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iFi micro iDSD Black Label vs iFi nano iDSD Black Label

Product Comparison: iFi micro iDSD Black Label vs iFi nano iDSD Black Label

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Best Pick

iFi micro iDSD Black Label DAC/Headphone Amplifier/Preamp with MQA and DSD

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iFi nano iDSD Black Label Portable USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier with MQA and DSD

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General Specifications

Brand

iFi

Model

micro iDSD Black Label

nano iDSD Black Label

Origin

China

About the Product

The micro Black Label is our transportable DAC and Amp. It is awesome at home on a desktop or in a setup as a pre-amp, but it’s even cooler when you’re out and about. And with up to twelve hours of battery life.

The nano Black Label is an award winning, portable, and lightweight DAC and Amplifier. It is designed to be used with headphones and digital audio sources such as smartphones, Digital Audio Players (DAPs), as well as stationary audio systems like computers.

Key Specs

Built-in DAC

Burr Brown DSD1793

PCM1793

Type

Desktop

Portable

Sample Resolution/Rate

24-bit / 192kHz

32-bit / 384kHz

Signal/Noise Ratio

115 dB

82 dB

iFi micro iDSD Black Label

iFi nano iDSD Black Label

What customers say about "Key Specs"

iFi micro iDSD Black Label DAC/Headphone Amplifier/Preamp with MQA and DSD

The audio quality improvement of this DAC was easily noticeable.
Most DAC's don't make a significant difference in the sound quality except for power needs. This is one of the exceptions. I am almost certain you won't have buyers remorse with this DAC.
This DAC is one magical piece of gear that can make any headphone shine in my experience.
This is a beast of a USB DAC/Amp! Great. Detailed sound and a ludicrous amount of power!
The problem is occasional static noise coming through. Installed the latest driver and firmware as instructed by the iFi website but no go.

iFi nano iDSD Black Label Portable USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier with MQA and DSD

For the price it really woke up my system - sounded excellent.
They are very clean sounding, with little to no emphasis on the bass.
The bass sounds punchy and VERY controlled, and it does not interfere with the other voices of the sound.
It's a compact DAC/AMP combo that delivers clear, high-quality sound.
That was bad enough but the sound itself was uninspiring. Very detailed and fast but no punch, slam, or groove.

Size & Weight

Color

Black

Height

1.1 in.

1 in.

Width

6.97 in.

3.78 in.

Depth

2.64 in.

2.51 in.

Weight

10.93 oz.

4.9 oz.

iFi micro iDSD Black Label

iFi nano iDSD Black Label

iFi micro iDSD Black Label

iFi nano iDSD Black Label

iFi micro iDSD Black Label

iFi nano iDSD Black Label

iFi micro iDSD Black Label

iFi nano iDSD Black Label

What customers say about "Size & Weight"

iFi micro iDSD Black Label DAC/Headphone Amplifier/Preamp with MQA and DSD

This little black box is the best thing i've ever bought.
The DAC of the Black Label is stunningly better quality than what is in the comparison unit. Also its very light and tiny.
This little unit is so packed with excellence, I think it is incredible value.
Device feels super solid and heavy, and comes with all the bell and whistles you can think of.
Pretty much the best audio technology for its size in existence. Just buy it!

iFi nano iDSD Black Label Portable USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier with MQA and DSD

The size is right and the burr brown chip sounds very good. Its a keeper.
It's small, unobtrusive, and well-built, with a very smooth volume control.
The nano is small enough to combine with a high resolution app on your phone and good headphones to make a formidable portable music player.
This is a great small dac/headphone amp. Definitely drives my on ear cans effortlessly.
The form factor is nice and small. I would use these with lower impedance headphones for best results.

Features

Enclosure Material

Aluminium

Max. Frequency Response

90 kHz

20 kHz

Min. Frequency Response

10 Hz

20 Hz

Controls

XBass II Modes, 3D Matrix Plus, Volume Control, Polarity, Digital Filter, Line Direct/Preamplifier Mode, Power mode, iEMatch switch

Digital Filter, Power / Volume

OS Compatibility

Microsoft Windows, Linux, Apple OS, Apple iOS, Android

Apple OS, Microsoft Windows, Linux, Apple iOS, Android

Wireless Connection

Interfaces

Coaxial / Optical, Analog Stereo RCA, USB, 6.3mm jack, Line In

USB, Line Out, 2x Phones

Extras

Battery life of up to 12 hours, IEMs stands for In-Ear Monitors, Hi-Res True Native playback, Digital eXtreme Definition Audio

LED Indicators, Easy to use, Burr-Brown True Native chipset, High-Resolution Audio, Portable Design

Min. Frequency Response
Max. Frequency Response

iFi micro iDSD Black Label

iFi nano iDSD Black Label

iFi micro iDSD Black Label

iFi nano iDSD Black Label

What customers say about "Features"

iFi micro iDSD Black Label DAC/Headphone Amplifier/Preamp with MQA and DSD

There is great vocal clarity, separation of instruments, and very very good low end separation.
Sound and Power Rivals Higher End Desktops with "Magical" Bass Boost & 3D.
The iFi has an organic "XBass" boost which sounds totally natural but just makes the music a bit more full on those headphones/songs that can use it.
The iDSD has a dozen switches to customize your sound presentation or type of usage.
The XBass and 3D in Headphone mode are miss. Depends a lot on the track playing. Also polarity reversal did nothing for me.

iFi nano iDSD Black Label Portable USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier with MQA and DSD

This device is LOUD! This was one of the main features that attracted to me to the device in the first place.
Highs this ifi nano is just so good and iematch is a killer feature no hiss from my iem.
It has a delightful fluid feel and weight. This one feature really makes the device feel deluxe.
Portability is great, the battery is great.
Sound quality is subjective but to me it is mediocre compared to he feature rich competitors.

Warranty / Certifications

Manufacturer Warranty

1 year(s)

Certifications

CE, FCC