iFi Audio iDSD GR 2 MT Portable DAC and Headphone Amplifier

iFi Audio iDSD GR 2 MT Portable DAC and Headphone Amplifier

The iFi Audio iDSD GR 2 MT is a portable DAC and headphone amplifier, a Master Tuned edition of the iDSD GR 2 developed with Grammy and Brit Award-winning producer Steve Levine. It keeps the GR 2's Burr-Brown PCM1795 converter and fully balanced amplifier architecture, then refines the circuit at component level so that the sound follows Steve Levine's own studio judgement. Two digital filters, one for PCM and one for DSD, were voiced with Steve and are exclusive to this edition, giving the GR 2 MT a character of its own rather than simply a new finish. The result is a single pocketable unit that can serve as a phone or laptop DAC on the move, a desktop headphone amplifier at home, or a hi-res source within a wider hi-fi system.

The Burr-Brown PCM1795 is a current-output DAC with true 32-bit resolution, and the iDSD GR 2 MT plays PCM up to 768kHz and native DSD512. In the analogue stage, precision audiophile-grade resistors improve channel balance for a quieter, steadier soundstage, while Audio Note capacitors in the amplifier stage add warmth and richness to voices and instruments in the midrange. Class A op-amps and an end-to-end balanced circuit keep distortion low, and the GR 2 MT delivers up to 1,513mW RMS into 32 ohms from its 4.4mm balanced output, enough headroom to keep bass composed and dynamics open on demanding headphones. For sensitive in-ear monitors, iEMatch lowers the output by 12dB to cut background hiss. JVCKENWOOD's K2HD Technology restores harmonic detail lost in digital recordings, with a lighter K2 mode that works without upsampling, and analogue XBass+ and XSpace circuits are on hand for bass and spatial adjustment.

Connectivity on the iDSD GR 2 MT covers USB-C, a 3.5mm S/PDIF input for coaxial or optical sources, and Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless, LDAC, aptX Adaptive and LHDC/HWA, so wireless playback can reach lossless CD quality. Balanced 4.4mm and single-ended 3.5mm sockets work as line inputs or fixed line outputs, and the headphone outputs can switch to variable line out to drive active speakers. A colour OLED touchscreen puts the main settings within easy reach, and the iFi Nexis app adds deeper adjustment and over-the-air firmware updates. The 4,900mAh battery gives around seven hours of listening, and hybrid power mode draws on mains first for long desktop sessions. The GR 2 MT measures 141 x 75 x 19mm and weighs 268g.

What iFi say about the iDSD GR 2 MT

Master Tuned. Master Approved.

The next step for the powerful and versatile GR 2 platform, the iDSD GR 2 MT reimagines our latest all-purpose portable in partnership with award-winning producer Steve Levine, whose expertise pushes the platform’s capabilities even further.

New Burr Brown PCM1795 current-output DAC

The Burr Brown PCM1795 DAC chipset delivers true 32-bit resolution, lower distortion, and greater dynamic range. As a current-output DAC, it allows for greater freedom in the design of the analogue output stage.

Exclusive PCM and DSD filters voiced by Steve Levine

Our engineers worked with Grammy and Brit Award-Winning producer Steve Levine to develop two exclusive digital filters – one for PCM audio, one for DSD audio, both capturing the balance and emotional potency of Steve’s signature sound.

OLED colour display with capacitive touchscreen

A capacitive touchscreen OLED colour display allows for direct, intuitive control of the iDSD GR 2 MT’s extensive feature set, making more of the core features available without the need for deep menu diving.

K2HD recovers depth and nuance of master recordings

K2HD restores harmonic content lost in the digitisation process of audio recording, recovering the depth and nuance of the original recording for a more natural and engaging listening experience.

Master Tuned. Master Approved.

The iDSD GR 2 MT is the next chapter in the GR 2 story, reimagining the bleeding-edge GR 2 platform through the ears of Grammy and Brit Award-Winning producer Steve Levine.

Sporting the same uniquely tailored DAC chipset and amp stage architecture from the GR 2, the Master Tuned edition pushes the envelope further with component-level refinements throughout, carefully tailored to deliver the balance and emotional potency that define Steve Levine’s signature sound.

Every sonic decision throughout the re-engineering process has been guided by Steve himself, including two exclusive digital filters created in partnership with our engineers and available only in this edition.

The iDSD GR 2 MT is a true labour of love; the sound of a lifetime of studio experience and critical listening, condensed into a form factor that you can take with you everywhere you go.

