{"product_id":"ifi-idsd-diablo-x-dac-amp-with-xmems-technology-open-box","title":"iFi iDSD Diablo-X DAC\/amp with xMEMS Technology (Open Box) - Discontinued","description":"\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"w-post-elm post_custom_field us_custom_98f19f40 type_text catch_line\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"w-post-elm-value\"\u003eeXperience innovation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"w-post-elm-value\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe very first DAC\/amp in the world to drive xMEMS technology\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"w-post-elm-value\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg class=\"center\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0065\/4432\/6771\/files\/diablo-x-7.png?v=1687532147\" alt=\"Overview photograph of iFi iDSD Diablo-X DAC\/Amp\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0065\/4432\/6771\/files\/diablo-x-7.png?v=1687532147\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eeXceptional\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"none\" lang=\"EN-GB\" class=\"TextRun SCXW100468078 BCX8\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\"\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-parastyle=\"NormalParagraphStyle\" class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW100468078 BCX8\"\u003eT\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-parastyle=\"NormalParagraphStyle\" class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW100468078 BCX8\"\u003ehe\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiablo-X\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eis the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003efirst\u003c\/strong\u003e DAC\/amp on the market to support\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-parastyle=\"NormalParagraphStyle\" class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW100468078 BCX8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ethe\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-parastyle=\"NormalParagraphStyle\" class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW100468078 BCX8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003erevolutionary\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-parastyle=\"NormalParagraphStyle\" class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW100468078 BCX8\" mce-data-marked=\"1\"\u003exMEMS' \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-parastyle=\"NormalParagraphStyle\" class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW100468078 BCX8\"\u003esolid state monolithic speaker technology. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis unique technology features:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUltra-fast mechanical response (~15µsec; 150x faster than a typical dynamic driver)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlat 2° phase response for more accurate sound reproduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e+\/- 1° phase matching (part-to-part) for more accurate spatial sound\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSilicon speaker diaphragm (95x more stiff\/rigid than plastic) for reduce speaker break-up (less muddy mids\/highs)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrian Lucey, 8-time Grammy Winning Mastery Engineer, calls it “truly disruptive’ with “phase performance unlike no other speaker technology”.  Discover\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=fvYNrbWYvW4\" target=\"_blank\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=fvYNrbWYvW4\"\u003ewhy\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ein 3 minutes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis level of performance requires a higher voltage solution to drive it, so iFi have partnered with\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eXMEMs\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eto produce the Diablo-X – a first to drive a first!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003exMEMS eXplained\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe xMEMS microspeaker technology uses the piezoelectonic\u003ci class=\"far fa-info-circle pop-pieef orange\"\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eeffect to create a paper-thin solid-state speaker. These micro-speakers offer great potential to push the boundaries of IEM and headphone performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs\u003cspan\u003e xMEMS\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ethemselves say,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e“The inverse piezoelectric effect is created by applying electrical voltage to make the piezoMEMS contract or expand, converting electrical energy to mechanical energy. This energy excites an integrated silicon membrane to move air and generate acoustic sound waves…. xMEMS’ piezoMEMs actuators offer an increased range of movement enabling rich, loud audio”.\u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eStill devilishly delightful…\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiablo-X\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ecan still also be used with your favourite IEMs\/headphones and, just like the original, uses two Burr-Brown DAC chips and the 16-core XMOS chip to process the data received via the USB and S\/PDIF digital inputs. This means the\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eDiablo-X\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ecan handle up to PCM 768, DSD 512, 2xDXD.\u003ci class=\"far fa-info-circle pop-mqa orange\"\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eBoth PCM and DSD remain ‘bit-perfect’. It provides full MQA decoding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBalanced, differential analogue circuit design reduces noise and cross-talk within the signal path by fully separating the left and right channels. The\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eDiablo-X\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eincludes our\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003ePureWave\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003etech – refinements to our balanced, symmetrical dual-mono topologies with short, direct signal paths.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNegative feedback is used in amplifier circuits to compare the output signal with the input signal and correct errors. BUT there are drawbacks. iFi turns the negatives into positives with\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOptimaLoop.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eRead more below.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e…and diabolically driven.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAble to drive all manner of headphones with ease, including those incorporating the new XMEMs tech, the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiablo-X\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003esports fully balanced 4.4mm outputs with 4,100mW of power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree modes are used to adjust power and gain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003exMEMS – use with compatible IEMs\/headphones\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTurbo – ramps up the level of drive for current-hungry headphones\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNormal – for most over or on ear headphones\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"center\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0065\/4432\/6771\/files\/diablo-x-6.png?v=1687532191\" alt=\"Overview photo of iFi iDSD Diablo-X DAC\/amp\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0065\/4432\/6771\/files\/diablo-x-6.png?v=1687532191\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eUnadulterated performance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiablo-X\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003efocuses on pure, unadulterated performance, means much attention has been applied to the power supply circuity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBattery power provides ultra-clean and stable DC current avoiding the issues of mains electricity – dips, spikes and noise-inducing RFI\/EMI pollution. BUT there are sonic downsides resulting from low output voltage and inconsistent output impedance as batteries discharge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn order to make less efficient headphones, like planar magnetics, sing, the voltage needs to be stepped up from 3.7V to +\/- 15V.  