Problem with iFi Portable DACs for desktop use

[amirm]

So I wanted to use the iFi battery operated DACs for my desktop. I first hooked up the ifi iDSD Micro (silver). It played for a few hours and then it died with blinking red light (?) indicating battery is dead.

So I then put the ifi Nano into service and it did the same thing.

Seems like both of them need off time to charge their batteries and not able to play using just the power from the USB port.

I thought I had read some of you using them for desktop. Do you not listen continuously for extended number of hours?

 

[Patrick1958]

Hi,

You need to use a specific start procedure to operate on usb power, see manual below. There are some other iFi devices that operate that way.

https://ifi-audio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/nano_iDSD_BL_Manual.pdf

 

[amirm]

Ah, that explains it. Thank you very much.

 

[frogmeat69]

You have to let the battery get a full charge, then if you keep it connected to usb it should never drain down when using as a desktop unit. I let my iDSD Micro charge overnight, then used it for like 15 hours straight and it never faltered.
Also, for it to run on USB power, you must connect the USB cable before powering on the unit.