iFi Audio Hip DAC 3 black

Portable DAC and headphone amp: iFi Audio Hip DAC 3

The iFi Audio Hip DAC 3 is a portable USB DAC and headphone amplifier that combines aesthetics and functionality. Enclosed in an elegant aluminum chassis, it features a contemporary “Titanium Shadow” finish that adds a touch of modern sophistication to its timeless elegance. Its compact shape 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 broad compatibility with a wide variety of headphones. The switchable gain, PowerMatch, provides optimal power tailored to your headphones. In addition, the iEMatch switch optimizes the output for high-sensitivity earphones, reducing hiss and improving dynamic range.

Advanced audio features

The user-selectable XBass function boosts the bass without affecting the midrange, 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 musical experience.

Burr-Brown and XMOS expertise

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

Streamlined connectivity

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

The improvements

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

Battery life

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

Technical specifications

Main components

• Burr-Brown DAC (CNA) converter
• 16-core XMOS microcontroller
• Circuits optimized for detailed and spacious sound reproduction
• Native DAC (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 into 32 Ω, 6.3 V into 600 Ω
• Unbalanced: 280 mW into 32 Ω, 3.2 V into 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 into 600 Ω)
  • Unbalanced: < 0.01% (100 mW / 1.27 V into 16 Ω)

Features

• PowerMatch: gain adjustment for power-hungry headphones
• iEmatch impedance matching: optimization for sensitive in-ear monitors
• XBass bass boost: bass adjustment according to 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 housing, Titanium Shadow finish
• Dimensions: 102 × 70 × 14 mm
• Net weight: 135 g

Box contents

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