Photo by Bonus Action
The jump into hi-fi audio can be daunting, with options and price tags plunging a casual audio enthusiast into the deep end. However, for those who have limited space and a hunger for expensive sound at a budget price, iFi Audio has the perfect solution: The iFi Uno Desktop Audio DAC.
For this review, we put the iFi Uno through its paces over four months of constant use. I’ve tried it at my desk, on trips with my laptop, and even partnered with the Nintendo Switch 2. We’ve used it with a range of headphones, earbuds, and IEM options and listened to a variety of games, movies, and music to see how this pocket-sized amp functions.
The iFi Uno is a unique DAC, as it offers a range of settings without a complex user interface. This makes it the perfect stepping stone for those new to hi-fi, and at a price that won’t leave your bank account quivering in fear.
Key Details
- Developer: iFi Audio
- Compatibility: 3.5 MM Headphone jack, R/L Audio Output
- Connection Type: USB-C
- Price: $79.99
- Sample Provided for Review: Yes
No Stress, No Sweat – The iFi Uno Is Simple to Use
When I first pulled the iFi Uno from its box, I was shocked at the size. Desktop DACs can be hefty, requiring dedicated space and wiring that prevent them from being moved or rearranged easily. The Uno doesn’t have this issue. The entire device fits perfectly in the palm of my hand. It’s so small, I can slide it in my pocket or tuck it into the front pouch of a backpack without any concern.
The design is straightforward. On top of the DAC, I can select the Game, Move, and Music settings using the three buttons set into the device body. I like this better than a digital screen in DACs this small, as it makes setup a streamlined and obvious process. No squinting required.
When looking at the front of the DAC, I found the equalizer button, power match button, volume knob, and 3.5mm headphone jack. I love that the volume knob also acts as the power button. It ensures that I never accidentally blow my ears out when using the DAC, which can be a problem for digital options that power using a dedicated option.
On the back of the DAC, I found the standard right and left output ports and the USB-C input port. The Uno powers off the device it is hooked up to, so I never had to worry about a power cable or rechargeable battery. There were a few setbacks with power drain that I will cover in the next segment.
Overall, the interface for the Uno is fantastic. It is simple, streamlined, and straightforward in a way that makes it perfect for those who are just getting their footing with DACs.
My only complaint with the design of the build is that it is made of plastic and that it has sticky feet on the bottom. The Uno feels pretty cheap, and this comes down to the plastic body. While a metal shell would bump the cost and weight, I would be willing to pay a bit more to have something more durable than the current body model. It is so lightweight that it can flip easily off the desk or get yanked around when in use with portable game consoles.
Over the past four months, my true negative marker on the Uno has been the sticky feet. The black, adhesive strips are a one-and-done stick. They aren’t replaceable, and they make a mess on anything they are stuck to. These are fine if you don’t ever plan to move the DAC again, but realistically, for the setup the Uno is made for, you will want to use it with your phone or Switch, or move it around on your desk if you need to reorganize.
A great solution for this would be suction cups that could be removed manually when needed for portability and a streamlined design. That said, my Uno is a cat hair magnet that leaves sticky, gluey bits on everything. I’ve done my best to replace the original non-stick covers on the feet, but it only does so much.
While the Uno’s usability is fantastic, the overall shell build and adhesive strips detract from the experience enough to be noticeable.
Incredible Power in a Tiny Frame
Despite the Uno’s build hiccups, iFi’s mastery of sound is compressed into the DAC’s tiny form in a way that is startling and delightful. I have tried the Campfire Grand Luna IEMs, ROG Kithara open-back headphones, and even an ancient pair of bargain Skull Candy earbuds with the DAC, and I was amazed at the hi-fi quality that the Uno delivered.
The gaming and audio settings are particularly noticeable, especially on mid-range headphone and earbud options. The power of the Uno transforms muddied sounds into a layered, luxurious experience that I could take anywhere at any time. While hooking the DAC up to my phone or Switch could be a bit cumbersome, it was worth it to hear All Time Low throwing a concert in my travel headphones.
I especially like the way the Uno works with the Nintendo Switch 2. One of the biggest hurdles of the Switch 2 console is its audio quality. The Switch 2 supports games with incredible soundtracks, from Final Fantasy VII Remake to Hades 2, and when listening through the standard built-in headphone option, it’s disappointing and flat.
However, with the Uno hooked up to the Switch 2, the change is monumental. I don’t know that I will ever get The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom to sound that good without the Uno. Even with powerful, audiophile headphone options, the soundcard in the Switch 2 hampers the quality when they are used alone. The Uno is essential for immersing yourself in the soundtracks of your favorite games.
However, there is one drawback to the portable use of the iFi Uno. As mentioned above, the DAC draws its power from the input source. Not only does this drain the battery of the connected device, but it also makes the Uno and smaller connected devices get fairly hot.
This can be a problem during longer play sessions or listens. I would have to regularly take breaks after about twenty minutes of use on non-PC devices to give everything a chance to cool off.
When using the iFi Uno with the PC, it’s a mixed bag. This Uno is fantastic for laptop users with limited desktop space, audiophiles on a budget, and those looking for a compact and portable DAC. However, if you are looking for something hefty, with a really solid boost to sound output, the Fosi K7 is a considerable step up. It is slightly more expensive and a bit larger, but the range of options and the power of the DAC are more suited to desktops and larger audio setups.
Final Score – 7.5/10
The iFi Uno DAC is a powerful headphone AMP for its price and size. It has a user-friendly interface and solid options while offering portability and a space-friendly footprint. It’s an incredible option for new hi-fi enthusiasts looking to try out a powerful DAC.
However, the plastic shell, power drain, and tendency to overheat are hurdles that you should be aware of. If you plan to use the iFi Uno with a laptop on a small desk, it will elevate your listening in any format. However, when using it with other devices, make sure to pay attention to overheating, and beware the sticky feet on the bottom of the DAC. They can’t be replaced, and they will leave glue on everything they touch if you remove the covers.
Despite this, it is a fantastic DAC at an incredible price. I have always appreciated iFi’s ability to elevate audio quality, and the Uno is a wonderful option despite some of its shortcomings.
**Bonus Action was provided with a sample of the iFi Uno Audio DAC for the purpose of this review**
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