Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Delivers a vividly detailed and balanced sound, handling complicated mixes with skill
- Able to extract a lot of information from digital audio files with apparent ease
- A volume lock prevents accidental volume adjustments when the device is in a pocket or bag
- Extensive specification including Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless compatibility and multiple inputs/outputs for versatile connectivity
Product Considerations
- Some reviewers feel the device is not very pocket-friendly due to its size and sharp edges, making it better suited as a transportable—rather than a truly portable—device
- The gain is set too high, making precise volume control difficult, especially with sensitive IEMs
- Using IEMatch adds output impedance, which can negatively affect the tonal balance and dynamics of some IEMs
- The length of the included USB-C cable is short, making it difficult to position the device on a desk
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the iDSD Diablo 1, the Diablo 2 offers slight sonic improvements and better build quality, but at a higher price
- Compared to the iDSD Signature, the iDSD Signature is considered by some to offer a better result for less money, with a more realistic instrument and vocal timbre, larger soundstage, and customizable features like crossfeed and bass boost
- Compared to the FiiO Q7, the iDSD Diablo 2 has a vivid sound, where the FiiO Q7 has a smooth and wide sound
Takeaway: The iDSD Diablo 2 is a powerful and versatile DAC/amp that enhances headphone listening with its detailed sound and extensive features. It is a good choice for users who want a high-quality audio experience on the go or at their desk.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
iDSD Diablo 2
reviews
[{"title":"iFi iDSD Diablo 2 review: the red DAC's more devilishly good second time around","link":"https://www.techradar.com/audio/hi-fi/ifi-idsd-diablo-2-review-the-red-dacs-more-devilishly-good-second-time-around","source":"TechRadar","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"iFi Audio iDSD Diablo 2 Review","link":"https://headfonics.com/ifi-audio-idsd-diablo-2-review","source":"Headfonics","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"iFi Audio Diablo 2 – Full Review","link":"https://headphonesnstuff.blog/2024/02/02/ifi-audio-diablo-2-full-review","source":"Headphones N' Stuff","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"iFi Diablo 2 Review & Measurements - Manufacturers need to stop doing this!","link":"https://headphones.com/blogs/reviews/ifi-diablo-2-review-measurements-manufacturers-need-to-stop-doing-this#section-1","source":"Headphones","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"(Review) iFi Audio Diablo II, The Powerhouse Just Got Better","link":"https://hifichicken.com/review-ifi-audio-diablo-ii-the-powerhouse-just-got-better?srsltid=AfmBOoqIwwDA0AdQ4KLtlyMssAkegQqkHX40_LLzXJOifQSAh3NQfqBd","source":"Hifi Chicken","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"I Tried the iDSD Diablo 2 and Unearthed the Portable Holy Grail of Desktop Sound","link":"https://www.headphonesty.com/2024/03/idsd-diablo-2-review","source":"Headphonesty","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"iFi iDSD Diablo II Review","link":"https://www.audiodiscourse.com/2024/01/ifi-idsd-diablo-ii-review.html","source":"Audio Discourse","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"iFi iDSD Diablo 2 DAC/headphone amp","link":"https://www.sound-advice.online/product-reviews/ifi-idsd-diablo-2-dac-headphone-amp","source":"Sound Advice","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Golden Ears: iFi iDSD Diablo 2 Portable DAC/Amp Review: Warmth and Power","link":"https://www.mmorpg.com/hardware-reviews/golden-ears-ifi-idsd-diablo-2-portable-dacamp-review-warmth-and-power-2000130385","source":"MMORPG","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"iFi iDSD Diablo 2 Review","link":"https://majorhifi.com/ifi-idsd-diablo-2-review","source":"Major HiFi","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"iFi Audio iDSD Diablo 2 DAC–Headphone