iFi Audio - iDSD Diablo
Portable DAC & AmplifierUnfortunately, even if we desire to, we won't be able to resurrect this product. The Museum is where we pay our respects to end-of-life, old, archived, but not forgotten products. This page was made with a lot of love and will live on for posterity. What to say, we're sentimental people. 😔
While this product is gone forever, here are others we recommend
Designed in the
UK
Ideal for Audiophiles
Best Suited for Portable Use
4.4mm Balanced
Output
DAC Chip
You may not even realise it, but most of us use a digital-to-analogue converter (commonly known as a DAC) daily. Built into your computers, tablets and smartphones, a DAC is fundamental to unlocking the convenience of digital music. Any device that acts as a digital sound source will need a DAC to convert digital audio to analog. A DAC converts the digital information stored in “0s and 1s” into an analog signal that's passed to speakers or headphones and ultimately our ear. In short, DACs play a large part in making digital music hearable.
While this technical process is undoubtedly impressive, the DAC embedded into your smartphones or laptops is nowhere good enough to listen to your favourite music recordings in high quality. So, if you want to listen to music in high quality, an external DAC is essential to allow headphones or speakers to perform at their potential. An external DAC, first and foremost, will improve audio quality dramatically.
Metal
Build
Pair with Laptop via USB
A majority of people use a laptop as the primary source device to listen to music or watch movies. Since the laptop is an essential part of the audio chain there are headphones and devices designed to work a laptop or computer system flawlessly. With the availability of USB connectivity, it becomes easier to pair various devices like an Amp, DAC or even headphones without worrying about drivers or any additional piece of software.
Connect With
USB 3.0 & S-PDIF
Upto 4980mW @ 32 Ω
Power Output
Volume Controls
DESCRIPTION
DESIGNED FOR NOTHING ELSE BUT SHEER SONIC EXCELLENCE
iDSD Diablo sports an all-new sleek design with stunning red finish. Leading iFi Audio's range of portable DAC/Amps, iDSD Diablo is designed for audio purists who are devoted to pure and unadulterated sonic output.
ENGINEERED TO 'BIT-PERFECTION' FOR HI-END PERFORMANCE
Featuring two Burr-Brown DAC chips and the new 16-core XMOS chip to ensure that the data received from USB and S/PDIF digital inputs are processed accurately. iDSD Diablo can easily manage up to PCM 768, DSD 512, 2xDXD making it a 'bit-perfect' portable amp. What's more? iDSD Diablo can seamlessly decode MQA and now that MQA is available over S/PDIF, you can make the best of any MQA CDs you own.
WITH UNIQUE ANALOGUE CIRCUIT, PUREWAVE AND OPTIMALOOP TECHNOLOGY
Empowered with balanced, differential analogue circuit design, iDSD Diablo minimizes noise and cross-talks inside the signal path by dividing right and left channels. To add to this, iDSD Diablo comes with PureWave technology. This technology offers refinements to existing balanced and symmetrical dual mono technology by adding quick, direct signal paths. Leaving the traditional negative feedback, Diablo features all-new OptimaLoop to correct negatives to positives.
OFFERING ENGAGING DYNAMICS, EXTRAORDINARY POWER AND ENERGY TO DRIVE HEADPHONES
iDSD Diablo conveniently delivers up to 5000mW of immense power along with propulsive energy and engaging dynamics. This is backed by the ability to add fine texture and detail. You can fine-tune the power and gain to suit your daily music listening experience. There are 3 modes:
1. Turbo - Delivering more power to power-hungry headphones
2. Normal - Ideal for over and on-ear headphones
3. Eco - Optimizes power to suit sensitive in-ear monitors.
POWER THAT IS NOT ONLY STRONG BUT ALSO CLEAN AND STABLE
Get rid of mains electricity issues like the dips, spikes and noise-inducing RFI/EMI pollution with a battery power which is clean and offers stable DC current. The issues of low output voltage and disparity in output impedance are managed by iDSD Diablo’s design. Diablo features a step-up converter running at 1.2MHz which empowers it to offer high linearity and ultra-low noise.
