Nano iDSD BL

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Max out Balanced headphones
(and Single-Ended too)		 Even more format choice!
MQA authenticated		 Hi-Res streaming
like never before		 Listen better. Listen longer.
Up to 10-hour battery life

 

 

So, what’s new with the nano iDSD Black Label?

 

     
Power your headphones. Big style.
With maximum output power (32R) around 10 times that of iPhone 6 (285mW vs. 27mW), the nano iDSD Black Label can drive most headphones on the market.

From In-Ear-Monitors to mid-size headphones, the nano iDSD BL is able to drive them with ease. Below is more background information on the S-Balanced circuit and iEMatch/Normal outputs. We just dont do standard. Take your headphones to the max.

Uber convenient
It’s small, lightweight and battery powered. You can take the nano iDSD Black Label everywhere you go and it won’t drain your phone’s battery.Just switch on the BL first and then plug in your device. The Lithium Polymer battery gives the nano iDSD Black Label up to 10 hours of non-stop musical enjoyment. It also has a special USB male ‘A’ connector for a direct connection. Use a USB-to-Lightning (Apple) or OTG connector (Android). Or if at home, just use the enclosed USB3.0 cable to connect to a PC. Stream Apple Music/Google Play/Spotify/Tidal/Youtube content from your phone to a whole other level of quality. Add kick-a** sound to your gaming by connecting your console or computer.
Master Quality Authenticated
iFi always strives to bring you choice. We’ve added yet another file format to our portfolio in the form of MQA in the new BL. Take TIDAL or your MQA file to a whole new level.MQA is an audio technology developed by Bob Stuart. This technology makes hi-res audio streaming a reality and delivers studio master quality audio to your headphones.

An original Master file of up to 384kHz/24Bit which has been encoded in MQA, is transmitted as a 48 kHz/24Bit file. At the end of the chain, whether the decoding and rendering takes place in the same device, or whether the process is split between a software application and a separate DAC, the result will still yield the full, original 384kHz/24BIt file.

 
For mobile DACs with both portability and power considerations, MQA Rendering is the ideal solution as the workload is shared between the host (computer) and the client (DAC). In this case, for a DAC such as the nano iDSD BL, less CPU processing and lower electrical power are needed. This approach for the iFi portable range remains a full end-to-end MQA solution and the listener still enjoys the full benefits of MQA without compromise.

See MQA’s website for illustrations: www.mqa.co.uk/customer/how-it-works

We are committed to working with MQA to bring MQA support (be it as Renderer or joint Decoder and Renderer where appropriate) to as many iFi products, including existing products, as possible to our customers.
High-Res Audio Certified
The nano iDSD Black Label is one of the best native highest-resolution DACs you can find, supporting PCM up to 32/384 kHz and DSD up to 256 times the sample rate of a CD, even on Mac OSX* and mobile phones*. It is also certified ‘High-Res Audio’ according to the stringent criteria set down by JEITA and JAS (Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association and Japan Audio Society). Don’t accept low-resolution music!(*firmware upgrade needs to be applied to enable DSD256 on all devices)
Perfect your listening pleasure
The nano iDSD Black Label lets you choose between the ‘Listen’ (Minimum Phase Bezier Filter) and ‘Measure’ (Linear Phase Transient Aligned Filter) options. It’s the only portable DAC to give you so much control.
Compatible. Like no other.
The new headphone amplifier delivers more than double the power of the original nano iDSD into 16 Ohm and over four times the power into high-impedance headphones. Meanwhile, the built-in IEMatch circuit ensures that even extremely sensitive headphones and IEMs are ‘hiss free’ throughout the volume range.The nano iDSD Black Label also includes the S-Balanced wiring system for the headphone outputs, giving the full benefit of balanced outputs when used with headphones and IEMs (fitted with balanced wiring) with low-noise and lower distortion. Even single-ended headphones benefit, as S-Balanced cuts crosstalk in half (without the need to re-wire headphones to benefit).

