Whether you use Nvidia Shield, Google Chromecast or a 4K television, hook your system up to a gaming console such as the XBox One, Playstation 4 or simple enjoy music through your smartphone, tablet or computer, the iOne is the one for you. Add it to your audiophile rig to push the boundaries of high-quality sound to a whole new level.

Diving right in.

Equipment

• Nvidia Shield
• Chromecast Audio
• LG 65″ C8 OLED HDTV
• MSI GS40 Gaming Laptop
• Oppo UDP-203
• PS Audio Sprout100
• Audience Au24 SX RCA cables
• Mapleshade optical cable

What is the iFi nano iOne?

• It’s effectively a small DAC with Bluetooth, USB, and S/PDIF inputs. That’s it.
• It’s meant to serve as an upgrade from the internal DACs in your TV, gaming consoles, PC, and streamers.
• It doesn’t have any amplification stages so not suitable for portable use. Just connect the RCA outputs to your preamplifier/receiver.

What can it do?

• It’s able to accept USB, coaxial, and optical via a 3.5mm cable (or adapter). The iOne comes with a 3.5mm TOSLINK adapter.
  • I used the optical for the LG C8 and Google Chromecast Audio.
  • I used USB for the Nvidia Shield and laptops.
• When connected to a Google Chromecast Audio via optical, you’re able to stream Spotify via WiFi. This sounds much better than the Bluetooth interface.
• You could also add Bluetooth capabilities to a non-wireless DAC via its coaxial output feature. Not sure how many will use this feature but it’s there.
• It shows you a variety of beautiful logo’ed colors on the front, depending on the input and type of stream.
• Bluetooth with aptX codec – bringing you closer to CD quality with wireless convenience.
• It has a digital filter switch for “listen” and “measure.” Just pick the one that sounds better to you.
• For compatible formats (Burr Brown chip), check out the spec page.

How does it sound?

• The tonality of the iOne is neutral and spectrally balanced – with a few scoops of shine.
• It’s clean, detailed, transparent, articulate, and quiet.
• It trades tonal contrast and a warmer/denser sound for more energy and clarity.
• Voices and instruments come in clear and intelligible with plenty of air.
• The timing and speed of aural cues are precise and tight, thanks to the Femto precision clock system.
• The Bluetooth connection won’t sound as good as a USB or S/PDIF connection, but it’s convenient and didn’t have any dropouts during my review.

Who should buy it?

• If you’re looking for a comprehensive set of digital inputs on a DAC.
• If you want your DAC to be unobtrusive yet provide an appreciable improvement in sound quality over your device’s internal DAC.
• If you’re a Bluetooth power user. The inclusion of aptX codec support is a nice feature.
• If you prefer a more revealing and exciting sound signature over a richer one.

Final Thoughts

I really enjoyed the clever incorporation of the 3.5mm TOSLINK connection on the coaxial port. This came in very handy for many of the devices. Although the provided USB 3.0 Type B cable is short, I didn’t really mind as my RCA interconnects were sufficiently long enough. Overall a very lightweight, versatile, and wonderful little DAC.

If you’re looking to enhance the sound of your existing system without having to fuss with giant power cords and space-hogging DACs, the iFi nano iOne is highly recommended.

Purchase: iFi nano iOne – $199