ifi Nano iOne review - expatinjapan
ifi Nano iOne review
-expatinjapan
`The iOne is the DAC for the modern home. It combines many different digital audio devices and input options in ONE complete unit. With Bluetooth, S/PDIF or USB inputs, it upgrades the listening experience with smartphones, tablets, computers, TVs, gaming consoles, media streamers and more.`
Whats in the box
Oodles of options and possible configerations.
Often the term `swiss knife` gets bandied about with ifi products - but its true I tells ya!
But in this case the ifi Nano iOne is a specific device with specific aims, ifi Audio have many products to choose from, so do a bit a bit of reading first about what you are looking for before you decide on which ifi device meets your audiophile needs.
ifi Audio has something for everyone.
a nice selection of starter cables, and some cute feet for the mini beast.
The new improved version has `windows` and a change
to plastic (front metal) front and back for better bluetooth reception.
How I am using it. RCAs out and in, and using the USB with the power plug to save charging.
I usually switch off the power plug when not in use.
The LED Light color changes depending on the mode and output.
The ifi Nano iOne includes a 5V USB power supply (this being one for the Japan market).
The plugs `pins` will vary market to market I expect.
The home hub DAC
`The iOne is the DAC for the modern home. It combines many different digital audio devices and input options in ONE complete unit. With Bluetooth, S/PDIF or USB inputs, it upgrades the listening experience with smartphones, tablets, computers, TVs, gaming consoles, media streamers and more.
New extended range version
We always listen to customer feedback. In this instance some customers remarked they would like better Bluetooth reception.
So we took this on board. The new ‘Extended Range’ iOne incorporates these comments and supersedes the original. It is visibly different - the front and end plates are ‘snow white’ with opaque side windows.
The iOne ER can be placed in any orientation as it now has a 360° Bluetooth signal. The operational range has been extended to over 10m ‘line of sight.’
In addition, the new iOne will include a 5v USB power supply so that customers can use it straight from the box along with a ‘shorty’ USB cable.
For customers of the existing iOne, if they wish to move to the ER version, there is no additional charge. Just contact your retailer and make the arrangements to have it exchanged for the ‘Extended Range’ model. It is as simple as that.`
Features/Technologies
Bluetooth*, S/PDIF, USB input (*aptX & AAC CD-like quality)
Galvanically-isolated S/PDIF Output with dedicated re-clocker/line driver
ANC® noise suppression system for the power supply (via USB socket)
GMT® Femto precision clock system
Asyncronous USB audio system with Zero Jitter® Memory Buffer
Zero Jitter® Memory Buffer technology for S/PDIF & Bluetooth
Galvanically-isolated S/PDIF input with FET High Definition (FHD) circuitry
Advanced custom Bluetooth 4.0 wireless audio system
AAC codec allows direct Bluetooth wireless streaming from iTunes & Apple Music in native quality
aptX codec allows CD quality Bluetooth wireless audio streaming from suitably equipped Android devices, PCs and Mac computers
Advanced minimum phase (Bezier) ‘Listen’ digital filter optimised for sound quality and alternatively selectable ‘Measure’ standard FIR phase-linear digital filter
Direct-Coupled analogue outputs via RCA
5v USB power supply included
Price
iFi Audio’s Vincent Luke, comments, “Although the iOne is brand new, we like to be as responsive as we can to customer feedback. We looked and found we could make the iOne even more enjoyable. And so we did. We added the power supply for good measure. The price remains the same.”
The retail price of the nano iOne is US$199 (ex-tax) or Euro235/£199 (incl VAT).
Quite nicely affordable.
Version one versus Version two.
The newer box is slightly larger to make room for the power charger.
The main change as mentioned earlier is the Face plate and back plates have been changed from metal to a type of hard plastic, also side windows have been added to aid and improve Bluetooth reception.
Overview
The ifi Nano iOne is a great piece of kit.
Bluetooth , (Coaxial input/output, Optical input), SPDIF input/output, USB input (laptop etc) means I can choose how to use it, and also what my source might be.
Using a Burr Brown DAC one is assured of decent sound quality. And the proof of the pudding is in the tasting, I have not been disappointed.
I certainly improved my old stereo system and has made operating my new system a breeze. I dont always want to stand up and I like having the option to have my wifi device beside me (or phone in my wifes case) and select songs and albums. My stereo system has a USB input on the front but requires one to stand up and change albums etc, I like to shuffle a lot so being able to skip tracks on the fly is a must.
I find it easy to operate, and it passes my wifes `is it easy to use` test.
It syncs easily with the various Daps I have lying around, and length of bluetooth reach differs to different degrees dap to dap. But generally quite satisfactory.
The sound is detailed, smooth, at times spacious (from medium to large) and has a dynamism to it.
It is accurate , natural and whilst at the same time musical.
It could have a bit more weight and warmth at the lower end.
The ifi Nano iOne does what it claims, and certainly does with the quickly released V2 model.
It is not a magical box which will transform everything in your house into sonic unicorns, what ever you are feeding into it, and where the sound is coming out from will make a difference.
It definitely helped my sub standard mini system sound half decent, and pairs very naturally with my upgraded system.
ifi has a range of quality products, and I recommend reading up first and deciding on which one best suits your particular need/s.
*Note: I am happy with this product and its performance.
I do have this niggling thought in the back of my mind that I havent covered something I should have in this review, one of its many uses etc. All the specs and uses of the iOne are covered in the Specs section etc.
I will leave the last word to ifi Audio:
`The iOne is neither a one-trick pony nor is it a jack-of-all-trades. It is simply incredibly versatile and offers cutting-edge technology, with each separate function designed and implemented with as much care and dedication as they would receive in a single function device from iFi Audio.`
Thank you to ifi for sending Head pie the ifi Nano iOne for review
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