Amplifier","link":"https://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/1867-ifi-audio-idsd-diablo-2-dac-headphone-amplifier","source":"SoundStage! Hi-Fi","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"iFi Audio iDSD Diablo 2 headphone amplifier","link":"https://hifiandmusicsource.com/2024/08/ifi-audio-idsd-diablo-2-headphone-amplifier","source":"HiFi and Music Source","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"iFi iDSD Diablo 2 Portable DAC/Amp: Review","link":"https://www.ecoustics.com/reviews/ifi-idsd-diablo-2","source":"Ecoustics","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"iFi Audio iDSD Diablo 2 portable headphone amp/DAC review","link":"https://audiograde.uk/review/ifi-audio-idsd-diablo-2-portable-headphone-amp-dac-review","source":"Audiograde","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"iFi iDSD Diablo 2 Review","link":"https://www.trustedreviews.com/reviews/ifi-idsd-diablo-2","source":"Trusted Reviews","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"iFi audio iDSD Diablo 2 Ultra-Res Portable DAC / Headphone Amplifier With Lossless Bluetooth Review","link":"https://www.nikktech.com/main/articles/audio/music-players/14837-ifi-audio-idsd-diablo-2-ultra-res-portable-dac-headphone-amplifier-with-lossless-bluetooth-review?showall=1","source":"NikKTech","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"iFi iDSD Diablo 2 Review","link":"https://ichos-reviews.com/ifi-idsd-diablo-2-review","source":"ichos-reviews","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"The iFi Audio iDSD Diablo 2 Portable DAC/Amp Review.","link":"https://hometheaterhifi.com/reviews/headphone-amplifier/the-ifi-audio-idsd-diablo-2-portable-dac-amp-review","source":"Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"iFi iDSD Diablo 2 Review","link":"https://www.hifioasis.com/reviews/ifi-idsd-diablo-2-review","source":"HiFi Oasis","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"iFi Audio iDSD Diablo 2 Headphone Amp/USB DAC","link":"https://www.hifinews.com/content/ifi-audio-idsd-diablo-2-headphone-ampusb-dac","source":"Hi-Fi News","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"iFi Diablo 2 Review: A Devilishly Good Or Bad Portable DAC?","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XZuZhpV8O8","source":"TotallydubbedHD","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"iFi Diablo 2 Review - A Portable Powerhouse","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMItF0ssmfY","source":"GadgetryTech","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"iFi Diablo 2 - The MOST Powerful Portable DAC/Amp I Have Tried!","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKiKMe8lwfI","source":"Zadius Tech","datePublished":"2025"},{"title":"iFi iDSD Diablo 2 Review | Portable DAC/Headphone Amp With a Wireless Twist","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cmUwTrlles","source":"Andy's Tech Tone","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"iFi Diablo 2 Portable DAC/Amp Review & Comparison | Moon Audio","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2ql8tER0Nc","source":"Moon Audio","datePublished":"2024"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- BATTERY: Lithium-polymer 4800mAh
- BLUETOOTH FORMATS: aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC, SBC
- CHARGING: Via USB-C – BC v1.2 compliant up to 1900mA
- DIGITAL INPUTS: 1x USB-C; 1x S/PDIF (optical/coaxial), Bluetooth 5.4
- DIMENSIONS: 166x85x28.5mm
- DNR: ≥114dB(A)
- HEADPHONE OUTPUT: 1x balanced 4.4mm, 1x 6.3mm
- HI-RES SUPPORT: 768kHz DSD512 full MQA
- MAXIMUM OUTPUT POWER: 4.4mm: >19.2V/611mW (@600Ω); >12.87V/5180mW (@32Ω), 6.3mm: >9.6V/153mW (@600Ω); >8.85V/2450mW (@32Ω)
- NET WEIGHT: 455g (1.0Ibs)
- OUTPUT IMPEDANCE: ≤200Ω
- POWER CONSUMPTION: Nitro 12W | Turbo 5W | Normal 2W | xMEMS 8W
- SNR: ≥114dB(A)
- THD+N: 0.002% @ 0dBFS 200kΩ
Description
Surging with infernal power. Sporting cutting edge xMEMS and Lossless Bluetooth technology, the flagship iDSD Diablo leads the charge with future-proof features and raw power - take your most demanding headphones wherever you go, we dare you.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- iFi offers a wide range of devices, from portable to desktop solutions, catering to diverse audio needs and preferences.
