iFi Hip-DAC 3

The iFi hip-dac 3 is a pocket-sized USB DAC and headphone amplifier designed for listeners who want better sound, more power, and greater control than the built-in headphone output of a phone, tablet, or computer can provide. Its Burr-Brown True Native DAC and 16-core XMOS processor support high-resolution PCM up to 384kHz, native DSD256, DXD, and full MQA decoding. A true balanced amplifier design with a 4.4mm headphone output delivers up to 400mW into 32Ω and 6.3V into 600Ω, providing ample drive for a wide range of headphones. The hip-dac 3 also features iEMatch for sensitive IEMs, XBass analogue bass enhancement, and PowerMatch gain control, allowing its output to be tailored to different headphones and listening preferences. A 2,200mAh lithium-polymer battery provides up to 12 hours of playback, while the compact aluminium chassis measures just 102 × 70 × 14mm and weighs 135g, making the hip-dac 3 an ideal portable companion for smartphones, tablets, and computers. Designed for Portable HiFi The hip-dac 3 replaces the limitations of built-in headphone outputs with a dedicated high-resolution DAC and powerful headphone amplifier, while remaining compact enough for everyday portable listening. True Native Digital Conversion The Burr-Brown True Native architecture maintains separate pathways for PCM and DSD, supporting PCM up to 384kHz, native DSD256, DXD, and full MQA decoding for high-resolution playback. True Balanced Headphone Amplification The 4.4mm balanced headphone output is driven by a true balanced circuit design, delivering up to 400mW into 32Ω and 6.3V into 600Ω for substantial power and voltage headroom across a wide range of headphones. Tailored for Headphones and IEMs iEMatch optimizes the output for high-sensitivity IEMs, PowerMatch provides switchable gain for different headphone requirements, and XBass adds low-frequency reinforcement entirely in the analogue domain. Portable Battery Power The integrated 2,200mAh lithium-polymer battery provides up to 12 hours of playback, allowing the hip-dac 3 to deliver dedicated DAC and headphone amplification without relying on the connected device for primary operating power. Key Features Burr-Brown True Native DAC — Supports bit-perfect PCM, DSD, and DXD playback with separate PCM and DSD pathways. 16-Core XMOS Processing — Handles asynchronous USB audio and high-resolution digital formats. True Balanced Circuit Design — Provides a fully balanced signal path for the 4.4mm headphone output. 400mW Balanced Output — Delivers up to 400mW into 32Ω through the 4.4mm balanced connection. 6.3V Output at 600Ω — Provides strong voltage drive for high-impedance headphones. iEMatch — Optimizes output for sensitive IEMs while helping reduce audible background hiss. XBass Analogue Bass Enhancement — Adds low-frequency weight in the analogue domain without digital EQ. PowerMatch Gain Control — Provides switchable gain to accommodate headphones with different sensitivity and power requirements. Updated GMT Clock Circuitry — Uses an updated crystal oscillator and GMT circuitry designed to reduce phase noise. 2,200mAh Battery — Provides up to 12 hours of portable playback. Compact Aluminium Chassis — Measures 102 × 70 × 14mm and weighs just 135g. Connectivity & Compatibility Input USB-C asynchronous USB audio Outputs 4.4mm balanced 3.5mm S-Balanced Supported Formats PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz DSD64/128/256 DXD 384kHz Full MQA decoding Power 2,200mAh lithium-polymer battery USB-C charging Up to 12 hours playback Compatible Devices Smartphones Tablets Mac computers Windows PCs USB audio-compatible devices Compatible Headphones IEMs Dynamic headphones Planar magnetic headphones High-impedance headphones Open-back and closed-back headphones