84%
MiniDsp IL-DSP
miniDSP is pleased to announce the latest merger of miniDSP's trademark digital processing with high quality headphone amplification. Featuring a full ten bands of powerful, flexible parametric EQ in a tiny bus-powered package, the IL-DSP is the mobile audiophile's perfect companion for laptop, tablet, or smartphone (macOS, Windows and Android supported). The inbuilt microphone for voice-calling ensures maximum mobile flexibility.
Housed in a light-weight aluminum enclosure, the IL-DSP sports impeccable audio specifications of 120 dB signal-to-noise ratio and 0.0007% THD+N (mid-gain). 30 mW power output per channel is ample for IEMs and most portable headphones. High-resolution PCM and DSD formats are both supported.
The ten bands of parametric EQ are configured with miniDSP's easy-to-use computer interface. The fully adjustable peaking and shelving filters allow adjustment of the audio band from the narrowest to the broadest control ranges, with up to 16 dB boost or cut in each band. This combination of DSP power, careful selection of high-quality components and a 32-bit audiophile DAC combine to create an unparalleled portable headphone experience.
Features
- XMOS XCORE200 Multicore processor - Asynchronous USB audio
- CS43130 32bit DAC, 130dB DR, 0.0007%THD, 30mW power
- 3 button control for various action depending on the mode(Play/Stop/Next/Previous/Vol Up/Vol Down/DSP on&off)
- On-board digital microphone
- Win/Mac OSx plugin
- PCM/DSD audio streaming modes
- USB Audio Class 2.0 with ASIO drivers for Windows, driverless under MAC OSx and Linux Alsa 2.0, Android OTG support
Product Downloads
- IL-DSP Datasheet
- IL-DSP User Manual
What's in the box?
- 1 x IL-DSP headphone amplifier
- 1 x microUSB to USB Type C (15cm), 1 x microUSB to USB C (70cm), 1 x microUSB to USB A(15cm),
- 1 x cable clip
- USB ASIO driver, Plugins under the UserDownloads section
WATT RECOMMENDS
Save your favorites. Compare them anytime.
Create a free HiFi Hub account to save products to your Wishlist and compare your favorites side by side.
Professional Reviews 84/100
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
79/100
Build Quality
78/100
Features Usability
92/100
Value for Money
91/100
The IL-DSP stands out for its parametric EQ, letting easy-to-drive headphones gain tighter bass, clearer vocals, and a more balanced, neutral presentation. SoundStage Solo notes that its portable DAC/amp section is clean and effective, though the modest output means it shines most with earbuds and portable headphones rather than demanding cans.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Powerful 10-band parametric EQ can reshape headphone tonality with audible gains in bass definition and vocal clarity.
Clean, balanced sound with the right headphones, including a tighter, less bloated bass presentation.
Compact portable design with useful extras like inline microphone support and DSP bypass.
&
Cons
The 30mW amp section is too weak for low-sensitivity or high-impedance headphones.
Treble can sound a little edgy, and the tonal balance may become thin with some EQ settings.
Setup and EQ tuning can be fiddly if you do not already understand parametric equalization.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 79/100
Reviewers describe the IL-DSP as capable of a clear, neutral presentation when used with the right headphones, and the parametric EQ can make a real audible difference to tone and bass definition. At the same time, the amp section is modest, the treble can sound a little edgy, and it is not a good match for demanding headphones.
Transparency Resolution
85/100
The IL-DSP is described as producing more vocal clarity and a cleaner, more defined bass presentation once EQ is applied. The review frames it as an effective way to improve headphone sound rather than as a particularly resolving amp on its own.
Tonal Balance Musicality
81/100
Reviewers hear a neutral, balanced character overall, but also note that the balance can turn a little thin and the treble is not especially smooth. The EQ is powerful enough to reshape tonal balance in a useful way, which helps the product's appeal.
Dynamics
74/100
The amp section is singled out as the weaker part, with just 30mW into 32 ohms and little enthusiasm for its drive. The review explicitly says it is not the amp for low-sensitivity or high-impedance headphones.
Noise Floor
84/100
The reviews do not mention hiss or background noise, and the product is presented as suitable for earphones and portable use. There is not enough direct evidence for a more assertive claim of exceptional silence.
Headphone Compatibility
71/100
Compatibility is clearly limited by output power: the reviewer says it suits earphones and most portable headphones, but not low-sensitivity models like the HiFiMan HE6es or high-impedance headphones such as the Sennheiser HD 600s. That makes it best for easy-to-drive loads rather than a wide range of headphones.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
78/100
The hardware seems compact and practical, but the review does mention a functional glitch where playback sometimes failed to restart after switching DSP on and off. There is little discussion of materials or long-term durability beyond that issue.
Features Usability
92/100
This is one of the product's major strengths: it has a built-in DAC, USB audio input, ten bands of fully parametric EQ with live control, DSP bypass, and inline microphone support. The reviewer clearly values how flexible and powerful the processing is, even if the interface and workflow are a bit specialized.
Value for Money
91/100
The review calls it a very affordable and effective way to get better sound on the go, and that sentiment is reinforced by the strong DSP capability relative to its price. The value is best for people who will use the EQ and who have headphones that fit its power limits.
Reviews
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
No reviews found yet
Forum Mentions
No forum mentions found yet
Verified Dealers
Online Dealers
All Dealers
Zoom out the map to see more dealers
Authorized dealers for MiniDsp IL-DSP
- Alta Fedelta — online and in-store — Lombardia, Italy (website)
- AUDIOPHONICS — in-store — Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France (website)
- CHT Solutions — online and in-store — Alexandria, New South Wales, Australia (website)
- Cross Spectrum Acoustics — in-store — East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, United States (website)
- Decibel HiFi — online and in-store — Esk, Queensland, Australia (website)
- Deer Creek Audio — online and in-store — Colorado, United States (website)
- Hembio Consult — in-store — Högsbo, Västra Götalands län, Sweden (website)
- Hey Now Hifi — online and in-store — St Kilda, Victoria, Australia (website)
- Igloo Audio — online and in-store — Royal Tunbridge Wells, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Kruunuradio — online and in-store — Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland (website)
and 5 more verified dealers