INTRODUCTION

    I hate to admit it, but it seems that I was more into audio while I was growing up compared to today. Especially in regard to portable audio I remember getting one of the first SONY Walkman cassette players followed by one of the first Philips Activ CD Discman models (ACT7582, still have it somewhere) and of course later on not one but two of the next generation SONY MiniDisc players (MZ-R501 and MZ-RH10, the former still works). Back then I was so much into portable music players that I also got one of the latest SONY Discmans ever made when I visited Japan back in 2006 (D-NE830 which unfortunately fell down the stairs and broke shortly after). Yes, back then most of us didn't really pay much attention to what headphones/earphones we were using (usually just used what was in the bundle) but I personally spend quite a bit on portable music players. The latest iDSD Diablo 2 by iFi audio might not be one such music player but rather a high-end portable DAC and headphone amplifier but in my eyes it's even more impressive.

    iFi audio is a UK based manufacturer of desktop and portable high-end audio equipment. Innovative high-end audio should be available to everyone, everywhere, so iFi uses the latest technology, materials and consumer feedback to provide an audiophile quality listening experience at an affordable price. You listen to music, we listen to you.

    As its name clearly states the brand new iDSD Diablo 2 by iFi audio is the successor to their highly successful Diablo-X portable DAC and headphone amplifier and well, this means it needs to surpass an already great model. So, under the aluminum hood of the Diablo 2 we find a 16-core XMOS processor, dual-core Treu Native Burr-Brown DAC chipset, Qualcomm QCC518x Bluetooth v5.4 audio chip, 4800mAh lithium-polymer rechargeable battery pack, custom OV series operational amplifiers, Texas Instruments low-noise ICs, Panasonic OS-CON ESR capacitors (5410uF), Vishay MELF resistors and numerous capacitors (C0G Class 1 Ceramic by TDK and multi-layer ESR ones by Murata). Thanks to the dual-core Burr Brown DAC the iDSD Diablo 2 supports full MQA, DXD or Bit-Perfect DSD decoding up to 768kHz (DSD512 also supported) and as for the Qualcomm QCC518x Bluetooth v5.4 audio chip this gives the Diablo 2 support for aptX Lossless (1200kbps), aptX Adaptive (420kbps), aptX (352kbps), LDAC (990kbps), LHDC/HWA (900kbps), AAC (264kbps) and SBC (345Kbps) audio codecs. It also comes ready with numerous connectors such as a 6.3mm single-ended headphone jack, 4.4mm balanced output, 4.4mm balanced input/output, 3.5mm S/PDIF/coaxial port and 2 USB-C ports (charging/data). Needless to say, iFi audio has packed the iDSD Diablo 2 with numerous technologies including PureWave (elevates clarity by separating channels and reducing noise), OptimaLoop (refines gain control and reduces distortion), Servoless DirectDrive (produces purer audio), xMEMS (enhanced performance for compatible IEMs and headphones), NOS mode (maximum output of 19.2V / 5,180mW) and iEMatch (eliminates background noise and increases usable volume range). Last but not least iFi audio ships the iDSD Diablo 2 with quite a few goodies including 4 wings which you can use to position it either horizontally or vertically (desktop use) and an iPower 2 power supply which utilizes Active Noise Cancellation II technology to deliver ultra-clean power.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

iFi audio ships the Diablo 2 inside a white box the front of which is typically taken by a large product picture, their logo and some of its main product features.

Listed at the base of the box are most of the product features.

The product features, specifications and the contents of the bundle are all printed at the rear.

Opening the box, we see that the iDSD Diablo 2 is placed inside a thick piece of foam.

Along with the iDSD Diablo 2 inside the box you'll also find an iTraveller storage/carrying case, iPower 2 power supply, two USB-C cables (short and braided, long and regular), USB-C to lightning braided cable (short), USB-A to USB-C adapter, 3.5mm / 6.3mm adapter, 3.5mm Toslink optical adapter, two iFi audio stickers, after sales paper, warranty information paper and a quick setup paper/illustration.

THE IDSD DIABLO 2

The iTraveller storage/carrying case is made out of fabric (soft) and has enough room for both the iDSD Diablo 2, its wings and every cable in the bundle.

