iFi Hip DAC 2 Review
Is it cool to be hip? In this review, we explore the iFi Hip DAC 2 and whether it is worth purchasing for $189. Does the Hip DAC perform up to the crowded market by sporting both a 3.5mm jack and a balanced 4.4mm jack?
Formats supported
DSD
PCM
DXD
MQA
Digital Inputs
USB 3.0 Type 'A'
(USB2.0 compatible)
Headphone Outputs
Balanced
S-Balanced (S-E)
Power Output (@1% THD) Balanced
S-Balanced (S-E)
Battery
Lithium-polymer 2200mAh
Power System
Charging via USB-C, BC V1.2 compliant up
to 1000mA charging current and 6.3 volts
Power (max) <2W idle, 4W max
Dimensions
102 x 70 x 14mm
4.0" x 2.8" x 0.6"
Weight 135g (0.30 lbs)
The Build
The iFi Hip DAC 2 is built quite well, using aluminum for its housing.
When looking at the front of the device, from left to right, there is a power match button (this doubles the power and is not recommended for IEMs), an xBass control which increases the bass, a volume knob (which doubles as an ON/OFF switch), a 4.4mm jack for balanced headphones, and a 3.5mm jack for unbalanced headphones.
You will find a USB-C jack for charging and a recessed USB-A jack used for a data port on the rear of the device.
The Hip DAC 2 includes several OTG cables that allow USB-A to USB-C for charging, OTG USB-A to USB-C, and OTG USB-A to USB-A to connect to your computer. Unfortunately, the camera connection cable for connecting an Apple device is not included and will need to be purchased separately.
The Evaluation
It’s go time! We used Fir Audio’s VxV set during the evaluation, using a 3.5mm and a 4.4mm cable. Also, we used an iPad 7th Generation and an iPhone 12 Pro for our source.
To setup the Hip DAC 2 with either iPad or iPhone was relatively easy, turn on the DAC while the Apple device was unlocked, and you are good to go.
Unfortunately, I did not have an Android device on hand to use.
Additionally, I used Qobuz for my audio program, which provides lossless audio up to 24 Bit/ 192 Khz tracks.
To connect to the device, you will need an Apple connection kit cable not provided in the box. Connect this to the lightning port, and you are set. Next, turn on the DAC/AMP by rotating the volume knob clockwise.
I used “Letter to the Past” for my first track by Brandi Carlile. This track provides excellent details of the piano, as well as vocals. With Bradi's voice, staying together is quite impressive, as it is on the edge of a breakup when using the 3.5mm jack. The 4.4mm jacks noise floor was just too high for this song.
Smooth, smooth is the only way to describe the details of Dee Dee Bridgewater’s “Giving Up.” Both the iPad, and the iPhone provided an enjoyable experience full of soul! Although, I will have to say I would have liked the physical size of the Hip DAC 2 to be a tad longer to feel better in hand with the iPhone.
During each track xBass or Power Match is available during use. In addition, 4.4mm use is available but not recommended for IEMs or sensitive headphones due to an elevated noise floor.
Recommendations
The Hip DAC 2 is an excellent travel companion, but a few recommendations are. They were first reducing the noise floor to something equivalent to the Gryphon. Additional headphones and IEMs that use 4.4mm.
A slightly different design would make the Hip DAC 2 more comfortable for use. Making the Hip DAC longer but keeping the same slim design would make for a more comfortable feel in hand.
Closing Thoughts
The Hip DAC 2 is an excellent kit and is almost perfect. The Hip DAC 2 is slim, easily fits in a pocket, and has a fantastic sound. At $189, I can easily recommend the Hip DAC 2 to the audiophile on the go!
If you would like to know more or purchase the Hip DAC 2 follow the link:
Gear Used
Qobuz
Fir Audio V x V IEMs
Apple iPad 7th Generation
Apple 12 Pro
Music
Brandi Carlile - Letter To The Past
https://open.qobuz.com/track/126886787
Dee Dee Bridgewater - Giving Up
