iFi Audio iDSD GR 2 Portable DAC/Amp

iFi Audio iDSD GR 2 Portable DAC/Amp

The iFi audio iDSD GR 2 is a portable DAC and headphone amplifier, the successor to the widely praised xDSD Gryphon and, according to iFi, its most versatile true-portable design yet. Rebuilt from the ground up around a new DAC chipset and refined architecture, it is intended to unlock greater sound quality than its predecessor while bringing digital, analogue and Bluetooth connectivity together in a single uncompromising unit for listening on the move. At its core sits a Burr Brown PCM1795 current-output DAC, delivering true 32-bit resolution with low distortion and wide dynamic range, complemented by iFi's K2HD technology, which restores harmonic content that can otherwise be lost during digitisation.

The amplifier stage uses Class A op-amps for a natural, analogue-like character, running fully balanced from end to end for lower distortion and a cleaner signal path. Output is substantial for a portable device, reaching up to 1,513mW RMS at 32 ohms in balanced mode, around 50 per cent more headphone drive than the outgoing xDSD Gryphon, with THD+N as low as 0.006% on the headphone outputs and an SNR and DNR of 115dBA across every output. iFi's iEMatch circuitry, built with low-impedance MOSFETs, lowers output impedance further for sensitive in-ear monitors, and a Hybrid Power mode intelligently balances external USB power with the internal battery to optimise performance and battery life.

Digital connectivity covers USB-C and S/PDIF over both optical and coaxial, alongside Bluetooth 5.4 with support for aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC and SBC, so both wired and wireless sources can be played at their full quality. Balanced and single-ended analogue inputs and outputs on 4.4mm and 3.5mm add further flexibility for use as a standalone amp or a source into a separate system, while native decoding extends to PCM up to 768kHz and DSD512. A capacitive touchscreen OLED colour display brings core settings to the surface, and compatibility with the iFi Nexis app adds remote control and over-the-air updates, removing the need to dig through menus to change a setting.

Power comes from a 4,900mAh lithium-polymer battery, giving around seven hours of playback and roughly three and a half hours to recharge over USB-C. Measuring 141 by 75 by 19mm and weighing 268g, the iDSD GR 2 is compact enough for daily carry while housing genuinely desktop-level performance, and is supplied with USB Type-A to Type-C and Type-C to Type-C cables and a protective microfibre bag.

What iFi audio say about the iDSD GR 2

Successor to the legendary xDSD Gryphon, the iDSD GR 2 is a generational leap forward, with a host of innovative features for the on-the-go audiophile. The result is the most versatile true-portable DAC we've ever made. The iDSD GR 2 continues the story of one of our most celebrated portable designs - the xDSD Gryphon. Rebuilt from the ground up, it introduces a new DAC chipset and refined architecture, unlocking greater potential for sound quality than ever before.

PCM1795. Pure Conversion Magic. 

The GR 2 breaks new ground as our first DAC to feature the Burr-Brown PCM1795 chipset. 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 gives us complete freedom to engineer a bespoke analogue output stage - so we can extract the very best from the chipset.

Advanced Amplification. 

With the change to a current-output DAC offering greater architectural freedom at the analogue stage, 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.

Control, Evolved. 

A new capacitive touchscreen OLED display brings direct, intuitive control to the surface of the GR 2. 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. 

Headroom, Unlocked. 

As well as physical control through the new interface, we’ve also unlocked greater control over what you hear. The iDSD GR 2 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. 

GR 2 marks a new generation of portable audio, now 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 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. For those who prefer a lighter touch, ‘K2’ mode offers similar enhancement without upsampling.

Specifications

About iFi Audio 

iFi is a brand new line of electronics with trickle-down technology licensed from AMR and aimed primarily at the future, Computer Audio generation. All iFi products boast Class A analogue circuitry with no DSP and the signal stays ‘Bit Perfect’ throughout.

How a product looks and performs matters, but so does its impact on the environment. That’s why nearly every iFi product and its packaging are made from highly recyclable materials like aluminum, paper, recycled plastic and why we refuse to use harmful toxins in our components. iFi Audio do this to ensure that every product they release meets their environmental standards.