{
  "id": 4715068,
  "title": "I tested iFi’s new DAC/amp and it’s a masterpiece, with impressive portable power, stellar sound quality, a fountain of features, and an intuitive OLED display",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/i-tested-ifis-new-dac-amp-and-its-a-masterpiece-with-impressive",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-31T21:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TechRadar",
    "slug": "techradar",
    "url": "https://www.techradar.com/audio/dacs/ifi-idsd-gr-2-review"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The iFi iDSD GR 2 DAC/amp has proven to be a remarkable upgrade from its predecessor, the iFi xDSD Gryphon. British audio brand iFi managed to create a portable model that outperforms the impressive xDSD Gryphon, which earned a five-star review.\n\nThe iDSD GR 2 boosts amplification power by around 50% compared to its predecessor, enabling it to drive more demanding headphones while reducing distortion. It incorporates K2HD technology, licensed from JVC Kenwood, which helps to restore warmth and musicality that sometimes gets lost in digital recordings.\n\nA standout feature is the vivid OLED touchscreen display, which makes the device intuitive and easy to use when switching sources, toggling XBass and XSpace processing, or accessing settings. This OLED display is particularly useful when paired with the DAC/amp's companion app, which allows users to easily navigate through various connectivity modes, volume adjustments, and filter settings such as XBass and XSpace.\n\nDuring testing, the GR 2 was paired with the Astell & Kern A&ultima SP4000 music player and a variety of headphones, including the Sennheiser HD 600. The results consistently delivered articulate, layered, and balanced sound with excellent instrument separation, punchy bass, and superb mid-range clarity, making it suitable for a wide range of music genres.\n\nWith a higher battery capacity of 4,900mAh and adaptive power technology, the GR 2 can support long listening sessions without interruption. It features a 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone port, as well as a USB-C charging slot, ensuring that users can easily connect their preferred audio devices. The iDSD GR 2 also offers a 3.5-hour charging time, providing around 7 hours of playback time, depending on volume and filter usage. Notably, the device can operate on external power when connected, while automatically returning to battery power when external power demand drops.\n\nWhile a case wasn't included at the launch price, the GR 2 provides excellent value for money considering the extensive features packed into the compact device. Priced at $529 / £529 / AU$849 upon release, the iDSD GR 2 is the spiritual successor to the iFi xDSD Gryphon and is well worth recommending to audiophiles seeking a top-tier portable DAC/amp.",
  "summary": "I tested iFi’s new iDSD GR 2 portable DAC/amp, and it's a phenomenal sequel, with more power, more intuitiveness, and more features.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}