iFi Audio iDSD Diablo 2 – Portable DAC & Headphone Amplifier

Product Description

The iFi Audio iDSD Diablo 2 combines high-resolution digital conversion, fully balanced headphone amplification and lossless Bluetooth connectivity in a powerful, battery-operated design. Engineered for demanding audiophile headphones, it delivers up to 5,180mW of peak output through its 4.4mm balanced connection, alongside native DSD512 playback, PCM up to 768kHz and Qualcomm aptX Lossless wireless audio.

Built around iFi's PureWave balanced dual-mono architecture and Burr-Brown DAC technology, the Diablo 2 is equally suited to a dedicated desktop headphone system or portable high-fidelity listening. Its redesigned aluminum chassis, adjustable power modes and support for next-generation xMEMS headphones provide flexibility across a wide range of listening setups.

Fully Balanced PureWave Headphone Amplification

The Diablo 2 uses iFi's enhanced PureWave balanced dual-mono circuitry to deliver substantial power while controlling noise and distortion. Its Servoless Direct Drive and OptimaLoop technologies further refine the analog signal path.

Through its 4.4mm balanced headphone output, the Diablo 2 delivers more than 5,180mW of maximum power into 32 ohms. A separate 6.35mm single-ended output provides up to 2,450mW into 32 ohms, accommodating headphones with either connection type.

Three selectable power modes let listeners tailor the amplifier's output to their headphones. Normal mode is intended for more sensitive models, Turbo increases available power, and Nitro provides the additional voltage needed by demanding high-impedance headphones.

Burr-Brown DAC with Native DSD512 and PCM 768kHz

The Diablo 2 incorporates Burr-Brown digital-to-analog conversion designed to process DSD and PCM through their respective native signal paths.

It supports high-resolution PCM up to 768kHz, DSD512 and full MQA decoding. An enhanced GMT femto-precision clock and intelligent storage cache help reduce digital timing errors, providing a carefully engineered foundation for high-resolution music playback.

Whether connected to a computer, music streamer or compatible mobile device, the Diablo 2 can serve as the digital centerpiece of a high-performance headphone system.

Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless

Equipped with Qualcomm's QCC518x Bluetooth chipset, the Diablo 2 supports Bluetooth 5.4 and aptX Lossless for compatible source devices.

A comprehensive selection of wireless codecs includes aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC and SBC. This allows the Diablo 2 to accommodate a wide range of smartphones, tablets and other wireless audio sources without limiting users to a single Bluetooth ecosystem.

For listeners who alternate between wired high-resolution playback and convenient wireless listening, the Diablo 2 brings both capabilities into one component.

Dedicated xMEMS Headphone Support

The Diablo 2 includes a dedicated operating mode for headphones and in-ear monitors using xMEMS microspeaker technology.

Unlike conventional headphone drivers, xMEMS designs require specialized amplification and bias voltage. The Diablo 2 incorporates the necessary circuitry, including a dedicated 4.4mm balanced output configuration, to support compatible xMEMS products.

This capability extends the amplifier's usefulness beyond conventional dynamic and planar magnetic headphones.

iEMatch and Adjustable Power Modes

High-performance headphone systems often include several headphones with very different sensitivity and power requirements.

The Diablo 2 addresses this with Normal, Turbo and Nitro power settings, alongside iFi's iEMatch technology for sensitive in-ear monitors. iEMatch helps optimize the amplifier's output for highly sensitive earphones, allowing finer volume adjustment and reducing audible background noise.

These features make the Diablo 2 adaptable to different headphone designs without requiring separate amplifiers for every listening application.

Portable Power with Desktop Versatility

A built-in 4,800mAh lithium-polymer battery allows the Diablo 2 to operate independently of mains power. Its separate USB-C charging connection makes it practical to use with a computer or mobile source while managing power independently.

The redesigned aluminum chassis features adjustable mounting wings and includes a dedicated desktop stand, allowing the amplifier to be positioned conveniently in a workspace or listening room.

For use in a larger HiFi system, its 4.4mm balanced line output provides connectivity to compatible external amplification. The included iPower 2 power supply and iTraveller carrying case support both stationary and portable applications.