iFi
iDSD Diablo 2 Portable DAC Amplifier
$1,299.00 USDFeatures
Dual-core DAC design enables True-native DSD and PCM
Advanced Jitter Reduction
Astonishing 5,180mW of power
Custom bias, EQ, and amp circuits for next-generation xMEMS headphone drive technology
Three power modes: Normal for IEMs, Turbo for mid-sensitivity headphones, and Nitro for demanding headphones
Top-grade audiophile circuit components deliver exceptional sonic purity
Multiple operation modes: Pure DAC and DAC/Headphone Amp
Powered by battery or mains – iPower 2 power supply with Active Noise Cancellation included
Video
What's in the Box?
Warranty
Unleash the sheer power and performance of the iFi Audio iDSD Diablo 2 Portable DAC/Amp, the newest iteration in the Diablo series. Featuring a striking new futuristic design, the Diablo 2 portable DAC/Amp sets a new standard for the amount of sheer power you can take with you. Engineered to sit at the top of iFi's range of mobile, portable devices, the Diablo 2 was built for purists—true headphone enthusiasts who crave pure, unadulterated sonic performance and exceptional playback.
The New Diablo 2 has an all-metal body, which is upgraded from previous generations, and returns to the diablo-red color scheme. You'll find a host of other hi-fi upgrades throughout the construction process and build quality, including a larger and more tactile volume control knob/wheel. The iFi iDSD Diablo 2 is a top-tier portable DAC/Amp that offers a compelling combination of performance, features, and sound quality, making it an excellent choice for discerning listeners who want incredible power on the move.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: We recommend pairing the iDSD Diablo 2 DAC/Amp with the Black Dragon USB Cable with USB-C connectors for the best possible digital audio transmission. The USB-C port on the bottom of the Diablo 2 makes it perfect for a high-quality cable designed for signal transmission. Our Black Dragon USB Cable utilizes a single-crystal UP-OCC copper construction to provide the best possible digital transmission. We have optimized our USB cables for audio transmission of large high-resolution audio files so you can easily transfer files from your digital library to the Diablo 2. We also recommend adding a high-amperage USB charger like the Tronsmart USB Charger to the Diablo 2. Why? The Tronsmart will provide sufficient amperage to charge the Diablo 2 quickly and efficiently, without any damage to the internal battery.
Features:
- Every Bluetooth format supported: aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, and more
- Dual-core DAC design enables True-native DSD and PCM
- Advanced Jitter Reduction
- Astonishing 5,180mW of power
- Custom bias, EQ, and amp circuits for next-generation xMEMS headphone drive technology
- Three power modes: Normal for IEMs, Turbo for mid-sensitivity headphones, and Nitro for demanding headphones
- Top-grade audiophile circuit components deliver exceptional sonic purity
- Multiple operation modes: Pure DAC and DAC/Headphone Amp
- Powered by battery or mains – iPower 2 power supply with Active Noise Cancellation included
Striking New Design
The iFi Diablo 2 DAC/Amp has been thoroughly redesigned inside and out, building on the performance-tuned design philosophy and power of its predecessors. Unlike the original Diablo which used cable connectivity from the source device, the Diablo 2 adds the latest generation of iFi's Bluetooth engine, complete with aptX Lossless support. The Diablo 2 is a similar size to the original and sports a fiery red chassis that's not only striking but also retro and futuristic-looking. One notably unique feature of the Diablo 2 is the grooved design with 22 grooves that aid thermal dissipation and double as fixing rails for the devilish "wings" supplied with the Diablo 2. These detachable rails act as a desk stand and can be positioned in different ways, allowing the Diablo 2 to be placed vertically or horizontally depending on your needs.
On the front panel of the Diablo 2 you'll find the volume control knob with a newly-added volume lock, balanced 4.4mm xMEMS output, unbalanced 6.35mm headphone output, power mode switch, xMEMS switch and audio format/Bluetooth format LED light. The back panel features a balanced 4.4mm line input/output, S/PDIF 3.5mm coaxial/optical input, battery status LED light, USB-C 5V charging port, USB-C input, and Bluetooth pairing/input mode selector button. Lastly, on the underside of the Diablo 2 is the iEMatch switch which reduces the output level and has two switch settings: 4.4mm headphones and 6.35mm headphones. The Diablo 2 comes with a generous amount of accessories like headphone adapters, a USB-C cable, and more that allow you to use the DAC/Amp in multiple configurations and store it all in the included iTraveller carrying case.
