Hi-Res Downloads

The iDSD Diablo 2 routes its digital inputs for DSD (to DSD512) and PCM (to 768kHz/32-bit) to a DAC stage featuring interleaved TI PCM1793 chips, though the DACs themselves are only rated to 192kHz. If for some reason you want to use the iDSD Diablo 2 with an outboard DAC, you can switch the unit into pure amp mode by connecting a 4.4mm cable to its rear-side analogue socket. As for headphones, there are connections supporting single-ended 6.35mm and balanced 4.4mm hook-ups, to the left of a colour-changing LED that signifies the incoming format/sample rate.

Driving Range
Getting the measure of an amp like this requires dusting off different headphones and IEMs. Swapping cans around is a realistic use case, however, as many head-fi enthusiasts own a lot of different models. For them the ability to drive a broad selection of headphones will be an attractive characteristic of the iDSD Diablo 2, and it's something it does with panache.

'Petricor', the first track on Ludovico Einaudi's Elements album [Decca 4811970; 96kHz/24-bit], features the piano playing of the Italian composer alongside violinist Daniel Hope. The latter is well known for participating on Max Richter's Vivaldi Recomposed, and there are similar stylistic influences on this recording. The repetition, the build-up to a crescendo, the single violin line underwritten by a deep bass tone – it was a spellbinding listen when played through iFi Audio's DAC/amp, and Ether CX planar-magnetic over-ear headphones from MrSpeakers (Dan Clark Audio).

In terms of control and power, the iDSD Diablo 2 sounded supremely accomplished. Low bass notes were full-bodied and defined, while the increasingly frantic piano remained nimble without becoming unnatural. At the end, when the piano slowed down and ended on a lingering note, it decayed into the distance without any background noise to disrupt the solemn effect.

The Ether CXs don't offer the most detail-rich performance, but still there was a strong sense of immersion and clarity. There's not much coloration coming from the DAC stage and amplification of the iDSD Diablo 2 either, just a hint of warmth to make the 'echoing' analogue synth on the Elements track that bit more inviting. Meanwhile, the grungy, textured background cello was brought out nicely, and as the piece reached its climax it was impressive how iFi Audio's amp stayed in control, delivering a massive wall of sound in which individual instruments retained their own character.

Match Maker
An appealing aspects of head-fi is that swapping cans or IEMs gets you a totally different experience. Listening to the Elements album again through Audeze's LCD-i3 open-backed in-ears, the soundstage became larger and the strings sounded better delineated, while the iDSD Diablo 2 showed itself – again – to be a clean-sounding amplifier with substantial grip.

This model carries iFi Audio's iEMatch technology, as seen before on the iCAN Phantom analogue headphone amp [HFN Sep '23], and it proved worthwhile when listening through a pair or Meze Rai Penta in-ears connected via the amp's balanced 4.4mm output. Massive Attack's 'The Spoils' [Virgin EMI VST 2142; CD res] puts Hope Sandoval's beautiful, airy vocal against a pitch-black background. In the same vein, Unkle's 'The Healing' [Where Did The Night Fall, Surrender All; CD res] increased in scale and became a more relaxing listen in the amp's dedicated IEM mode. Turning iEMatch off didn't collapse the soundstage or suddenly introduce noise (beware of the volume jump, though), but there was a more balanced representation with the function engaged.

But what about using that forward-thinking aptX Lossless mode? As it happened, I had one of the few 'Snapdragon Sound'-enabled smartphones at hand (a Motorola Edge 40 Pro). At first it seemed aptX Lossless was not engaged, as after completing Bluetooth pairing the LED on the front of the iFi Audio amplifier shone green. This indicates aptX Adaptive, but once the music started it switched to white, signalling a lossless connection.

Cutting The Cord
Played via Tidal through Sennheiser HD 660 S2 headphones, the soundtrack of the new Leonard Bernstein biopic Maestro [DG 486 5466; CD res] sounded a clear notch above regular Bluetooth. While aptX Adaptive and LDAC can also be quite good – there's a lot of audiophile snobbery around the technology – a wired connection has always had the edge for me. I might have to rethink that stance, as from the exuberant intro detailing Bernstein's last-minute substitution for conductor Bruno Walter, to the horns on 'Anniversaries', this sounded superb for something which professes to be 'merely' a mobile solution.

Hi-Fi News Verdict
The iDSD Diablo 2 is an absolute powerhouse, which would be a nice compliment for a desktop amp, let alone a portable unit. Yes, it's more expensive than more compact offerings from iFi Audio, but it delivers on all fronts. The thoughtful design, powerful battery and inclusion of aptX Lossless are all noteworthy, but it's the iDSD Diablo 2's excellent DAC stage and mightily capable amplifier that beguiles.