iFi has always been a reliable name for listeners who want high-quality audio in a portable package. The iDSD GR 2 continues that idea with a compact DAC/amp made for both wired and wireless listening. It keeps the flexible design that made the original Gryphon popular while adding a few modern updates for today’s headphone users. For those looking for a portable DAC/amp that works with IEMs, full-size headphones, and multiple source devices, the iDSD GR 2 offers a lot.
What You Get
- 1x iDSD GR 2
- 1x Type A to Type C Cable
- 1x Type C to Type C Cable
- 1x Microfibre protective bag
- 1x User Manual
Build
The GR2 gives a fresh update to iFi’s original Gryphon design, refining the chassis for a sleeker look. It’s similar to the Gryphon in terms of length, and has slightly more weight to it, but nothing that makes the GR 2 an unwieldy device to use. The front panel keeps the layout clean and functional, but the biggest addition to this design is the new touchscreen OLED display. With it you can toggle a variety of settings, like activating XBass/XSpace, resolution modes, high/low gain, and other playback information. For the listening section of this review, I mainly used the GR 2’s 4.4mm balanced headphone out, but it also has a 3.5mm socket.
Design
The IDSD GR 2 is built around a new Burr-Brown PCM1795 DAC chipset, giving it support for PCM up to 768kHz and DSD512 while preserving iFi’s signature analog-style conversion. Its fully balanced amplification stage includes Class A op-amps, upgraded iEMatch circuitry, and up to 1,513mW RMS of output power for driving everything from sensitive IEMs to more demanding headphones.
Bluetooth
The iFi iDSD GR 2 expands its portable flexibility with Bluetooth 5.4, giving users a wireless option alongside its USB-C, S/PDIF, and analog inputs. Its codec support is extensive, including aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC, and SBC, allowing it to pair well with a wide range of phones, tablets, and computers. aptX Lossless enables CD-quality wireless playback at 44.1kHz/16-bit, while LDAC offers high-bitrate streaming up to 990kbps for compatible devices.
Battery Life
iFi rates the GR 2 for up to seven hours of playback, making it suitable for commuting, travel, or desktop use away from a constant power source. Its battery-powered design also helps keep it flexible as both a mobile DAC/amp and a compact hi-fi component, allowing users to move between wired and wireless setups without always needing to stay plugged in.
Sound Impressions
I tested the IDSD GR 2 with a few different headphones and IEMs, both hard-wired to my PC and in Bluetooth mode, listening to aptX Lossless. Starting with the Dan Clark Audio E3, I tried to get a sense of how powerful this new amplifier can be with its advertised 50% more headphone drive. The original Gryphon had a solid sound, but it was not very efficient for more demanding headphones. With the GR 2, the amp is given a great upgrade, and I got that immediately when pairing it with the E3. You get high, comfortable gain with a good amount of headroom, but where it really impresses is in its dead silence. Everything about the signal comes across as clean and natural, allowing a headphone like the E3 to shine with its deeper warmth and more apparent separation.
This led me to use the Abyss Diana TC Signature as my next pairing. It’s another power-demanding headphone, but with already immaculate separation. The low distortion does its thing, making use of blank space, but instead of the soundstage being wider, it becomes more focused and tactile. The bass also gets rounded out, and XBass pushes it forward for even more body. Between these two premium headphones I tested, the sound was overall very snappy with the GR 2, delivering a clear transient attack with smoother high-end resposne.
With IEMs, the GR 2 is slightly different. I used the Kiwi Ears Orchestra II, and I was met with some pretty immaculate imaging for mid-budget IEMs. It was anchored but spacious, even without using XSpace. I think if you want to have more fun with the GR 2, using IEMs really maximizes its potential. They obviously don’t require as much power, so the GR 2’s DAC gets to do a lot more work modifying the Orchestra II’s sound signature. Everything sounds much bigger, still keeping natural properties, but giving instruments more weight and scale.
Summary
The iFi iDSD GR 2 succeeds as a meaningful evolution of the original Gryphon, offering more power, cleaner performance, and a more intuitive user experience without losing the portability that made the series appealing in the first place. Its balanced output gives demanding headphones better headroom and control, while its silent background and precise imaging make it especially rewarding with IEMs. Add in Bluetooth 5.4, aptX Lossless, LDAC, extensive wired input options, and iFi’s XBass and XSpace features, and the GR 2 becomes a highly versatile DAC/amp for listeners who want one device to handle multiple setups. For anyone looking for a portable DAC amp that can move between desktop listening, travel, and high-quality wireless playback, the iFi iDSD GR 2 is an impressive and well-rounded upgrade.
The iFi IDSD GR 2 is available at Audio46.
