iFI iDSD GR 2 Portable DAC And Headphone Amplifier
IFI IDSD GR 2 ANNOUNCED AS SUCCESSOR TO THE XDSD GRYPHON
British HiFi brand iFi Audio has announced the iFi iDSD GR 2, a new portable DAC/headphone amplifier.
The iFI iDSD GR 2 Portable DAC And Headphone Amplifier builds on the company’s xDSD Gryphon platform with updated digital conversion, amplification and wireless connectivity features.
IFI IDSD GR 2 PORTABLE DAC AND HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
The iDSD GR 2 is a battery-powered portable DAC/amp designed for use with headphones and in-ear monitors. According to iFi, the new model has been redesigned from the ground up and introduces a revised internal architecture, a new touchscreen interface and expanded wireless capabilities. Key features include Bluetooth 5.4, aptX Lossless and LDAC support, alongside USB, S/PDIF and line-level connectivity options.
DAC ARCHITECTURE
At the heart of the iDSD GR 2 is a Burr-Brown PCM1795 DAC chipset, marking the first use of this DAC in an iFi product. The company says the design employs a fully balanced signal path from preamplifier to headphone output stage, with revised I/V and output stages and Class A op-amps. The aim is to reduce distortion and improve dynamic range while maintaining the company’s preferred analogue-style presentation.
TOUCHSCREEN CONTROL
A new colour OLED touchscreen replaces the previous interface, providing direct access to key operating settings. The capacitive display is designed to simplify navigation and reduce the need to move through multiple menu levels when making adjustments. The unit is also compatible with the iFi Nexis app, which provides additional configuration options and supports over-the-air firmware updates.
IFI IDSD GR 2 HEADPHONE POWER OUTPUT
The iDSD GR 2 delivers up to 1,513mW RMS into a 32-ohm load, representing an increase over the output available from the original xDSD Gryphon. This additional power is intended to provide greater flexibility when partnering the device with a wider range of headphones, including more demanding designs.
IFI IDSD GR 2 K2HD AND DIGITAL PROCESSING
The new model incorporates JVCKENWOOD’s K2HD processing technology, which is designed to restore information lost during the digital recording process. Users can also select from four digital filter settings and access iFi’s established XBass+ and XSpace analogue processing modes to tailor the presentation to personal preference and headphone choice.
BLUETOOTH AND POWER MANAGEMENT
Wireless connectivity is handled via Bluetooth 5.4, with support for aptX Lossless and LDAC codecs. iFi has also introduced a hybrid power mode that can prioritise external power when connected to a supply, while drawing on the internal battery only when additional power is required. The company says this approach is intended to reduce battery wear during long-term use.
IFI IDSD GR 2 PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
The iDSD GR 2 is available at £529 in the UK, €549 in Europe, $529 USD in the United States and $799 CAD in Canada.
HiFi PiG says: A fantastic new release from iFi at Vienna, where Oscar is currently checking it out!
