The iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon is difficult to capture in a product group. This portable audio device is actually a digital-to-analog converter and headphone amplifier in one. Based on compatibility with various hi-res audio formats, the British hi-fi brand is targeting the audiophile connoisseur with this pricey product. What is special is that you can use it effortlessly on the road because of its modest dimensions and built-in battery. How do you like this technical feat in practice?
iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon
Price € 599,-
Audio formats pcm, dxd, dsd and mqa
DAC Bit-Perfect DSD & DXD DAC by Burr-Brown
Connections 2× usb-c, s/pdif, 2× 3.5mm-line, 2× 4.4mm-line
wireless Bluetooth 5.1
Battery capacity 3600 mAh
Dimensions 12.3 × 7.5 × 1.9 centimeters
Weight 215 grams
Website www.ifi-audio.com 9 Score 90 
- Pros
- Lots of connections
- Nice display
- Phenomenal sound quality
- High volume level
- Negatives
- Control takes some getting used to
- English manual
- Expensive
- floppy carrying case
Buy the iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon at Bol.com
Do you want the best sound on the go? In that case, the highly compressed Spotify streams will not suffice. Owners of high-quality headphones or a set of high-quality in-ears do not use the full potential of their listening device. It is better to let so-called lossless audio streams on your ears.
This is possible, for example, via a Tidal HiFi Plus subscription. In addition, it is of course also possible to listen to your own hi-res audio material, for example via a portable music player, smartphone, tablet or laptop.
The present digital/analog converter (DAC) has a major influence on the musical performance. The built-in DAC of mobile devices and laptops is generally not such a high-flyer. For that reason, the iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon offers critical listeners a solution.
Add this portable DAC to the audio chain and reportedly enjoy a much better sound. The manufacturer supplies a carrying bag, but it could have been a bit sturdier for a product in this price range.
Connection issues
The xDSD Gryphon contains quite a few connections. An advantage, because you use this device for various listening purposes. For linking audio sources, the housing includes a USB-C input and an S/PDIF port. In addition, the aluminum ‘box’ also houses a bluetooth adapter. Plenty of options to transport digital music streams or audio files to this DAC.
The product box contains various adapter cables, so that you can, for example, iPhone (lightning) or laptop (usb-a) directly. For a wired connection to headphones, choose between a 3.5mm and 4.4mm input.
Service
This versatile DAC has a headstrong operation. A quick study of the English manual is therefore necessary. Press the volume control for three seconds to turn on the xDSD Gryphon. You then switch between four possible sources with a button, namely bluetooth, s/pdif, usb and the line input. Furthermore, with a separate key you can increase the bass level a bit and create a more spacious sound.
The top of the housing contains a simple OLED screen. Read various data such as the active input source, audio quality and codec. You can also view the current volume level and keep an eye on the remaining battery capacity.
audio quality
Presumably, most listeners connect a source via USB, such as a smartphone, tablet or laptop. We’re putting it to the test. The DAC recognizes an iPhone and Android tablet flawlessly. You can also connect the xDSD Gryphon to a computer as an external sound card. That also works fine, but choose the desired output device and the correct audio settings in the operating system settings.
Once everything is set up correctly, listeners will enjoy superb sound quality. When using hi-res source material and good headphones, the songs are of an unprecedented beauty. We play various hi-res files in different formats via a computer, such as dsd, mqa and pcm. Listening sessions are now a party. The songs sound very open and enrich your ears with ingenious details. This is pure listening pleasure!
When we listen to a Spotify stream through this DAC after this, these compressed tunes now sound very dull and flat. The difference is very big. The xDSD Gryphon thus exposes the main shortcoming of the Swedish streaming superpower. Finally, the built-in headphone amplifier does its job well. The volume can be very loud.
Conclusion
A suggested retail price of almost six hundred euros is of course not too bad. Not everyone will be willing to do that for this mobile DAC. In addition, you actually also need high-end headphones, although you will notice a considerable difference on a regular copy. If you are prepared to reserve a large budget for a high-quality sound, then the iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon will certainly not disappoint. When using hi-res audio material, you can now listen to music at any location with phenomenal sound quality. Once you get used to that, you probably won’t want anything else!
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