Summary

   What is there to sum up? The problem with ifi PRO iCAN is that one would want a top quality converter, cables and headphones to go with it. Cables are the least problematic, because the ones I used for testing, freshly introduced Tonalium, are inexpensive, yet great. In general, there are lots of cables, for example the cheap Harmonix or the carbon First Ultimate can do very well. When it comes to the headphones, it is more difficult, although Sennheiser HD 600 showed that they are already pretty good. But it is still a far cry from the full possibilities of this amp. I’ve managed to determine that it particularly likes Audeze, but I’m sure there are many others on the market it would like as well. As far as the source is concerned, converters supporting files play the key role, but the manufacturer makes it easy for us, as a dedicated converter will be introduced soon. You don’t have to worry it won’t be well matching. Why would they mess up with a converter after making such a good amp? There will be also a dedicated power supply, probably with a battery for absolute peace of mind. Talking about power, what is a great advantage of the new iCAN is that it doesn’t need separate power supply cables, as it has its own. It’s a good thing because a decent cable costs about 2k, whereas good ones cost at least 5k. The money saved on cables can be spent on headphones, so that you can buy some really good ones, suitable to the excellent sound. Personally, I would recommend Audeze LCD-3, because LCD-4 are hideously expensive. But you would have to check it out, because maybe Ultrasone are better? Or Grado? Or the new HiFiMAN? There are plenty of headphones, I’m sure you will find some. You’re lucky there is this amp and it has my recommendation. For the sound, design and functionality, because it fully deserves it.

Point by point summary

Pros:

• High-end level sound.
• Exceptional in every aspect with the right source.
• Smoothly analog.
• Dynamic.
• Open.
• No tension.
• No trace of limited range.
• Absolutely no problems with trebles.
• Or bass shortages.
• Outstanding and rare, even on a high level, ability to individualize the sounds.
• Accompanied by full personalization and authenticity.
• Very good light – darker and lighter levels to choose from.
• Balanced atmosphere with a full range of emotions.
• Ability to show beauty.
• Excellent control over reverb and wonderful music flow.
• A hint of sweetness (coming mostly from the source).
• Pleasant, non-imposing warmth.
• Transparency and complex details.
• Wonderful, living space and the buzz of music flow.
• Organized stage with medium foreground.
• Differentiated textures: the most smooth in transistor mode, to rough, deeply trembling in Tube+ mode.
• You simply want to listen to it.
• Excellent technical parameters.
• Pure A class that can be switched to AB class.
• Nice, refined design.
• Small size.
• Considerable power on three levels.
• Suitable for any headphones, from in-ear to the most demanding planar.
• Energizer module will be available.
• Fully balanced.
• Three amplification modes, including two tube modes.
• A full set of headphone slots, including three balanced.
• Volume control from the remote.
• 3D and XBass processors.
• High quality external power supply.
• Excellent design and refinement.
• Reasonable quality and functionality to price ratio, allowing you to additionally cut back on power supply cable.
• Renowned manufacturer.
• Polish distributor.
• Ryka approved.

Cons and reservations

• Likes top quality headphones and sources.
• You have to wait a month till it warms up.
• The technically the best Tube+ mode is not always the best in a given configuration.

Technical parameters:

• Balanced headphone amplifier.
• Power supply: External DC 15V/4A.
• Inputs (back): 1 x XLR True Balanced Stereo, 3 x RCA Stereo.
• Outputs (front): 4-Pin XLR Headphone Balanced, Dual 3-Pin XLR Headphone Balanced
• 6.3 mm Headphone x 2, single ended or balanced 6.3mm to 3.5mm adapter included,
• 3.5 mm iEMatch attenuated x 2.
• Outputs (back): 1 x XLR True Balanced Stereo (preamp out), 1 x RCA Stereo (preamp out), Multipin Link connector for Energiser module.
• Volume control: Motorised ALPS 6-Way potentiometer.
• Amplification: 2 x GE 5670 Tube or 4 x Ultra Low Noise J-Fet, selected via front panel switch.
• Analog processing: X-Bass, +3dB at 80Hz, 160Hz, 320Hz; 3D Sound: 30/45/60 Degrees Virtual Speaker angle.
• Gain: 0 dB, 12 dB, 24 dB user-selectable.
• Signal to noise ratio: >117 dB.
• THD: <0.003%.
• Frequency Response: 0.5 Hz – 500 kHz (+-3dB).
• Output power: unbalanced outputs: 4.8 W; balanced 14 W.
• Output Voltage: 20V (Balanced); > 10V (single ended).
• Recommended price: 8590 PLN.

Test system:

• Sources: PC, Accuphase DP-700 SACD.
• Converters: Ayon Sigma DAC, Hegel HD30 DAC.
• Headphone amplifiers: ASL Twin-Head Mark III MOD, ifi PRO iCAN, Phasemation EPA-007, Schiit Ragnarok.
• Headphones: Audeze LCD-3 & LCD4, AudioQuest NightHawk, HiFiMAN HE-6, Sennheiser HD 600 & HD 800S.
• Interconnects: Siltech Queen Signature RCA, Sulek Audio RCA, Tellurium Q Black Diamond XLR, Tonalium Audio XLR.