Stereo_Electronics

Turrican2 of Head-fi re-discovers his music collection using iFi Audio iDAC! “I first heard the iDac at the April 2013 head-fi meet in London. It was part of the full ifi stack (at the time) consisting of iUSB, iCAN and iDAC. I was amazed at the quality of the sound from this miniature setup and knew right there and then that I was going to own at least some of this gear…I have the iRack also, the iDac fits perfectly into my stack, that’s one of the things I love about iFi, their gear looks as good as it sounds…First thing I noticed was the BASS!…I’m hearing things I’ve never heard before with very familiar tracks. I find electronica in particular is a lot more musical with the iDAC leading to much longer listening sessions. I do love listening to gear which invites me to re-discover my music collection…the iDAC has a real authority about the sound which I love.” Thanks for review Turrican2 of Head-fi.org! “Amazing clarity and hefty bass†- Turrican2’s Review of iFi iDAC DAC / headphone Amplifier

micro iDSD: Super Duper 2.2. The iPurifier Background This is the last of the Super Duper features so it is fitting that we cover one of the Crowd-Design features you asked for - the iPurifier to be incorporated into the micro iDSD. Well, the micro iDSD features iPurifier technology to tackle issues surrounding USB transmission. Explanation The USB carries the audio+power signal downstream from the PC. Due to the general implementation of costing-cutting in PC hardware (mass market product), the USB signal coming from the PC is usually low-quality and certainly inadequate for quality USB audio playback. Together with the unwanted EMI/RFI picked up along the way, the USB signal (which is a balanced signal) becomes unbalanced, noisy and exhibits detrimental DC offset. This imperfection can easily be confirmed just by applying an oscilloscope on the USB signal (the oscilloscope needs to have sufficient bandwidth, say 300MHz, otherwise the oscilloscope will be too slow and the issue will not be visible). The iPurifier in the micro iDSD: Cleans up the data lines Re-balances the USB signal Removes the DC offset and Filters out the EMI/RFI noise. Graphically, like this: The iPurifier filter in the iDSD micro forms a lowpass which rejects High Frequency noise. At 1MHz it reduces noise by around 50dB (300 times). The filter is designed to filter both differential and common mode noise, it will also stop noise radiating along the ground line and thus polluting the audio grounds with RF noise. How this benefits the listener Better inner resolution and better noise floor compared to one without the iPurifier. The iPurifier also renders the USB cable/adapter issue much less of a concern.

Nothing beats a headphone with a good mixture of music, fashion and performance. Introducing the new stylish collection of Skullcandy's Aviator and Crusher headphones, the Paul Frank, Granny Floral, Camo Orange and Micro Floral. Aviator Paul Frank Crusher Granny Floral Crusher Camo Slate Orange Crusher Micro Floral Choose the design that will suit your personality plus with a Supreme Sound experience only at Stereo@PlazaSingapura or Stereo@IONOrchard!

Introducing the new Limited Edition Headphones from B&O Play, H6 Blue and 2i Black, Blue and White. Inspired by the energy, passion and creativity of art and sport, B&O PLAY and Pepsi gives us their special collection that will incite people around the world with the theme “Live For Now". Artworks from the renowned artists and illustrators, Ricardo Akn, Merijn Hos, Hattie Stewart and Zosen, will surely bring to life a unique vibrancy and spirit of these limited edition headphones. Now available at Stereo Electronics! Limited edition of H6 in a stylish Blue with artwork from Ricardo Akn. Limited edition of Form 2i in a stylish Black with artwork from Merijn Hos. Limited edition of Form 2i in a cool Blue with artwork from Hattie Stewart. Limited edition of Form 2i in an elegant White with artwork from Zosen.

Sennheiser bundle promotion is extended for the month of July! :s12: Audition units are available in both Stereo@PlazaSingapura and Stereo@IONOrchard.

