Burr-Brown portable DAC/headphone amplifier

The iFi iDSD GR 2 is a true-portable DAC and headphone amplifier that builds on the legacy of the xDSD Gryphon. It features a redesigned audio architecture, a Burr-Brown PCM1795 DAC, and a fully-balanced analogue stage. A new capacitive color touchscreen, Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless and LDAC, K2HD audio restoration, and expanded connectivity make it equally at home with headphones, powered speakers, and portable listening systems.

New Burr-Brown DAC architecture

At the heart of the GR 2 is the Burr-Brown PCM1795 DAC chipset, delivering support for PCM up to 768kHz and DSD512. The current-output design allows iFi to implement a custom analogue output stage that improves dynamic range, lowers distortion, and preserves the warm, natural presentation associated with Burr-Brown conversion.

Fully-balanced Class-A amplification

The GR 2 features a redesigned fully-balanced analogue circuit with Class-A op-amps and upgraded iEMatch circuitry using low-impedance MOSFETs. The amplifier produces up to 1,513mW into 32 ohms through the balanced output, providing the current and voltage needed for a wide variety of in-ear monitors and full-size headphones while maintaining low distortion and excellent channel balance.

Touchscreen control

A capacitive color OLED touchscreen replaces deep menu navigation with fast, direct access to key settings. The streamlined interface makes changing inputs, playback options, and system preferences quick and intuitive while keeping the compact chassis clean and easy to operate.

Advanced wireless playback

Bluetooth 5.4 brings broad codec compatibility, including aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC, and SBC. aptX Lossless enables CD-quality wireless playback where supported, while LDAC delivers transmission rates up to 990kbps for high-quality Bluetooth listening.

K2HD audio restoration

Licensed JVCKENWOOD K2HD Technology restores harmonic information often lost during digital recording and compression. The processing enhances depth, tonal richness, and musical detail for a more natural presentation. A separate K2 mode provides similar enhancement without upsampling for listeners who prefer a more subtle effect.

Flexible connectivity

The iDSD GR 2 integrates easily into portable and desktop systems with USB-C, Bluetooth, optical/coaxial S/PDIF, balanced 4.4mm analogue input, and 3.5mm analogue input. Dedicated balanced and single-ended outputs allow the unit to function as both a headphone amplifier and a high-quality DAC with line-level output.

Hybrid power management

The hybrid power system intelligently prioritizes external USB power while drawing from the internal battery only when additional power is required. This approach reduces unnecessary battery cycling during extended listening sessions while preserving portable operation through the built-in 4,900mAh battery.

Nexis app compatibility

The GR 2 supports iFi Nexis for expanded device control, advanced configuration, and over-the-air firmware updates. Compatible Android devices also gain access to additional USB-based Nexis functionality, allowing the GR 2 to receive future enhancements over time.

Product highlights

• True-portable DAC and headphone amplifier
  
• Burr-Brown PCM1795 DAC with custom analogue stage
  
• Supports PCM up to 768kHz and DSD512
  
• Fully-balanced Class-A analogue architecture
  
• Up to 1,513mW RMS output at 32 ohms (balanced)
  
• Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC, and SBC
  
• Capacitive color OLED touchscreen
  
• JVCKENWOOD K2HD audio restoration technology
  
• Hybrid external power and battery operation
  
• Compatible with iFi Nexis for remote control and firmware updates

Specs

• DAC chipset: Burr-Brown PCM1795
  
• Hi-res support: PCM 768kHz, DSD512
  
• Bluetooth version: 5.4
  
• Bluetooth codecs: aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC, SBC
  
• Digital inputs: USB-C, Optical/Coaxial S/PDIF, Bluetooth
  
• Analogue inputs: 4.4mm balanced, 3.5mm single-ended
  
• Analogue outputs: 4.4mm balanced, 3.5mm single-ended
  
• Headphone outputs: 4.4mm balanced, 3.5mm S-Balanced
  
• Output power: 1,513mW @ 32Ω balanced, 567mW @ 32Ω S-Balanced
  
• Output impedance: ≤0.4Ω balanced, ≤0.2Ω S-Balanced
  
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 115dBA
  
• THD+N: 0.006% (headphone outputs), 0.0005% (line outputs)
  
• Battery: 4,900mAh lithium-polymer
  
• Battery life: Approximately 7 hours
  
• Charging: 5V/>1.8A via USB-C, approximately 3.5 hours
  
• Dimensions: 5.55 x 2.95 x 0.75 in. (141 x 75 x 19mm)
  
• Weight: 0.59 lb (268g)
  
• Warranty: 12 months, 24 months in the EU

What’s included

• iFi iDSD GR 2 portable DAC/headphone amplifier
  
• Documentation