iFi Audio hip-dac2 is rated
out of
5 by
4.
iFi Audio hip-dac2
Portable DAC/Headphone Amp
£179
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An award-winner made better
Now with a 16-core XMOS chip at its heart, the hip-dac2 is better than ever. Combined with an upgraded crystal clock, the new electronics deliver double the clock speed and four times the memory. This means enhanced detail, precision and an even more natural sound than before. Full MQA decoding is now also part of the hip-dac2’s talent. So there’s no mistaking the hip-dac2 for anything else, it’s finished in a vibrant Sunset Orange colour.
Top choice for music on the move
Featuring a built-in, rechargeable battery, headphone amp and DAC, the iFi hip-dac2 is a top choice for premium sound quality, on the move. Connect to a Hi-Res portable, smartphone, tablet or laptop, plug in your headphones and experience a huge leap in sound quality.
Optimised core technology
With double the cores of the old processor, the XMOS 16-core chip has a huge processing advantage over its predecessor. It also works with the latest SuperSpeed USB standard, further maximising the sound quality potential. Going further still, iFi’s digital developers have optimised the chip firmware to ensure the perfect partnership with the Burr-Brown DAC – giving a smooth, seamless sound that really makes your Hi-Res music flow.
True Native Burr Brown DAC for high compatibility
Using a bit-perfect, True Native Burr Brown DAC, the hip-dac2 not only decodes a wide range of formats but sounds as true to the original as possible. The hip-dac2 now supports MQA native file playback, for top quality sound that doesn’t require huge file space. Other Hi-Res music files are supported up to DSD256 and PCM/DXD files up to 384kHz.
Choose your output – Balanced or S-Balanced
With its 4.4mm balanced output, the hip-dac2 makes the perfect partner for high-end headphones with balanced connectivity. A balanced connection gives you lower noise and enhanced detail. Alternatively, regular headphones are well served by the S-Balanced, 3.5mm output. This delivers some of the benefits of a true balanced design but works with all types of headphones and AUX inputs.
Long-lasting battery power
Charge up via the USB-C charging port and the hip-dac2 is ready to go. Once on the move, the built-in battery is good for up to eight hours of playback – enough for the longest journeys.
Boost the bass
For times when you need a deeper, richer sound, simply switch on XBass. This analogue bass correction system works well with bass-light headphones - subtly boosting the bass without sounding overblown or colouring the rest of the sound.
Take studio quality sound with you, with the iFi hip-dac2.
Connectivity
Headphone Output
3.5mm/4.4mm (S-Balanced/Balanced)
USB Input
USB-A 3.0 (Plus USB-C for charging)
Audio
High Resolution Audio
Yes
Tone Controls
XBass
Features
Audio Formats
DSD256, PCM384, DXD384, MQA384
DAC
Burr Brown True Native
Energy Consumption
Battery Life
Up to 8 hours
Power Consumption - Normal Use (W)
4w
Power Consumption - Standby
2w
Dimensions
Dimensions WxHxD (mm)
70 x 14 x 102
Weight
Weight (KG)
125g
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Ondi from
Great sound improvement
I bought this a week ago and am amazed at the quality improvement. The sound now has so much depth and sharpness that I haven’t experienced before.
Date published: 2022-03-07
Rated 2 out of
5
by
NeilA99 from
I'm not so sure about this
I'm struggling to hear much of a difference between listening to FLAC files on my Motorola One phone via MediaMonkey with a bit of EQ correction and the hip dac 2. I'm listening via Grado SR80e headphones. The unit is very nicely built and has a premium feel, but with regards to sound quality I don't think I'm getting my £180 worth.
Date published: 2022-02-13
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Mgallo from
Powerful little package!
I have paired it to my Audeze LCD2 Classic. I am not an expert in DAC/AMP, coming from a Tempotec Sonata HD pro. I love how the sound feel cleaner and more open, the bass boost is done nicely, boosting the sub frequency more than the mid bass.
In terms of power there is plenty available, I have plenty to spare for my Audeze but it makes a difference even at low volumes
Another detail I love is the volume wheel, coming from a device with buttons it's a godsend.
Date published: 2022-02-09
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Hamish5000 from
Sounds fantastic with my Grado 325e headphones
Great to be able to play CD quality audio on my phone and have the power to drive larger wired headphones. I use it around the house but found the cable it comes with too short to comfortably it the phone and have the HipDac plugged in so bought a USB C extension.
Date published: 2022-01-13


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