our winter playlist in Tidal!
https://tidal.com/playlist/8c5a9a27-70df-4acf-8cd5-a3c938b757cf
iFi audio
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- #17
iFi audio – The 2018 Summary
It’s been quite the year…
Dear community,
2018 is coming to an end and we’ve decided to use this occasion to share with all of you good people a word or two. Many of our product ideas were developed from what you had to say, so we’re extremely grateful for your support. You’re the fuel to our fire, thank you!
The end of the year is also a good time to summarize what we were able to achieve in the last 12 months. Without further ado, here’s what we did:
Hardware
• March – xDSD
Before this product came to be, we knew that we had to develop something very different from what we’d done before. We thought about many things – toasters with built-in speakers, a wind-up DAC for use in the dessert…only kidding! We aimed for a portable device with wireless functionality as good as a wired connection, improved volume control and a new look. Suffice to say, we strongly believe that with xDSD we were able to deliver on all counts. The toaster has had to wait!
• May - Pro iDSD
The Pro iDSD is the most ambitious and complex product of ours to date. It started many years ago as a rather simple machine, but the more time passed, the more advanced it became. After years of suffering (and here we mean both ours AND yours, just take poor Curtis as an example), the Pro iDSD eventually came into being as a state-of-the-art desktop platform loaded with so many features that it's far easier to list things it doesn't do! Not only this, but the Pro iDSD also has A LOT in common with AMR's upcoming Diablo DAC. The former is actually a scaled down version of the latter and we're exceptionally proud of how it turned out.
• June - iFi OTG Cable
We released this item due to huge demand. It's reliable, affordable, looks sleek and there's no rocket science behind it. It does the job where it should. It's useful. Hey, if we're capable of delivering headphone amps and DACs, who said that we can't make a quality OTG cable? And nope, before anyone asks, we can’t make the equivalent Apple cable – if we could, we (and the rest of the world) surely would!!! Sadly, Apple don’t share the tech that we’d need to make one work. Would you, if you were Apple?
• June - DC iPurifier2
All our iPurifiers were developed to show that even a small and affordable item can really improve sound quality if backed by solid tech. The iPurifier2 is a step up over previous versions of this product, simply because our in-house developed circuitry got better over time. Practice makes perfect!
· July - iPurifier3.0
USB sorters have always been of utmost importance to us and the iPurifier3.0 shows our attitude towards these items. This product might look nothing like our nano or micro iUSB3.0 machines, but its roots are the very same. It was designed to audibly improve the USB interface and very positive feedback from you guys out there showed us that it does just that! Thank goodness!
• October – xCAN
Yet again X marked the spot in October! We really looked forward to releasing the xCAN. On the surface, it resembles our xDSD; they have similar set of features and they look very much alike, but the differences end there. Yes, each has finely implemented Bluetooth receiver, DAC and headphone amp in one neat enclosure BUT the xCAN is a portable and fully analogue amplifier above ALL else and its D/A conversion option is a cherry on top, whereas the xDSD - a DAC in the first place - is the exact opposite. Plus these two can work as a team and we have photographic evidence from you guys to prove it!
• November - Ear Plugs
This one you didn't expect, huh? Us neither. But then again, we like silence and it’s yet another way to give you guys a low noise floor! (Plus they can protect your ears from the squeaks of protest when your loved one finds out you’ve bought yet another piece of audio equipment!) We try to think of everything…
Software
• March - MQA firmware for all nano and micro products
This firmware was one of the most important things for us in 2018. We didn't want to include MQA functionality in just one or two products, we wanted to roll things out across all suitable iFi goods, even some discontinued models. Even though the 5.30 'Cookies & Cream' firmware has some limitations, this is the one to go after if you'd like to listen to MQA regardless of the iFi audio DAC you use.
• October - GTO filter firmware for all nano and micro products
The GTO filter was a tricky thing to develop, but in the end, it surely was worth the effort. To our ears it sounds amazing enough to surpass every other filter out there and we encourage everyone to give this one a try. Hey, it comes at nil cost, improves sound and if you don't like it, you can always use our previously released firmware. That's a win-win right there.
• November - Beta MQA firmware for the Pro iDSD
Fully operational MQA on our Pro iDSD took us a fair bit longer than expected for a reason. (Poor Curtis was turning in his grave!). The amount of work needed in order to have this signal fully decoded was nothing short of staggering. Everything had to be coded from scratch. Both our team and MQA's engineers were involved in this project and we're ecstatic that we were
able to finally have this functionality ready. Enjoy!
Additionally, one thing we’re very proud of is that we were able to push our head of sales out of the UK office for well-deserved holiday. Blindfolded, the man was in shock and had no idea where he was transported. Since no laptops or comms with his team were allowed, after the adventure he told us that withdrawal shivers kicked in hard. But once he got off the plane and acknowledged he was in Iceland… Long story’s short, after this trip he returned as a new man. Even though he’s a good lad, we didn’t miss him at all but shhh…
It’s been quite the year…
Dear community,
2018 is coming to an end and we’ve decided to use this occasion to share with all of you good people a word or two. Many of our product ideas were developed from what you had to say, so we’re extremely grateful for your support. You’re the fuel to our fire, thank you!