IFI'S VERY OWN FORMULA 1 WITH CRUCIAL COMPONENTS FOR UNRIVALED PERFORMANCE
The mix of a high-bandwidth power supply circuit and independent linear regulation offers exceptional PSRR (Power Supply Rejection Ratio) performance. The headphone amp stage has Panasonic OS-CON capacitors that provide 2320uF between the capacitors and IC regulators. The ultra-low-noise regulator along with passive filtering reduces harmonic distortion and jitter. Not just that, the dedicated regulation and multi-stage filtering help USB input stage, while the microprocessor control circuitry has its unique regulation.
A HOST OF CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS WITH THE IDSD DIABLO
For headphones with balanced connection, you can use a 4.4mm Pentaconn output which is available at the font, next to a standard 6.3mm single-ended headphone socket. The backside you get USB-A and a S/PDIF socket for electrical signals using 3.5 connector and optical signals using a supplied adapter. For enhanced mechanical integrity the USB-A input comes with a 'male' connector. You also get a dedicated USB-C charging port and a 4.4mm Pentaconn balanced output which you can use to connect an external amp.
ELEVATE YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH A RANGE OF ACCESSORIES
To add more value, iFi offers a range of accessories along and a luxurious travel case with iDSD Diablo. You get a noise-cancelling Power adapter for optimised sound clarity, 4.4 mm, Pentaconn to twin XLR balanced interconnect cable so that you can connect an amp or speakers to iDSD Diablo. Moreover, you also get a short (15cm) USB-C to USB-A audio cable, an extension cable, USB-C charging cable along with an adapter so that you can connect headphones with a 3.5mm jack to the 6.3mm single-ended output.
SPECS
| DIGITAL INPUTS | USB 3.0 type 'A' (USB2.0 compatible) S-PDIF (3.5 mm coaxial/optical) |
| FORMATS SUPPORTED | DSD512/256/128/64 Octa/Quad/Double/Single-Speed DSD DXD (768/705.6/384/352.8kHz) Double/Single-Speed DXD PCM (768/705.6/384/352.8/192/176.4/ 96/88.2/48/44.1 kHz) MQA |
| FREQUENCY RESPONSE | 10 Hz-80kHz(-3dB) |
| SNR | Balanced : -120 dB S-E : -114 dB |
| DYNAMIC RANGE | Balanced : 120 dB S-E : 114 dB |
| THD + N | Balanced : 0.002% S-E : 0.001% |
| HEADPHONE MAX OUTPUT | Balanced : >19.2V/611 mW (@ 600 Ohnn) >12.6V/4,980 mW (@ 32 Ohm) S-E : >9.6V/153 mW (@ 600 Ohm) >8.8V/2,417 mW (@ 32 Ohm) |
| FIXED AUDIO OUTPUT | Balanced 4.4 mm |
| POWER CONSUMPTION | Turbo : 12W Normal : 5W Eco : 2W |
| BATTERY | Lithium-polymer 4800nnAh |
| POWER SYSTEM | Charging via USB-C (iFi iPower included) BC V1.2 compliant up to 1900nnA charging current |
| DIMENSION | 166 x 72 x 25 mm 6.5" x 2.8"x 1.0" |
| WEIGHT | 330g (0.73 lbs) |
| BOX CONTENTS |
1. iFi Audio iDSD Diablo
|
| 2. 5V Power Adapter | |
| *Power adapter will be shipped separately. | |
| 3. 4.4mm to Twin XLR cable | |
| 4. USB-Type A to Type-C cable | |
| 5. 5.5* 2.1 female to Type-C power cable | |
| 6. USB3.0 cable | |
| 7. 3.5 mm to 6.35 mm adapter | |
| 8. Square to round fibre conversion head | |
| 9. iTraveller carry case |
DESIGNED FOR NOTHING ELSE BUT SHEER SONIC EXCELLENCE
iDSD Diablo sports an all-new sleek design with stunning red finish. Leading iFi Audio's range of portable DAC/Amps, iDSD Diablo is designed for audio purists who are devoted to pure and unadulterated sonic output.
