iFi Introduces Its Latest Flagship, 'iDSD PHANTOM' — a Premium DAC, Streamer, and Headphone Amplifier

Currently available for pre-order at a price of $4,499 USD.

iFi

The British hi-fi manufacturer iFi has launched its next flagship product, the iDSD PHANTOM, a premium home audio device it describes as “a world first for home audio,” integrating a reference-class DAC, ultra-high-resolution network streamer, and high-powered headphone amplifier within a single chassis.

The new PHANTOM, an advancement over the Pro iDSD, is a robust, meticulously crafted predominantly metal device weighing slightly less than 8 lbs (3.6 kg) and offers enhancements in all fundamental aspects relative to its predecessor. This encompasses a novel streaming engine, enhanced digital conversion, augmented output power, and improved user control, all constituting a comprehensive overhaul from the ground up.

The PHANTOM features iFi’s latest ultra-resolution streaming technology, incorporating Qobuz Connect in addition to TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, and Roon compatibility, while allowing playback of up to 768kHz PCM and DSD512 natively.

A prominent feature of the PHANTOM is DSD Remastering up to DSD2048, utilising the brand's proprietary Chrysopoeia FPGA engine to provide what it characterises as "unprecedented clarity and detail" in music. The PHANTOM processes music at exceptionally high resolutions, maintaining detail, minimising distortion, and producing a more authentic, lifelike auditory experience—an achievement the brand designates as “a first for a consumer home device.”

iFi

The unit provides three user-selectable listening modes: solid-state, tube, and Tube+, enabling you to choose your preference for headphone listening, specialised sound tailored to a genre, or personalised adjustments. Users can toggle between settings instantaneously with the press of a button.

The PHANTOM provides a peak output of up to 7,747mW using a pure Class A amplification stage, sufficient to effectively drive various high-impedance and planar magnetic headphones. Signal integrity is ensured via galvanic isolation on essential digital inputs and iFi’s Exclusive Modes, which minimise background system activity during playback.

Professional studio features reemerge, including K2HD Technology, created by iFi in collaboration with JVCKENWOOD, as well as XBass Pro and XSpace Pro, which provide entirely analogue bass shaping and spatial improvement without modifying the fundamental signal path.

The iFi iDSD PHANTOM is currently available for pre-order on iFi’s website and through select dealers, with a price of £4,499 GBP / €4,695 EUR / $4,499 USD.