Let's face it: we hi-fi enthusiasts have a different sort of notion about what counts as portable. Heck, we've seen folks rocking gigantic planar magnetic headphones on the way to trade shows. Yes, open-backed cans on an airplane. But hey, who's to judge? If that sounds familiar--in other words, if you simply refuse to compromise on audio performance just because you're rocketing around the world in an aluminum tube or stuck in a hotel room in the middle of Nowheresville--iFi audio's new xCAN is a portable headphone amplifier you should pay attention to.
Retailing for $299 and available right this very now, the xCAN delivers a hefty 1000mW of oomph per channel, and features both balanced 2.5mm and S-balanced 3.5mm connectors, along with Bluetooth (with aptX, natch), and a 2,200mAh LiPo battery that promises somewhere between six and eight hours of listening time.
More details from iFi audio:
iFi audio, a leading designer/manufacturer of high performance personal audio products, today announced the xCAN, a portable headphone amplifier powerful enough to drive even power-hungry headphones. Though iFi's latest pocket wonder is primarily designed to be used with smartphones and DAPs, it can also be used with computers and even a smart TV. With Bluetooth aptX on board, the xCAN can be enjoyed wired or wireless with remarkable fidelity. The xCAN is available for immediate delivery with an MSRP of $299 U.S.
Featuring full analog volume control, which retains full-resolution at all volume levels, the xCAN takes an audiophile approach for smartphones, digital audio players and computers. Its selectable 3D+ and XBass II functions bring both sensitivity and power to the listener. The 3D+ function provides two separate circuits, one optimized for headphones and the other for loudspeakers, while XBass II takes what its predecessor, XBass+, could do and ramps it up to produce even cleaner, tighter, deeper bass.
The xCAN is a portable wired/wireless device and supports high-resolution formats to deliver a remarkable 1000mW of power per channel. With aptX and AAC, it brings Hi-Res streaming to Bluetooth. The xCAN delivers live quality Bluetooth connectivity capable of storing up to eight wireless devices at once, which means users can stream their favorite music as well as boost audio on their smartphone, portable audio device, laptop, home audio system and TV all at the same time.
"iFi is renowned for offering unique personal audio products that deliver remarkable value and the xCAN is certainly no exception." commented Victoria Pickles, Head of Global Marketing for iFi audio. "The xCAN is designed for power users on the go who want to get the most out of their headphones, even power hungry planar magnetic designs. Moreover, the quality of xCAN's Bluetooth aptX delivers superb clarity and connection quality."
iFi believes their products should be seen as well as heard so the xDSD was professionally designed to exude luxury and style. The lightweight enclosure is tactile, compact and made of rugged, ridged magnesium-aluminum alloy. The molded plastic end cap allows unrestricted Bluetooth transmission. All the switches and connections previously seen on iFi products have been optimized to match the new chassis, yet they still provide easy access to all the xCAN's standout features. Ease of operation was a key design objective of the xCAN.
Key features new with the xCAN are:
Additional Resources
• Visit the iFi audio website for complete technical specs
Read iFi audio Ships Pro iDSD DAC/Streamer at HomeTheaterReview.com
