British iFi brand is on the field for years and they improve personal music listening sessions since then. Now we got our hands on the lately released iFi HipDac.
iFi HipDAC: Box contents
Box is no bigger than iFi HipDac itself. Front side of box there’s a HipDac embossment and some specified logos on top and bottom. There’s also signature dots that indicates battery percentage and playback file format. In the box there are translucent case with HipDac, USB2.0 and USB C converter cables, 4*desktop stand and some paper with user manual.
| Formats supported | DSD256/128/64, Octa/Quad/Double/Single-Speed DSD DXD(384/352.8kHz), PCM(384/352.8/192/176.4/96/88.2/48/44.1kHz) MQA |
|---|---|
| Power System | Charging via USB-C, BC V1.2 compliant up to 1000mA charging current |
| Power (max) | <2W idle, 4W max |
| Dimensions | 102(l) x 70(w) x 14(h) mm |
| Weight | 125g (0.28 lbs) |
Sound
First of all HipDac’s power hits right through your face. Even if you turn down all of the buttons, you will be still amazed to the sound, furthermore HipDac sounds slightly warm. There’s a Xbass button which boosts bass frequencies while keeps the serenity of mids and treble. Another button is Powermatch button which increases the clarity and creates significant difference in sound. First thing i noticed was increased note weight and even though the weight increase, speed increased too with increased energy. If you listen closely you can hear all three percussive patterns. At least how KBear Lark sounded like this with this device.
With hard to drive HZSound Heart Mirror upper midrange sounded more smooth and makes it sound even better. this 50$ iem excels really good with HipDac.
And with Final E5000; 93dB sensitivity with 14Ω Impedance. It does require lots of power to drive like other Final E line. With all boosts turned off E5000 volume can get very loud. Even PowerMatch button improves sound without causing fatigues. Everything sounds more organic, more clear, layering and lyrics are easily distinguishable. Everything sounds more realistic. With its dark tonality bass isn’t humpy like it driven with lov power. We’ve mentioned the same thing with the KBear Lark too. This Japanese Monster’s bass doesnt’ sound one-note unlike cheap in ears. In Instrumental tracks with it’s 60mm driver staging, layering and mellow tuning makes Final E5000 sound like closed back headphone.
iFi Hip-Dac: Conclusion
HipDac, British iFi’s Portable solution for personal listening sessions. You can also use it as desktop DAC/Amp with 4 stands. Hip Dac doesn’t only comes with 3.5mm output, but also with 4.4mm balanced output. It’s powerful, but it’s not best of course. I’ve listened HipDac through OTG cable with LG G7. Thanks to Dukkan Hifi, iFi Authorized Retailer for this review unit.