Better. Faster. Stronger.
Able to drive notoriously power-hungry headphones and highly sensitive In-Ear Monitors (IEMs), the Diablo 2 DAC/Amp is built for high performance. The Diablo 2's headphone amplifier stage delivers incredible power, energy, and dynamics with a power output of 5,180mW/12.9V into 32 ohms and 611mW/19.2V into 600 ohms through its 4.4mm balanced output—that's more powerful than many desktop DAC/Amp setups! Three gain settings—Normal, Turbo, and Nitro—allow users to adjust the power mode to suit the drive requirements of the connected headphones or IEMs. Nitro for demanding headphones with 19.2V max output. Turbo for mid-sensitivity headphones. Normal for IEMs.
IEM users will be pleased with the added iEMatch attenuation mode that removes potential background noise and increases the usable volume range when listening with super-sensitive IEMs. Volume is controlled by a high-quality analog potentiometer, which delivers superior sonic transparency compared to chip-based volume controls and can be locked in place to avoid accidental adjustment. Switch settings for iEMatch include 4.4mm headphones, off, and 6.35mm headphones.
Next-Gen XMEMS Technology
This level of performance requires a higher voltage solution to drive it, so iFi has partnered with XMEMs to produce the Diablo-X and the Diablo 2—among the first devices to support this latest technology in the audiophile market! The xMEMS microspeaker technology uses the piezoelectric effect to create a paper-thin solid-state speaker. These micro-speakers offer great potential to push the boundaries of IEM and headphone performance.
As xMEMS themselves say, “The inverse piezoelectric effect is created by applying electrical voltage to make the piezoMEMS contract or expand, converting electrical energy to mechanical energy. This energy excites an integrated silicon membrane to move air and generate acoustic sound waves…. xMEMS’ piezoMEMs actuators offer an increased range of movement enabling rich, loud audio”.
NOTE: xMEMS technology and corresponding settings are only compatible with hi-fi devices that utilize this technology. Non-xMEMS headphones and IEMs are not meant to be used with this setting on the Diablo II and will have degraded sound quality if attempted. xMEMS has specific impedance requirements.
Listen Anywhere. Wired or Wirelessly
Unlike the previous Diablo models, the Diablo 2 DAC/Amplifier features Bluetooth connectivity, making it the world's first Lossless Bluetooth portable DAC/Amp. aptX Lossless is the first Bluetooth audio format capable of streaming CD-quality (16-bit/44.1kHz) audio 'losslessly', meaning it preserves the original data. It achieves bitrates of up to 1.2Mbps at CD-quality—that’s more than twice the maximum bitrate of aptX Adaptive and aptX HD, and roughly 20 percent higher than LDAC’s maximum figure.
As well as being the first portable DAC to support aptX Lossless, the iDSD Diablo 2 is the first to include Bluetooth 5.4, the newest Bluetooth standard. This codec ensures the greatest wireless range and stability, the highest speed, and the lowest latency between your source device and the DAC. Users can connect up to eight paired Bluetooth devices in the Diablo 2's memory, making it easy to switch between your favorite wireless headphones, earbuds, smartphones, tablets, and much more.
For those craving a wired listening experience, the Diablo 2's 4.4mm output and 6.3mm headphone socket provide a stable connection for high-quality headphones and IEMs. Users can connect a source device to the Diablo 2 using the USB-C port, as well as the 4.4mm fixed-line output on the back for high-end amps and powered speakers.
Every hi-res audio format is supported at the highest quality, handling PCM data to 32-bit/768kHz and all levels of DSD to 22.579MHz (DSD512). Thanks to the Burr-Brown DAC chip’s four-channel True Native design, PCM and DSD take separate pathways – this enables DSD, as well as PCM, to remain ‘bit-perfect’ in its native form right through to analog conversion. MQA—the hi-res streaming technology used by Tidal's HiFi plus tier—is comprehensively supported with full MQA decoding/upsampling.
