iFi Neo iDSD 2 DAC with Qualcomm aptX Lossless

iFi is stepping into the world of headphone amplifiers and DACs with its latest offering, the Neo iDSD 2. What sets this product apart is its ability to deliver lossless audio over Bluetooth, thanks to its support for Qualcomm aptX Lossless. This groundbreaking feature promises to provide an audio experience that’s five times better than traditional wired headphones.

The iFi Neo iDSD 2 is a versatile headphone amplifier and DAC, thanks to its integrated Bluetooth chip. It accommodates a variety of audio sources, including USB, Toslink, Coax, and AUX.

Once the integrated amplifier and DAC work their magic on the audio, you have multiple output options to choose from, including XLR, RCA, and 4.4-millimeter symmetrical or 6.5-millimeter single-ended headphone jacks.

With an impressive output power of 5,551 mW at 32 ohms, this amplifier offers five times the power of its predecessor, making it capable of driving even the most demanding headphones with ease.

What truly sets this device apart is its support for Bluetooth 5.4, complete with Qualcomm aptX Lossless, thanks to the Qualcomm QCC518x SoC. This means you can wirelessly stream music in CD quality, which is 16-bit and 44.1 kHz. The CD data rate of 1,411 kbit/s is compressed to approximately 1,200 kbit/s without any loss in quality. Additionally, if your headphones don’t support this standard, the amplifier can also utilize aptX Adaptive, LDAC, LHDC, AAC, and SBC codecs.

To manage most of its functions, the iFi Neo iDSD 2 can be controlled via the accompanying iFi Nexis app, available for both Android smartphones and Apple iPhones.

iFi Neo iDSD 2 price and release date

Enthusiasts can pre-order the iFi Neo iDSD 2 DAC through Bhphotovideo.com and Adorama.com, with a recommended retail price of $899.

In related news, Astell & Kern has introduced the A&Futura SE300, a high-resolution portable digital audio player. This device comes equipped with a specially developed FPGA chip dedicated to elevating sound quality. With features like a stainless steel frame, advanced Bluetooth standards, and a dual amplifier, this DAP offers a range of compelling features and is priced at $1,900 / £1,899.