Be extra motivated while you workout with the new and stylish Yurbuds Vivid! Featuring its Twistlock technology and Flexsoft comfort fit, these earphones are ergonomically designed to never hurt and never fall out from your ears. Also sweat and water-resistant that allows ambient noise for environment awareness. Choose the color that will motivate you to push your limit only at Stereo@PlazaSingapura and Stereo@IONOrchard.

Kari of Inner-Magazine puts the iTUBE through its paces! “But given what the iTube can do, I’d be amazed if there were no interest in the device: the users of passive controllers, those that need a preamp for their computer audio systems, those not happy with the performance of their USB DACs, those that need a quality volume between the DAC and active speakers, those who would expect more from their computer speakers in terms of the stereo image. That is, I can see very many who would immediately benefit from inserting this IFi’s tool in their system. ” Thank you Kari Nevalainen of inner-magazines.com! Inner Magazine - iFi iTube - buffer/preamp

iFi Audio Micro iDSD Pre-Order @ $649! Yes, you saw it right! Starting 4th July, Stereo Electronics is accepting pre-orders for Micro iDSD. Pre-order batch is extra special with a FREE T-shirt plus a unique "Red Hot Turbo" serial number that comes on each set. We are expecting the stocks to arrive by mid or end of this month. Hurry and be one of the firsts 512-first batch unit owners worldwide and make a pre-order only at Stereo@Plaza Singapura or Stereo@ION Orchard! Read up for more info: iDSD micro Crowd-Design. HiFi Man HE-6 takes on the Meaty Monster! (page 82) - Page 73"]iDSD micro Crowd-Design. Head-Fi Stereo your one stop headphones and earphones store in Singapore"]Micro iDSD. Stereo - The Headphone Concept Store

Monster Inspiration Lite On-Ear Headphones Derived from the popular Monster Inspiration, now comes a slimmer, sleeker and reimagined headphones for lightweight listening. The cushioned ear pads sit comfortably yet firmly on the ears while helping to cut down outside noise. Share your music with its dual audio input jacks while customising your look with its interchangeable headbands. Now in stores at Stereo@PlazaSingapura and Stereo@IONOrchard!

Latest July promotions updated!

JVC Woody Series on JULY Promotion! FREE Comply Foam T400/ Black for every purchase of JVC FX750 and FX850 until 31st July 2014

iFi Audio Micro iDSD Pre-Order @ $649! Yes, you saw it right! Starting today, 4th July, Stereo Electronics is now accepting pre-orders for Micro iDSD. Pre-order batch is extra special with a FREE T-shirt plus a unique "Red Hot Turbo" serial number that comes on each set. We are expecting the stocks to arrive by mid or end of this month. Hurry and be one of the firsts 512-first batch unit owners worldwide and make a pre-order only at Stereo@Plaza Singapura or Stereo@ION Orchard! Read up for more info: iDSD micro Crowd-Design. HiFi Man HE-6 takes on the Meaty Monster! (page 82) - Page 73"]iDSD micro Crowd-Design. Head-Fi Stereo your one stop headphones and earphones store in Singapore"]Micro iDSD. Stereo - The Headphone Concept Store