ENGINEERED TO 'BIT-PERFECTION' FOR HI-END PERFORMANCE
Featuring two Burr-Brown DAC chips and the new 16-core XMOS chip to ensure that the data received from USB and S/PDIF digital inputs are processed accurately. iDSD Diablo can easily manage up to PCM 768, DSD 512, 2xDXD making it a 'bit-perfect' portable amp. What's more? iDSD Diablo can seamlessly decode MQA and now that MQA is available over S/PDIF, you can make the best of any MQA CDs you own.
WITH UNIQUE ANALOGUE CIRCUIT, PUREWAVE AND OPTIMALOOP TECHNOLOGY
Empowered with balanced, differential analogue circuit design, iDSD Diablo minimizes noise and cross-talks inside the signal path by dividing right and left channels. To add to this, iDSD Diablo comes with PureWave technology. This technology offers refinements to existing balanced and symmetrical dual mono technology by adding quick, direct signal paths. Leaving the traditional negative feedback, Diablo features all-new OptimaLoop to correct negatives to positives.
OFFERING ENGAGING DYNAMICS, EXTRAORDINARY POWER AND ENERGY TO DRIVE HEADPHONES
iDSD Diablo conveniently delivers up to 5000mW of immense power along with propulsive energy and engaging dynamics. This is backed by the ability to add fine texture and detail. You can fine-tune the power and gain to suit your daily music listening experience. There are 3 modes:
1. Turbo - Delivering more power to power-hungry headphones
2. Normal - Ideal for over and on-ear headphones
3. Eco - Optimizes power to suit sensitive in-ear monitors.
POWER THAT IS NOT ONLY STRONG BUT ALSO CLEAN AND STABLE
Get rid of mains electricity issues like the dips, spikes and noise-inducing RFI/EMI pollution with a battery power which is clean and offers stable DC current. The issues of low output voltage and disparity in output impedance are managed by iDSD Diablo’s design. Diablo features a step-up converter running at 1.2MHz which empowers it to offer high linearity and ultra-low noise.
IFI'S VERY OWN FORMULA 1 WITH CRUCIAL COMPONENTS FOR UNRIVALED PERFORMANCE
The mix of a high-bandwidth power supply circuit and independent linear regulation offers exceptional PSRR (Power Supply Rejection Ratio) performance. The headphone amp stage has Panasonic OS-CON capacitors that provide 2320uF between the capacitors and IC regulators. The ultra-low-noise regulator along with passive filtering reduces harmonic distortion and jitter. Not just that, the dedicated regulation and multi-stage filtering help USB input stage, while the microprocessor control circuitry has its unique regulation.
A HOST OF CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS WITH THE IDSD DIABLO
For headphones with balanced connection, you can use a 4.4mm Pentaconn output which is available at the font, next to a standard 6.3mm single-ended headphone socket. The backside you get USB-A and a S/PDIF socket for electrical signals using 3.5 connector and optical signals using a supplied adapter. For enhanced mechanical integrity the USB-A input comes with a 'male' connector. You also get a dedicated USB-C charging port and a 4.4mm Pentaconn balanced output which you can use to connect an external amp.
ELEVATE YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH A RANGE OF ACCESSORIES
To add more value, iFi offers a range of accessories along and a luxurious travel case with iDSD Diablo. You get a noise-cancelling Power adapter for optimised sound clarity, 4.4 mm, Pentaconn to twin XLR balanced interconnect cable so that you can connect an amp or speakers to iDSD Diablo. Moreover, you also get a short (15cm) USB-C to USB-A audio cable, an extension cable, USB-C charging cable along with an adapter so that you can connect headphones with a 3.5mm jack to the 6.3mm single-ended output.