 
 

And as always, we use the ultimate components…

As is the AMR/iFi DNA, we love to audition and vet new parts as they come onto the market and where possible, use the ultimate components. Whereas some shun internals pictures, we always strive to show ‘what’s under the hood’ as customers like to make informed purchasing decisions based upon sonics and outright ‘sound for the pound’.The nano iDSD Black Label, while very affordable, is packed to the rafters with boutique components. Here are just a few:

      

1. Thin Film Resistors for audio section lower noise & distortion     than standard metal film or carbon film types.

2. Tantalum Polymer Capacitors for Power Supplies.

3. TDK C0G capacitors for the analogue filter.

4. Panasonic ECPU Film Capacitor for critical DAC reference     voltage.

5. Analogue volume control potentiometer for best sound quality.

6. Dual-Mono Headphone amplifier with 3.5mm TRRS balanced     wiring all the way to the amplifier, despite the amplifier being     single-ended this delivers all the benefits of balanced wiring.

7. Built-in iEMatch using MELF resistors for transparent matching     of very sensitive headphones and/or IEMs.

 

The parts, the circuitry, the implementation is something else and makes the nano iDSD Black Label a worthy successor to the original nano iDSD. It just goes up against the best out there and kicks butt.

The nano iDSD one of the few portable, truly audiophile DACamps out there and the fact that it is priced appealing to the real-world means many are going to enjoy their music a whole lot more without being excluded by the price.

So, get your toes a tapping to the file format of your choice and get jammin with the new BL.

 

 

   
Features/Specifications:
General
Input(rear): USB2.0 type A “OTG” Socket (with iPurifier® technology built-in)
Output(rear)； 1 x Audio fixed line out L+R 3.5mm
Digital Filter: 2 positions, 2 filters
Outputs(front): 2 x Headphone Audio 3.5mm one direct and one with iFi iEMatch® integrated
DAC
DAC: DSD, DXD, PCM DAC by Burr Brown Bit-Perfect DSD processing, Bit-Perfect DXD processing
Clock: Low-jitter crystal clock
Audio Formats: DSD 256/128/64/12.4/11.2/6.2/5.6/3.1/2.8
DXD 384/352.8kHz
PCM 384/352.8/192/176.4/96/88.2/48/44.1kHz
MQA 88.2/96/176.4/192kHz filters
Filter–PCM: Listen(transient optimised minimum phase)
Measure(frequency response optmised)
       –DSD: Listen(extended bandwidth transient optimised)
Measure (narrow bandwidth, low output band noise optimised)
       –DXD: Fixed Bit-Perfect Processing
       –MQA: Fixed MQA Filter
Headphone Amplifier
Amplifier: Dual Mono 2 x 285mW Direct Drive, coupling capacitor free circuit for highest fidelity
Volume Control: 3.5mm TRRS with Balanced compatible wiring
Dynamic Range(including DAC): > 109dB(A) @ 3v (Direct)
> 107dB(A) @ 0.5V (iEMatch®)
THD &N (@ 125mW/30R): < 0.005%
Max. Output (<10% THD): > 3.5V @ 600Ω Load (Direct) (20mW/600Ω)
> 2.9V @ 30Ω Load (Direct) (285mW/30Ω)
> 1.7V @ 15Ω Load (Direct) (200mW/15Ω)
Output Impedance : < = 1Ω (Direct)
< = 4Ω (iEMatchsup>®)
Channel Separation: > 79dB @ 600Ω Load (Direct)
> 79dB @ 15Ω Load (Direct) (1kHz, TRRS plug Balanced wiring)
Line Output
Dynamic Range(Line): > 109dB(A)
THD & N(0dBFS Line): < 0.004%
Output Voltage(Line): : 2.15V (+/-0.05V)
Output Impedance: < 240Ω
Channel Separation: > 99dB (@ 1kHz)
Jitter(correlated): Below test set limit
Dimensions: 96(l) x 64(w) x 25.5(h)mm
Weight: 139g (0.31 Ibs)
Warranty period: 12months

 

User Manual Tech Notes Balanced Circuit Tech Notes
 

Nano BL – So much quality at an affordable price!