Outta This World #1 "Audio has a New Order: the micro iDSD" Octa-Speed DSD512 + 768kHz Over the last few weeks we kept you guessing OTW#1 but along the way, gave some clues: i. 3 Donuts ii. Mention of “Damp squid” iii. Picture of Godzilla and wrestling with Gezora The ANSWER was that the micro iDSD is capable of OCTA-SPEED DSD512 and not only that but also PCM768kHz and 2xDXD (it is mega on all 3 formats) Capable of full DSD512 and 768kHz PCM (2xDXD) directly from the computer to the micro iDSD via USB, natively with NO conversion - we have had to bite our lip as we have been absolutely gagging to tell you but had to keep refraining from letting anything slip. We have probably driven you all rabidly insane guessing OTW#1 but now it is finally out, we hope you are positively salivating as the prospect of enjoying some stonking audio quality that is not a quantum leap but an Octa-Leap! OTW#1: Octa-DSD512/PC768kHz/2xDXD Background Computer audio technology is advancing at breakneck speed. AMR/iFi is at the cutting-edge of this. The upcoming micro iDSD propels our market-defining position even further ahead. We have made extensive enquiries and to the best of our knowledge, the micro iDSD will be the very first DAC in the world capable of ALL 3 of the following, native: Octa-Speed DSD512, PCM768kHz and 2xDXD!!! (Up/OverSampling does not count, sorry!) By comparison, even the most expensive DACs in the world costing upwards of US$50,000, are a little “old hat” as they are several format levels behind only now, attaining: DSD128 (one or two at DSD 256) PCM384kHz The iFi micro iDSD feature set means it has blasted light years ahead to bring true high-end technology to the mass market. To summarise the micro iDSD’s Outta This World features: Outta This World #1 Octa-Speed DSD512/PCM768/2xDXD Outta This World #2 Perfect-Match with Headphone Power modes and iEMatch Outta This World #3 Turbo headamp power output of 8v/4000mW The micro iDSD is available in stores mid-July so you are only ~two weeks from having the Micro iDSD in the palm of your hand. Explanation We are all in the pursuit of ever better quality of audio playback. DSD is in resurgence and shows no signs of abating. PCM should cannot be ignored as the library of PCM vs DSD recordings is still overwhelmingly in favour of PCM. For us, we don’t favour one format over the other. We enjoy both and we believe you should do too. The hard part is to source music on each format – life is too short to worry about which format is “better” we’d rather you enjoy both to the highest possible standard. How this benefits the listener Since we have been running this Crowd-Design project, along the way, we hope you have gathered a better sense of why we do not concern ourselves so much with each format, but offer the widest choice possible whilst making a recommendation based upon what we like, but always advising that you find what you like. In this case, by being able to select the correct format for each file type, you have ensured a chain that is DSD recording > DSD playback Or PCM recording > PCM playback This matters because we strongly believe that the original cannot be bettered and should be retained end-to-end (i.e. not just on the playback side as we always talk about the whole chain). With this OTW#1, Quad-Speed DSD256 recordings are now making a breakthrough and we have it on good authority that Pyramix and Sonoma which are already on the Quad-Speed DSD256 standard will see a revision in 3Q 2014 to enable their recording systems to handle Octa-SpeedDSD512. This does not include the moves by recording studios to also move to a higher sample rate on the PCM format. What this means for you, the micro iDSD customer is real, hard future-proofing for many years to come. And from day one! For more information on the micro iDSD and others: Micro – iDSD We will also post links to super hi-res music downloads over the coming days. Super hi-res recordings are coming… From all the staff/directors at AMR/iFi, a big THANK YOU for participating in this Crowd-Design project, you have helped make the micro iDSD one helluva "Meaty Monster!" And more to come… Last but not least, within the next few days, we shall outline how the upcoming first production run of micro iDSDs will be special “Octa-Adopter” units. There are extra goodies - these will be collector’s units in the years to come. Watch this space!

iDSD nano makes a statement in HiFi Statement Dirk Sommer, an elder statesman of audio reviewers, puts the iDSD nano through its paces: “The days of having to invest huge sums in high-end audio equipment, are fortunately over. A computer, a smartphone or a tablet is present in almost every household. This along with a couple hundred euros for an app and the iDSD, one has a source that can inspire even in a very high-quality chain. Good sound has never been so affordable!” Dank Sehr Mr Sommer! HIFISTATEMENT | netmagazine - AMR ifi iDSD nano

