iFi’s pricier DAC/amps have a tendency to provide extremely musical sound profiles that really feel considerably refined of their presentation. They’re additionally addictively pleasing to the ear. Nearly all of their fashions, particularly these that includes the Burr Brown chip set (utilized on this mannequin), have been enormous sellers. So, I used to be curious to see the following iteration of one in every of my favourite DAC/amps, the iFi Diablo 2. How a lot energy does it supply? And the way does it carry out with respect to talent and sound signature?
What’s within the Field?
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iPower 2 energy provide
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USB-C cable
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3.5mm to six.3mm adapter
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USB-C-to USB-A adapter
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Optical adapter
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Carrying case
Construct
Diverging from the intense, hearth engine purple that characterised the earlier mannequin, the Diablo 2 sports activities a extra subdued look, with a darker metallic purple facade and silver accents. It has a way more extreme construct than the unique, given its arduous edges and creases. Included within the field, is a stand that provides to the classiness of the design, whereas protecting the DAC cool. Lastly, I like the jumbo sized quantity knob, which not solely appears to be like strong and alluring, but in addition minimizes the possibility of any accidents because of its included lock operate.
Design
The Diablo 2 makes use of the Burr Brown DAC chipset in its design. Personally, I’ve by no means heard a foul sounding Burr Brown DAC. So, that’s already a very good signal. As well as, a low latency “XMOS 16-Core” chip is used to processes the audio knowledge, aiming to boost decision and seamlessly companion with the DAC. As for the amp, iFi has employed a customized OV Collection unit, which acts to get rid of noise and reduce distortion.
iFi additionally incorporates a bunch of different options in its design, equivalent to PureWave, Servoless DirectDrive, OptimaLoop, and Superior Jitter Discount Expertise, all of which goal to reduce distortion and obtain a extra pristine and refined sonic profile.
Inputs, Outputs and Buttons
On the entrance of the Diablo 2, you’ll discover 1/4 inch and 4.4mm balanced headphone output. You even have acquire change with turbo and nitro modes, alongside a change devoted to activating xMEMS, which we’ll speak about beneath.
Flip the DAC round, and also you’ll discover 2 USB Sort C connectors that serve the DAC and battery, accompanied by coaxial/optical, balanced 4.4mm, and a Bluetooth pairing button.
Lastly, on the backside of the gadget, you’ll discover an IE Match, which is helpful when driving IEMs.
Energy Output
The Diablso touts a strong 5,180mW output. And there’s just about no headphone that the Diablo 2 can’t deal with. I paired it with the Beyerdynamic DT 1770, which has an impedance of 250 Ohms, and I had the quantity dial lower than half-way with none acquire change on. So, go forward, pair your most energy hungry cans with this factor. It ought to be capable of drive them.
Battery
With out the acquire change on, you’ll be capable of get round 9 hours of use earlier than having to recharge. With the acquire switched to turbo, you possibly can anticipate solely 6 hours of battery life. However that is about common for iFi’s DACs of this measurement.
Bluetooth
The Diablo 2 is supplied with Bluetooth capabilities, powered by Qualcomm’s newest QCC518x Bluetooth audio chip. It presents virtually all hi-res codecs, together with the brand new, aptX Lossless, which delivers uncompressed recordsdata.
Sound Impressions
To me, the Burr Brown chipset is irresistible. It injects tons of depth and richness into the tone of devices, whereas imbuing the efficiency with a fluidity and delicate smoothness that’s extremely musical, emotive and simple to hearken to. And total, its simply refined sufficient with out shedding the pure timbral qualities of the instrument.
The separation can also be unimaginable, including additional precision and definition to components within the combine. There additionally appears to be a touch of coloration or depth added to far sitting devices, highlighting components within the combine that you might have missed prior to now. And whereas the stage is extra real looking than it’s huge, the stainless imaging leaves loads of house between devices, making a completely holographic and immersive listening expertise.
You’ll additionally really feel a palpable, regular power to your tracks, thanks partly to the incredible velocity and extremely contained/managed supply. Every part simply snaps tighter and sooner.
As for different elements of the sound signature, I didn’t hear a lot manipulation with respect to tuning or extension. Nonetheless, it does really feel like your headphones are getting a make-over. So, this isn’t a purely impartial DAC. You may hear the change.
Lastly, you may have a MEMS characteristic, which creates a extra strong sound, including extra dynamism and power to the stability, and rising affect and quantity of particular person components. It virtually sounds just like the monitor has been remastered.
Abstract
To place it merely, the Diablo 2 sounds orgasmic. And though comparatively expensive, the Diablo 2 delivers a ton of energy, whereas enormously enhancing the talent of your headphones. And for those who personal a bunch of cans and IEMs with various impedances, you possibly can relaxation assured that the Diablo 2 will comfortably drive all of them. So, particularly for those who plan on investing in just one DAC/amp, possibly this must be it.
You should purchase the iFi Diablo 2 at Audio 46.
