iFi Audio Hip DAC 3 silver

DAC and portable headphone amp: iFi Audio Hip DAC 3

The iFi Audio Hip DAC 3 is a portable USB DAC and amp that combines aesthetics and functionality. Wrapped in an elegant aluminum case, it sports a contemporary “Titanium Shadow” finish that adds a touch of modern sophistication to its timeless elegance. Its compact form ensures it slips discreetly into your pocket, making it the ideal companion for music lovers on the go.

Powerful and versatile amplifier

The amplification stage can deliver up to 400 mW into a 32-ohm headphone load, ensuring extended compatibility with a variety of headphones. The switchable gain, PowerMatch, ensures optimal power matched to your headphones. Additionally, the iEMatch switch enhances output for high-sensitivity earphones, reducing hiss and improving dynamic range.

Advanced audio features

The user-selectable XBass function boosts bass without altering mids, ideal for open-back earphones and headphones. Support for high-resolution audio formats, including PCM, DXD, and DSD up to 12.4 MHz, places the Hip DAC 3 at the top of the audiophile chain. Full MQA decoding, used by Tidal’s “HiFi Plus” tier, adds an extra dimension to your music experience.

Burr-Brown and XMOS expertise

iFi’s expertise with the Burr-Brown chipset ensures optimal performance. The 16-core XMOS microcontroller guarantees precise management of digital audio inputs, thus optimizing sound quality in perfect harmony with the Burr-Brown DAC.

Simplified connectivity

Two USB-C ports simplify cable management, one dedicated to audio and the other to charging. A switch activating iEMatch technology is a judicious inclusion, specially optimized for high-sensitivity headphones and earphones, perfect for in-ear monitors (IEMs).

Improvements

Inside, the Hip DAC 3 incorporates circuit improvements, with new metal film capacitors for optimized frequency response. iFi’s GMT circuit, coupled with an updated crystal oscillator, reduces phase noise, thus offering a purer and more detailed sound. The Hip DAC 3 stands out for its balanced circuit design, a rarity in its price range. This feature minimizes signal distortion, thus offering a purer and more captivating sound for your headphones.

Battery life

The Hip DAC 3 is powered by a 2,200mAh battery, offering up to 12 hours of playtime, varying based on volume and the power requirements of the headphones. A separate USB-C charging port allows use while charging, preserving a pure audio signal path.

Technical Specifications

Main Components

• Burr-Brown DAC Converter
• XMOS 16-core Microcontroller
• Circuits optimized for detailed and spacious sound reproduction
• True Native DAC for optimal performance with all digital formats

Supported Audio Formats

• PCM 32-bit / 384 kHz
• DSD256
• Full MQA decoding

Audio Performance

• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 45 kHz (-3 dB)

Output Power

• Balanced: 400 mW at 32 Ω, 6.3 V at 600 Ω
• Unbalanced: 280 mW at 32 Ω, 3.2 V at 600 Ω

Audio Quality

• Signal-to-noise ratio
  • Balanced: < 109 dB(A) at 0 dBFS
  • Unbalanced: < 103 dB(A) at 0 dBFS
• Dynamic range
  • Balanced: < 109 dB(A)
  • Unbalanced: < 103 dB(A)
• Total harmonic distortion + noise
  • Balanced: < 0.006% (360 mW / 2.0 V at 600 Ω)
  • Unbalanced: < 0.01% (100 mW / 1.27 V at 16 Ω)

Features

• PowerMatch: gain adjustment for power-hungry headphones
• iEmatch: optimization for sensitive in-ear monitors
• XBass: bass adjustment based on headphone type

Connectivity

• Separate USB-C ports for audio and charging
• Headphone outputs: 4.4 mm balanced jack, 3.5 mm unbalanced jack

Power Supply

• 2,200 mAh lithium-polymer battery
• Battery life up to 12 hours
• USB-C charging compatible with BC V1.2, maximum current 1,000 mA
• Power consumption: < 2 W in standby, 4 W maximum

Physical Characteristics

• Aluminum casing, Titanium Shadow finish
• Dimensions: 102 × 70 × 14 mm
• Net weight: 135 g

Package Contents

• Hip-dac 3
• USB-A to USB-C cable
• USB-C to USB-C cable
• Quick start guide
• User manual