Impressive Circuitry = Incredible Performance
The iDSD Diablo 2's digital stage incorporates a Burr-Brown DAC chipset that iFi uses exclusively, selected for its natural-sounding musicality and True Native architecture. Two of these chips are installed in a custom interleaved configuration enabling four pairs of differential stages to lower the noise floor, improve channel separation, and enhance the DAC's ability to resolve fine musical detail and micro-dynamics. The Diablo 2 also features a 32-bit, 16-core XMOS Cortex microcontroller that optimizes sound quality and unlocks the full potential of the Burr-Brown DAC chip. Extensive jitter eradication technologies are also applied, including the latest version of iFi’s GMT (Global Master Timing) femtosecond-precision clock and smart storage cache. This combination of technologies forms the basis of a proprietary ‘digital engine’ that is unique to iFi.
Behind every incredible audio device is impressive circuitry. The Diablo 2 uses iFi's PureWave fully-balanced circuit design from input to output. PureWave achieves an exceptional level of sonic purity with linearity and low levels of noise and distortion. PureWave circuits are highly sophisticated in design and implementation, incorporating premium-quality components to enhance the audio quality and headphone amp power of the Diablo 2. A high-capacity 4800mAh lithium-ion battery is built into the Diablo 2 to provide long life between charges. The Diablo 2 can also be used when connected to the mains via the bundled iPower 2 – much more than just a mains charger, this AC/DC adapter contains active noise cancellation circuitry that benefits the Diablo 2’s sonic performance when powered by mains electricity.
Diablo 2 Circuitry Breakdown:
- PureWave fully-balanced dual-mono analog circuitry
- Ultra-low-distortion MOSFET op-amps in both digital and analog stages
- Servoless DirectDrive offers a unique signal path delivers purer "truer" audio quality
- OptimaLoop uses tailored multiple feedback paths to control gain and reduce distortion
- GMT Femtosecond-precision clock reduces phase noise for purer sound
- Range of capacitors: Silk Fiber Electrolytic Elna Silmic II, Aluminum-polymer Panasonic OS-CON, multilayer ceramic Murata, and TDK
- Texas Instruments precision low-noise power supply
iFi Audio: Make Your Music Better
Manufacturer of the award-winning xDSD Gryphon DAC and iFi GO Bar DAC & Headphone Amp, iFi Audio creates hi-fi audio solutions for the passionate audiophile who never compromises sound quality. From streamers to USB DACs, Hip-DACs, adapters, headphone amplifiers, and more, iFi Audio produces home audio and portable audiophile-grade gear at affordable prices, ranging from entry-level to mid-tiered music lovers and discerning audiophiles. Check out our entire collection of iFi Audio products and dedicated reviews for more.
What's in the Box?
- iDSD Diablo 2
- iPower 2 (5V)
- USB-C Cable
- USB-C OTG Cable
- USB-C to USB-A adapter
- TOSLINK optical adapter
- 3.5mm to 6.35mm headphone adapter
- 3.5mm to 6.35mm headphone adapter
- iTraveller
- Quick start Card
- Instruction Card
- Warranty
FAQ
What audio formats does the iFi Diablo 2 support?
The iFi Audio iDSD Diablo 2 DAC/Amp supports the following Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX Lossless, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, aptX Adaptive, aptX, and aptX HD. It supports the following wired audio formats: PCM 44.1, PCM 88.2, DSD 64/128, DSD 256/512, MQA, MQA Studio, and original sample rate/MQB.
Can the Diablo 2 drive high-impedance headphones?
Yes, with a maximum output power of 5,180mW into 32 ohms, the iDSD Diablo 2 DAC/Amp can easily drive high-impedance and planar magnetic headphones.
What is the battery life of the Diablo?
The iDSD Diablo 2 DAC/Amp has a built-in 4800mAh battery that provides up to 12 hours of playback time on a single charge.
What is the approximate listening time in Battery mode with typical headphones?
- Normal: for high-sensitivity IEMs, up to a maximum of 12 hours.
- Turbo: for medium-sensitivity headphones, up to a maximum of 9 hours.
- Nitro: for the most demanding headphones, up to a maximum 6 hours.
What is the approximate listening time in xMEMS mode with typical headphones?
