Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Versatile connectivity with both wireless (Bluetooth 5.1 with various codecs) and wired options (USB, S/PDIF, analog inputs) makes it suitable for various setups—from desktop to portable usage
- Eloquent, informative, and entertaining sound quality, able to produce clear, non-artificial sound across different headphones
- Features such as XBass II and XSpace provide additional sound shaping options for the user to customize the sound to their liking
- The aluminum build provides a robust and premium feel, with a design that's described as sleek and comfortable to handle
Product Considerations
- The user interface is not very intuitive
- Decent headphones are needed to reveal its quality
- The OLED screen can be difficult to read
- Battery life is around six to eight hours
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the hip-dac2, the Gryphon offers better sound quality, more features, and flexibility
- Compared to the iFi GO bar, the Gryphon is bigger and has a built-in battery, and the GO bar is much smaller and draws power from the source device
- Compared to the iDSD Diablo, the Diablo has more power for very demanding headphones, Gryphon has more functions
- Compared to the Zen DAC, the xDSD Gryphon has a more sophisticated and detailed sound
Takeaway: The iFi xDSD Gryphon is a portable and versatile device delivering high-quality sound with extensive features that cater to audiophiles. Its ability to improve sound quality from various sources and its robust build make it a worthwhile investment for music lovers on the go.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
xDSD Gryphon
reviews
[{"title":"iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon Ultra-Res Portable Balanced DAC and Headphone Amplifier","link":"https://www.audiophilia.com/reviews/2022/10/24/ifi-audio-xdsd-gryphon","source":"Audiophilia","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"iFi xDSD Gryphon review: a stylish DAC and headphone amp that's as portable as a hip flask","link":"https://www.techradar.com/audio/hi-fi/ifi-xdsd-gryphon-review","source":"TechRadar","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon Review","link":"https://www.headfonia.com/ifi-audio-xdsd-gryphon-review","source":"Headfonia Reviews","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon – Full Review","link":"https://headphonesnstuff.blog/2022/03/13/ifi-audio-xdsd-gryphon-full-review","source":"Headphones N' Stuff","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"iFi xDSD Gryphon DAC/Headphone Amp Reviewed","link":"https://futureaudiophile.com/ifi-xdsd-gryphon-dac-headphone-amp-reviewed","source":"Future Audiophile","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"iFi xDSD Gryphon review: One DAC to rule all the hi-res formats","link":"https://www.techhive.com/article/1662180/ifi-xdsd-gryphon-review.html","source":"TechHive","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"Review - iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon","link":"https://english.achoreviews.com/2022/03/review-ifi-audio-xdsd-gryphon.html","source":"Acho Reviews","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"iFi xDSD Gryphon Portable DAC and Headphone Amp","link":"https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/ifi-xdsd-gryphon","source":"Positive Feedback","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"iFi xDSD Gryphon review: an award-winning DAC","link":"https://www.t3.com/reviews/ifi-xdsd-gryphon-review","source":"T3","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"(REVIEW) iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon Review","link":"https://hifichicken.com/ifi-audio-xdsd-gryphon-review?srsltid=AfmBOoqXI25S_4wNx_LH51oiyUjoklMlb7mHSdKaXnMPBpWOcrtjoptG","source":"Hifi Chicken","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"iFi xDSD Gryphon Review","link":"https://www.trustedreviews.com/reviews/ifi-gryphon","source":"Trusted Reviews","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"Review: iFi xDSD Gryphon – Ribbed for Your Listening Pleasure","link":"https://www.headphonesty.com/2022/03/review-ifi-xdsd-gryphon","source":"Headphonesty","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon Portable Headphone Amp & DAC review","link":"https://addictedtoaudio.com.au/blogs/reviews/ifi-audio-xdsd-gryphon-portable-headphone-amp-dac-review","source":"Addicted To Audio","datePublished":""},{"title":"iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon - My New Reference Portable Head Amp","link":"https://www.theaudiophileworld.net/2023/01/ifi-audio-xdsd-gryphon-my-new-reference.html","source":"The Audiophile World","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon Review (1) – Swiss Army Knife","link":"https://www.audioreviews.org/ifi-audio-xdsd-gryphon-review-new-standards","source":"AudioReviews ","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"iFi xDSD Gryphon Review - The Swiss Army Knife Of DACS?","link":"https://homestudiobasics.com/ifi-xdsd-gryphon-review","source":"Home Studio Basics ","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Golden Ears: iFi xDSD Gryphon Portable Balanced DAC/Amp Review","link":"https://www.mmorpg.com/hardware-reviews/golden-ears-ifi-xdsd-gryphon-portable-balanced-dacamp-review-2000124022","source":"MMORPG","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon