British audio specialist iFi is something of a trailblazer when it comes to the innovation of portable audio devices. Now, the Southport-based company has announced an update to its high-end portable DAC. The new iDSD GR 2 is the next evolutionary step for one of the company’s most celebrated products.

Built on the foundation of iFi’s xDSD Gryphon DAC, the iDSD GR 2 is designed to be a portable powerhouse for audiophiles wanting hi-fi sound no matter where they are. This latest DAC has been redesigned from the ground up and reimagines the Gryphon for a new generation and introduces a completely new DAC architecture.

The GR 2 features an upgraded and fully balanced amplification system which it pairs with an OLED touchscreen interface. In addition, the GR 2 uses JVCKENWOOD’s K2HD Technology as well as lossless Bluetooth connectivity. The result, says iFi, is the company’s most versatile and true-portable DAC/Amp to date.

At the heart of the GR 2 is a major change to the conversion architecture. This is the first time iFi has used the Burr-Brown PCM1795 DAC chipset. It’s designed to preserve the warmth and analog character of the music while delivering true 32-bit resolution audio with less distortion and greater dynamic range.

As a current-output DAC, the PCM1795 chipset also unlocks greater design freedom for the iFi engineers. It enables them to design fully bespoke I/V and output stages, optimized to extract the chip’s full performance potential.

Class A op-amps provide a more natural analog character, while the circuit topology is fully balanced from preamp through to the headphone stage, eliminating unnecessary electronic switching. This can considerably reduce distortion levels across the signal path. iFi says it’s a sophisticated design that pays off with lower distortion, greater transparency, and a more authentic connection to the music.

A new capacitive OLED touchscreen provides direct control on the surface of the GR 2. The device’s core settings can be immediately accessed without the need for deep menu navigation. The interface is designed with speed and clarity in mind so that adjusting settings now feels more immediate and responsive. Alongside the new interface, iFi also offers more control over what the listener hears.

The GR 2 can deliver up to 1,513mW RMS into 32Ω; that’s 50% more headphone drive than the original Gryphon. The upshot is more headroom for handling more demanding loads, which means the bass stays composed, transients are more defined and dynamics open more freely, even when used with difficult-to-drive headphones or IEMs.

Digital recordings can often lack the warmth and richness of an original analog performance. It’s one reason why many music lovers find digital streaming a bit flat and clinical. The GR 2 is the latest iFi product to use JVCKENWOOD’s K2HD Technology. It’s a harmonic restoration algorithm designed to restore depth, tone and musicality by reintroducing subtle detail, returning recordings closer to their original intent.

iFi says the result is a more natural and engaging listen where digital playback feels “less processed and more emotionally connected to the performance.” For those who prefer a lighter touch, there is the K2 Mode, which offers similar enhancement but without any up sampling. The GR 2 also has four selectable digital filtering options that let listeners tune the character and presentation of their music.

The GR 2 also incorporates the latest in wireless connectivity by using Bluetooth 5.4 and Qualcomm’s aptX Lossless audio codec. The technology can deliver a wireless experience with the same level of detail as a CD, bringing listeners closer to the performance without the need for wired headphones. For those wanting the highest available bitrate short of fully lossless transmission, the GR 2 also supports the LDAC codec with playback bitrates up to 990kbps.

A new hybrid power mode has been introduced with the GR 2 that intelligently balances external power and battery operation. When connected to an external power supply, the Gr 2 prioritizes mains power for day-to-day listening. If extra power is required, the GR 2 can draw from its internal battery before automatically reverting to external power once the demand subsides. iFi says that this approach reduces unnecessary battery cycling, making the GR 2 better suited to extended listening sessions while preserving its long-term battery health.

The GR 2 is fully compatible with iFi Nexis app, offering control beyond the device itself. Through the app, users can access advanced settings, which can then be fine-tuned for a deeper personalization without complicating the everyday experience. iFi Nexis also enables over-the-air updates so the GR 2 can be updated over time with new features, refinements and performance improvements.

Pricing and Availability:

The new iFi Audio iDSD GR 2 portable DAC is available from ifi-audio.com and authorized dealers priced at $529 / £529 /€549.

  • New PCM1795 DAC with bespoke balanced circuit design.
  • Color OLED touchscreen interface with capacitive control.
  • Up to 1,513mW RMS into 32Ω.
  • K2HD Technology.
  • Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless and LDAC support.
  • Hybrid power mode.
  • Bluetooth, USB, S/PDIF and line option connectivity.
  • XSpace and XBass+ analog processing modes.
  • iFi Nexis app support for OTA updates and additional controls.