- Normal: DC bias level is 10V, up to a maximum of 8 hours
- Turbo: DC bias level is 12V, up to a maximum of 7 hours
- Nitro: DC bias level is 14V, up to a maximum 6 hours
What is the iEMatch switch for?
iEMatch reduces the output level, so that even the most sensitive In-Ear-Monitors (IEMs) can be matched to the iDSD Diablo 2.
iEMatch can increase the dynamic range of sensitive IEMs by reducing background amplifier hiss
Does the iDSD Diablo 2 support wireless mode (Bluetooth)?
Yes, this mode allows you to connect the iDSD Diablo 2 to a DAP, phone or any other music source with Bluetooth wirelessly
How long does it take to get to full charge?
For charging only. Due to the very high-power nature of iDSD Diablo 2, it will take ~12 hours and ~5 hours for a standard and high-powered charger, respectively, to fully recharge
What does the LED for Battery status mean?
LED > Status
- White* > 75%
- Green* > 25%
- Red* > 10%
- Red (flashing) ≤ 10%
iFi iDSD Diablo 2 Portable DAC Amplifier Review & Comparison
Read Time: Approx. 12 min.
The Most Powerful DAC/Headphone Amp Yet
iFi Audio has raised the bar for portable USB DACs with the release of the iDSD Diablo 2 Portable DAC Amplifier. It’s the third iteration in the popular Diablo series and the most striking portable Bluetooth DAC/headphone amplifier, in my opinion. The Diablo 2 is a complete redesign of the iconic chassis with an edgier shape and the addition of some neat “Diablo Wings” that elevate how you display the Diablo 2.
The original Diablo was a crowd favorite among audiophiles and the Diablo 2 has some big shoes to fill to take first place. Not only has the Diablo 2 undergone a makeover but it sports some pretty exciting HiFi upgrades: An xMEMS Technology switch, a new Nitro power mode, Bluetooth 5.4 with support for aptX Lossless, and an iEMatch switch. And that’s just to name a few.
PROS
- Incredibly Powerful
- Bluetooth 5.4 and support for aptX Lossless
- Versatile placement with Diablo Wings
CONS
- Large and Cumbersome, not pocket-sized
- Short accessory cables
"I love it when manufacturers take what already works and add additional improvements, not just sound quality, but also bringing features up to today's standards. The Diablo 2 is not a ground-up new design. The original Diablo was very successful but had a few things that we wished had been changed — Especially the Male USB-A connection. While I get it for the Apple CCK nonsense we all had to deal with, for all other USB uses, it was a pain. On the Diablo 2, I'm so glad to see all USB-C connections, an amazing new chassis design, and a better implementation of being able to use both sensitive IEMs and hard-to-drive headphones. It's tough to do both well. The Diablo 2 wins in this category. iFi is always ahead of the competition in terms of bringing the next hot technology, and with the addition of xMEMS and the new Bluetooth 5.4 standard, I foresee a lot of the Diablo 2 in my listening future."
iFi Diablo 2 Portable DAC/Amp Review & Comparison [Video]
Design
The original Diablo's firey red chassis made it a real show stopper sure to turn heads asking 'Hey what's that?', and honestly I was sad to see it go when the Diablo-X was released with a Black chassis. Luckily iFi decided to return to its roots bringing back the red chassis, but they did it with a twist. The Diablo 2 looks like something Marty McFly would be whipping out of his back pocket and plugging into the DeLorean to enjoy HiFi tunes while traveling through time. It's both retro and futuristic looking and the color choices are reminiscent of the Original Nintendo system, in my opinion.
The original Diablo's chassis was bright and bold, whereas the Diablo 2's red chassis is richer and more cool-toned. I would've loved to be a fly on the wall when iFi was discussing the design of the Diablo 2 because it's almost a complete 180 from the first two iterations. It's edgier — Literally, with grooves around the entire chassis and those rounded sides have been replaced with sharper corners. These grooves actually serve a purpose and are referred to as "rails" by iFi. There are 22 rails that allow for improved cooling performance, with eight rails being compatible with the Diablo wings. What are the "wings?" The Diablo 2 comes with four wings that let you customize the position of the DAC. You can move these wings around to position the Diablo 2 horizontally or vertically to save space.
We took the liberty of testing out several variations of how you can position the Diablo 2 so you can see it for yourself!
iFi Audio Diablo 2 with longer wings positioned horizontally
I/O
On the front of the Diablo 2 you'll see the volume control knob with a newly-added volume lock, balanced 4.4mm XMEMS output, unbalanced 6.35mm output, power mode switch, xMEMS switch and audio format/Bluetooth format LED light. The Diablo 2 has three power modes: Normal, Turbo, Nitro.