Portable DAC/Amplifier: Review","link":"https://www.ecoustics.com/reviews/ifi-audio-xdsd-gryphon","source":"Ecoustics","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"iFi xDSD Gryphon Review","link":"https://ichos-reviews.com/ifi-xdsd-gryphon","source":"ichos-reviews","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"iFi xDSD Gryphon Review","link":"https://majorhifi.com/ifi-xdsd-gryphon-review","source":"Major HiFi","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon Portable DAC","link":"https://www.pocnetwork.net/product-reviews/ifi-audio-xdsd-gryphon-portable-dac","source":"Poc Network","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"iFi xDSD Gryphon review","link":"https://gavinsgadgets.com/2021/12/03/ifi-xdsd-gryphon-review","source":"Gavin's Gadgets","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon Headphone Amp/USB DAC","link":"https://www.hifinews.com/content/ifi-audio-xdsd-gryphon-headphone-ampusb-dac","source":"Hi-Fi News","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"CE Pro Review: iFi xDSD Gryphon ups Ante on Portable Sound","link":"https://www.cepro.com/audio-video/ce-pro-review-ifi-xdsd-gryphon-up-ante-on-portable-sound","source":"CEPro","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"iFi xDSD Gryphon Headphone Amp, DAC Review & Comparison | Moon Audio","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxgTkozftzo","source":"Moon Audio","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"Review of the Ifi xDSD Gryphon Portable DAC","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y76A-vKKQQU","source":"Audio-In Reviews","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"A Beast Not Only in Name! A Review of the iFi xDSD Gryphon Bluetooth DAC Amp","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kLl45EYEi0","source":"Amplify Audio Reviews","datePublished":"2025"},{"title":"ifi Audio xDSD Gryphon Portable DAC Review: GOLD STANDARD AUDIO!","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7EwdSUSsJk","source":"JuanBagnell","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon review: BEST Portable DAC!?","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFJZv9qE89Q","source":"TotallydubbedHD","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon Portable to Desktop DAC/AMP; Worthy of Price? Honest Audiophile Impressions","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqPxnSY1Lhk","source":"the Honest Audiophile","datePublished":"2023"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- DAC: Burr-Brown
- Dimensions: 123x75x19 mm (4.8"x3.0"x0.7")
- Weight: 215 grams (0.5 lbs)
- Formats: DSD512/256/128/64, PCM up to 768kHz, DXD, MQA
- Bluetooth: 5.1 (aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX LL, LDAC, HWA, AAC and SBC)
- Output Power Balanced: >1000mW @ 32Ω, >74mW @ 600Ω
- Output Power S-Balanced: >320mW @ 32Ω, >40mW @ 300Ω
- Output Impedance: <1Ω (both balanced and S-Balanced)
- THD+N: <0.005% (1V @ 16Ω)
Description
On the desk or in your pocket, be ready for anything. Packed with award-winning features and functionality, the xDSD Gryphon takes the best tech from our desktop DACs to create a portable DAC/Amp that can rise to any challenge.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- iFi offers a wide range of devices, from portable to desktop solutions, catering to diverse audio needs and preferences.
- They emphasize versatility, often combining multiple functionalities like DAC, amplifier, and Bluetooth connectivity in a single unit.
- iFi employs its own custom technologies and features, such as XBass and XSpace, to enhance the listening experience, tailoring sound to individual preferences.
- The brand is known for its commitment to high-resolution audio, supporting various formats, including DSD, MQA, and lossless Bluetooth codecs.
Select products
Select product comparisons
ZEN DAC 3
- Positioning: The entry-level desktop DAC in the iFi lineup.
- Description: Offers high-resolution audio support up to PCM 768kHz and DSD512, making it a great choice for those seeking high-quality sound on a budget. Features a Burr-Brown DAC chip for True Native playback, which is a step up from the ZEN Blue 3's focus on Bluetooth capabilities. Its balanced outputs and USB-C connectivity provide versatility for both headphones and active speakers, unlike the ZEN One Signature which lacks a headphone amp.
ZEN Blue 3
- Positioning: A Bluetooth DAC in the iFi lineup.
- Description: Notable for being the first Bluetooth DAC to support aptX Lossless, offering CD-quality audio wirelessly. Excels in wireless connectivity with Bluetooth 5.4, unlike the ZEN DAC 3 which focuses on wired connections. Its ability to function as a wired DAC with USB and S/PDIF inputs adds flexibility.
GO bar
- Positioning: A portable DAC/amp designed for on-the-go use.
- Description: Compact yet powerful, offering up to 475mW output, which is significantly more than typical portable devices. Features iEMatch and Turbo modes for optimal headphone performance, setting it apart from the ZEN DAC 3's desktop focus. Its portability and balanced circuitry make it ideal for users who need high-quality audio in a small package, unlike the iDSD Diablo 2 which is more powerful but less portable.
