IFI IDSD GR2

iFi iDSD GR 2 - High-End Portable DAC and Headphone Amplifier

The iFi iDSD GR 2 is a high-performance portable DAC and headphone amplifier designed to deliver outstanding sound quality both on the move and in a desktop Hi-Fi system. As the successor to the acclaimed xDSD Gryphon, it introduces a completely redesigned DAC architecture, more powerful amplification, an intuitive OLED touchscreen and advanced wireless connectivity.

At the heart of the GR 2 is the new Burr-Brown PCM1795 DAC, iFi's first implementation of this chipset, supporting PCM up to 768 kHz and native DSD512. The analogue stage and headphone amplifier have also been redesigned to provide greater transparency, dynamics and control. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

With USB-C, S/PDIF, Bluetooth 5.4, balanced and single-ended analogue connections, the iDSD GR 2 can function as a DAC, headphone amplifier, preamplifier and Bluetooth receiver in one remarkably compact chassis.

New Burr-Brown PCM1795 DAC

The new Burr-Brown PCM1795 represents one of the most important technical changes compared with the previous generation.

Its current-output architecture gives iFi considerable freedom in designing the analogue output stage, allowing the GR 2 to combine high resolution with the natural and musical presentation associated with iFi products.

The DAC supports PCM up to 768 kHz and Native DSD512, providing full compatibility with today's high-resolution digital formats. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

More Powerful Headphone Amplification

The redesigned amplification stage delivers up to 1,513 mW RMS into 32 Ohms from the balanced 4.4 mm output, approximately 50% more power than the original Gryphon.

This additional headroom allows the GR 2 to drive a very wide range of headphones, from sensitive IEMs to demanding full-size models, while maintaining excellent control and dynamic performance. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

The balanced 4.4 mm output provides:

• 6.94 V / 1,513 mW at 32 Ohms
• 8.60 V / 119 mW at 600 Ohms

The S-Balanced 3.5 mm output provides:

• 4.26 V / 567 mW at 32 Ohms
• 4.27 V / 30 mW at 600 Ohms

Balanced and S-Balanced Outputs

The iDSD GR 2 features both a 4.4 mm balanced headphone output and a 3.5 mm S-Balanced output.

The 4.4 mm connection provides the highest available output power, while the S-Balanced 3.5 mm connection offers excellent compatibility with conventional single-ended headphones and earphones.

iEMatch Technology

iFi's iEMatch technology is integrated into the GR 2 to optimize the output for particularly sensitive headphones and in-ear monitors.

It helps reduce background noise and adapts the output characteristics to the connected load, making the GR 2 suitable for everything from highly sensitive IEMs to demanding over-ear headphones.

K2HD Technology

The iDSD GR 2 incorporates K2HD technology from JVCKENWOOD, designed to restore harmonic information that may be lost during digital processing.

The technology is intended to provide a more natural and musically engaging presentation, adding harmonic richness without simply applying conventional tone controls.

OLED Capacitive Touchscreen

The GR 2 introduces a new colour OLED capacitive touchscreen, making everyday operation considerably more intuitive.

Important settings can be accessed directly from the display, including gain, filters and playback-related functions, without having to rely exclusively on physical button combinations. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Bluetooth 5.4 with Lossless Audio

The wireless section has been upgraded to Bluetooth 5.4 and supports a comprehensive range of high-quality codecs.

Supported formats include aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC and SBC.

aptX Lossless is particularly significant, allowing compatible devices to transmit CD-quality audio without data loss. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Extensive Digital Connectivity

The iDSD GR 2 offers multiple digital input options, making it suitable for both portable and desktop applications.

Digital connections include USB-C, S/PDIF optical/coaxial and Bluetooth 5.4.

The USB-C input allows connection to computers, smartphones and other compatible digital sources, while S/PDIF makes the GR 2 suitable for integration into a conventional Hi-Fi system.