Normal: For most over or on-ear headphones
Turbo: Ramps up the level of drive/amplification for current-hungry headphones
Nitro: Maximum power output (Headphone max output)
The back panel of the Diablo 2 has a balanced 4.4mm line input/output, S/PDIF 3.5mm coaxial/optical input, battery status LED light, USB-C 5V charging port, USB-C input and Bluetooth pairing/input mode selector button. Lastly, on the underside of the Diablo 2 is the iEMatch switch which reduces the output level and has two switch settings: 4.4mm headphones and 6.35mm headphones.
Sound
Every Diablo model has been an absolute beast, so it's not surprising that the Diablo 2 could drive every pair of headphones and IEMs I tested. Just like the other models, it uses Burr Brown's DAC chip that lends a natural-sounding "musicality." The Diablo 2 has enhanced output power compared to the Diablo-X which was evident from the moment I connected my headphones. Sennheiser's IE900 earphones are one of the most sensitive IEMs we carry and the Diablo 2 elevated their sound like I'd never heard before. The IE900's are natural-sounding and quite detailed so I was pleasantly surprised to hear and feel the thumping bass. Drake's song Virginia Beach is a fast-paced rap song with some heavy-hitting bass and the Diablo 2 was powerful enough to drive the IE900's so efficiently that I almost couldn't believe it. Deep, impactful bass that rumbled in my eardrums with great energy and dynamics. I adjusted the settings on the Diablo 2, switching on the iEMatch and using the Turbo Mode which seemed to be the sweet spot for the IE900.
For a power-hungry over-ear headphone I tested the HiFiMan Susvara. The Susvara is INCREDIBLY hard to drive and the original Diablo and Diablo-X both struggled to drive the Susvara. So I was extremely surprised that the Diablo 2 could handle the Susvara. Finding a portable device to drive these headphones is like hitting the jackpot. It performed best with the Diablo 2 in the most powerful mode, Nitro, but Turbo was also comfortable and sounded great. The Susvara has some nice bass to it and there was plenty of energy in every song. It's got a neutral sound signature and there was a nice balance between bass and detail.
Because you can never test out too many headphones, next up on my list is the Dan Clark Audio E3 closed-back headphones. These planar magnetic headphones are hot off the press and are much easier to drive than the Susvara. The E3 performed best in Turbo mode. Normal mode wasn’t bad but I felt like I didn’t get as much headroom as I did when in Turbo mode. The E3 headphones are smooth and articulate. You won’t get any crazy booming bass, just a precise, refined listening experience which was exactly what the Diablo 2 and E3 delivered.
We’ve been drooling over the Meze Audio Empyrean 2 headphones since their release. The Empyrean 2 has an amazing sound with better resolution and detail retrieval than the original Empyrean. They’ve got a specially designed hybrid array driver so they need some amplification to power them. Turbo mode was perfect for the Empyrean 2. The Diablo 2 amplified the Empyrean 2’s sound perfectly. There was enough headroom and energy that it didn’t feel like the Diablo 2 was too powerful or not powerful enough. I've been in the swing of the holiday season since early October so obviously I had to do some testing with my favorite Christmas songs! And yes, I love Last Christmas by Wham! It's got great energy and I couldn't help but bop my head when I listened to this (on repeat). No sibilance, great vocals, and an amazingly musical sound.
Now for the moment we've all been waiting for, Bluetooth mode! The Diablo 2 wirelessly connects to your source device and it's as easy as holding down the button on the back panel for three seconds. The sound quality in Bluetooth mode is good — And that says a lot because I've tested some pretty crappy Bluetooth HiFi devices. Is it going to be as good as a wired connection? Of course not, but for Bluetooth 5.4 and lossless audio it does a stellar job, and you really can't beat convenience.
Overall, the Diablo 2 was an excellent source of power and amplification for every headphone and IEM I tested. It didn't negatively color the sound of any headphones, allowing me to still enjoy the unique sound signatures of each one. With that extra power did come some added bass, but it was tasteful, not overly accentuated or unpleasant. The Diablo 2 has great dynamics and I truly don't have anything bad to say about it.
