iFi Audio Diablo X Portable DAC: The Ultimate Reference Level Sound

iFi Audio Diablo X Portable DAC

Make Life Click is reader-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. More details

iFi Audio has just added a new product to its DAC lineup. Named the iFi Audio Diablo X, it is a portable DAC that will release at CanJam NYC

And if you are at the Marriott Time Square Hotel, you have the chance to see the unveiling of the new product.

Nonetheless, iFi has partnered with xMEMS, which is playing the role of an official DAC/headphone amp technology partner. 

iFi Audio Diablo X Portable DAC
iDSD Diablo; Source: iFi audio

With this support, the Diablo X will support the brand-new solid-state monolithic speaker technology of xMEMS.

However, the iFi Audio Diablo X does not go that far from the original iDSD Diablo. Like that DAC, the Diablo X aims to offer reference-level sound. 

And it will utilize a 16-core XMOS chip and two BurrBrown DAC chips to do so. These will process the data received through digital inputs.

iFi Audio Diablo X Portable DAC
iDSD Diablo; Source: iFi audio

On the note of digital inputs, you have the option to choose from S/PDIF and USB. Both of the ports are tuned to perfection. So, the audio processing should go smoothly with either of the two.

Thanks to those chips, the iFi Audio Diablo X will support PCM 768, DSD 512, and 2xDXD. Just like the predecessor, the portable DAC also offers full MQA decoding. All of these will enhance the overall audio output and offer you an audiophile-grade music-listening experience.

In-Ear monitors (IEMS) from Singularity will launch alongside the iFi Audio Diablo X. These in-ear monitors will also come with xMEMS technology. In fact, it will be one of the first IEMs to come with xMEMS solid-state speaker technology.

iFi Audio Diablo X Portable DAC
iDSD Diablo; Source: iFi audio

And when you pair those IEMs with the iFi Audio Diablo X, you will get the ultimate audiophile-level music-listening experience. 

The audio will feature lightning-fast transient response, an impressive resolution level, +/-1° part-to-part phase consistency, and near-zero phase shift. In other words, you don’t need to make any calibration.

According to the head of partnerships for iFi Audio, Victoria Pickles, “iFi audio is excited to be working with xMEMS as an official DAC/headphone amp technology partner.”

iFi Audio Diablo X Portable DAC
iDSD Diablo; Source: iFi audio

Victoria Pickles continued that xMEMS’ innovative micro speakers have the potential to revolutionize the performance of in-ear monitors and headphones. And the audio technologies of iFi Audio Diablo X are well-positioned to unlock the full potential of xMEMS technology.

Furthermore, the head of partnerships for iFi Audio hinted that more specially optimized iFi DAC/headphone amps are lined up for release. 

They will launch in 2023 and will take the audio experience to new heights. Overall, 2023 seems to be a really exciting year for xMEMS.

Slava is a man of mystery and no-one seems to know exactly where he is at any point in time. When he isn't enjoying writing about all things audio and technical he can be found researching his next project of interest. The man never rests.


Helpful? Sign up and get more interesting posts like this. No Spam.

Get access to insights, deals, competitions and giveaways. Unsubscribe anytime.

* indicates required

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Scroll to Top