Featuring all that is great about the award-winning K451 headphones but with control for Android, as well as Apple smartphones, the AKG K452 headphones extend the AKG appeal. CLASS-LEADING SOUND QUALITY High power drive units and a closed-back design give the AKG K452 an intense, powerful sound. Yet, thanks to the innate quality of these headphones, subtle detail is carefully revealed and nuances can clearly be heard. In short, whatever you listen to will be superbly presented and involving. NOW WITH BUILT-IN MIC AND CONTROL FOR USE WITH YOUR ANDROID OR APPLE SMARTPHONE New to the K452 is a built-in microphone. Ideal on a pair of mini headphones likely to be used on the move, this enables you to listen to music and take calls on your Android or Apple smartphone, effortlessly. The single inline button allows you not only to play and pause music but also accept/end calls. COMFORTABLE YET DURABLE The unique 3D-axis mechanism doesn't just make these headphones easy to fold and carry, it also ensures a perfect fit against your ears. The soft, padded, headband and ear pieces simply add to the long term comfort of these headphones. Although lightweight, the K452s are durable. A detachable cable and folding design helps when transporting the headphones but you'll also discover a solid build quality that's a step or two up from many rivals. With a spec and sound so complete, the AKG K452 headphones are hard to beat. Now available in Stereo Electronics!

Crowd-Design. Software Design Update (5) - Three filters each for PCM and DSD. Enjoy.. Digital and Analogue Filters - have it your way High-end selectable digital and analogue filters on a portable DAC this size is very rare, let alone 6 (3 digital ones and 3 analogue ones!) Most of these filters were trickled-down from AMR’s CD-77 (USD11,400) and DP-777 (USD5,000), so the development cost has already been amortised which has benefited iFi and the micro iDSD. 3 Digital Filters (for PCM) Bit-Perfect Minimum Phase Standard The Standard filter – does as its name suggests and it “measures the best.” The Minimum Phase (MP) filter - greatly reduces the unwanted pre and post-ringing of the digital signal and produces a more natural sound. This is the “Super” digital filter for most high-end DACs. The Bit-Perfect filter – as Jose Mourinho coined, is the “Special One.” It originated in the CD-77 (where we called it Digital Master mode), then on the DP-777 (Bit-Perfect mode). This is the mode that gives the most organic sound. This not only comes from just us but all the users of the CD-77, CD-777 and DP-777. After playing around with the other modes, this is the mode they settled on and don’t have any urge to alter, this mode is highly-addictive. It really does compare to vinyl done well. Now the micro iDSD features all 3 of these high-end digital filter modes thanks to AMR. 3 Analogue Filters (for DSD) Top of the range SACD players (SACD is DSD) do have selectable analogue filters, but most DSD capable DACs don’t have any selectable analogue filter, why? Because for most DSD capable standalone DACs, DSD is only afterthought, hence no selectable analogue filters. However, the micro iDSD was designed ground-up as a native DSD (and native PCM) DAC, DSD is not an afterthought at all. We even name it “iDSD” :smile: Actually, back in the nano iDSD, we already had selectable analogue filters for DSD playback. In the micro iDSD, we are just bring this to another level and implemented 3 of them: Ultra-wide Range Extended Range Standard Range There is no “best” one, just pick the one that you like to listen to the most. To us, the most important thing is to have the freedom to have it your way, like that well known “foot long” sandwich. Not 3 Donuts, but 3 Footlong sandwiches Having said that, we do like the Ultra-wide Range one but this may not work for everyone, as some of the amplifiers out there don’t like this kind of ultra-wide band width and may produce an unpleasant noise (no damage will ensue). Digital Filters - Reload With iFi, even though we bring up measurements, you will often find we always say, they are more exclusive than mutual: each should be taken in their own right. Which digital filter is more relevant to measurement and which one is more relevant to listening to music? To answer this question, we must bear in the mind that the following: A Sine wave is more useful for measurement and testing, a music signal is more impulse-like. So if one wants to measure the performance of a DAC, we recommend using the Standard filter, which give the “best performance” on a sine wave signal. However, for normal real-world listening, the Minimum Phase filter will be a more accurate reproduction of an impulse signal when compare to a Standard one; however the most important thing to note is that the Bit-Perfect filter will give the MOST accurate reproduction of an impulse signal. i.e. for the most accurate reproduction of an impulse signal (which music signal is more akin to), in order of accuracy: Bit-Perfect > Minimum Phase > Standard. Which one would you rather listen to? We do not mind. Because you can choose yourself with the micro iDSD. We have our preference but the customer should always come to their own sonic conclusion.

