iFi audio hip-dac 2: just the tonic for headphone fans

iFi audio hip-dac 2: just the tonic for headphone fans

With a sound as flavoursome and richly detailed as a delicious single malt Scotch, the hip-dac 2 portable USB DAC/headphone amp delivers the perfect pick-me-up for any music lover on-the-go



Southport, England – The hip-dac is one of iFi’s most popular USB DAC/headphone amps, beloved for its affordable price, extensive hi-res specification, distinctive design reminiscent of a hip flask and fittingly intoxicating sound. Now, some 21 months after the original hip-dac launched, iFi has updated its design with internal enhancements and a brand-new colour. Ladies and gentlemen, meet the hip-dac 2!

The new model’s obvious distinguishing feature is the Sunset Orange anodised finish applied to its aluminium enclosure, replacing the original’s Petrol Blue. Under the hood, a collection of carefully considered and painstakingly implemented circuit changes elevate the hip-dac 2s performance to an even higher level.

The 8-core XMOS chip, which processes the data received over USB, has been replaced by a new-generation 16-core XMOS processor, delivering double the clock speed and four times the memory. This chip was initially introduced to iFi’s latest DACs at higher price points, such as the NEO and Diablo models, and is now trickling down to iFi’s entry-level devices, including the hip-dac 2.



This new chip’s enhanced processing power improves overall performance, as well enabling the
hip-dac 2 to deliver full MQA decoding. This means that the complete ‘three unfold’ decoding process is performed internally, as opposed to just the final unfold in the manner of an MQA ‘renderer’ – which accounts for the vast majority of MQA-supporting DAC/headphone amps anywhere near the hip-dac 2’s price point, including the original hip-dac. This makes the hip-dac 2 an excellent device for anyone who subscribes to Tidal’s Masters tier, which uses the MQA codec for hi-res streaming.



There are other circuit improvements too, including a new version of iFi’s GMT (Global Master Timing) circuitry, featuring a new crystal clock. This results in even lower jitter performance, contributing to purer, crisper sound.

Other than these changes, the hip-dac 2 retains all the features that made the original such a popular portable USB DAC/headphone amp – further details below.


Shooting from the hip

Boldly dressed in racy Sunset Orange, the go-anywhere hip-dac 2 is designed to slip discretely into a pocket or bag. It replaces the inferior DAC and amp circuitry in smartphones, tablets, PCs and Macs to vastly improve headphone sound. Its design and performance set it apart from other DAC/headphone amps in its class – connect your playback device via USB, plug in your favourite corded headphones or in-ear monitors and the hip-dac 2 delivers a sound brimming with bold dynamism and fluid refinement, effortlessly engaging the listener with all manner of music. In the home, in the office, on a train or plane, the hip-dac 2 is the music lover’s inseparable friend.


DAC’s the way to do it

The DAC section is based around a Burr-Brown DAC chip that iFi uses extensively in its products, selected for its fluid, natural musicality and True Native architecture. This, combined with custom iFi circuitry, enables the hip-dac 2 to deliver excellent sound quality across all manner of digital audio formats, including bit-perfect PCM and native DSD, as well as MQA.

Hi-res PCM and DXD audio data is supported at sampling rates up to 384kHz, alongside DSD from 2.8MHz to 12.4MHz (DSD64, 128 and 256). Thanks to the Burr-Brown chip’s True Native design, PCM and DSD take separate pathways – this enables both PCM and DSD to remain ‘bit-perfect’ in their native form right through to analogue conversion, which is not the case with most other portable DAC/headphone amps. Either side of the rotary volume control reside a pair of LEDs that change colour to indicate the format and sampling rate of the digital audio being played.



Extensive clock-locking eradicates jitter (digital distortion), using iFi’s GMT femto-precision clocking system – upgraded in the hip-dac 2 – to maintain the integrity of the digital signal until conversion to analogue. Bespoke customisation of the 16-core XMOS chip via iFi’s in-house programming team further enhances sound quality, with proprietary digital processing technology making a major contribution to the hip-dac 2’s class-leading sound quality. Firmware updates to elements like digital filtering help to keep iFi devices, including the hip-dac 2, fully up to date as technology progresses, as well as allowing for a degree of user-customisation.


