UK-based iFi audio has announced the “iDSD Phantom,” the company’s flagship DAC-integrated headphone amplifier. With a concept of “vanishing into the music,” this ambitious product fuses cutting-edge digital processing technology with analog circuit design.
DAC Section: Quad Burr-Brown Configuration
The iDSD Phantom features four Burr-Brown DSD1793 DACs in a custom interleaved configuration. Two DACs are allocated to each left and right channel, achieving differential output.
Supported formats include PCM 768kHz/32-bit and DSD512 (native). Additionally, the proprietary “Chrysopoeia” FPGA engine enables real-time remastering of all input signals to DSD1024 or DSD2048.
K2HD Technology
The unit incorporates “K2HD” (K2 High Definition) technology co-developed with JVC Kenwood. Even with CD-quality (16-bit/44.1kHz) sources, this technology restores harmonic components lost during recording, claiming to deliver more natural and rich sound quality.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| DAC | Burr-Brown DSD1793 ×4 (interleaved configuration) |
| Supported Formats (Native) | PCM 768kHz/32-bit, DSD512 |
| Supported Formats (Remastering) | DSD1024, DSD2048 |
| Headphone Output | Up to 7,747mW |
| Amplifier Configuration | Discrete pure Class-A |
| Output Modes | Solid State / Tube / Tube+ |
| Tube | NOS GE5670 (hand-matched) |
| Digital Inputs | Ethernet, S/PDIF, AES/EBU (all galvanically isolated) |
| Streaming | Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2 |
| Digital Filters | Bit-Perfect, GTO, Transient Aligned, Apodising |
| App | iFi Nexis (iOS/Android, Wi-Fi enabled) |
3-Mode Output Switching
A notable feature of the iDSD Phantom is its user-selectable three output topologies:
- Solid State Mode: Pure solid-state output via discrete J-FETs
- Tube Mode: NOS GE5670 tube inserted into signal path
- Tube+ Mode: Enhanced tube influence setting
The tubes are hand-matched NOS (New Old Stock) GE5670 units, allowing tonal adjustments according to preferences or headphone characteristics.
Network Streaming
Via Ethernet connectivity, the unit supports Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, and AirPlay 2. Hi-res streaming can be enjoyed standalone. The iFi Nexis app enables Wi-Fi operation and playlist management.
Sound Tuning Features
- XBass Pro: Variable shelving EQ for bass enhancement
- XSpace / XSpace Pro: Crossfeed variations (reduces headphone-specific left/right separation for more natural speaker-like imaging)
Galvanic Isolation
All digital inputs (Ethernet, S/PDIF, AES/EBU) feature galvanic isolation. This physically blocks noise intrusion from source equipment, ensuring clean signal transmission.
Pricing and Availability
- UK: £4,499
- USA: $4,499
- EU: €4,695
- Canada: CAD$6,999
Announced January 2026; detailed availability to be confirmed.