iFi hip-dac 3 - Third-Gen Portable Headphone DAC/Amp

Building on the original Applause Award-winning Petrol Blue iFi hip-dac and 2021's Sunset Orange second-gen model, hip-dac 3 boasts circuit enhancements, including all-new film capacitors that iFi states result in better frequency response.

This third-generation hip-dac also sports an updated version of iFi's Global Master Timing circuitry alongside a new crystal oscillator, designed to reduce phase noise and offer a snappier, crisper sound. iFi remains faithful to the Burr-Brown chipset due to its True Native architecture. 

Its design allows DSD and PCM audio data to take separate pathways, thereby remaining 'bit-perfect' in their native form through to analogue conversion. 

Hi-res PCM and DXD audio data is supported at sample rates up to 384kHz, alongside DSD from 2.8MHz to 12.4MHz (DSD64, 128 and 256), as is full decoding of MQA. A pair of LEDs indicate the audio's format and sample rate so you know exactly what you're listening to.

The hip-dac 3 uses a differential circuit design within its amplification stage to reduce signal distortion and preserve your audio's overall purity. iFi tells us that the amp stage is good for up to 400mW into a 32-ohm load for compatibility with a broader array of headphones, while the balanced output's 6.3V into 600ohms should mean that even high-impedance models can be used without issue.

Additionally, the company's clever PowerMatch is onboard. This switchable gain feature matches the level of drive to the headphone load to ensure you get the correct performance for the device in use without any hiss or distortion. For further compatibility, IEMatch will optimise the amp's output to better suit high-sensitivity headphones and earphones – which is especially beneficial for in-ear monitors (IEMs). 

It's not only new under the hood, either. As well as the Titanium Shadow finish to the hip-dac 3's aluminium casework, its predecessor's dual USB-A ports have been replaced by two USB-C ports – one for audio, one for charging – as well as two outputs, namely a 3.5mm headphone port and a 4.4mm balanced socket.

Battery stamina is listed as between 7-12 hours of playtime, depending on the volume level at which you play your music and the power of the headphones plugged in. 

hip-dac 3 continues iFi's legendary generosity, coming bundled with a USB-C charging cable, a USB-A to USB-C cable and a USB-C to Lightning cable for those now legacy iOS devices who missed the USB-C party.

The iFi hip-dac 3 is available now, priced at £199. 

Visit iFi for more information