iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon

The iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon is a portable premium HD DAC and headphone amplifier. This new Gryphon succeeds the ‘original’ 2018 iFi Audio xDSD. Although the iFi xDSD Gryphon can be used as a desktop amp-DAC at home, it is primarily designed for portable use. Despite bearing a strong resemblance to its award-winning predecessor, the new xDSD Gryphon has grown considerably in many areas.

The recognizable case design has increased slightly in size and weight, the technical specifications have been upgraded, additional features have been added and was implemented with a fully-balanced dual-mono audio design derived from the iDSD Diablo flagship model. The manufacturer has applied its PureWave power supply and a new OptimaLoop negative feedback system. Also new is the software-driven CyberSync CyberDrive volume control. All these features significantly improve the overall sound quality.

New styling, familiar design

The featherweight and beautifully designed cabinet is built rock solid. The previous iFi Audio xDSD had a beautiful shiny titanium finish, the Gryphon has a posh metallic-gray finish, making it less susceptible to fingerprints. Furthermore, the new Gryphon features a most convenient OLED display on top with which you can quickly overview the current DAC and amp settings.

High-end headphone amp

xDSD Gryphon can handle a wide selection of headphones. From ultra-sensitive in-ears to premium grade over-ear and planar headphones in single-ended and balanced connection, this xDSD Gryphon squeezes the maximum sound quality out of every brand and type of headphones. Like its predecessor, the xDSD Gryphon features improved xBass II technology that allows open-back headphones to deliver a better bass response, xSpace that increases spaciousness and iEMatch that reduces power and noise levels when using ultra-sensitive in-ears.

High-res DAC

Digital signal processing is handled by a premium-grade DAC by Burr-Brown and features a jitter-free Femto Global Master Clock. This digital circuitry is largely sourced from the Pro iDSD Signature, iFi Audio's flagship model. With USB, the xDSD Gryphon supports PCM up to 32bit-768kHz, native DSD up to DSD512 and is capable of full MQA unfold allowing the Tidal Master collection to be experienced in the best possible sound quality.

Connectivity

The unit features a 3.5mm and 4.4 Pentaconn connector, a 3.5mm S/PDIF optical and coaxial combo jack and two USB-C 3.0 ports, one of which is intended as a USB Audio input, the other for recharging the unit after use. To make an optimum use of its versatility, the manufacturer supplies this new xDSD Gryphon with a wide selection of cabling. Wirelessly, the xDSD Gryphon supports Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX, aptX Low Latency, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, LDAC, HWA/LHDC, AAC and SBC).

Awards & Reviews

Hifi.nl 4.5 / 5 Stars

"iFi Audio slaagt er altijd in om compacte apparaten te bouwen die veel kunnen. Dat is ook hier het geval, en de fabrikant maakt zijn vele beloftes ook echt waar. Vergeleken met de meeste andere mobiele DAC/versterkers vind je op de xDSD Gryphon heel wat extra’s, zoals een gebalanceerde Pentaconn-aansluiting, een uitstekende IEM-modus en handige audiofuncties. Koppel die rijkdom aan een luxueuze behuizing met OLED-display én een inzichtrijk geluid, en je spreekt over een referentie in z’n prijsklasse. Het is een uitstekende keuze als je zonder een stapel apparatuur in hoge kwaliteit wil luisteren, aan je computer of onderweg." Full Review (Dutch)

EISA Award Beste Hi-Fi 2022-2023

“The portable DAC market is highly competitive, but the xDSD Gryphon stands out from the crowd thanks to its insightful sound, comprehensive feature set and extensive connectivity. A successor to the EISA Award-winning xDSD DAC, it features iFi Audio’s new OLED screen to keep you informed about input choice, bitrates and more, plus revised, user-friendly controls. Inside, the latest Qualcomm QCC5100 Bluetooth chip supports just about every audiophile codec out there, while hi-res enthusiasts can play their collections via USB or S/PDIF connection. Add in impressively long battery life, an attractive well-built housing, and support for single-ended and balanced headphones, and the xDSD Gryphon is a leader in its class.”