iFi Audio iDSD Phantom

A key part of that ambition is the introduction of the in-house Chrysopoeia FPGA engine, responsible for ultra-high-rate conversion up to DSD2048. By operating at a sampling rate in the region of 90 million samples per second, this architecture is intended to minimise distortion and improve time-domain behaviour in ways more commonly associated with mastering-grade studio equipment. The Phantom also debuts K2HD processing developed in collaboration with JVC Kenwood. This circuitry is designed to restore harmonic content lost during digital recording and processing so that playback feels more natural and tonally saturated. Users can choose whether to keep the original resolution of their files or engage upsampling to 192 kHz/24 bit, depending on whether they prefer a purist or more tailored presentation.

The newly developed streaming platform supports PCM up to 768 kHz and DSD512 in native playback, with internal remastering available up to DSD2048. On the network side the Phantom offers Qobuz Connect, Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2 and Roon compatibility, as well as playback from USB drives and NAS servers on the local network. This means the unit can act as the sole digital hub in a system, without the need for an external streamer or computer, but it can also slot into more complex setups thanks to its wide range of digital inputs and control options.

On the analogue side, the iDSD Phantom allows the user to shape the character of the sound through three distinct output topologies. The Solid-State mode employs fully discrete J-FET stages and is aimed at maximum transparency and control. The Tube mode brings into play carefully selected NOS GE5670 valves for those who prefer a more rounded, fluid presentation. Tube+ goes a step further by reducing global feedback to emphasise second-harmonic content and push the sound in an even more overtly analogue direction. Additional XBass Pro and XSpace Pro sections enable subtle tuning of low-frequency weight and spatial rendering in the analogue domain, with the intention of enhancing tonal balance and soundstage without introducing the artefacts often associated with heavy-handed equalisation.

Underlying these features is a power supply and grounding scheme engineered to keep noise to a minimum. The Phantom employs galvanic isolation on its digital inputs and revised feedback and impedance-stabilisation networks to reduce interference from connected sources and the mains. In combination with segmented, low-noise power regulation for the various internal subsystems, this is meant to deliver a black background that supports fine detail, microdynamics and a stable stereo image, especially with high-resolution material and demanding headphones.

In terms of output capability the iDSD Phantom ranks among the most powerful headphone solutions on the market, with a maximum output of 7,747 mW. This gives it ample headroom to drive difficult planar designs and low-sensitivity dynamic headphones that often expose the limitations of smaller amplifiers. Connectivity includes a balanced 4-pin XLR output, a 4.4 mm balanced jack and three separate 6.3 mm outputs, making it straightforward to connect several pairs of headphones and switch between them, whether in a personal listening space or a semi-professional environment where multiple users may share the same system. The iFi Audio iDSD Phantom is available now. The international suggested retail price is £4,499/$4,499/€4,695. Info and photos by iFi Audio.