New Portable DAC Debuts at High End Vienna
A new portable Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) has been unveiled by iFi at the High End Vienna audio show. The device, named the iDSD GR2, follows in the footsteps of the well-received xDSD Gryphon and promises several key improvements, particularly in its amplification capabilities.
Design and Pricing
The iFi iDSD GR2 presents a design reminiscent of a hip flask, featuring a prominent OLED screen and a sculpted body. This new offering is slated for release with a price tag of £529 (approximately $710 USD, AU$1,060). While not an inexpensive device, it is positioned slightly below the cost of its predecessor, the xDSD Gryphon, which was recognized as a top-tier portable DAC.
Under the Hood: Enhanced Performance
Internally, the iDSD GR2 incorporates several upgrades. It maintains familiar connection options including Bluetooth, USB-C, S/PDIF, and line-in. However, its power output has been significantly boosted by 50%, reaching 1.5W at 32 ohms. The DAC itself has been upgraded to a PCM1795 chip, aiming for a more balanced audio presentation. Additionally, the device features K2HD technology, designed to enhance harmonic richness, a technology that iFi has previously implemented in its high-end models.
User Experience and Connectivity
Returning features include user-favorite sound modes like XSpace, which broadens the soundstage, and XBass+, which enhances low-end frequencies, offering users greater sonic versatility. A new “hybrid power mode” is also included, intended to extend the device’s battery life, though specific duration increases have not yet been detailed.
The touchscreen interface, present on the original Gryphon, returns. While earlier iterations were noted for being somewhat unintuitive, visual cues suggest improvements may have been made, including the addition of color. For wireless audio enthusiasts, the GR2 supports Bluetooth 5.4, enabling advanced codecs such as aptX Lossless and LDAC. A dedicated smartphone application, the iFi Nexis, will also be available for device control.
Further details regarding the official release date are expected. A comprehensive review will be conducted upon the iDSD GR2’s market arrival to assess its performance against other premium portable DACs.