- They emphasize versatility, often combining multiple functionalities like DAC, amplifier, and Bluetooth connectivity in a single unit.
- iFi employs its own custom technologies and features, such as XBass and XSpace, to enhance the listening experience, tailoring sound to individual preferences.
- The brand is known for its commitment to high-resolution audio, supporting various formats, including DSD, MQA, and lossless Bluetooth codecs.
Select products
Select product comparisons
ZEN DAC 3
- Positioning: The entry-level desktop DAC in the iFi lineup.
- Description: Offers high-resolution audio support up to PCM 768kHz and DSD512, making it a great choice for those seeking high-quality sound on a budget. Features a Burr-Brown DAC chip for True Native playback, which is a step up from the ZEN Blue 3's focus on Bluetooth capabilities. Its balanced outputs and USB-C connectivity provide versatility for both headphones and active speakers, unlike the ZEN One Signature which lacks a headphone amp.
ZEN Blue 3
- Positioning: A Bluetooth DAC in the iFi lineup.
- Description: Notable for being the first Bluetooth DAC to support aptX Lossless, offering CD-quality audio wirelessly. Excels in wireless connectivity with Bluetooth 5.4, unlike the ZEN DAC 3 which focuses on wired connections. Its ability to function as a wired DAC with USB and S/PDIF inputs adds flexibility.
GO bar
- Positioning: A portable DAC/amp designed for on-the-go use.
- Description: Compact yet powerful, offering up to 475mW output, which is significantly more than typical portable devices. Features iEMatch and Turbo modes for optimal headphone performance, setting it apart from the ZEN DAC 3's desktop focus. Its portability and balanced circuitry make it ideal for users who need high-quality audio in a small package, unlike the iDSD Diablo 2 which is more powerful but less portable.
ZEN One Signature
- Positioning: A mid-range DAC in the iFi lineup, designed as a home audio hub.
- Description: Combines high-definition Bluetooth with multiple digital inputs, making it a versatile choice for home setups. Supports a wide range of audio formats, including MQA and DSD256, similar to the ZEN DAC 3 but with added Bluetooth capabilities. Its focus on connectivity and premium components makes it suitable for users who want a central audio hub, unlike the GO bar which is designed for portability.
iDSD Diablo 2
- Positioning: The flagship portable DAC/amp in the iFi lineup.
- Description: Offers groundbreaking power with up to 5,180mW output, making it ideal for driving demanding headphones. Features advanced technologies like xMEMS compatibility and aptX Lossless Bluetooth, providing superior audio quality compared to the GO bar's more compact design. Its high power and versatility make it suitable for audiophiles who need a portable solution without compromising on performance.
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Avg. Product Price
$1,001-$2,500
Used For Sale
82
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
19
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
19
Founding Year
2012
Our take on the brand
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
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Our interview with the brand
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What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
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iFi
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What if you spend more?
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Oriolus
Luxury&Precision EA4
2899
2899
/
1
Reviews
Oriolus is a Tokyo-based hifi brand best known for the Traillii IEM, which achieved near-mythic status at ~$6,000 through its unconventional all-balanced-armature design. Using 8 balanced armatures for lows/mids and 4 electrostatics for treble, it delivers unusually natural bass speed and holographic staging. The brand regularly releases Japan-specific editions and focuses on sound-first engineering over flashy packaging.
