New iFi Audio iEMatch2.5 for headphone listeners

21.02.2018

Press release | Following the success of the original iEMatch, which improves sound quality and dynamics for headphone users listening to music sourced from their smartphones, tablets or laptops, iFi has announced the arrival of iEMatch2.5 for those with dedicated hi-res digital audio players (DAPs).
 
Like the iEMatch, the iEMatch2.5 significantly reduces background noise and widens the dynamic range to enable headphone listeners to enjoy the full openness of a recording. The iEMatch or iEMatch2.5 enables listeners to turn up the digital volume of their music player to enjoy full audio quality (resolution) but still maintain a comfortable listening level.
 
So, what’s new?
Well, it is the same principle, with one key difference. Whereas smartphones and computers tend to have unbalanced 3.5mm outputs for headphones as standard, many DAPS and headphones/IEMs at the higher end of the digital hi-fi market offer a 2.5mm balanced output as well as the choice of single-ended and/or balanced 3.5mm output ports. The iEMatch2.5 has a gold-plated 2.5mm connector for music lovers who have invested in high-quality DAPs and expensively sensitive IEMs and/or headphones.
 
What’s the advantage of the iEMatch2.5?
When listening to music, you want to hear everything from the high-pitched jingle of a tambourine to the deepest rumble of a kettledrum. In other words, you want a wide dynamic range. Having great DACs, DAPs and headphones to deliver this to your ears are all well and good but there’s a problem – the sound of EVERYTHING will be boosted, including the self-noise of the source AND the sound level. Plus some higher end headphones and IEMS add to this by being sensitive themselves.
 
To build a system around an expensive high-resolution headphone amplifier and then use it at a comfortable (not to mention safe) listening level means you have to turn the volume down to about 50% of its capacity and this will decrease both its dynamic range and audio quality. Basically, it’s like watching HD TV with some of the pixels from the screen missing. You will also have lost around two bits of resolution.
 
The iEMatch2.5 ‘attenuates’ the volume and safely enables you to crank up the digital volume on your DAP without painful consequences! This equals more music information being conveyed, the best dynamic range and your missing bits back for the full high-resolution music experience!
 
Precision parts
The iEMatch2.5 is, like its older sibling, packed with premium components from its 6063-TS aluminium –magnesium alloy case through to its signal transfer cable which is a 6N silver/copper matrix.
 
As ever with iFi products, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. From modern high-resolution recordings down to MP3 files, the difference is there to be heard.
 
Specifications

  • Ultra (-24dB) and High-Gain(-12dB) sensitivity adjustment
  • 6N silver/copper matrix wiring with FINAL 6063-T5 aluminium-magnesium alloy shell
  • Gold-plated printed circuit board with audiophile components (eg MELF resistors)
  • Gold-plated 2.5mm male/female connectors
  • Input Impedance: > 16 Ohms
  • Output Impedance: < 2.5 Ohms (High-Sensitivity) < 1 Ohms (Ultra-Sensitivity)
  • Compatible Headphone impedance: 16 Ohm to 600 Ohm rated impedance
  • 12.5 Ohm minimum impedance

Accessories

  • Soft-foam contoured ear plug (-37dB)
  • Fabric travel punch.

The retail price of the iEMatch2.5 is US$69 (ex-tax) or €79 /£69 (incl. VAT)


About iFi
iFi audio is headquartered in Southport, UK. It is the sister brand of Abbingdon Music Research - AMR. They respectively design and manufacture portable and desktop ‘ultra-fidelity’ audio products and high-end audio ‘home-based’ components. The combined in-house hardware and software development team enables iFi audio and AMR to bring to market advanced audio products.

 

 

For further info: to Ifi Audio website


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