iFi Audio launches the iDSD Phantom

Ifi Audio has today announced the launch of their latest ‘home device’ flagship, the iDSD Phantom.  It unites a reference-class DAC/preamplifier, a premium streamer and a headphone amplifier in a single unit.

The iDSD Phantom features remastering up to DSD2048, using iFi’s Chrysopoeia FPGA remastering engine.  K2HD Technology, beloved by many 80s and 90s producers, is included, as are digital filters XBass Pro and XSpace Pro. The DAC is powered by 4 Burr-Brown DSD1793 DACs, and the streaming engine features a Next-gen engine that provides 768kHz/DSD512 digital audio.

The Phantom can be run in various configurations (with a peak headphone output of 7,747 mW), including tube and solid-state outputs.  These output options have been seen in the Pro iDSD DAC, though this output stage has been completely re-engineered. Colin Farch (Chief Engineer, iFi audio) says;

We tuned the output stage to sustain a 67% higher current rating, supported by optimised voltage and current settings. This gave us greater drive with reduced distortion, resulting in power that feels effortless and sound that is more dynamic. We then carefully adjusted the GE5670 tubes, tuning their supply voltage so that
the grid operates further from its contact potential current — a subtle shift that enhances linearity and overall clarity in the audio output.

All of these options, including the XBass, XSpace, K2ND technology, and 5 DAC filters, combine to offer a wide range of personalisation options.

Full Specification from the Press Release

Digital Inputs 1x USB-B 3.0; 2x USB-A (Host); 1x USB-C (Host); 1x S/PDIF (coaxial) 1x AES3 (XLR); 1x RJ45; 1x M12; 1x Optical (SC); 1x BNC (Sync in)

Headphone Outputs 1x 3.5mm S-Balanced; 1x 4.4mm Balanced; 1x 4-pin XLR; 1x 3-pin XLR (L/R); 1x 6.3mm (positive phase); 1x 6.3mm, (inverted phase)
Line Outputs 1x Balanced XLR (L/R); 1x RCA (L/R)

Digital Specification

Hi-Res Support PCM 768kHz; DSD512 (DSD2048 with Remastering)

Streaming Platforms Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Qobuz Connect, Roon, Airplay, DLNA, UPnP

Output Power Specifications

Balanced Headphones (RMS) ≥4,676mW/17.3V (@64Ω); ≥564mW/18.4V (@600Ω)

Single-Ended Headphones (RMS) ≥2,311mW/8.6V (@32Ω); ≥144mW/9.3V (@600Ω)

Balanced Line Outputs (Vrms) 0-4.5V (Hi-Fi); 0-18V (Pro)

Single-Ended Line Outputs (Vrms) 0-2.2V (Hi-Fi); 0-9V (Pro)

SNR (Max output, 20-20kHz) ≥116dBA @ 600Ω Balanced; ≥114dBA @ 600Ω Single-Ended

DNR (10-20kHz) ≥116dBA @ 600Ω Balanced; ≥115dBA @ 600Ω Single-Ended

THD+N <0.005% @ 16Ω Balanced (2.4V, 20-20kHz); <0.01% @ 16Ω (1.27V, 20-20kHz)

Output Noise (Max output, 20-20kHz) <30uV(A) @ 600Ω Balanced; <20uV(A) @ 600Ω Single-Ended

General Specifications

Power Requirements DC 12V/4A; 15V/3.5A

Dimensions 256 x 185 x 120mm

Net Weight 3.6kg

At the launch party in the North Tower of Tower Bridge (credit and thanks to IFi Audio for the introductory Martini after a frantic dash across London), Phantom Engineer Nathan Chinn explained to me that the iDSD Phantom is designed to sit alongside the iCAN Phantom as a whole-home device. The event itself included experiences with the iDSD Phantom from leading producers: Madison Claridge of Stand Alone Productions (Sam Fender, Lola Young) and the brilliant Steve Levine (Baltic Jazz Recordings).  IFi Audio played Madison’s production with Kojey Radical, Breathe (feat. Col3rane), and Levine’s So Glad by Maevey and MT Jones on the iDSD Phantom with output to a pair of Active PMC twenty5i 24 loudspeakers.

Both producers extolled the virtues of the iDSD Phantom’s detail and clarity, whilst favouring the more forgiving tube-based output when mixing for hours on end in the studio. Levine commented that the iDSD Phantom tube-based output with his open-back Sennheisers was ‘Breathtaking’.  High praise indeed.  It seems, further, that Levine was also a fan of the Valkyrie, which was recently awarded an Outstanding badge here at HF&MS.

Pricing & Availability

The iFi iDSD PHANTOM is available to preorder/purchase at ifi-audio.com and select dealers for £4,499/$4,499 USD/€4,695 EUR/$6,999 CAD

About iFi Audio

Established in 2012 and headquartered in Southport, UK, iFi audio is a globally recognised developer and manufacturer of high-fidelity audio solutions. Its product portfolio encompasses portable, desktop, and lifestyle devices designed to deliver exceptional sound performance through advanced engineering and innovative design. Guided by a ‘music first’ philosophy, iFi’s products have received numerous international awards and acclaim from professionals and enthusiasts alike, reinforcing its position as one of the leading brands in modern audio. www.ifi-audio.com

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