Balance of power

The hip-dac 2’s analogue amplification stage benefits from a balanced (differential) circuit design – unusual in a DAC/headphone amp anywhere near this price point. This topology helps to reduce signal distortion, which in turn leads to purer, more engaging sound.



The circuitry incorporates a range of high-quality components selected for their performance in an audio context, including a custom iFi OV op-amp, TDK C0G class 1 ceramic capacitors, a precision
low-noise power supply IC from Texas Instruments and a high-quality analogue volume pot. (Many portable DAC/headphone amps use digital volume controls, which can be detrimental to sound quality.)

The amp stage can deliver 400mW into a 32-ohm headphone load, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of headphone and earphone types with power to spare. Even high-impedance headphones are handled with ease thanks to output voltage of 6.3V into 600 ohms (from the balanced output).



To further tailor the output to suit the connected headphones, the amp stage features switchable
gain – a feature called PowerMatch. This matches the level of drive to the headphone load, adjusting input sensitivity and thereby signal strength. With high-sensitivity in-ear monitors, for example, leave PowerMatch at its lower setting to ensure a silent, hiss-free background. But if your headphones benefit from a higher level of drive – such as many on- and over-ear types – press the PowerMatch button to increase gain.

XBass is another user-selectable feature – a sophisticated form of ‘bass boost’ that enhances low frequencies without muddying the midrange, particularly useful with earphones and open-back headphones that may lack deep bass. It operates entirely in the analogue domain rather than messing with the digital signal via DSP and may be switched in or out of the signal path.


Get connected

The hip-dac 2’s USB input handles audio data up to 32-bit/384kHz and supports the ‘SuperSpeed’ USB 3.0 standard, as well as USB 2.0 for backwards compatibility. It is asynchronous, meaning that the data rate is regulated solely by the hip-dac 2’s specialised audio clock circuitry for accurate, jitter-free data transfer from the source device.

There are two USB ports – Type A for audio data and USB-C for charging. Unusually, the Type A input features a ‘male’ connector, rather than a typical ‘female’ port. This arrangement provides greater mechanical integrity than the USB and Micro USB ports commonly found on DAC/headphone amps from other manufacturers. It also offers an advantage to users of iPhones and iPads with Lightning ports, because it accepts Apple’s Lightning to USB Camera Adapter directly without requiring an additional female-to-male USB adaptor.



Two outputs are provided: a 3.5mm socket for headphones with a single-ended cable/connector, and a 4.4mm Pentaconn output enabling headphones equipped with balanced connectivity to take full advantage of the hip-dac 2’s differential amp design. In addition, the 3.5mm output benefits from iFi’s proprietary S-Balanced circuitry, cutting crosstalk and related distortion in half when used with regular, single-ended headphone connections – this is especially beneficial with high-sensitivity in-ear monitors.

The hip-dac 2’s 2200mAh battery lasts for around 8-12 hours of playing time, depending on volume level and how power-hungry the connected headphones are. It comes bundled with three USB cables: a
USB-C OTG (On-The-Go) cable, ideal for connecting Android devices and PCs/Macs with USB-C ports; a USB-A cable; and a USB-A to USB-C charging cable. (The Apple Lightning to USB adapter required to connect iOS devices is purchased separately.)


Protect the one you love

Both the original hip-dac and the new hip-dac 2 sport a 102x70x14mm extruded aluminium enclosure, sufficiently robust to be ported around without fear of breakage. However, some may wish to add further protection for the beautifully anodised metallic finish, whilst giving their beloved DAC/headphone amp a softer, suede-like feel – for them, the new hip-case is ideal. Made from vegan-friendly ‘faux suede’ in cool Dove Grey, with stitch detail and an embroidered iFi badge, the hip-case fits both the hip-dac and hip-dac 2 like a glove.


Hip-hip-hooray!

• The hip-dac 2 is available In Sunset Orange at an RRP of £189, from 1st October.
• The hip-case is available in Dove Grey at an RRP of £29, from 1st October.
• The original hip-dac remains available in Petrol Blue at an RRP of £169, while stocks last.