The 455g heavy aluminum enclosure of the new iDSD Diablo 2 with its 22 teeth/rails measures 166mm in length, 85mm in width and just 9mm in height.

For size comparison purposes i placed the iDSD Diablo 2 right next to the hip dac 3.

At the front of the Diablo 2 we find the volume rocker, 6.3mm single-ended headphone jack, 4.4mm balanced output, xMEMS switch, gain mode switch (Nitro, Turbo, Normal), connectivity/audio format LED and a brand new and quite useful volume lock switch.

Moving at the rear here we find the Bluetooth v5.4 button, 4.4mm balanced input/output, 3.5mm S/PDIF/coaxial port, USB-C charging port and the USB-C data port.

The aluminum body of the Diablo 2 has a total of twenty-two rails which are not only for looks but also to keep internal components at acceptable temperatures.

If you turn the iDSD Diablo 2 over, you'll find the iEMatch switch.

There are 4 wings inside the bundle and well you can either use 2 or all 4 depending on the how you'd like to position the Diablo 2 on your desk.

Even though I ended up using the iDSD Diablo 2 with many speaker sets, headphones and even some wireless headsets I spent most of the time using the 109 PRO by Meze.

Here you can see an exposed view of the iDSD Diablo 2 (marketing material).

Also worth pointing out is that just like the hip dac 3 you will need to access the iFi audio support page to download the latest driver and firmware versions.

CONCLUSION

    Not having the chance to review the first Diablo DAC means that I can't compare the Diablo 2 with it and well, that would be the best possible scenario. Also prior to starting my tests I went online to read what people had to say about the iDSD Diablo 2 and even though I saw quite a few people complaining about it not being able to output the advertised power of 5,180mW at the end of the day I had no issue with any of the headphones a threw at it (FiiO FT3/FT5, Meze 109 Pro, Thinksound OV21). I do realize that my headphone collection pales in comparison to what some of my colleagues (even some consumers) may have but I can only test a product with what I have here in the lab. With that out of the way in terms of audio reproduction the Diablo 2 actually did better than what I had hopped. It delivers neutral and natural tonal balance with crisp and detailed mids and highs while at the same time its soundstage is wide and accurate (not that far off compared to the FiiO R9). Lows are also very deep and detailed, but I have to admit that the Diablo 2 lacks the punch I was expecting from it, something which for some people will certainly not be a bad thing. In regards to battery life I was able to squeeze anything between 4 and 1/2 hours and up to 6 hours from the iDSD Diablo 2, depending largely on the gain mode selected and of course volume levels. Also worth pointing out is that iFi audio has placed a very convenient auto-shut off feature which activates after roughly 30 minutes of inactivity (great for when using the built-in battery pack). Enclosure quality is also superb and even though the iDSD Diablo 2 lacks an LCD screen (which would obviously boost its looks – and its cost) it’s still amongst the best looking "portable" DACs I’ve used (and seen) to date. Typically if I had to nitpick I'd point out that the exterior of the iPower 2 adapter is rubberized and well, it will probably start sticking before long (just like with most rubberized devices such as remote controls, action cameras and even headphones). Tiny detail I know but I've had far too many devices with that issue over the years so it stands out for me.

    With a price tag currently set at USD1299 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and at 1299 inside the EU (iFi audio) the iDSD Diablo 2 is certainly aimed towards demanding audiophiles. The issue with this is that many own headphones that may require more juice than what the Diablo 2 can output. At the same time however judging by all the headphones I have here and what most of my friends own the iDSD Diablo 2 should be more than enough for most demanding consumers and since it delivered as advertised during my tests it clearly deserves the Platinum Award.

PROS

- Near Excellent Build Quality
- Impressive Audio Performance
- Bluetooth v5.4(Lossless)
- Supported Bluetooth Codecs (aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC and SBC)
- 16 Core XMOS Processor
- Dual Core Burr Brown DAC
- Available Inputs / Outputs (6.35mm/2x4.4mm Balanced/3.5mm Optical/2xUSB C)
- 4800mAh Lithium Polymer Battery Pack
- 4 Wing Feet (Desktop Placement)
- Product Support

CONS

- Price (For Some)
- Maximum Power Output?