iFi’s Nano iDSD Black Label is a brilliant headphone amp/DAC that offers serious sound quality in a very compact and affordable package- similarly priced rivals have far less functionality making it excellent value too. It is a wothy little brother to iFi’s also excellent Micro iDSD Black Label, but one whose distinctive S-Balanced amplifier and iEMatch circuitry give it a sonic appeal all its own. Go hear one. Soon.

Super happy with the BL Nano. I’ve come from a Dragonfly Red and this trumps it both in usage/flexibility, and sound (particularly the clear midrange and also the slightly fuller bass). I particularly love: the volume knob, which is smooth and easy to set (though probably too light if looking to use this in your pocket); the two outputs for different impedance headphones; the line out; MQA’s from Tidal sound great; the small form factor and build quality. This isn’t really a portable (as in walkaround) device, but I use it primarily at my home office desk and when working remotely e.g. from hotels, for which usage it’s absolutely perfect. I can also see the line out getting some heavy use. Really excellent and flexible little unit and I can’t imagine getting anything better for the money.

Fortunately, the nano iDSD BL quickly proves that it has brains to match its brawn. It displays a light, balanced touch with the likes of the rich gospel chorus of ‘Somebody To Love’
by Queen [A Day At The Races – 2011 Remaster; Universal 276441 6]. The opening burst of harmonies rang out with good clarity, pulling out all the details in the densely-layered vocals to
impressive effect. The nano iDSD BL also does a good job of capturing the warmth of vocals, especially on deeper harmonies, which, in this instance, emphasised Brian May’s folk-singer tones in contrast with the stratospherically high voices of Freddie Mercury and Roger Taylor.

The nano iDSD BL is a knock-out product that deserves a space in your stable of iFi gear and accessories. If you care about sound quality enough to purchase good headphones and run dedicated media player software (like Aiudirvana Plus, Roon, Amarra, or TIDAL desktop), you owe it to yourself to buy a dedicated DAC/Amp, and the nano iDSD BL is a great place to start.

Absolutely the best portable DAC – w/ MQA! Listened to this vs Dragonfly Black 1.5, Red, Ifi micro iDSD Black label, ifi iDSD nano Black, Meridian – hands down winner the Ifi nano iDSD back Label.

So how big of a difference is MQA on a great DAC? Here’s my story; I had been critical listening for about 2 days with the micro swapping between the Hifiman X, 800, & Clear with several HIRES Flacs. Then I swapped with the Dragonfly Red / Black and listened on Tidal master – Great music the MQA unfolding was good. Critical listening for a few hours. The next day I dropped in the Ifi iDSD Nano BL …. OMG – Seriously. OMG.. that has got to be the most incredible audio experience I’ve had in a while.. Chills .. goose bumps. Yeah the unfolding was fantastic better – sounded like the artists were sitting in your living room playing. That was awesome.