ZEN One Signature
- Positioning: A mid-range DAC in the iFi lineup, designed as a home audio hub.
- Description: Combines high-definition Bluetooth with multiple digital inputs, making it a versatile choice for home setups. Supports a wide range of audio formats, including MQA and DSD256, similar to the ZEN DAC 3 but with added Bluetooth capabilities. Its focus on connectivity and premium components makes it suitable for users who want a central audio hub, unlike the GO bar which is designed for portability.
iDSD Diablo 2
- Positioning: The flagship portable DAC/amp in the iFi lineup.
- Description: Offers groundbreaking power with up to 5,180mW output, making it ideal for driving demanding headphones. Features advanced technologies like xMEMS compatibility and aptX Lossless Bluetooth, providing superior audio quality compared to the GO bar's more compact design. Its high power and versatility make it suitable for audiophiles who need a portable solution without compromising on performance.
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Avg. Product Price
$501-$1,000
Used For Sale
82
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
19
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
19
Founding Year
2012
Our take on the brand
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Look inside the brand
Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
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What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
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iFi
All of the Brand's Used Products
What if you spend more?
iFi
iDSD Diablo 2
1299
1299
/
25
Reviews
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Expand Details
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Product Strengths
- Delivers a vividly detailed and balanced sound, handling complicated mixes with skill
- Able to extract a lot of information from digital audio files with apparent ease
- A volume lock prevents accidental volume adjustments when the device is in a pocket or bag
- Extensive specification including Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless compatibility and multiple inputs/outputs for versatile connectivity
Product Considerations
- Some reviewers feel the device is not very pocket-friendly due to its size and sharp edges, making it better suited as a transportable—rather than a truly portable—device
- The gain is set too high, making precise volume control difficult, especially with sensitive IEMs
- Using IEMatch adds output impedance, which can negatively affect the tonal balance and dynamics of some IEMs
- The length of the included USB-C cable is short, making it difficult to position the device on a desk
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the iDSD Diablo 1, the Diablo 2 offers slight sonic improvements and better build quality, but at a higher price
- Compared to the iDSD Signature, the iDSD Signature is considered by some to offer a better result for less money, with a more realistic instrument and vocal timbre, larger soundstage, and customizable features like crossfeed and bass boost
- Compared to the FiiO Q7, the iDSD Diablo 2 has a vivid sound, where the FiiO Q7 has a smooth and wide sound
Takeaway: The iDSD Diablo 2 is a powerful and versatile DAC/amp that enhances headphone listening with its detailed sound and extensive features. It is a good choice for users who want a high-quality audio experience on the go or at their desk.
Video review
Our take on the brand
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Product Page
Product Page
What competes at this price?
Chord Electronics
Mojo 2
650
/
Released
2022
The British designed and built Mojo 2 is the most advanced portable DAC and headphone amplifier in the world today. Winner of Best DAC (£300-£500) in the What Hi-Fi? Awards 2022, the Mojo 2 is entirely engineered around a powerful, custom-coded FPGA processor and benefits from several unique technologies.
Chord Electronics designs and manufactures all their products in Great Britain, setting themselves apart by using proprietary FPGA technology instead of off-the-shelf DAC chips found in most competitors' products. Their DACs and portable audio devices, featuring distinctive color-changing buttons and portholes, deliver studio-grade performance through unique technologies like the Watts Transient Aligned filter, which provides more natural and detailed sound reproduction.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Improved battery management offering faster charging rates and better efficiency than its predecessor
- Features a new USB-C data input for greater flexibility alongside other inputs
- Offers the world's first lossless DSP for tone adjustments without degrading sound quality, providing customization options
- Excellent resolution and dynamics with a large soundstage and extreme detail
Product Considerations
- The Mojo 2 can get warm when in a pocket for a period of time
- Complicated menu navigation with color-coded buttons that may require the manual
- Still uses Micro-USB for charging, which some find outdated
Takeaway: The Chord Mojo 2 is an exceptional DAC/headphone amplifier for those seeking high-resolution audio and customized sound in a portable format that is easy to move. Its sonic accuracy, detailed soundstage, and improved features provide a versatile and enjoyable listening experience, making it a worthwhile consideration for audio enthusiasts.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Chord Electronics designs and manufactures all their products in Great Britain, setting themselves apart by using proprietary FPGA technology instead of off-the-shelf DAC chips found in most competitors' products. Their DACs and portable audio devices, featuring distinctive color-changing buttons and portholes, deliver studio-grade performance through unique technologies like the Watts Transient Aligned filter, which provides more natural and detailed sound reproduction.
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