Not sure what a DAC is but know you want better sound quality for your music, movies, games, podcasts and YouTube guilty pleasures?
Then, the new iFi Uno is for you.
All devices that act as digital sound sources use a built-in DAC (Digital to Analogue Converter) to convert the digital info in your source device – your computer, tablet or smartphone – to music you can hear through speakers or headphones. External DACs sound much better than the standard DACs used inside these devices.
Imagine the difference in quality from a standard TV to an 8K Ultra HD TV — but in sound! This is the difference an external DAC makes to your music.
The iFi Uno will supercharge your sound. Everything will sound more powerful, more detailed and more real.
The One you want
Small enough to fit into the palm of your hand, the iFi Uno’s cute, curvy case is made from tough, mineral-filled polymer. Inside, the sophisticated DAC and headphone amp circuitry will upgrade the basic audio tech in all sorts of digital devices.
Connect the iFi Uno via the USB-C input to your Windows PC, Apple Mac, smartphone or tablet. It needs no power source as it receives both power and audio data from the source it is connected to.
Add headphones, powered speakers or an amp and separate speakers and you have what you’ve always wanted – bigger, bolder, more detailed sound.
One simple device. Three unique modes.
- Music mode unlocks detailed and engaging sound from all your favourite artists. Listen while you work.
- Movie mode enhances dialogue clarity when you’re streaming films and must-watch TV shows. Never miss a moment.
- Game mode makes low-level sound effects crystal-clear. Always hear your enemies coming and storms brewing.
Simply use the button on the front panel to cycle through the three settings. Illuminated logos on the top of the iFi Uno indicate your chosen mode.
Uno, dos, hi-res
The iFi Uno supports different file formats – PCM 32bit/384kHz, fully native DSD256 and MQA.
PCM – Pulse Code Modulation is the file format used in CD, DVD, Blu-ray and other digital audio applications. It’s the next step up from MP3.
DSD – Direct Stream Digital is a very high-quality audio format, better than CD quality. The higher the number (sample rate), the better the recording – DSD64, 128, 256, 512 and 1024. Fully native means that it hasn’t been altered in any way from the original recording.
MQA – Master Quality Authenticated is an award-winning audio technology that enables music fans to stream the original master recording into their home, car or their mobile. With the iFi Uno you can listen to MQA straight out of the box. Simply connect to Tidal Masters and check the option to stream MQA.
The iFi Uno draws on our ten years of experience and the advanced spec of the DAC chip within it to unlock rarely implemented high-end features.
Adjustable analogue gain with DRE (Dynamic Range Enhancement) plus technologies to minimise THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) and crosstalk and a choice of digital filters is accessible via the front-panel buttons enabling you to fine-tune the sound of the iFi Uno to your taste.
In short, whether you simply use the Mode features or decide to tinker further, the iFi Uno will make audio sound clearer, minimise any interference and just give you a better entertainment experience across the board.
Awesome analogue
The Uno’s analogue circuitry is just as vital to the supercharged sound quality it provides as its digital tech.
The headphone amp feeds a 3.5mm socket at the front, incorporating iFi’s S-Balanced configuration to reduce noise and crosstalk. The stereo RCA output at the rear also benefits from our knack for delivering high-grade audio circuitry in remarkably affordable devices.
All the analogue outputs are gold-plated to resist corrosion and maintain conductivity over time.
Most DACs still use digital volume control – ours is analogue. Why is this special? When you reduce the volume on other DACs you remove data from the song or soundtrack. With analogue volume control, you reduce the volume whilst maintaining the quality.
And finally, there’s PowerMatch – this ensures you always have the right amount of power to drive the headphones you are using.