iCAN Micro video review by Arly Borg of Youtube! “The iFi iCAN Micro is a gorgeous looking piece of kit that packs a lot of features into a small form factor.” “Besides having quite competent sonics the iCAN also provides a very well done bass boost that’s well controlled and, generally speaking, clean. It also utilizes a type of cross feed circuit that when used will help expand sound stage which comes in handy if you happen to own headphones that sound claustrophobic. If that weren’t enough the iCAN delivers enough juice to easily drive high impedance 600 ohm headphones but can also drive highly sensitive IEM’s by utilizing power output switches, located on the bottom of the amp, which reigns in the juice. Overall, the iCAN is a good all arounder sort of amp which is fun to play around with if you like to experiment with its various boosts on different gear. A good buy for the new enthusiast looking to get his feet wet whose seeking out their first desktop amp.”

July 2014 Promotions updated!

iDSD Nano upgrade featured on Theabsolutesound! “iFi-Audio, maker of several very interesting miniature audio components, has upgraded their battery-powered portable iDSD nano DAC and headphone amplifier to play quad-speed DSD256 computer audio files…. iFi-Audio identified some Japanese jazz piano DSD256 recordings that I downloaded and tried. They were very clean, spacious, highly nuanced and sounded a whole lot like someone playing a piano in a moderately reverberant room. Through the upgraded iDSD nano, my Audeze LCD-X headphones sounded a bit tonally richer than before the upgrade. If you enjoy the iDSD nano as much as I do, this is a worthwhile upgrade.” Thanks Absolutesound! iFi-Audio Upgrades iDSD nano Portable DAC/Headphone Amp | The Absolute Sound

Colors are visual perceptual property and it means differentiating left and right earpieces for Audiophiles’ Unique Melody IEM. *Photo credit to Unique Melody

iFi Audio Nano iCAN - Small in Size. Tremendous in Technology. They are now back in stocks only at Stereo Electronics! We back this up with our 7-days 100% Money Back Guarantee which allows you time to ensure you made the right choice. Terms and conditions apply.

Super Duper feature 2.1 - The CCK/OTG USB port Background Nowadays, high-fidelity portable audio is on the rise and shows no sign of abating. If you just look around and see how many IEMs there are, it gives you a sense of the sheer number of users who want audio on the move. For the micro iDSD Crowd-Design, the CCK/OTG connection came up. And so now you have it. Explanation To use a Smart device as a portable transport + DAC, there are two options: 1. Apple - has the Camera Connection Kit (CCK) is the previous, 30-pin version. The newer USB Adapter is the 9-pin version. But both are essentially the same. 2. Android - Samsung has the On-The-Go (OTG) cable. Both the CCK/OTG have the proprietary manufacturer connection at one end and the USB type A socket at the other end. With USB type A socket, this NORMALLY goes to a short USB cable and then connects to the USB Type B port (as most DACs have this port). With the micro iDSD, there is no need, the CCK/OTG cable can be connected directly to the micro iDSD as it has a type A plug. Like this: When you are home on a desktop/main system, you just use either of these USB adapters (both are to be found inside the micro iDSD box) to connect the USB cable > micro iDSD How this benefits the listener Now you get the best of both worlds with unrivalled convenience: Portable audio = Smart device + CCK/OTG + micro iDSD > IEMs Desktop/Home audio = Computer + USB Adapter + micro iDSD > Headphones/Amplifier Addendum: For Apple - the playback players range from iTunes, Onkyo HF Player, Capriccio and Hibiki. For Android - best stick with the most ubiquitous which is the USB Audio Player Pro UAPP. You can open a, iFi support ticket (iFi-Audio :: Support Ticket System) and we shall email the pdf to you concerning these connections.

