iFi iDSD Diablo Purist Portable DAC & Headphone Amplifier – Ultra-High-Resolution Audio, 4,100mW Power, USB/SPDIF Input, Balanced 4.4mm Output, Hi-Fi Sound for Audiophiles & Professionals

I use the Diablo with Sennheiser HD 660S unbalanced stock cable. I use the lowest Eco volume mode and I don't turn the volume up very high. The balanced connection, Normal and Turbo volume modes are all too loud for me, though I probably listen at lower volumes than most. I connect to LG V60, windows PC and nVidia Shield. The sound quality is excellent. MQA tracks via Tidal on the PC or Tidal through USB Audio Player Pro on the LG V60 sound noticeably more detailed compared to Tidal HIFI, depending on the track. Obviously I'm not taking advantage of the power the Diablo offers, but for me the easy connectivity to my devices, portability around the house, sound quality and MQA capabilities justify the price.

This unit, in turbo power mode especially, will immediately shut down when driving hard-to-drive headphones such as HEDD Audio HEDDphone with balanced cable (the primary purpose for this amplifier and its power output), and will even immediately shut down with much easier to drive headphones at loud levels (Ananda via balanced cable).It seems like the instant the amp clips or exceeds current limiting, it just shuts completely down if you are running on battery. If you are plugged in to USB power, it will just cut out for a split second and continue.But if you are running on battery, the ONLY way to reset the shutdown, un-brick the unit and get it to work again, is to connect the USB power cord.So if you are out and about using the item portably, and you push the amp slightly hard (even at only moderate levels on current-demanding headphones like the HEDD cans), you can't use your amp again AT ALL until you find yourself a USB power source to plug into momentarily to reset it.This is just absurd. I cannot believe this ever left the lab and was released as a product, given its niche purpose in the world.This unit does this on a FULL BATTERY CHARGE.There are many other reviews online, including the big famous headphone enthusiast site, complaining of this same problem.More inexplicably, I own the iFi iDSD Signature, a lower end unit with less power that cost 25% less than the Diablo, and the Signature does NOT have this problem.It seems to me that either there is a design flaw in the Diablo, or a bad batch of them.Sadly, I'm returning this, without bothering to try another. Too many other people have written about having the same problem with their replacement unit too.Too bad, because when it runs it does sound a bit more refined than the Signature.Fail.

This one goes deeper and sounds more transparent than the signature , very subtle but there , however , if you love the Bass boost and 3 D switches , Signature is a better choice , I couldn’t decide , I bought both !

I got mine for ~50% of the retail price as prior owner seems to have not been satisfied with the purchase and I’m happy with it for that reason.A number of design flaws here, IMO. 1.) audio connects via a female USB-A port in the back? This is very strange to me and carrying around a thick USB cord is really awkward. Why not use USB-C? This seems like a cost cutting measure to me, unless there’s some kooky audiophile reason to prefer USB-A? I think there’s not. 2.) separate charger that uses USB-C? If you’re going to have a separate charger and a separate port, why not just use a normal A/C port with a pin? The USB-C charging might give some extra charging options, I guess. Goofy, though. 3.) carrying case is not large enough to hold the device and use it in combination with any mobile listening device (phone, etc.) no room for cords. No shoulder strap. A detachable handle is provided. This is stupid and the case would really only be any good at making sure that the device comes into no direct contact with other items while stored in a larger bag or carrying case… 3.) volume knob is bulbous and very sensitive to touch, so moving around with the device (walking, etc.) probably means sudden and unintended changes in volume.The sense you get, using this thing, is that it was slapped together at the least cost and that they simply used whatever was close at hand… at least in so far as connectivity and design for mobile use are concerned. On the side, the thing sounds pretty fantastic. I’m willing to overlook or deal with the devices quirks because I got mine cheap. The reasonable thing to do if you’ve purchased it at full price would be to return it and get a full refund. Find something else that’s better designed for mobile if that’s what you’re looking for.

Stunning depth and clarity. Tried it with a few different headphones and in ear monitors. Really great piece of gear. Perfect for a desktop but too heavy to really carry with you on the go.

It seems some have had quality issues, chipping etc, but I can't say I have had any of these issues. It's over a year now and it does what I wanted and expected and that is give me near desktop DAC performance in something "portable". Now don't get me wrong, not going for walks with this as that would not work. But, if away from my main hifi (eg in bedroom, on the deck or patio, etc) it is sufficiently portable. In any case, you don't but this to use with "portable" on-the-go headphones you get this to drive high-end headphones because you're an audiophile and want that last bit of performance etc. So yes expensive, but you should not be using with $200 headphones either if you want to get full value. For me it is perfect for my use and provides awesome sound and performance .. and battery life. I love it but if you're not an audiophile enthusiast you are likely better served with a more economical choice.