nano iDSD Light Edition

The nano iDSD LE is the latest DAC in the nano series from iFi Audio. Designed to compete in the “under $150” market, the nano iDSD Light Edition is a “trimmed up” version of the earlier nano iDSD DAC. By removing the SPDIF output and digital filter, iFi Audio has created a simple and more affordable high quality DSD (Direct-Stream Digital) device. They’ve also changed the streaming quality to DSD128 (previously DSD256 in the standard model).

One of the most noteworthy features in the nano iDSD series from iFi Audio is the True Native audio which means no digital signal conversion is taking place. With True Native audio, the digital audio signal is simply transferred “bit for bit” resulting in a real lossless audio signal. And the nano iDSD Light Edition supports PCM formats up-to 384kHz. Pretty impressive.

A few other features worth mentioning in the nano iDSD LE are the Burr Brown ‘True Native’ chipset, military grade AMR clock crystals to eliminate jitter and Direct Drive Servo-less circuitry which eliminates output coupling capacitors for better output sound. The nano iDSD LE has a battery life of up-to 10 hours and supports PCM (up-to 384kHz), DSD (up-to 11.2mHz) and DXD (353/384kHz) digital audio formats.

The nano iDSD Light Edition has a USB 2.0 connection for charging as well as 2 analog audio outputs (1 x stereo RCA and 1 x 1/8″ headphone jack). It weighs less than half a pound and measures 4.2″(l) x 2.7″(w) x 1.1″(h). It’s a really nice portable DAC for under $150. Quite a powerful pocket amplifier for a decent price.