Analogue Inputs and Outputs

The GR 2 is more than just a USB DAC. It also provides 4.4 mm balanced and 3.5 mm single-ended analogue inputs.

Analogue outputs are available in both 4.4 mm balanced and 3.5 mm single-ended formats, allowing the GR 2 to be used as a compact preamplifier or source component within a larger audio system.

XBass+ and XSpace

The iDSD GR 2 incorporates two of iFi's well-known analogue processing technologies.

XBass+ can enhance low-frequency extension and presence, particularly with headphones that have a leaner bass response.

XSpace is designed to expand the perceived soundstage and create a more spacious presentation, particularly useful with headphones that produce a narrow or intimate image.

4,900 mAh Battery

The GR 2 features a 4,900 mAh Lithium-Polymer battery providing approximately 7 hours of listening time, depending on the operating mode and connected load. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

It can therefore be used as a genuinely portable high-end DAC/headphone amplifier without requiring continuous connection to an external power supply.

Hybrid Power and Battery Health

The GR 2 incorporates intelligent power-management functions designed to improve battery longevity during desktop use.

The Hybrid Power and Battery Health options help reduce unnecessary charge and discharge cycles when the device is used from an external power source.

iFi Nexis Compatibility

The iDSD GR 2 is fully compatible with iFi Nexis, allowing access to additional settings and firmware updates.

Wireless firmware updates mean that the GR 2 can continue to evolve after purchase, with improvements and additional features made available through the application. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Compact and Truly Portable

Despite its extensive electronics and powerful amplification, the iDSD GR 2 remains extremely compact.

Its dimensions are just 141 x 75 x 19 mm, while its net weight is only 268 grams.

This makes it easy to carry alongside a smartphone, tablet or laptop, while its comprehensive connectivity also makes it perfectly suited to desktop listening.

Key Features

• High-end portable DAC and headphone amplifier.
• New Burr-Brown PCM1795 DAC chipset.
• 32-bit conversion architecture.
• PCM support up to 768 kHz.
• Native DSD512 support.
• Up to 1,513 mW RMS output at 32 Ohms.
• Fully redesigned headphone amplification stage.
• 4.4 mm balanced headphone output.
• 3.5 mm S-Balanced headphone output.
• iEMatch technology.
• JVCKENWOOD K2HD technology.
• XBass+ analogue processing.
• XSpace analogue processing.
• Colour OLED capacitive touchscreen.
• Bluetooth 5.4.
• aptX Lossless.
• aptX Adaptive.
• LDAC.
• LHDC/HWA.
• AAC and SBC.
• USB-C digital input.
• S/PDIF optical/coaxial input.
• 4.4 mm balanced analogue input.
• 3.5 mm single-ended analogue input.
• 4.4 mm balanced analogue output.
• 3.5 mm single-ended analogue output.
• 4,900 mAh Lithium-Polymer battery.
• Approximately 7 hours of battery life.
• Hybrid Power and Battery Health functions.
• iFi Nexis compatibility.
• Over-the-air firmware updates.
• Compact 141 x 75 x 19 mm chassis.
• Net weight of only 268 g.

Why Choose the iFi iDSD GR 2

The iFi iDSD GR 2 is designed for listeners who want the performance and versatility of a high-end desktop DAC/headphone amplifier in a genuinely portable format.

The combination of the new Burr-Brown PCM1795 DAC, 1,513 mW of balanced output power, high-resolution USB and S/PDIF support, Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless and balanced analogue connectivity makes it exceptionally versatile.

It can be used with a laptop at home, connected to a smartphone while travelling, or integrated into a more conventional Hi-Fi system as a DAC and preamplifier.

The addition of the OLED touchscreen, K2HD, iEMatch, XBass+, XSpace and iFi Nexis further enhances its flexibility and usability.

For anyone looking for a single compact component capable of combining high-resolution DAC conversion, powerful headphone amplification, lossless Bluetooth, analogue connectivity and genuine portable operation, the iFi iDSD GR 2 is an exceptionally complete solution.

Technical Specifications