We use a step-up converter running at 1.2MHz – a frequency far beyond audibility that is easier to filter than a typical switch-mode supply, enabling high linearity and ultra-low noise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eUnrivalled components\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHigh-bandwidth power supply circuity is dedicated to each critical part of the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiablo-X’s\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003edesign, with independent linear regulation delivering excellent PSRR (Power Supply Rejection Ratio) performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe headphone amp stage eschews IC regulators in favour of Panasonic OS-CON capacitors, delivering 2320uF between them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe DAC section benefits from an ultra-low-noise regulator with additional passive filtering, reducing high order harmonic distortion and, in turn, jitter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven the USB input stage benefits from dedicated regulation and multi-stage filtering, and the microprocessor control circuitry (often a local source of digital noise) has separate regulation, too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"center\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0065\/4432\/6771\/files\/diablo-x-8.png?v=1687532100\" alt=\"Internal Components of iFi iDSD Diablo-X DAC\/Amp\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0065\/4432\/6771\/files\/diablo-x-8.png?v=1687532100\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe devil is in the detail\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you are using your favourite IEMs\/headphones or a pair of xMEMS compatible IEMs, the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiablo-X\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003econnections have you covered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the front of the unit, alongside a standard 6.3mm single-ended headphone socket, resides a 4.4mm Balanced output for headphones offering balanced connection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the back are two digital audio inputs: USB-A and a S\/PDIF socket that accepts both electrical and optical signals, the former via a 3.5mm connector and the latter via a supplied adapter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe USB-A input features a ‘male’ connector, rather than a typical ‘female’ port for greater mechanical integrity.  A separate USB-C charging port is also provided, along with a 4.4mm Balanced output to connect to an external amp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eIncluded\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eiDSD Diablo-X\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eiPower 5V Adapter\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eiEMatch 4.4\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUSB-A to USB-C Cable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUSB-C to USB-C Cable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUSB-AF to USB-CF adapters \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDC to USB-C Cable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eiTraveller Case\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4.4mm to Twin cable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUSB-C OTG\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSplitter Male Cable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFibre optic adapter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eiDSD Diablo-X Quick Start Card\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eiDSD Diablo-X User Manual\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital Inputs:\u003c\/strong\u003e USB 3.0 type 'A' (USB2.0 compatible)\/ S-PDIF (3.5mm coaxial\/optical)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormats supported:\u003c\/strong\u003e DSD 512 \/ 22.6MHz PCM 768kHz MQA Full Decoder\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDAC:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bit-Perfect DSD \u0026amp; DXD DAC by Burr Brown \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFrequency Response: 10Hz-80kHz(-3dB)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSNR: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBalanced:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e-120dB\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnBAL: \u003c\/strong\u003e-114dB\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDynamic range:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBalanced:\u003c\/strong\u003e -120dB\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnBAL:\u003c\/strong\u003e -114dB\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTHD + N:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBalanced:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.002%\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnBAL:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.001%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeadphone Max Output:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBalanced:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u0026gt;28Vpp (@ xMEMS) \u0026gt;19.2V\/611 mW (@ 600Ω) \u0026gt;12.6V\/4,980 mW (@ 32Ω) \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnBAL:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u0026gt;9.6V\/153 mW (@ 600Ω) \u0026gt;8.8V\/2,417 mW (@ 32Ω) \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFixed Audio Output: Balanced 4.4mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePower consumption:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003exMEMS:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8W\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTurbo: \u003c\/strong\u003e12W\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNormal:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5W\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBattery:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lithium-polymer 4800mAh approx.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePower System: \u003c\/strong\u003eCharging via USB-C BC V1.2 compliant up to 1000mA charging current\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 166 x 72 x 25 mm (6.5\" x 2.8\" x 1.0\")\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNet weight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 330g (0.73 lbs)\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLimited Warranty: \u003c\/strong\u003e12 months*\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"iFi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46024776777961,"sku":"Diablo-X (US) (OB)","price":934.15,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0065\/4432\/6771\/files\/diablo-x-1_385059d3-97c4-40d4-b9d1-d22993542de0.png?v=1762466124","url":"https:\/\/audio46.mom\/products\/ifi-idsd-diablo-x-dac-amp-with-xmems-technology-open-box","provider":"Audio46 Headphone Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}