PCM1795. Pure Conversion Magic.

At the heart of the GR 2 MT is the same Burr-Brown PCM1795 DAC chipset that defined the sound and design of the original iDSD GR 2. It delivers the warm, analogue character we’re known for, but elevated with true 32-bit resolution, lower distortion, and greater dynamic range.

As a current-output DAC, it gave our engineers complete freedom to design a bespoke analogue output stage, purpose-built to extract the very best from the chipset.

Advanced Amplification.

The GR 2’s new DAC chipset offered greater design freedom at the analogue stage, so our engineers set to work on a new approach. Class A op-amps offer a more natural analogue character, while refinement of the circuitry – now fully balanced from end to end – has considerably reduced distortion. iEMatch circuitry has also been upgraded with low-impedance MOSFETS.

The result is simple, but powerful - lower distortion, greater transparency, and more consistent performance over time.

The iDSD GR 2 MT takes this philosophy a stage further, with upgraded components worthy of Steve Levine’s iconic sound profile.

The changes begin as soon as the analogue signal is output from the DAC chipset, with precision audiophile-grade resistors improving channel balance and delivering a quieter, more stable soundstage, while Audio Note Keisei capacitors in the amp stage add warmth and richness throughout the midrange.

The result is perfection, redefined.

Control, Evolved.

A capacitive touchscreen OLED display brings direct, intuitive control to the surface of the GR 2 MT. This colour screen means core settings are now immediately accessible, removing the need for deep menu diving.

The interface has been purposefully designed around speed and clarity, making device adjustments feel natural and responsive.

To infuse the GR 2 MT with an immediate sense of aesthetic prestige, the device logo found beside the touch screen is now fully illuminated – a striking visual statement befitting the design advancements made in the Master Tuned edition.

Headroom, Unlocked.

As well as physical control through the interface, we’ve also unlocked greater control over what you hear.

The iDSD GR 2 MT delivers up to 1,513mW RMS output – 50% more headphone drive than the xDSD Gryphon, giving it the headroom to handle more demanding loads with ease.

Bass stays composed, transients remain defined, and dynamics open up more freely, even with harder-to-drive headphones.

Freedom Without Loss.

The GR 2 MT joins our latest generation of portable audio, and is suitably paired with a new generation of Bluetooth performance through 5.4 and aptX Lossless.

Together, they deliver a wireless experience that preserves full detail at CD quality (44.1kHz, 16-bit).

For those looking for the highest available bitrate before going fully lossless, LDAC ensures premium-quality listening with bitrates of up to 990kbps.

Restoring Musicality.

Digital recordings can often lose the warmth and natural richness of the original performance, leaving music feeling flat or clinical.

The GR 2 MT incorporates JVCKENWOOD’s K2HD Technology to restore depth, tone, and musicality – reintroducing subtle harmonic detail to bring recordings closer to their original intent.

The result is a more natural, engaging listening experience, with digital playback feeling less processed and more connected to the emotion of the performance.

A lighter touch is also available for those who prefer, with ‘K2’ mode offering similar enhancement without upsampling.

Power That Adapts.

The iDSD GR 2 MT incorporates the original GR 2’s hybrid power mode to intelligently balance external power and battery operation.

When connected to an external supply, it prioritises mains power first. If extra power is needed, the GR 2 MT then draws from the battery, and automatically returns to external power once demand drops.

This means you can leave the GR 2 MT plugged in for longer listening sessions without constantly cycling the battery. Perfect for the studio. Perfect for the desktop.

Master Any Setup.

Despite its compact footprint, the GR 2 MT is built to slot effortlessly into almost any listening chain. USB, Bluetooth, S/PDIF via coaxial and optical, and dedicated line inputs give you the flexibility to connect sources old and new.

Headphone and line outputs extend that versatility even further, whether the GR 2 MT is driving headphones on the move or serving as the heart of a wider system.

Control Beyond the Device.

The iDSD GR 2 MT is fully compatible with iFi Nexis, extending control beyond the device itself.

Through the app, advanced settings are easy to access and fine-tune, giving you a deeper level of personalisation without complicating the everyday experience.

iFi Nexis also enables over-the-air updates, so the GR 2 MT can continue to evolve over time – adding refinements, features, and improvements long after it leaves the box.

*All USB-based iFi Nexis functionalities are additional features exclusive to Android devices.

Specifications