Hifiman HE400SE + ifi Uno

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 signal in your source device – your computer, Mac, even your car –  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 or Apple Mac. 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.

All our filters (the above modes) are executed in the analogue domain, rather than digital. This means no degradation in sound quality.

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 or car. 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. Find out more about MQA here.