“The BL is in my opinion a good springboard to enter the world of audiophilia, combining it with a quality headset. For those looking for a DAC/AMP to replace their source as in the case of a smartphone at an affordable price, this is an absolute recommended choice.”

https://simplyaudiophile.wordpress.com/2017/12/10/recensione-ifi-nano-idsd-black-label-tanta-qualita-ad-un-prezzo-accessibile/

Translated with Google

Thank you Simply Audiophile for your wicked review

 

 

Nano BL – Particularly suitable!

“It delivers a beautiful sound space. It gives a good impression of power and very good vitality. Music seems easy, without complex.”

https://www.on-mag.fr/index.php/topaudio/tests-auditions/ifi-audio-nano-idsd-black-label-dac-hi-res

Translated with Google

Many thanks Pierre Stemmelin, ON Top Audio and iFi France (Elite Diffusion) for your review

 

 

Nano BL – Enhance the sound quality of your mobile, tablet, laptop and PC!

“You should in theory get a much better quality sound by using the nano BL between your device and headphones. My mouth involuntarily grinning like a Cheshire cat and my head slowly bobbing, my eyes lit up and I mouthed ‘OMG’…The difference was entirely tangible…I was actually gobsmacked of the effect this little black box had on my overall listening experience. A serious jaw dropping difference…the nano is now an essential piece of my audio kit.”

http://www.menstylefashion.com/ifi-nano-enhance-the-sound-quality-of-your-mobile-tablet-laptop-pc/

Many thanks Tim Whittington and Men Style Fashion for your wicked review

 

 

Nano BL – Amazing sound and value!

“Completely blown away by the audio quality and build of this portable amp. Overall, the depth and clarity I heard from deep bass to crisp treble was something I’d never heard from my Triple Drivers before…I could not be happier or more pleased with this DAC/AMP.”

https://amzn.to/2ug8oni

Many thanks worshipPastor for your review

 

 

Nano BL – A superb little device!

“iFi has delivered marvellous work with the BL. I just can’t recommend it enough. It’s flexible, built to last, useful and compact. Most importantly, it sounds flawless for the money. Just go for it!”

https://www.headfonia.com/review-ifi-audio-nano-idsd-black-label/

Many thanks Headfonia, Berkhan and iFi Turkey (Dukkan Hifi) for this awesome review

 

 

Nano BL – Mighty little one!

“Regarding offering an amazing device at a very affordable price, iFi do it in style and elegance. The BL is probably one of the device we can recommend the most at its price and for a good reason. It sounds better than most DAPs that can be found at this price…All in all, the BL is one heck of a device, having not only a good price but also an amazing sound to it, amazing hardware to back it up and and lot of useful features….it will provide a good amount of fun and enjoyment with music….”

https://audiophile-heaven.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/ifi-idsd-nano-black-label-mighty-little-one.html

Many thanks Audiophile Heaven for your awesome review

 

 

Nano BL – I do like the stealthy matte black angular design!

“It is compact and feels like a quality device…I was immediately taken by its smooth and neutral presentation. There is plenty to like about the BL. Its on-board battery has decent stamina and it is a nice looking device…it certainly performs well and presents excellent value. If you are looking for a versatile and talented portable head amp and DAC, you owe yourself to at least audition the nano.”

http://gadgetynews.com/ifi-nano-idsd-black-label-portable-dac-amp-review/

Many thanks Jay Garrett for your great review

 

 

Nano BL – It is pretty small enough to appeal to those who want something portable!