Expand Details
.svg)
Video review
Our take on the brand
Oriolus is a Tokyo-based hifi brand best known for the Traillii IEM, which achieved near-mythic status at ~$6,000 through its unconventional all-balanced-armature design. Using 8 balanced armatures for lows/mids and 4 electrostatics for treble, it delivers unusually natural bass speed and holographic staging. The brand regularly releases Japan-specific editions and focuses on sound-first engineering over flashy packaging.
Product Page
Product Page
What competes at this price?
MASS-kobo
Model 475
1687
/
Released
2024
Updated the external DC power supply terminal of the full balanced headphone amplifier model 428, which has been popular since its release, from USB micro B to USB Type-C. The input and output terminal of Balanced uses Pentaconn manufactured by Nippon Dicks Co., Ltd. with high reliability. No cable is used between the internal substrates, and all the connecters are gold-plated.
MASS-kobo is a hifi amplifier brand. Each unit is hand-assembled by a single craftsman, Mr. Masuda, who personally tests and selects every component through an extensive binning process that limits output and creates long lead times. The brand embraces unconventional design choices, including intentionally high output impedance (~10Ω balanced), switch-mode power supplies in summit-tier amps, and build-to-order practices with sequential serialization and optional personal delivery by the craftsman himself.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Very clean and stable sound
- It enhances the quality of the bass with extra rumble, making it sound more articulate
- Excellent natural resolution, and among the best vertical micro/macro dynamics expansions
- Very precise layering and separation of the instruments and the vocals gives every sound a multi-dimensional standalone presentation
- It can be powered directly from a USB charger without batteries
Product Considerations
- The words written on the front panel can rub off with use
- With sensitive IEMs, the Model 475 can pick up electronic noise from devices with capacitive screens
- In high gain, the Model 475 can have some background noise with IEMs, so low gain should be used instead
- The volume knob is unbalanced at the first few percent, it always starts off on the left side before the right side, and then a bit unbalanced still before it stabilizes
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Brise Audio Tsuranagi, the Model 475 adds more body to the sound, which gives mids extra coloring density without affecting the resolution or the retrieval of details
Takeaway: The Model 475 is a unique headphone amplifier that provides a clean and stable sound with enhanced bass. It could be worth buying if one wants a solid portable amplifier that can be used at home and that adds body to the sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
MASS-kobo is a hifi amplifier brand. Each unit is hand-assembled by a single craftsman, Mr. Masuda, who personally tests and selects every component through an extensive binning process that limits output and creates long lead times. The brand embraces unconventional design choices, including intentionally high output impedance (~10Ω balanced), switch-mode power supplies in summit-tier amps, and build-to-order practices with sequential serialization and optional personal delivery by the craftsman himself.
Product Page
Product Page
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RME
ADI-2/4 Pro SE
1999
/
Released
Based on many years of continued feature development of the ADI-2 Pro, RME unveils the next addition to the countless award winning ADI-2 Series. The latest masterpiece comes with a newly developed circuit board, improved specs and faster DSP for an outstanding transparent sound signature, extreme power headphone amplifiers including IEM power setting, super low noise 4.4 mm Pentaconn balanced connection, trigger out function for powering on/off external devices and finally an RIAA mode for directly digitizing vinyl discs in highest quality.
RME is a hifi audio brand best known for DACs that bring professional studio tools to desktop listening, featuring 5-band parametric EQ, crossfeed, selectable digital filters, and comprehensive signal metering in their ADI-2 family. Their interfaces offer DSP-based TotalMix FX for zero-latency submixing, DC-coupled outputs for sending CV/gate signals to modular synths, and SteadyClock FS technology that reduces jitter to the femtosecond range.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Video review
Our take on the brand
RME is a hifi audio brand best known for DACs that bring professional studio tools to desktop listening, featuring 5-band parametric EQ, crossfeed, selectable digital filters, and comprehensive signal metering in their ADI-2 family. Their interfaces offer DSP-based TotalMix FX for zero-latency submixing, DC-coupled outputs for sending CV/gate signals to modular synths, and SteadyClock FS technology that reduces jitter to the femtosecond range.
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