iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon

iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon

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

The recognizably designed enclosure has increased slightly in size and weight, the technical specifications have been upgraded considerably, additional features have been added and a the fully-balanced dual-mono audio design from the iDSD Diablo flagship model has been implemented. In doing so, the manufacturer has applied its PureWave power supply and a new OptimaLoop negative feedback system. Also new is the software-controlled CyberSync CyberDrive volume control. With all these features, overall sound quality has grown considerably.

New styling, recognizable design

The featherweight and beautifully designed housing is ironclad. While the previous iFi Audio xDSD featured a beautiful glossy titanium finish, the Gryphon has a beautiful metallic-gray finish, making it less susceptible to fingerprints. In addition, the new Gryphon features a handy OLED display on the top of the unit that shows all DAC and amp settings at a glance.

High-end headphone amp

The Gryphon can handle a wide selection of headphones. From ultra-sensitive in-ears to tricky over-ear and planar headphones in single-ended and balanced versions, this xDSD Gryphon squeezes maximum sound quality out of every headphone. Like its predecessor, the xDSD features enhanced xBass II technology that allows open-back headphones to deliver higher-quality low-end reproduction, xSpace that increases spaciousness with headphones and iEMatch that reduces maximum volume and noise levels when using ultra-sensitive in-ears.

High-res DAC

Digital signal processing is handled by a premium DAC from Burr-Brown and features a jitter-free Femto Global Master Clock. Most of this digital circuitry comes from the Pro iDSD Signature, iFi Audio's flagship model. Via 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 highest 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 to recharge the xDSD after use. To apply versatility, the manufacturer supplies this new xDSD Gryphon with a wide selection of cabling. Wirelessly, the xDSD supports Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX, aptX Low Latency, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, LDAC, HWA/LHDC, AAC and SBC).

Awards & Reviews

Hifi.co.uk 4.5 / 5 Stars

"iFi Audio always manages to build compact devices that can do a lot. This is also the case here, and the manufacturer really delivers on its many promises. Compared to most other mobile DAC/amplifiers, you'll find a lot of extras on the xDSD Gryphon, including a balanced Pentaconn jack, an excellent IEM mode and convenient audio features. Couple that richness with a luxurious housing with OLED display AND insightful sound, and you're talking about a benchmark in its price range. It is an excellent choice if you want to listen in high quality without a pile of equipment, at your computer or on the go." Full Review

EISA Award Best 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."