Is It Over Now? (Taylor's Version) (From the Vault)
by Taylor Swift
1989 (Taylor's Version) (Deluxe)
Virginia Beach
by Drake
For All the Dogs Scary Hours Edition
Get Him Back
by Olivia Rodrigo
GUTS
Last Christmas (Remastered)
by Wham!
Twenty Five
Features
Power Modes
Briefly mentioned earlier, the Diablo 2 has three power modes with each one affecting the battery life differently. Normal mode gets up to 12 hours of continuous use, turbo mode allows for nine hours and nitro mode allows for six hours of playback. The OG Diablo and Diablo-X also featured three power modes but the Diablo 2 has the most output power.
Normal: For most over or on-ear headphones
Turbo: Ramps up the level of drive/amplification for current-hungry headphones
Nitro: Maximum power output (Headphone max output)
xMEMS Technology
xMEMS Technology made its big debut in the HiFi audio world earlier this year when iFi incorporated it into the Diablo-X. This technology uses the piezoelectric effect to create a paper-thin solid-state speaker. These micro-speakers offer great potential to push the boundaries of IEM and headphone performance.
NOTE: xMEMS technology and corresponding settings are only compatible with HiFi devices that utilize this technology. Non-xMEMS headphones and IEMs are not meant to be used with this setting on the Diablo 2 and will have degraded sound quality if attempted. xMEMS has specific impedance requirements.
Bluetooth Connectivity
It seems like almost every HiFi company is jumping on the Bluetooth bandwagon, adding it to almost every piece of audio gear imaginable. While I'm not going to race to buy the latest desktop DAC with Bluetooth, it is a welcome addition to the Diablo 2. After all, it is a portable device so I'm honestly surprised iFi hasn't incorporated it sooner. The Diablo 2 was built for on-the-go listening and with Bluetooth 5.4 you can enjoy music hands-free — Anywhere.
The Diablo 2 is the first portable DAC/Amp with Bluetooth 5.4 and support for aptX Lossless. Qualcomm's new QCC518x Bluetooth audio chip supports all Bluetooth formats (aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC, SBC) allowing for hi-res/high-resolution music playback. This is the first time iFi has incorporated Bluetooth into the Diablo and it's a welcome addition, giving users the ability to choose how they listen.
iEMatch
On the underside of the Diablo 2 is the iEMatch switch which reduces the output level, so that even the most sensitive In-Ear-Monitors (IEMs) can be matched to the iDSD Diablo 2. iEMatch is tailored for highly-sensitive headphones and earphones, greatly benefiting your IEMs. iEMatch can increase the dynamic range of sensitive IEMs by reducing background amplifier hiss. Switch settings: 4.4mm headphones, Off, and 6.35mm headphones. The Diablo-X came with an iEMatch dongle which could be used with the Diablo-X, so to have the technology embedded into the Diablo 2 is a lifesaver. One less accessory to tote around!
Tip: The iDSD Diablo 2 or the headphone will not be damaged if the iEMatch switch is adjusted incorrectly, but the attenuation level will not be correct.
Tip: Balanced 6.35mm headphone output reduces the level by 12dB and balanced 4.4mm headphone output lovers it by12dB.
PureWave, Servoless DirectDrive, OptimaLoop, Advanced Jitter Reduction Technolgoy
The Diablo 2 features all this technology and more, delivering exceptionally pure, detailed, and emotionally touching sound. PureWave elevates clarity by separating channels and reducing noise. DirectDrive removes the need for coupling capacitors. OptimaLoop employs tailored multiple feedback paths in amplifiers, refining gain control and reducing distortion. The GMT Femto-Precision clock with Smart storage cache minimizes phase noise for a cleaner sound.
Comparison to the Diablo and Diablo-X
The original Diablo pioneered the way for the Diablo-X and Diablo 2 and while nothing beats the OG, the Diablo 2 has a lot more to offer. It's the only model with Bluetooth, xMEMS, and iEMatch built right in. It's also got USB-C ports, whereas the two earlier models have USB-A ports. The fact alone that the Diablo 2 has Bluetooth connectivity makes it more enticing than the OG Diablo and Diablo-X. I can already sense some audiophiles rolling their eyes at the thought of Bluetooth in a HiFi device but it's a nice option to have.