The end of the year is also a good time to summarize what we were able to achieve in the last 12 months. Without further ado, here’s what we did:
Hardware
• March – xDSD
Before this product came to be, we knew that we had to develop something very different from what we’d done before. We thought about many things – toasters with built-in speakers, a wind-up DAC for use in the dessert…only kidding! We aimed for a portable device with wireless functionality as good as a wired connection, improved volume control and a new look. Suffice to say, we strongly believe that with xDSD we were able to deliver on all counts. The toaster has had to wait!
• May - Pro iDSD
The Pro iDSD is the most ambitious and complex product of ours to date. It started many years ago as a rather simple machine, but the more time passed, the more advanced it became. After years of suffering (and here we mean both ours AND yours, just take poor Curtis as an example), the Pro iDSD eventually came into being as a state-of-the-art desktop platform loaded with so many features that it's far easier to list things it doesn't do! Not only this, but the Pro iDSD also has A LOT in common with AMR's upcoming Diablo DAC. The former is actually a scaled down version of the latter and we're exceptionally proud of how it turned out.
• June - iFi OTG Cable
We released this item due to huge demand. It's reliable, affordable, looks sleek and there's no rocket science behind it. It does the job where it should. It's useful. Hey, if we're capable of delivering headphone amps and DACs, who said that we can't make a quality OTG cable? And nope, before anyone asks, we can’t make the equivalent Apple cable – if we could, we (and the rest of the world) surely would!!! Sadly, Apple don’t share the tech that we’d need to make one work. Would you, if you were Apple?
• June - DC iPurifier2
All our iPurifiers were developed to show that even a small and affordable item can really improve sound quality if backed by solid tech. The iPurifier2 is a step up over previous versions of this product, simply because our in-house developed circuitry got better over time. Practice makes perfect!
· July - iPurifier3.0
USB sorters have always been of utmost importance to us and the iPurifier3.0 shows our attitude towards these items. This product might look nothing like our nano or micro iUSB3.0 machines, but its roots are the very same. It was designed to audibly improve the USB interface and very positive feedback from you guys out there showed us that it does just that! Thank goodness!
• October – xCAN
Yet again X marked the spot in October! We really looked forward to releasing the xCAN. On the surface, it resembles our xDSD; they have similar set of features and they look very much alike, but the differences end there. Yes, each has finely implemented Bluetooth receiver, DAC and headphone amp in one neat enclosure BUT the xCAN is a portable and fully analogue amplifier above ALL else and its D/A conversion option is a cherry on top, whereas the xDSD - a DAC in the first place - is the exact opposite. Plus these two can work as a team and we have photographic evidence from you guys to prove it!
• November - Ear Plugs
This one you didn't expect, huh? Us neither. But then again, we like silence and it’s yet another way to give you guys a low noise floor! (Plus they can protect your ears from the squeaks of protest when your loved one finds out you’ve bought yet another piece of audio equipment!) We try to think of everything…
Software
• March - MQA firmware for all nano and micro products
This firmware was one of the most important things for us in 2018. We didn't want to include MQA functionality in just one or two products, we wanted to roll things out across all suitable iFi goods, even some discontinued models. Even though the 5.30 'Cookies & Cream' firmware has some limitations, this is the one to go after if you'd like to listen to MQA regardless of the iFi audio DAC you use.
• October - GTO filter firmware for all nano and micro products
The GTO filter was a tricky thing to develop, but in the end, it surely was worth the effort. To our ears it sounds amazing enough to surpass every other filter out there and we encourage everyone to give this one a try. Hey, it comes at nil cost, improves sound and if you don't like it, you can always use our previously released firmware. That's a win-win right there.
• November - Beta MQA firmware for the Pro iDSD
Fully operational MQA on our Pro iDSD took us a fair bit longer than expected for a reason. (Poor Curtis was turning in his grave!). The amount of work needed in order to have this signal fully decoded was nothing short of staggering. Everything had to be coded from scratch. Both our team and MQA's engineers were involved in this project and we're ecstatic that we were
able to finally have this functionality ready. Enjoy!
Additionally, one thing we’re very proud of is that we were able to push our head of sales out of the UK office for well-deserved holiday. Blindfolded, the man was in shock and had no idea where he was transported. Since no laptops or comms with his team were allowed, after the adventure he told us that withdrawal shivers kicked in hard. But once he got off the plane and acknowledged he was in Iceland… Long story’s short, after this trip he returned as a new man. Even though he’s a good lad, we didn’t miss him at all but shhh…
Knightrider7007
New member
Hi there, I'm an old hand but never really dabbled on many forums. I keep running into your gear on other sites. What's the difference between the xDSD and the xCAN? Both are Bluetooth and are DAC/amps, are they not? I'm interested in getting myself a portable set-up.Thanks.
iFi audio
New member
- Joined
- Aug 30, 2018
- Messages
- 193
- Thread Author
- #19
These two might look alike as far as their functions go, but have their key priorities set differently. xDSD is a wireless DAC above all else and its headphone amp is solid to handle headphones/IEMs easy to drive. xCAN is a portable headphone amp in the first place, that's its top skill, but it also has a nice DAC inside and wireless input. So the choice between the two is quite easy. If you're after a portable DAC, xDSD is the one, but if a powerful portable headphone amp is needed, that's xCAN. Similar functions, different priorities. If in doubt still, please ask us!
Knightrider7007
New member
Sorry - never said thanks. Been out of action for a while. Okay, so looks like I need a DAC/amp - the xDSD then. What's the Bluetooth like? I've heard that I shold really stick to wires as Bluetooth can be ropey as hell??????????