iFi Audio - hip-dac (Unboxed)

The iFi hip-dac is a great choice if you’re looking for a portable DAC that looks as good as it will make your music sound. a nifty bass-boosting button, the hip-dac is a fantastic piece of audio kit.

Easiest way to describe this is - for audiophiles who are beginning their journey, this is the perfect product.
A- it's not very expensive. Because there are dacs which cost north of 50k as well. And this does the job perfectly which makes it bang for buck.

B- it's drives pretty much anything in the beginner audiophile sections. I personally use a hifiman he400se and this has blown it out of the roof.
C- this provides a very satisfying sound signature which is very tastefully neutral. It also has a xbass option which amps the lower end. Comes in handy for a few headphones which lack the low end thump.
D- it has a power match option which basically matches its power output to the circuit requirements of the headphone attached. Very very cool.
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They sound very similar to the zen dac. It works great and is very portable ! i loved the convinience factor. it still doesnt match the sound of the zen dac but thats an unfair comparison. it is well worth the buy.

New to Audiophile. Lots of research. Decided on this coz of rave reviews of Xbass. Though notta bass head but that XBASS when switched on, you need to experience it, can't xplain over text, such is the happiness. Paired with DT990 pro (requires power match to be on, a def battery drainer). No complaints, been using it for 2weeks and an absolute necessity for Apple Music Lossless!

Thanks Varun of headphone zone for clearing up the queries- Well I had to wait for the original apple otg cable & now we're rockin - this is just fantastic - i have sennheiser 599 - i will definitely upgrade to another open back with a larger soundstage - will definitely do some research unless @someheadphone guru is willing to help - 🎶🥂

No regrets

it looks great and works even better.
I have used it with Meze 99 classics. They are pretty easy to drive and do not require any AMP/DAC. but if you pair it with something like IFI HIP it will enhance the sound.

Design: pretty solid metallic build. looks stylish as well. the volume control/power on knob gets switched on with a satisfying click, and I love the experience of controlling volume manually.

Sound: It has warm sound signature. So if you are looking for neutral sound there are other options available. Its Xbass feature works amazingly well.

Con: the cables provided are pathetic. The one that gets attached to mobile phone is so thick and hard that it becomes really difficult to carry or keep it in pocket. At this price I was expecting better cables.

I have another issue, it's not really IFI's fault. But I am colour blind, so I can't tell the battery percentage. I can understand when it's above 75% as at that time it's white, and then when it starts flashing and under 10. I wish there was an app to control it or something or a better way of checking battery percentage.

iFi Audio - hip-dac

Its an amazing device and it is driving my Sennheisser HD660S superbly.

This little hip flask does what its meant to do, intoxicating music swig after swig on the move . Pristine reproduction , with a hint of morning shine , and a just a bit of warmth ,just about right blend of clarity and depth. Powerful and commanding control of bass and tonality. A slight tinge of sibilance, specially on Lower bit rate source. Or shall i say non hi res source. May be something to do with upsampling
.the led will remain green most of the time !! until you throw in some really hi res files to it, But works perfectly with all my headgear low as well as high impedance drivers. Happy hip flask indeed .