Some of you with experience of the nano or micro iCAN will already be familiar with our XBass feature in the upcoming micro iDSD. But for others, we hope you find this interesting. Super Duper feature 2.0-XBass (not all headphones are created equal) Background “Listening to the radio I feel so out of place There's a certain something missing that the treble can't erase I know you can tell just by looking at my face A word about my weakness I'm totally addicted to bass” The Puretones – “Totally Addicted to Bass” No one headphone produces a perfect bass response. Explanation Between different recordings and different headphones, bass is often found wanting. To have Bass or not to have Bass, that is not the question here Listening to great music is always a positive experience; from the most humble to the most extravagant system, all are capable of providing great enjoyment. However just as in the song by the Puretones, if the Bass is not right, then “There's a certain something missing that the treble can't erase”. With headphones, bass performance varies widely. Some headphones have prodigious bass, some have perfect, even-handed bass, yet many others are bass shy or have severely missing bass. There is no direct link to cost in this, some rather inexpensive headphones can have killer bass, while rather more expensive headphones are found lacking. Of course, bass performance is only ONE factor in Headphone sound quality. Here are some representative frequency responses of different headphones: Leftmost is the Ideal curve, this is what a headphone SHOULD measure like. Real ones never do. The other three are examples of REAL headphones and show their varying degrees of bass response. Going from second left, real world Example 1 has very good real bass. Such headphones are quite rare though. Example 2 has some attenuation in the bass. This is often found even with rather expensive headphones. This curve is indicative of a certain US$ 1,500 Headphone which is all around excellent and of the best ever made, yet the bass is still a little lacking, not that one would call it bad, but always leaves one wishing for more. Example 3 is typical of many smaller headphones. Bass is noticeably absent; not just a little at the very bottom, but a big chunk has gone AWOL. Such headphones do sound distinctly lacking in bass; thin, weedy and unsatisfying. They make some correction mandatory. Another possibility that is not shown is that the headphone will have a very heavy, boosted bass, some DJ Headphones and some in-ear-monitors types are like this. Depending on music and taste this may be perceived as a good thing, or not. For such headphones it is very important that the headphone amplifier has a very good damping factor, so that the extra bass is well-controlled without becoming boomy. To show what actual, real headphones look like, below is a comparative shot of four different ones measured by HeadRoom. At iFi we have been aware of this common bass problem with many headphones. Oddly, headphones with the best bass are rarely those with the cleanest midrange or the best imaging. Hence buying headphones is often a compromise. i) One could buy a set of headphones that has almost everything and give up a bit of bass. With the player software, the equaliser function could be adjusted to compensate for the lack of bass. But this brings into play DSP and the music signal is no longer Bit-Perfect. ii) And of course, with your iPod or Laptop, the limits become obvious: the limited power output simply cannot supply the extra power needed for the equalised bass and sound becomes distorted, so you have to turn the volume down, but you do regain some lost bass. It still often does not sound that natural either, as few of these equalisers are correctly tailored to compensate for the shortcomings of headphones… Enter XBass... How this benefits the listener If your headphones leave your craving for deep, clear, solid bass unsatisfied, you need something eXtra. You need eXtra-Bass. XBass - adds back the "missing bass" and the customer is able to dial-in their desired level. As with other iFi features, this is performed in the analogue domain so the music signal remains original. Further, as XBass is integrated in the micro iDSD Headphone Amplifier we have more than enough power to add the bass back without distortion - the extra bass is tight, crisp and precise. XBass is integrated into the micro iDSD (along with nano and micro iCANs). Just flick the switch to ON and away you go. If you find it doesn't suit a particular headphone or track, just switch it to OFF. Wanna make your 'phones the Ace of Bass? then checkout XBass...

A perfect artwork for Audiophiles born under the Year of the Horse. Your CIEM. Your Year. Only with Unique Melody. *Photo credit to Unique Melody.