{"product_id":"ifi-xdsd-gryphon-portable-balanced-dac-headphone-amplifier","title":"iFi xDSD Gryphon Portable Balanced DAC \u0026 Headphone Amplifier","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the iFi xDSD Gryphon is evaluated as a premium portable DAC and headphone amplifier aimed at listeners who want studio-grade decoding and versatile connectivity on the go. The bottom line is that the Gryphon stands out for its combination of \u003cstrong\u003efull MQA decoding\u003c\/strong\u003e, native DSD support and a high-power balanced amplifier, making it a compelling choice for travelers and desktop users who demand detailed, dynamic sound from a compact unit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFull MQA decoding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Native DSD up to DSD512 and MQA processing up to 384kHz deliver authentic high-resolution playback from supported files and streams.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUltra-res audio:\u003c\/strong\u003e PCM up to 32-bit\/768kHz via USB and up to 192kHz over optical or coaxial preserves fine detail when using high-resolution sources.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdvanced Bluetooth 5.1:\u003c\/strong\u003e The QCC5100 module supports aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC and HWA\/LHDC for higher-quality wireless streaming from compatible phones and players.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMultiple connections:\u003c\/strong\u003e Balanced 4.4mm Pentaconn and S-Balanced 3.5mm analogue I\/O plus USB-C and S\/PDIF give flexibility across portable and home setups.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTech-packed sound shaping:\u003c\/strong\u003e XBass and xSpace settings, PureWave balanced circuit design and OptimaLoop feedback aim to provide clearer, more musical playback and robust low-end control.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigh output power:\u003c\/strong\u003e An ultra-low noise 1000mW amplifier and iEMatch\/auto-gain help the Gryphon drive a wide range of headphones and sensitive IEMs safely.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Gryphon suits audiophiles and frequent travelers who want a compact transportable unit that does not compromise on decoding or amplifier power. If you stream high-res audio, use wired balanced headphones, or need a Bluetooth option with LDAC and aptX Adaptive, this device covers those workflows with excellent flexibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is less well suited to users who need an optical Toslink adapter in the box, since a Mini-TOSLINK to full-size adapter is not included, or those who prefer the simplest single-cable setups without toggling gain or output modes. Studio engineers needing specialized monitoring features may prefer a dedicated desktop interface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent detail and dynamics from \u003cstrong\u003efull MQA and native DSD\u003c\/strong\u003e support.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVersatile connectivity with balanced outputs and advanced Bluetooth for high-quality wireless streaming.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePowerful amplifier and iEMatch\/auto-gain allow safe use with sensitive IEMs and demanding headphones.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSolid, stylish build with a clear SilentLine OLED display for convenient on-the-go use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDoes not include a Mini-TOSLINK to TOSLINK adapter, which may require an extra purchase for optical use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdvanced feature set may require a short learning curve to optimize XBass, xSpace and gain settings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDAC decoding\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull MQA decoding; Native DSD up to DSD512\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePCM support\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUp to 32-bit\/768kHz via USB; 192kHz via optical\/coaxial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBluetooth module\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBluetooth 5.1 with QCC5100 chipset (aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC, HWA\/LHDC)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAnalogue outputs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBalanced 4.4mm Pentaconn and S-Balanced 3.5mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAmplifier power\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUltra-low noise 1000mW high power amplifier\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSound tuning\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eXBass and xSpace settings; PureWave balanced circuit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe iFi xDSD Gryphon is a strong choice for anyone who wants a portable DAC\/amp with modern wireless codecs and uncompromising wired performance. With full MQA, high-rate PCM and a powerful balanced output, it offers excellent value for audio enthusiasts who need a compact, travel-friendly solution that still delivers detailed, dynamic sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the Gryphon support LDAC over Bluetooth?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The built-in Bluetooth 5.1 QCC5100 module supports LDAC along with aptX HD and other high-quality codecs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan it drive demanding over-ear headphones?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The Gryphon includes a 1000mW high power amplifier and balanced output designed to drive a wide range of headphones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs a Toslink adapter included for optical input?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. A Mini-TOSLINK to TOSLINK adapter is not included and must be acquired separately if needed.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"iFi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48261671256283,"sku":"B09H39DBY6","price":599.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/71glJFOYy4L._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1778320394","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/ifi-xdsd-gryphon-portable-balanced-dac-headphone-amplifier","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}