- iFi unveils the iDSD GR2 at Excessive Finish Vienna
- New moveable DAC, following on from xDSD Gryphon
- Enhancements in some departments, together with amplification
We’re seeing swathes of aspirational new hi-fi equipment at Excessive Finish Vienna 2026, and one such merchandise comes from iFi with the follow-up to its five-star xDSD Gryphon moveable DAC. No, that is not a hip flask, however a brand newer moveable DAC.
Meet the iFi iDSD GR2, a reputation probably the results of somebody having a tot and making an attempt to kind one thing else (struggling to spell ‘Gryphon’ in full, possibly?). It is a new piece providing that is set to promote for £529 (about $710, AU$1,060) — precise launch date TBC. So it isn’t low-cost, however it does undercut the Gryphon by a few pennies.
We listed the iFi xDSD Gryphon in our greatest moveable DACs round-up, however because the “greatest premium moveable DAC” (italics my very own). So you may should forgive the worth: this is not for the faint of coronary heart or gentle of funds.
Look-wise, that is fairly just like the Gryphon, with an enormous OLED display screen and undulating physique. However beneath the hood, it is seen some upgrades.
iFi’s Gryphon will snatch you up in its talons (sonically talking)
The iDSD GR 2 provides a few of the similar connection choices as its predecessor, together with Bluetooth, USB-C, S/PDIF and line, however with new instruments.
For instance, its energy output is up 50%, as much as 1.5W at 32 ohms, and the DAC is improved to PCM1795 for extra balanced audio. There’s additionally K2HD tech inbuilt, designed for wealthy harmonics (and beloved of iFi’s audio engineers for a while now, simply see the flagship iFi iDSD Phantom, constructed on iFi’s ongoing love affair with K2 and K2HD expertise — and priced at an eye-watering $4,499 [before tax] / £4,499 / round AU$8,997).
Some iFi fan-fave modes are again too, reminiscent of XSpace and XBass+, which respectively increase the breadth of the soundstage and low-end frequencies, so that you get some versatility in your sound. There’s additionally a “hybrid energy mode” to extent the machine’s battery life. Prolong it by how a lot — from how a lot? I am unable to let you know, as iFi did not specify the stamina forward of time.
The touchscreen is again, and in our largely glowing assessment of the unique Gryphon, we did knock the DAC/amp for a way unintuitive it was final time. Photos make it look like it is improved, nevertheless, and also you’re getting shade now no less than, so hopefully iFi has fastened that gripe.
One other improve for these wi-fi audiophiles on the market considerations Bluetooth; the GR2 helps Bluetooth 5.4, which permits for aptX Lossless and LDAC. There’s additionally a cellphone app known as the iFi Nexis for controlling your unit.
When the iFi iDSD GR2 formally hits cabinets — each time that’s, that is purely the official unveiling — we’ll deliver you a full assessment, to see the way it stacks up towards its premium bretheren. We do like the way it seems to be although. We prefer it a lot.
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