iFi hip-dac2 - Portable Balanced DAC Headphone Amplifier for Android, iPhone with USB Input Only/Outputs: 3.5mm Unbalanced / 4.4mm Balanced – MQA Decoder

I previously had a Audioquest Dragonfly Cobalt DAC, but it broke (the headphone socket in the unit detached itself) so I was looking for a replacement.I settled on this iFi hip DAC2 based on reading numerous reviews, and I thought the price was good for the features provided.The battery was pretty much flat when it arrived, and the initial full charge took a couple of hours or so.I use this with an Android phone and an Android tablet, the tablet runs on Android 10 and the phone on Android 13.This DAC is plug and play. Both the phone and tablet found it immediately.The sound quality is very good, particularly with high resolution files. The highest resolution I've played so far is 24 bit 19,khz. I've also tried it with MQA files from Tidal, and that also works well and sounds good. It drives my Beyerdynamic DT770 pro headphones without any problems.There's a button on the DAC that is supposed to match the output to the headphone impedance, not sure how that works but my impression isnit is pretty much just a loudness button and I've left that turned off. There's also a bass boost button, which does add a little bass to the sound, it fills the sound out rather than adding a lot of low frequency, but I've also left that turned off.It's a nice quality unit. The cable between the DAC and my phone / tablet is quite short, but these aren't expensive to buy if a longer one is needed, it certainly isn't a deal breaker for me. There are also other USB cables provided, if for example it's being used with the usb output of a computer.Summary - I think this is easily as good as the Audioquest Dragonfly Cobalt I used to have, and I actually think it feels like a better made product. I'm very happy with it, and the price is very competitive. The sound quality is very good, probably a little warmer sounding and less analytical than the Dragonfly Cobalt - just different rather than better or worse.

Sound QualityLike everything related to sound it is completely subjective. For me, this makes a discernable upgrade to the sound quality of my iphone. How much of an upgrade depends on a few things - primarily what quality of music you are streaming and what quality of headphones you are using. I'm using this with Beyerdynamic Amiron's, streamed via Qobuz, and I'm very happy with what I am hearing.Worth noting that there is a 'powermatch' button which is used to match the power output to your headphones. Without this on the sound was good but nothing amazing. When switched on (recommended for above headphones) there was a big difference.There is also an 'xbass' bass enhancer - this works but can be overpowering on certain types of music.BuildBuild quality seems excellent. I really like having an analogue volume control rather than buttons and everything feels and looks great.PortabilityThis is certainly portable in as much as it is about the size of a small mobile phone. When it is less portable is when it is connected to the source - as mentioned, I use this with my iphone and the pair are quite chunky to fit in your pocket together.Value for moneyOverall I have given the HipDac2 4 stars because to use it with an iphone requires another £30 outlay to get the right cable. This pushes the overall price to over £200 which is a significant outlay. Personally I think it is worth it but it is worth having a think about how you will use it - if for example you listen to low quality streamed music through cheap ear buds you are unlikely to get your moneys worth. But get the right set up and this takes your music to a different level.Overall, very happy.

First, confession I love Ifi products. Second, I was with a very big Japanese electronics manufacturer which made Walkmans and PlayStations. Third, I love Music especially if it’s hi res.Ifi Hip Dac2. Yep it does what it says on the product blurb. The Uk tech press wows about Chord. They are good but are they great? You spend that sort of money and you are in the rarefied world of high end DAC’s chasing the elusive dream of perfect music.Back to the Hip Dac 2. I had Hip Dac 1 and thought it was right up there. I have Mojo,Zen, Diablo and idsd and this can compete with the very best. I have used AKG N40 (now discontinued), Grado 325S, Sony XM4 but with the wire and the Hip Dac 2 delivers in spades. The processor is the same as the Diablo (more expensive Ifi Dac). The USB C charging is a plus. My streaming platform is Qobuz but the MQA masters will be a real big plus for Tidal Users. I love the Burr Brown chip as it warms up the music.Conclusion. Buy yes. Especially if you want pin sharp clarity from your phone or portable music player. I hitched my DAC2to Sony’s Zx 500 and also to my A&K Norma and Kann and it stepped up their presentation. Most noticeable uplift was my Hi res streaming via my iPhone.Product build and quality fantastic.Any gripes- Would have preferred the pricing around £ 150 - £160 but versus the venerable Mojo this is a winner. Cases and accessories unnecessarily pricey.