iFi is one of the front-runners where audio products like this are concerned and has been for some time.
And its only gone and pulled it off.
The xDSD Gryphon aint cheap, but the way it performs justifies the outlay all day long.
Almost because its not without competition from thebest portable DACson the market.
Hear them both, and then make your mind up.
The digital coaxial input is good up to 24bit/192kHz.
So you should be able to find something to best suit your needs.
The iFi has a 3600mAH lithium-ion battery thats good for around eight hours before it needs recharging.
From flat to full should take a couple of hours.
Peripheral features extend to a quite generous selection of high-quality (although admittedly quite short) connecting cables.
A push/turn control in the centre of the fascia takes care of volume, power and menu navigation.
Heres where you could select your preferred digital filter, set a maximum volume level and adjust screen brightness.
An adjacent button handles input selection and Bluetooth pairing.
One reveals whether or not Xbass II and/or Xspace is switched on.
Of course it bloody isnt.
Theres also the three-stage switch to choose the Xbass II tone (bass, presence or hey!
bass and presence).
Its small, but its not as small as the switch on the bottom that controls the IEmatch circuitry.
Its fundamental character is one of energy and speed.
It creates proper momentum at the bottom of the frequency range without sacrificing any substance or extension.
Its similarly confident and accomplished at the opposite end of the scale, too.
In between, the midrange is handled with complete assurance.
And the soundstage its able to create inside your headphones is spacious, organised and utterly believable.
First reviewed in November 2023