In terms of sound, all three models sound phenomenal and you can't go wrong with any of them. The Diablo-X was the first model to integrate xMEMS technology and at the time it wasn't featured in any other products in the HiFi market. Because of that, there were very few xMEMS IEMs available so the xMEMS mode was a little useless — But luckily that's changed. xMEMS mode is intended to only be used with compatible xMEMS IEMs so the Diablo-X was a little too powerful for non-xMEMS high-sensitivity IEMs. Now that the Diablo 2 has an xMEMS switch it's much more suitable for high-sensitivity IEMs, making it the ultimate portable headphone amp companion.
The original Diablo will always be timeless with its Ferrari red chassis, and the Diablo-X is noteworthy for its use of innovative technology, but the Diablo 2 raises the bar for what we can expect to hopefully see more of from iFi in the future. So if you're looking for the most powerful, feature-rich DAC/Amp of the entire lineup, then I'm pleased to present to you the winner — The Diablo 2.
Dragon Cables
While I've got nothing against stock audio cables, the ones that came with the Diablo 2 were just a little lacking for me. The USB-C to C cable was too short and I struggled to create the perfect desktop setup for my listening sessions. Naturally, I swapped the stock cable for a Black Dragon USB Cable with C-to-C connections and was off to the races. Our Black Dragon USB Cable will provide you with a more stable connection for digital audio transmission. But How? Well, it all comes down to materials and most of the time manufacturers will skimp on the cables so money can be used on more important things like the device itself. While I appreciate that, the cable can be what stands between you and a premium listening experience. In the case of the Diablo 2 the cable is just too short for my desktop setup so opting for a longer, higher-quality cable just made sense.
Now, you may be pleased with the stock USB Cable, but are you happy with your headphones cable? Odds are you might be but there's always room for improvement and that's exactly what our Dragon Headphone Cables do — Improve your headphone's sound quality. And yes, your headphone's sound quality may be deteriorated by the quality of the stock cable paired with it. And who wants to listen to subpar sound when they paid for premium? You want to hear your music exactly the way the artist intended and exactly the way your headphones are meant to reproduce it. Our Dragon Headphone Cables, just like all of our Dragon Audio Cables are made with only the purest UP-OCC Silver and Copper and trust me, you can hear the difference.
Personally, I enjoyed listening to the Meze Empyrean 2 and HiFiMan Susvara with our Black Dragon Universal Headphone Cable, and for the Sennheiser IE900 our Silver Dragon MMCX IEM Cable was a perfect match. The Black Dragon provided more bottom-end weight to the headphones and gave me that musical, warm sound that I love. Daily, in our Cary, NC headquarters, we handcraft our Silver Dragon, Black Dragon, Blue Dragon, and Bronze Dragon Audio Cables each with their own unique sound signatures and characteristics. Our Blue Dragon Universal Headphone Cable is the perfect pair for the Dan Clark E3 headphones, not coloring the sound but providing a neutral, clean, accurate representation of the E3.
And if you're not convinced, check out our blog where we've unveiled our best Dragon Audio Cables of 2023.
Verdict
So, is the third time the charm? I'd say so and honestly, every single Diablo model has been a slam dunk. It's not easy to release several iterations of a model and make it refreshing but iFi has made yet another great, new high-end combo unit. Nothing about the Diablo 2 feels recycled or tired. If you've been looking for the perfect portable audio device then the Diablo 2 is it. You get Bluetooth 5.4 with support for all Bluetooth formats, three power modes to drive all of your headphones, and xMEMS technology if you decide to score a new pair of compatible xMEMS IEMs. Everything sounded great on the Diablo 2, but high-energy, dynamic genres like pop, rock, and Hip-Hop stood out the most. You can't go wrong with any of the Diablo models, they all have something unique to offer and will power your most demanding headphones effortlessly. As for the Diablo 2, if you're questioning whether it's worth checking out take my word for it — It's three P's in a pod: Powerful, portable, and pretty dang awesome.