| DIGITAL INPUTS | USB 3.0 type 'A' (USB2.0 compatible) S-PDIF (3.5 mm coaxial/optical) |
| FORMATS SUPPORTED | DSD512/256/128/64 Octa/Quad/Double/Single-Speed DSD DXD (768/705.6/384/352.8kHz) Double/Single-Speed DXD PCM (768/705.6/384/352.8/192/176.4/ 96/88.2/48/44.1 kHz) MQA |
| FREQUENCY RESPONSE | 10 Hz-80kHz(-3dB) |
| SNR | Balanced : -120 dB S-E : -114 dB |
| DYNAMIC RANGE | Balanced : 120 dB S-E : 114 dB |
| THD + N | Balanced : 0.002% S-E : 0.001% |
| HEADPHONE MAX OUTPUT | Balanced : >19.2V/611 mW (@ 600 Ohnn) >12.6V/4,980 mW (@ 32 Ohm) S-E : >9.6V/153 mW (@ 600 Ohm) >8.8V/2,417 mW (@ 32 Ohm) |
| FIXED AUDIO OUTPUT | Balanced 4.4 mm |
| POWER CONSUMPTION | Turbo : 12W Normal : 5W Eco : 2W |
| BATTERY | Lithium-polymer 4800nnAh |
| POWER SYSTEM | Charging via USB-C (iFi iPower included) BC V1.2 compliant up to 1900nnA charging current |
| DIMENSION | 166 x 72 x 25 mm 6.5" x 2.8"x 1.0" |
| WEIGHT | 330g (0.73 lbs) |
| BOX CONTENTS |
1. iFi Audio iDSD Diablo
|
| 2. 5V Power Adapter | |
| *Power adapter will be shipped separately. | |
| 3. 4.4mm to Twin XLR cable | |
| 4. USB-Type A to Type-C cable | |
| 5. 5.5* 2.1 female to Type-C power cable | |
| 6. USB3.0 cable | |
| 7. 3.5 mm to 6.35 mm adapter | |
| 8. Square to round fibre conversion head | |
| 9. iTraveller carry case |
Don't sweat it, this
iFi Audio - iDSD Diablo comes with a 1 Year warranty
from iFi Audio that covers manufacturing defects.
All products featured on Headphone Zone are backed by an original manufacturer's warranty.
Read more about iFi Audio's warranty in India.
"The Diablo also includes an unusual output cable, a 4.4mm Pentaconn to dual 3-pin XLR to support balanced analog audio output.It’s worth noting that the Diablo has no analog inputs nor single-ended output."
Read More
"In terms of sonic performance, I found the Sig to be very similar to its predecessor, with slight refinements. In terms of tonal balance, it is mostly the same, neutral verging on slightly warm."
Read More
"This is definitely a great amp for travel. Measuring only 10” long and 6.5” wide, it’s small enough to even fit in some deep pants pockets. And it doesn't even weigh a full pound. "
Read More
"The JBL Quantum 800's stability is just adequate. They're not meant for intense physical activity and they won't stay on your head if you're moving a lot."
Read More
"The Diablo is not a replacement for the other devices in the micro iDSD line-up: in fact it offers quite fewer options in terms of output power, filters,only allowing you to select gain."
Read More
"It’s a musical interval composed of 3 semitones which during the history of music has been used many times in many songs & in different forms/genres, not just in Rock music but in Classical & Jazz as well."
Read More
"iFi promises the iDSD Diablo will drive all manner of headphones with ease, from highly sensitive in-ear monitors to current-hungry planar headphones, delivering power up to 5000mW."
Read More
"The iFi iDSD Diablo delivers an upgrade to your digital audio experience that’s way bigger and even less discreet than the product itself. Thrillingly direct, informative and musical sound."
Read MoreHave a question? Get in touch!
Check out the most common questions our customers ask. Still have questions? Talk to our Headphone Gurus.
What is the warranty period on the iFi Audio iDSD Diablo?
Does the iFi Audio iDSD Diablo support MQA?
What is the XBass feature?
Can the iFi Audio iDSD Diablo drive my 150Ω headphone?
Which DAC Chip does the iFi Audio iDSD Diablo come with?