Disclosure: The Uno was provided by iFi for this review. Please read more about our product review disclosure here.

The iFi Uno promises great audio performance in an affordable DAC/Amp package. At $79 USD, it brings features typically reserved for more expensive devices, from specially designed EQ modes to high-resolution audio support. The compact form factor and thoughtful design choices suggest iFi hasn’t compromised on quality despite the budget price point.

My weeks of testing with various headphones and sources revealed the Uno’s true capabilities. The combination of ESS Sabre DAC implementation and analog signal processing particularly caught my attention, as did the versatile EQ modes that work without degrading audio quality. This review explores whether the iFi Uno delivers the audio upgrade many users seek at this price point.

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• iFi Uno
• USB-C to USB-A cable
• Quick start guide

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The iFi Uno has a distinctive curved design, with a shape that sort of looks like the inverse of that of the ZEN Dac and ZEN CAN lineup. The outer shell is plastic but has a soft and distinct texture, with the front panel having brushed aluminum for a slight premium touch. Being plastic it feels incredibly light at 92 grams.

The front panel of the Uno features an EQ button, Power Match button, volume knob, and 3.5mm output. The volume knob also serves as the power button, turning it all the way counter-clockwise will turn the Uno off. As far as analog volume knobs go this one is good and has the right amount of tensile strength so that you aren’t increasing or decreasing the volume too quickly, making it easy to make granular adjustments.

The back of the Uno has an RCA analog output and a USB-C input connector.

The top of the Uno has three icons that are lit up by an LED when active to show if an EQ mode is active, and the bottom of the Uno has two large rubber stands, helping it stay in place on any surface.

The overall build quality exceeds expectations for a $79 USD device, with thoughtful touches like fingerprint-resistant texturing and precise control spacing that prevents cable interference and minimizes accidental button pressing.

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The iFi Uno uses an ES9219MQ Sabre DAC chip instead of iFi’s usual Burr-Brown DACs. The ES9219 combines HyperStream III architecture with Quad DAC+ technology, delivering a signal-to-noise ratio of ≥ 119 dBA. A crystal oscillator provides precise timing for the clock circuitry, making the Uno more than just a basic budget DAC/Amp.

EQ Modes

Three distinct analog EQ modes shape the sound without digital processing. The Game mode adds punch in the sub-bass and additional presence in the upper midrange. Movie mode focuses mainly on dialog clarity. Music mode became my personal favorite, delivering a clean sub-bass enhancement while preserving a natural midrange.

PowerMatch System and DRE

PowerMatch works like an intelligent gain switch with two settings. The low setting (Off) pairs beautifully with sensitive IEMs, while the high mode (On) adds 6dB of gain for power-hungry headphones. This flexibility solves a common problem I usually face when switching between different headphones and IEMs.

LED indicators on the top of the Uno show the active modes clearly. The all-analog EQ implementation preserves audio quality better than digital alternatives that often compromise resolution. These thoughtful features make the Uno feel like a much pricier device in daily use.

The Uno comes with Dynamic Range Enhancement (DRE), which we’ve seen before on both the iFi GO Link and GO Link Max. It works closer to that of the original GO Link, which means it’s noticeable and has a positive effect on audio that is well recorded and features very quiet and very loud swings in perceived volume.

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The iFi Uno carries the company’s signature house sound, delivering a smooth and musical presentation that stands out from your typical budget DAC/Amps. Without EQ engaged, the Uno presents a relatively flat, neutral signature. Switching to Music mode breathes life into the presentation. Testing with the Sennheiser HD620S showed how the Uno delivers full-bodied, impactful bass while maintaining excellent tonal accuracy.

The sweet spot for the Uno lies in moderate volume levels, where it maintains excellent clarity and resolution. I did notice some quirks at the extremes though. With very quiet listening there’s a slightly uneven channel balance (similar to that of the ZEN Dac V2), while pushing the volume too high made the treble too aggressive and irritating. These limitations feel reasonable given the price point though.

The Uno creates an impressively wide and tall soundstage. While focus points aren’t quite as precise as higher-end equipment, the overall presentation remains coherent and well-organized. The spatial rendering particularly shines with well-recorded acoustic music.

The Uno’s sonic character comes down to:

• Clean, controlled bass impact
• Natural midrange presence
• Generally fatigue-free treble
• Good instrument separation

Keeping volume in the sweet spot delivers the most balanced, engaging sound. The power output proved enough for my collection of headphones and IEMs. While it won’t replace your flagship desktop setup, the Uno brings genuine audio improvements at a surprisingly accessible price point.

Add to all this the fact that the Uno can be plugged in and used with a variety of devices, from game consoles like the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5, to iPhones, iPads, Android devices, and PCs and Macs. I tested the Uno with all of the above it worked exactly the same every time.

Power output is solid given the price and size of the Uno. I didn’t have issues using headphones such as the HIFIMAN Sundara, Sennheiser HD 620S, or Audeze LCD-2. With PowerMatch switched on I really only needed to have the volume knob up to the 10 oclock position. I wouldn’t use anything more demanding with the Uno though, nor is it really intended for harder-to-drive headphones anyway.

When testing with various IEMs I did notice a slight background hiss with my more sensitive ones, such as the TINHIFI T7. It didn’t make them unlistenable, but it was noticeable enough, especially during quieter audio.

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The iFi Uno proves budget audio doesn’t mean compromising on sound quality or features. The Uno’s performance punches well above its $79 USD price point, with the help of the ESS Sabre DAC implementation and analog EQ modes, delivering refinements I typically expect from pricier gear.

The build quality deserves special mention, from the precise volume control to the fingerprint-resistant finish, the Uno feels built to last. While I noticed some channel imbalance at very low volumes and slightly aggressive treble at maximum levels, these quirks are rarely encountered during normal listening sessions.

Anyone seeking genuine audio improvements without wanting to spend too much should seriously consider the iFi Uno. While it won’t replace your flagship desktop setup, it delivers exactly where it counts, bringing quality sound enhancement to budget-conscious listeners.

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I’m not always able to cover all the details of a product, both hardware and software, in our reviews. If you have any specific questions you’d like answered about this product please feel free to leave a comment or contact me directly.

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