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What's in the Box
- iDSD Diablo 2
- iPower 2 (5V) Power Supply
- USB-C Cable
- USB-C OTG Cable
- USB-C to USB-A Adapter
- 3.5mm to 6.35mm Headphone Adapter
- Toslink Optical Adapter
- iTraveller Carying Case
- Quick Start Card
- Instruction Card
Specifications
Digital
Hi-Res Support: 768kHz, DSD512, full MQA
Bluetooth Formats: aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC, SBC
Output Power
Output: 4.4mm, 6.3mm
4.4mm: >19.2V/61mW (@600Ohms); >12.87V/240mW (@32Ohms)
6.3mm: >9.6V/153mW (@600Ohms); >8.85V/2450mW (@32Ohms)
xMEMS: >28Vpp (4.4mm output)
Line Output
Output Impedance: <200 Ohms
SNR: >114dB(A)
DNR: >114dB(A)
THD+N: 0.002% @0dBFS 200k Ohms
General
Power Consumption: Nitro 12W, Turbo 5W, Normal 2W, xMEMS 8W
Battery: Lithium-polymer 4800mAh
Charging: Via USB-C-BC v1.2 compliant up to 1900mA
Dimensions: 166x85x28.5mm
Net Weight: 455g (1.0lbs)
Connectivity
Digital Inputs: 1x USB-C; 1x S/PDIF (Optical/Coaxial) Bluetooth 5.4
Headphone Outputs: 1x balanced 4.4mm, 1x 6.3mm
Line Output: 1x balanced 4.4mm
Power/Charging: 1x USB-C
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Physical Specifications | |
| Dimensions | 166 × 85 × 28.5mm (6.5" × 3.3" × 1.1") |
| Net Weight | 455g (1.0 lbs) |
| Technical Specifications | |
| Hi-Res Audio Support | 768kHz PCM DSD512 Full MQA |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | ≥ 114dB(A) |
| Dynamic Range (DNR) | ≥ 114dB(A) |
| THD+N | 0.002% @ 0dBFS 200kΩ |
| Audio Specifications | |
| Maximum Output Power (4.4mm) | > 19.2V/611mW @ 600Ω > 12.87V/5180mW @ 32Ω |
| Maximum Output Power (6.3mm) | > 9.6V/153mW @ 600Ω > 8.85V/2450mW @ 32Ω |
| RMS Output Power (4.4mm) | > 19.2V/611mW @ 600Ω > 7.4V/1710mW @ 32Ω > 11.5V/2060mW @ 64Ω |
| RMS Output Power (6.3mm) | > 9.6V/150mW @ 600Ω > 8.1V/2050mW @ 32Ω > 9.3V/1360mW @ 64Ω |
| xMEMS Output | > 28Vpp (4.4mm output) |
| Connectivity Specifications | |
| Digital Inputs | 1× USB-C 1× S/PDIF (optical/coaxial) Bluetooth 5.4™ |
| Bluetooth Formats | aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC, SBC |
| Headphone Outputs | 1× Balanced 4.4mm 1× 6.3mm |
| Line Output | ≤ 200Ω |
| Power Specifications | |
| Battery | Lithium-polymer 4800mAh |
| Charging | USB-C – BC v1.2 compliant Up to 1900mA |
| Power Consumption | Nitro: 12W Turbo: 5W Normal: 2W xMEMS: 8W |
- LJLawrence J.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars2 years agoPerfect portable
Performance exceeded all expectations and flawless performance with Focal Utopia 2022 and Sony MDR-Z1R headphones. I'm new to iFi and purchased the iDSD Diablo 2 to replace an existing portable battery powered DAC headphone amp from a competitor that I have been using for several years. After seeing this new product on Moon Audio, seeing it met all my needs including full MQA I decided to purchase as an entry to iFi. I am very impressed. The design and build quality are outstanding, providing a true portable while also incorporating what iFi calls "wings" that can be used in multiple variations for desktop/shelf placement that actually works out to be useful in everyday use. Unit also comes with a very impressive power source that sets the bench mark for no noise background on any USB or battery powered unit I have ever used. The former battery powered DAC/Amp I replaced did not come with a power supply, instead, I had to purchase a power supply that was recommended. That power supply had noise and also stopped working after only two years. Time will tell if iFi quality stands the test of time but the fact that they include the power supply and it seems to be of the highest quality gives me hope. If long term usage of iFi continues to exceed my expectations, I look forward to adding their high end home audio units to my collection. I have purchased from Moon Audio many times over the years so I'm confident in the product offerings and support. Based on Moon Audio…