 

I was interested until I saw that unholy USB port.
I understand why you went for it but for me as an Android user it's just a real deal-breaker.

 

Can’t you just use a USB-C to A cable? I’ve got like 5 of them scattered around my house. Or maybe you’re saying you just don’t like the size of the connector?

 

Not only the size of the connector but more importantly the girth of the cable and the neck around that type of connector. it's just too stiff and big for portable use in my experience.

 

Any battery performance improvements between the two? Specifically on standby at around 70% discharge in its off position. Does it keep a prolonged charge?

 

hip-dac 2's battery life is approx 8 hours so similar to the OG hip-dac.

 

I wish we could please everyone, but I understand your dislike towards that port

 

I've got a Hip DAC V2 in for review. Using it right now with the Empyreans as they are super easy to drive compared to my other headphones.

I don't like that the power and data are separate. I understand that decision on the Diablo iDSD, but for the iDSD Signature and especially the HipDACv2 I would have gone for a single Data/Power through the USB-A like the older iFi models. The two cables is annoying.

I don't have much to report on so far as I'm only half an hour in, apart from the fact that devices like this being commonplace, and such high quality for the money, is such a great thing. I can't imagine having something like this a decade ago, and if it existed it would have been way more expensive. Very cool.

Will report back in a while with more thoughts.

 

Is the lower gain setting silent with Campfire Audio iems? I wish instead of fancy names like power match, you just had a gain switch with 3 settings, one super low for CA iems.

This is the perfect portable amp/DAC and would be perfect for my Solaris SE portable rig instead of just using an iPod. But I'm doubtful the gain is low enough. Being a portable amp I just think it should be made to work with the most sensitive iems as those are the most portable headphones. I'm sure the amp itself is quiet enough to be used with CA iems.

I wish the Nano BL and Micro BL had gain settings like this too. Can you pass this up the chain? No Iematch, no power mods ,just a gain switch with 3 settings.

Thanks!

 

That sucks. I don't like IeMatch, I think it kills dynamics and resolution and gives them this hazed over sound.

Why is my iPod touch capable of bing dead silent but iFI can't make an amp that is?

Sounds like they should make a version of the Hip DAC designed for iems.

 

For IEMs we have xDSD, but point taken re hissing.

 

XDSD is much bigger and I don’t need or want Bluetooth. Doesn’t it seem like your smallest dac/amp should work with iems- the smallest, most portable headphones? The hip dac is such a great physical design and I’m sure it sounds good.

 

Apologies for not seeing your previous post. In short, making hip-dac portable yet powerful was the top priority, but I hear you regarding IEMs.

 

iFi Hip Dac V2

Hi Guys,

Today we are back to a review of an iFi Audio piece of gear. Their new Hip DAC V2. For the rest of this review, I will refer to it as the “V2.”

The V2 is the same size as the V1 Hip DAC from iFi. It embraces a new orange colour, with a silver volume knob vs. the blue paint, and gold knob of the original. The V2 has an upgraded XMOS USB processing chip, full MQA decoding, and a new crystal clock which supposedly helps overall sound quality. I don’t care about MQA at all to be honest, but the other changes are nice little upgrades that will help the overall quality of the unit.

The V2 has a 3.5mm output which uses iFi’s “S-Balanced” tech, and also has a 4.4mm output for fully balanced use. Also on the front panel are a low/high gain selector, and an XBASS selector, which is iFi’s take on a simple bass boost, done in the analog domain.


Nice and Portable
On the rear of the device, there is iFi’s usual type A USB for data, and also a USB-C port for charging. Now, I understand that separating these two inputs has benefits for noise, especially from the charging side. I will be honest though, this is probably my only large gripe with the unit. I don’t really see a device aimed at a more “consumer” market, and everyday use VS “High end” use, needing this separation of power and data. For this type of device I’m a huge fan of a “one and done” type of connection. It’s frustrating to have the two cables going from your laptop to deliver the data, and also keep the battery charging. It’s not a huge deal, just something I don’t fully agree with on this type of device.

