iFi Audio iFi Nano iDSDFrom real comments

Name: iFi Audio iFi Nano iDSD
Rating: 4 (4 reviews)

Verdict distilled from 4 mentions across 4 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment75%

PROS 75%

CONS 25%

Rank based on 4 mentions across 4 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

You want a portable DAC/amp to use with a phone, iPod, or Android device on the go
You plan to pair it with HE4XX-style headphones and want a simple OTG-cable setup
You want solid sound quality even when running it off a basic non-high-end setup

What users love

Strong sound quality0 mentions

Strongly positive

Good HE4XX pairing and portability0 mentions

Widely praised

Works with varied mobile devices0 mentions

Widely praised

What users complain about

Limited power output for demanding headphones0 mentions

Generally negative

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iFi Audio iFi Nano iDSD

Good HE4XX pairing and portabilityStrong sound qualityWorks with varied mobile devicesLimited power output for demanding headphones

iFi Audio iFi Nano iDSD

Good HE4XX pairing and portability

Strong sound quality

Works with varied mobile devices

Limited power output for demanding headphones

Expensive
1. SMSL VMV D2arrow_downward2
2. iFi iCANarrow_downward3
3. SMSL H400arrow_downward3
Powerful
1. SMSL H400arrow_upward2
2. SMSL VMV SAP1arrow_upward2
Build quality
1. HiFiMan Goldenwave GA10arrow_upward1
2. Monoprice Monolith THX AAA 887arrow_upward1
Reliable
1. SMSL H400arrow_upward1
2. SMSL VMV SAP1arrow_upward1
Sound quality
1. Creative Sound Blaster E3arrow_upward1
2. iFi Audio iFi Nano iDSDarrow_upward1

Overall Impression

The iFi Nano iDSD is a portable DAC/amp frequently discussed alongside the Sennheiser HE4XX. One user reports it sounds amazing even on a non-high-end motherboard setup. Another plans to pair it with the HE4XX using just an OTG cable, valuing its portability for both home use and occasional commuting. It has a rated output of around 285mW, prompting questions about whether it can fully drive power-hungry planars like the HE4XX, which reportedly want closer to 1W. Users also ask about driving Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80-ohm headphones from older Macs, and about the highest-impedance headphone tested. One buyer ordered it specifically for use with an iPod and Android phone, suggesting broad device compatibility.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?

graphic_eqStrong sound quality

1 mentions

Strongly positive

One user found the Nano sounded amazing even when connected via a non-high-end motherboard, suggesting it noticeably upgrades audio quality over onboard sound. This positive experience came without any special setup beyond the DAC itself.

@nataflet

All high-end motherboards use the same Realtek ALC1150 and yes, Asus SupremeFX is the same realtek.\nAlso there is no motherboard that shields USB from RF or ground interference, they shield only the internal sound card which is already crap. I heard that PCI-EX to USB extension cards, USB Hub (splitter) that needs power outlest or a Linear PSU which has galvanic separation but this one is expensive to produce, also many USB filters, some Schuko outlets with galvanic isolation.\nI got the Nano on a non high end motherboard and it sounds amazing.

smart_display

September 25, 2016

headphonesGood HE4XX pairing and portability

1 mentions

Widely praised

A commenter considered the Nano Black Label an excellent, low-cost pairing for the HE4XX, needing only an OTG cable to use it for both home listening and occasional commuting. This suggests strong value for portable headphone use.

@barnabascsongradi9004

I like your videos. Not just trying to sell everything. For example Q5; IMO Fiio couldnt determine the aim of that project, therefore it is not the best option for the majority of the people, but almost every other reviewer recommends it for general use. I find your reviews more credible.\nWhich system do You recommend for me the most?\nI want as much portability as walking around in the house and occasional commuting. Mostly home use with HE4XX. I dont care about wireless transfer. Maybe care about Hiby link for convenience. \nMy phone plus Nano BL or M3s? Maybe something else? Does M3s plus B1S system worth the extra money? I might buy M3s now and later upgrade with a portable amp. On the other hand the Nano BL to be very good pairing with HE4XX and would need to spend nothing but a specific OTG cable.

smart_display

May 16, 2018

smartphoneWorks with varied mobile devices

1 mentions

Widely praised

One buyer ordered the Nano iDSD specifically to use with an iPod and an Android device, indicating it is seen as a flexible portable solution across different mobile platforms.

@MazeAries1978

Loved your review! I just have ordered one to be used with ipod and Android

smart_display

July 26, 2016

battery_alertLimited power output for demanding headphones

1 mentions

Generally negative

With a rated output of only 285mW, a commenter questioned whether the Nano can satisfactorily drive the HE4XX, which they understood to want closer to 1W of power, raising doubts about headroom for power-hungry planar headphones.

@elm-neo

Hi, I saw both this and the HE4XX videos. Good work. So, what do you think of the performance of Nano with HE4XX? Do you think it can satisfactorily replace a desktop amp for HE4XX? I read on Reddit that HE4XX will optimally need about 1W power. As this has only 285mW, do you think it can draw out the true potential of HE4XX?

smart_display

May 8, 2018

iFi Audio iFi Nano iDSDchat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

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What users lovefavorite_border

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Who wins on what

Expensive

Powerful

Build quality

Reliable

Sound quality

auto_awesomeOverall Impression

iFi Audio iFi Nano iDSDFrom real comments

Buy this if...

What users love

What users complain about

Overall Impression