iFi Audio iDSD Phantom – Flagship Streaming DAC & Headphone Amplifier

Product Description

The iFi Audio iDSD Phantom combines a reference-class digital-to-analog converter, high-resolution network music streamer and powerful Class A headphone amplifier in one component. Built around four Burr-Brown DACs and iFi's custom Chrysopoeia FPGA engine, it introduces DSD2048 remastering alongside selectable solid-state and vacuum tube amplification, giving listeners extensive control over their digital music experience.

Designed for both reference headphone systems and high-end two-channel HiFi, the iDSD Phantom supports Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, Roon and AirPlay 2. Its balanced analog outputs also allow it to serve as a digital source for an external amplifier or active loudspeakers, eliminating the need for separate streaming and DAC components.

DSD2048 Remastering with Quad Burr-Brown DACs

The iDSD Phantom introduces iFi's Chrysopoeia FPGA processing engine, developed to bring advanced DSD remastering technology into a home audio component.

Four Burr-Brown DSD1793 DAC chips operate in a custom interleaved configuration, supporting native playback of PCM up to 768kHz and DSD512. The FPGA engine can also remaster digital audio to DSD2048, drawing on techniques associated with professional mastering.

This distinction is important: DSD2048 is the Phantom's remastering capability, while its specified native file playback extends to DSD512. The two functions give listeners different ways to experience high-resolution recordings and existing digital music libraries.

Three Amplification Modes: Solid-State, Tube and Tube+

The Phantom offers three selectable analog amplification modes, allowing listeners to change its sonic presentation without replacing components.

Solid-State mode uses discrete J-FET circuitry for a precise, direct presentation. Tube mode introduces hand-selected and matched NOS GE5670 vacuum tubes, while Tube+ increases second-order harmonic content by 6dB for a more pronounced tube character.

Both the solid-state and tube circuits use fully balanced Class A amplification. Switching between modes allows listeners to explore different presentations with their preferred headphones, recordings and loudspeaker systems.

Powerful Headphone Amplification

The iDSD Phantom delivers up to 4,676mW of rated balanced RMS headphone output into 64 ohms, with a manufacturer-specified peak output of up to 7,747mW.

This substantial power reserve makes it suitable for a wide range of high-performance headphones, including demanding planar magnetic and high-impedance dynamic models.

A comprehensive selection of headphone connections includes 4.4mm balanced, four-pin XLR, dual three-pin XLR, 6.35mm and 3.5mm S-Balanced outputs. This flexibility accommodates different headphone cable configurations without requiring a separate amplifier.

High-Resolution Network Music Streaming

The Phantom incorporates iFi's latest network streaming platform, bringing major music services and local digital libraries together in one component.

Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect and Spotify Connect provide direct access from their respective apps. Roon, AirPlay 2, DLNA and UPnP expand compatibility with networked music systems, computers and locally stored music.

The updated iFi Nexis app simplifies network setup, manages connected storage and provides access to advanced streamer settings and over-the-air updates. Ethernet connectivity is available for a wired network connection, while wireless setup can be initiated through the Nexis app.

JVCKENWOOD K2 and K2HD Processing

Developed in collaboration with JVCKENWOOD, K2 and K2HD processing provides an additional option for listeners seeking to change the presentation of digital recordings.

K2HD is designed to reconstruct high-frequency harmonic information that may have been lost during recording, production or digital encoding, including overtones beyond 22kHz.

Alongside DSD remastering and the Phantom's selectable digital filters, these technologies provide several ways to tailor playback without altering the original music files.

XBass Pro and XSpace Pro Analog Processing

The iDSD Phantom includes iFi's XBass Pro and XSpace Pro analog sound-processing systems.

XBass Pro provides selectable low-frequency adjustment at 10Hz, 20Hz or 40Hz. It allows listeners to adjust bass reproduction according to their headphones, loudspeakers and musical preferences.

XSpace Pro offers 30-, 60- and 90-degree settings designed to move the perceived soundstage beyond the confines of conventional headphone listening. Both systems operate in the analog domain and can be used alongside the Phantom's digital processing and amplification modes.

A Digital Centerpiece for Headphones and Two-Channel HiFi

The Phantom's capabilities extend beyond headphone listening. Balanced XLR and single-ended RCA line outputs allow it to connect directly to compatible power amplifiers, integrated amplifiers and active loudspeakers.

Selectable Hi-Fi and Pro line-output modes provide additional flexibility for different systems. Its digital connectivity includes USB, coaxial S/PDIF, AES3, optical, Ethernet and a dedicated synchronization input.

Whether used as a reference desktop headphone system, a dedicated music streamer or the digital source in a high-end stereo system, the iDSD Phantom combines multiple audio functions in one chassis.