Speaking of the battery, depending on the headphones you are using, you will get about 7-8 hours out of a fully charged V2, which is enough I find. Its not class leading, but it’s certainly enough for a few hours at a coffee shop, or 6-7 hours on a flight. That sort of thing.

The overall sound of the V2 is fairly in line with iFi’s other equipment, but obviously on a scaled down level. I find it somewhat warm, but not syrupy or gooey. The V2 is a bit brighter than other iFi gear that I’ve listened too. Overall detail levels are totally inline with the price point, but also not a strong point. I don’t really think that is the point of this piece of gear though. The XBASS is great with headphones that are a bit bass light, but I found with neutral or bass heavy headphones, it was a bit strong. Thus, with the headphones I have, I preferred to just dial in my preferred bass levels with EQ, rather than the units own bass adjustment.


Front View
With 400mw into 32ohms from the balanced output, that Hip DAC has enough power for most easier to drive headphones. I wouldn’t recommend it for something very difficult to drive, other than a back up option. However, with something like the Meze Empyrean, or ELITE, it’s a great match for a portable option. I only have fairly difficult (in IEM terms) IEM’s on hand, and I had no problems with hiss using them with the V2. I have read other users report a bit hiss with very sensitive IEMs. In this case I would recommend using iFi’s “ear buddy” or “IEmatch” dongles, which will cut the hiss out. Obviously, it’s not ideal, but at the price point and size of the V2, I can’t see iFi managing to build all their features internally. If you want IEmatch built in, their new XDSD Gryphon might be worth a look. I haven’t had a chance to hear that piece of gear yet, but its feature set is astounding. However, it is double the price of the V2, so that’s entirely understandable.


Rear View
In terms of comparisons, I wanted to find something that was similar to the V2 to compare it with. I found a Fiio Q3 on craigslist for 100 dollars, so I snapped that up, and have been doing back and forth listening with the units. The Q3 is a little bit longer length wise, and the V2 is a little bit wider, but they are largely the same size. They also have mostly comparable specifications, with the V2 being slightly more powerful. The Q3 does have a single input cable, which I appreciate. The Q3 sounds a bit leaner, less presence in the mids. It also has a tiny bit sharpness in the highs vs iFi. Detail levels are largely similar, with the iFi taking the edge. The Fiio retails at $150USD, and the V2 retails at $300USD. I think if you just need a back up option for occasional use, I would get the Q3. However, if this is going to be your main piece of source gear, and you will use it often, it would be worth springing the extra cash for the V2.


Hip Dac V2, with the Fiio Q3
Overall, I think the Hip DAC V2 does what it is designed to do very well. It isn’t a top of the line piece of gear, nor does it sound like one. However, if you need an option that you can plug into your laptop, or use on the go on a flight, or similar, it makes a very compelling case for its use. It can drive a large segment of the headphone market with no problems, has gain and bass boost options to tailor the sound further, and has a very solid battery lifetime should you need to go free from being plugged in. I think that for a large segment of people using headphones, the V2 might fit them very, very well, and would certainly be a huge upgrade from simply using their laptops built in headphone output. This is where the V2 shines, and is at its best.

If it fits your use case, and headphones or IEMs, the V2 is certainly worth checking out, and is a great, tiny little piece of source equipment. The fact it looks great too, is just a bonus

 

First of all, thanks a ton for your take on hip-dac 2 and I'm happy to read that it worked out for you! And as for EarBuddy and iEMatch, if we could pack these into hip-dac 2 without increasing its retail price or size, we would.

Thanks again!

 

Folks, we have one fantastic review we'd like to share with you!

What Hi-Fi, hip-dac 2, FIVE stars: https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/ifi-hip-dac-2

 

Sharing a customer's thoughts!

This is what Mark Williams, from Florida, USA had to say about his hip-dac2 purchase!

"I'm excited for my first audiophile-grade DAC. I bought a 4.4mm balanced cable for my AKG
K240s just for this. I do have to wait for my Pixel 6 Pro to get an update to support TIDAL MQA
but it's amazing with my PC so far!"

Get Yours!

Cheers!!