“You would have to be living under a rock in gadget and audio land if you have never come across the British-based iFi label. I honestly can’t find fault with a device at this price point that can do as much as the Nano iSDD Black Label can….the Nano BL is a really smart entry-level choice for the price.”

https://headfonics.com/2018/02/ifi-nano-idsd-black-label-review/

Many thanks Headfonics for your wicked review

 

 

Nano BL – For when your phone does not deliver the best quality audio!

“It is a fantastic little unit. I love the aesthetic, the build quality, features and of course the sound. Everything makes this a very appealing device. With its reasonable price, this is definitely something that I can recommend for anyone looking for a portable DAC to pair with their phone or computer.”

https://primeaudio.org/ifi-audio-nano-idsd-black-label-review/

Many thanks Prime Audio Reviews and Crabbos for your wicked review.

 

 

The nano BL is pretty flawless so far!

Five star review for the nano BL for being cutting edge, well-designed, well-engineered and well-built.

https://buff.ly/2CSEjgY

Many thanks Guy for your excellent review.

 

 

iFi audio nano iDSD Black Label

Pros:

* Size
* Value
* Sound quality

“iFi really did a great job with the nano iDSD Black Label. One thing that has become clear is that iFi is capable of cramming quite a lot of tech into a very compact package and at a really decent price. nano BL definitely holds a much better bang-for-buck value.”

https://www.samma3a.com/tech/en/ifi-audio-nano-idsd-black-label-review/

A big thank you to Samma3a for your awesome review

 

 

“iDSD nano BL – Best sound on a budget!”
“The pros are: Good value for money, warm and well-balanced sound and small enough for portable use.”

“The nano BL definitely stir up the portable DAC/amp market in the £200 segment…it has everything to be the new king of its price category.”

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/ifi-audio-nano-idsd-black-label.22770/reviews

Many thank betula for your awesome review.

 

 

nano iDSD BL!

“As good a device as iFi has ever made and for the price, I am truly dumfounded!…I will certainly be purchasing one for myself.”

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/ifi-audio-nano-idsd-black-label.22780/

Thank you dadracer2 for your wicked review.

 

 

“This device is AMAZING!”

Clay suggests trying out the nano BL as this device is tremendously loud and the way it was put together by the production team is unique.

https://buff.ly/2ylhkVk

Many thanks Clay Valarezo for your awesome review.

 

 

“A versatile and portable DAC with agreeable sound and a full suite of features.”

It’s the nano BL!

For:

* Open, detailed and tonally balanced sound

* Good battery life

* Versatile

https://www.whathifi.com/ifi/nano-idsd-bl/review

Thank you for your awesome review What HiFi?

 

 

An impression of the nano iDSD BL

“If you need one product that works off laptop USB or battery power, this is an impressive small black box. Low price, great sonics, high versatility…”

http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/ifi-nano-idsd-bl-impressions.5448/

Thank you jexby for your impression.

 

 

“iFi nano iDSD BL: Great genes in this DAC family. Wallet happy price!”
“Pros: Excellent transparent sound, small size, outstanding price…!”

“You’d be hard-pressed to find a DAC?Amp combo at £199 with more features and better sound.”

https://ifi-nano-idsd-black-label-great-genes-in-this-dac-family-wallet-happy-price/

Thank you Audioprimate for this awesome review!

 
 

 

“This little bad boy can drive these headphones without issue.”

Lizard King can only be talking about the new nano BL!

“The SQ is clean, powerful and musical. I have been to shows and have heard expensive headphone setups with amps and cans that can not touch the SQ I am getting….Kudos to iFi for bringing this to the market and such a bargain price.”

www.amazon.com/dp/B076K9M2TZ

Many thanks Lizard King for your awesome review!

 
 

nano iDSD BL main accessories
• iFi bag
• silicone bracelet
• USB A Female > B Female Adapter
• USB3.0 A MALE > A FEMALE
• USB A Female > B Female Cable
• user manual
• Warranty Card
• note card
• STS card