g3act

I also experience hiss with 44.1 and 48khz music when using the Bitperfect filter. Disappears with higher sample rates. I use the minimum phase filter with the red book stuff, bit perfect with HiRes. I listen to classical mainly, so it is very noticeable during quiet passages. Hope iFi can work out a fix, but think it is just a symptom of a NOS approach. Wasn't that the reason over sampling was introduced back in the day? To combat the issue of noise?

Ermm, you're asking the wrong person really. I'm afraid I cannot reliably tell the difference between the standard Redbook and Hi Res versions of tracks I have bought. I am also aware of how Expectation Bias plays a massive part in comparing things like this. I personally think the mastering of Hi Res is probably better (emphasis on high DR) and therefore responsible for the better perceived quality. Having said that, I'm keeping an open mind, but lets say I have yet to be convinced of the whole Hi Res thing. Also, I haven't listened to any Hi Res via iPad and Qobuz as I subscribe to their streaming service which is normal Redbook AFAIK. I am 100% happy listening to Redbook as 99.9% of my music is in this format and I agree with Chris C; Real music, not Scottish Nose Whistle!

This is by far the best £400 I have spent in HiFi to date. The fact that I can listen to excellent quality sound on an aeroplane/hotel room/by the pool on holiday makes it worth the money alone, never mind the fact that it is better than the DAC/Pre amp in my lounge. An audition is a must if you are in the market for a new DAC.

I received one of these yesterday. It's a bit early to say yet as it has still to burn in, but initial impressions are...well...incredible. I previously had been using the headphone output on my M1 SDAC which I thought was good, but the Micro iDSD blows it away. It has this amazing ability to sound detailed, but also warm and non fatiguing at the same time. My Beyerdynamic T90 headphones are pretty bright, but seem a perfectly balanced match for the iDSD. The XBass and 3D Holographic, whilst sounding a bit like something Sony might put on a £39 Walkman, are absolutely brilliant. Well conceived and judiciously applied. Currently listening to Qobuz on my iPad via a Camera Connection Kit and one of the many supplied leads. Stunning hifi that you can take anywhere. Genius. You know that feeling you get when there are a million other things you know you should be doing, but you just can't bring yourself to press stop..... That's me tonight. Sod painting skirting boards...

Damien, Hope the development work is going well. I imagine it is something of a massive undertaking designing a piece of software on ones own. If it is possible, would there be any way to integrate your software with the Qobuz app, in the same way you do with iTunes? I have recently subscribed to their UK streaming service and am enjoying it immensely, but it needs that Audirvana magic. No need to reply, just something to consider.

The interface design looks bloody fantastic. Clean, well laid out and elegant. I cannot wait to get my hands on a copy. Finally!!!!... no more iTunes!!!!!

At the end of the day, if you don't notice a difference, don't buy it. Trust your ears, nothing else. Personally, I can tell straight away if the output is from iTunes or Audirvana. The difference for me is akin to the difference between compressed and uncompressed music. It is set to Direct mode and Integer mode FWIW Strangely, I cannot tell any difference between Amarra and iTunes, which is 4 or 5 times more expensive... go figure As for how the Audio Units work, I suggest a quick internet search should get you the info you need.

Hi Krzysztof I tried using the Apple GEQ plugin to tame some bright headphones, but it did seem to impact on the quality for me. I also had some breaking up and clipping. I suppose the perceived lack of detail and soundstage could have been caused by damping the treble, but the other factors were too degrading to the overall sound for me to persevere with it As an alternative there is a free Graphic Equalizer AU plugin that for me was much better - Voxengo Marvel GEQ Ben

That sounds like a plan. As the output from the M1SDAC is volume controlled, I could output that at full volume to the WA3, then back out to the M1PWR via the WA3's pre amp output and get all that lovely valve smoothness through my speakers as a bonus!! Otherwise I know I would keep blowing my speakers when I forget to turn the volume down after a headphone session. Now I'd better start saving....

I wasn't aware that would work to be honest. I think I am going to give the headphones/brain some more time to run in before I start changing anything. Every time I put them on the sound signature seems to become more and more balanced. The shrill treble seems to have calmed down and the bass is louder. Things can only get better!! Thanks for your help!

Hi punit. Thanks for the info! You are right, I am driving the headphones with the M1SDAC. I have thought about getting a dedicated headphone amp, and the Bottlehead Crack looks brilliant. I have always fancied a bit of a DIY project. The only problem is that the M1SDAC only has one RCA output on it, and no Tape Loop, so I would have to disconnect the power amp and plug it into the Bottlehead crack everytime I wanted to use the Headphones if I bought this amp I see the Woo Audio WA3 has an optional Pre Amp output that I could connect into the power amp. That is about £400 delivered which is more than I wanted to spend. I suppose I could also introduce another DAC from the SPDIF output on the M1SDAC? Again this would be expensive. The T90's are becoming less shrill with use, but still a bit bright for me. It may well just take a while for my brain to adjust to the new sonic signature. I am going to try a demo version of Amarra to see if that helps as it is supposed to be a bit of a warmer sound. I gave up with the EQ on Audirvana as it ruined the sound quality, and kept introducing distortion, even with a third party EQ. Any thoughts?

Hello everyone Received delivery of these yesterday and have been listening to them pretty much non stop since. Would like to compare my initial observations to any other T90 owning forum members 1/ Extremely bright - I own some HD580 which are known for being a dark headphone, but the difference is quite astonishing. The T90's are very detailed and the treble seems boosted to an unnatural level. This can be fatiguing after not very long. 2/ Lacking in Bass - Again, compared to the HD580's the bass is insipid. It is much tighter and punchier however, but very quiet in the overall mix. 3/ Due to their highly detailed revealing nature I can now hear very high pitched squealing noises from the USB input ( electrical noise from the computer ). This can be minimised by stopping all unnecessary processes and using Audirvana optimisations, but it is still present. 4/ I am having to use the Graphic Equaliser Audio Unit Plugin on Audirvana to boost the bass and tame the treble. Didn't want to have to do this as it seems to me to go against the whole ethos of getting as true to the original recording as possible Basically, I am after some advice. Will burning in these things help? What is the opinion of using an EQ in Audirvana? ( Will I be shunned from the forum!! ) How can I get rid of the electrical noise? Do I need a USB to SPDIF converter? Any help much appreciated Ben

Just bought my first downloads from Linn Records Studio Master series. Absolutely stunning sound quality. Mahler Symphony No 2 - Benjamin Zander / Philharmonia Orchestra - 24/192 Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique - Robin Ticciati - Scottish Chamber Orchestra - 24/192 The Vivaldi Opus 8 ( Avison Ensemble ) and the Brandenburg Concertos ( Dunedin Consort ) are the next purchases planned....

Good shout. Just listening to now. Brilliant SQ. Very good indeed

If you like it, you like it. Who says you shouldn't like it? I absolutely love this record! Play it loud, and enjoy! At the end of the day, the equipment is a means to an end... for you enjoy your music. If it makes you feel good, and puts a smile on your face, it doesn't matter who wrote it, what they look like, or what they stand for...