iFi
Hip DAC 3
$199.00 USDFeatures
True Native DAC- bit-perfect performance with every digital format
State-of-the-art hi-res audio
Compact, durable build quality
Separate USB-C inputs for audio data and charging
Fully balanced 4.4mm and S-balanced 3.5mm headphone outputs
PowerMatch- adjust gain to satisfy power-hungry headphones
iEMatch, XBass feature
12-hour battery life on a single charge
What's in the Box?
Warranty
All good things come in threes and the iFi Audio Hip DAC 3 is the third iteration of the iconic Hip DAC series. This effortlessly portable DAC/Amp has everything you need to enjoy your favorite music on the go. Building on the success of its predecessors, the Hip DAC and Hip DAC 2, the Hip DAC 3 has upgraded features and functionality like iEMatch, two USB-C ports, and circuitry enhancements. The Hip DAC 3 is a highly capable and versatile portable DAC/Amp that offers exceptional sound quality, advanced features, and a user-friendly design. Whether you're a discerning audiophile or a casual music lover looking to improve your on-the-go listening experience, the battery-powered Hip DAC 3 is an excellent choice that delivers outstanding performance in a compact and stylish package.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: With USB-C ports now serving as the universal connector for smartphones, tablets, and laptops we recommend pairing the iFi Hip DAC 3 with the Black Dragon USB Cable. The Black Dragon USB Cable will provide the best possible digital bus transmission from your source device to the Hip DAC 3. We recommend this connectivity option for the USB-C port designed specifically for audio transfer.
Features:
- Upgraded circuitry- even more detailed and spacious sound
- True Native DAC- bit-perfect performance with every digital format
- State-of-the-art hi-res audio
- Compact, durable build quality
- Separate USB-C inputs for audio data and charging
- Fully balanced 4.4mm and S-balanced 3.5mm headphone outputs
- PowerMatch- adjust gain to satisfy power-hungry headphones
- iEMatch, XBass feature
- 12-hour battery life on a single charge
New Iteration. New Finish
Each new Hip DAC generation applies a different anodized finish to its robust and pocketable aluminum enclosure. The updated version of iFi Hip DAC, the Hip DAC 3 sports a Titanium Shadow hue, exuding timeless elegance with a touch of modern sophistication. Compact as a flask, the Hip DAC 3 is pocket-sized so you can throw it in your bag, carry it with one hand, or stick it in your back pocket. A new addition to the Hip DAC 3 is two USB-C ports—one for audio and one for charging. A switch on the underside of the Hip DAC 3 activates iFi iEMatch technology for high-sensitivity headphones, In-Ear Monitors (IEMs), and earphones. When used with such devices, iEMatch reduces background hiss, enhances detail and dynamic range, and increases the useable range of the volume control.
On the front of the Hip DAC 3, you'll find two headphone outputs—a balanced 4.4mm and s-bal 3.5mm—as well as a power match button, XBass button, LED status lights, and volume knob. PowerMatch optimizes the Hip DAC 3 to match headphones' impedance and sensitivity, ensuring peak performance. With an included lithium-polymer battery, the Hip DAC 3 offers up to 12 hours of playback on a single charge, depending on the volume level and how power-hungry the connected headphones are.
Hip flask size. Magnum performance.
With its sleek, robust aluminium enclosure, the portable hip-dac 3 discreetly fits in a pocket or bag. It replaces the subpar DAC and amplifier in smartphones, tablets, PCs, and Macs. Just connect via USB-C, plug in your favourite headphones, and enjoy rich, dynamic sound.
iFi’s expertise with the Burr-Brown chipset ensures optimal performance. However, a superior DAC stage involves more than just the DAC chip. A crucial element is the XMOS chip for processing digital audio inputs. The hip-dac 3 features a 16-core XMOS microcontroller, programmed by iFi’s in-house team to optimise sound quality and ensure a perfect hi-res partnership with the Burr-Brown DAC.
Upgraded Circuitry Designed to Deliver
The Hip DAC 3 features a true balanced circuit design, a rarity for its price range. The hip-dac 3 features a true balanced circuit design, rare for its price range. This design minimizes signal distortion, resulting in a purer, more captivating sound for your headphones, IEMs, and earphones. The DAC section is based around a Burr-Brown chipset that iFi uses extensively, selected for its natural-sounding musicality and True Native architecture. The Hip DAC 3 incorporates a 16-core XMOS microcontroller that optimizes sound quality and unlocks the full potential of the Burr-Brown DAC chip.
The circuitry incorporates high-quality components, including a custom iFi OV op-amp, a low-noise power supply IC from Texas Instruments, and a premium analog volume pot. The Hip DAC 3 has upgraded circuitry including new metal film capacitors for improved frequency response, and updated GMT circuitry with a new crystal oscillator to reduce phase noise.
The Hip DAC 3's headphone amplifier stage amp stage can deliver up to 400mW into a 32-ohm headphone load, making it compatible with a wide range of headphones. Additionally, the headphone amp it efficiently drives high-impedance headphones with an a power output voltage of 6.3V into 600 ohms from the balanced output.
Tailored for your headphones and earphones
Designed for all your hi-fi gear, the Hip DAC 3 supports playback on headphones, IEMs, and earphones. With your musical tastes in mind, the Hip DAC 3 incorporates a switchable gain on the amp stage called PowerMatch that ensures optimal power for the headphones you're using. With high-sensitivity IEMs, for example, leave PowerMatch at its lowest setting to ensure a silent, hiss-free background. For headphones that benefit from a higher level of drive, press the PowerMatch button to raise gain. It's that simple!
An underside switch engages iFi’s iEMatch technology, optimizing output for high-sensitivity headphones, especially highly sensitive IEMs.It reduces hiss, enhances detail and dynamic range, and improves volume control range. XBass is a user-selectable feature that boosts bass without muddying the midrange, ideal for your earphones and open-back headphones. It works in the analog domain, avoiding alterations via DSP and may be switched in or out of the signal path.
Enjoy Hi-Res Sound, Anywhere On the Go
The Hip DAC 3 supports hi-res audio files including hi-res PCM and DXD audio data at sample rates up to 384kHz, alongside DSD from 2.8MHz to 12.4MHz (DSD64, DSD128, DSD256). Full decoding of MQA—the hi-res streaming technology, as used by Tidal’s ‘HiFi Plus’ tier – is also supported, performing the full ‘three unfold’ decoding process (as opposed to just the final unfold in the manner of an MQA ‘renderer’). Listeners will enjoy a neutral-warm sound with a good soundstage and resolution.
On either side of the rotary volume control resides a pair of LEDs that change color to indicate the format and sample rate of the incoming audio. The Hip DAC 3's USB-C input supports up to 32-bit/384kHz audio, compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0. Its asynchronous design ensures jitter-free transfer.
iFi Audio: Make Your Music Better
Manufacturer of the award-winning iFi GO Blu DAC/Amp, GO Bar USB DAC, and iDSD Diablo 2 DAC & Headphone Amp, iFi Audio creates hi-fi audio solutions for the passionate audiophile who never compromises sound quality. From streamers to USB DACs, Hip-DACs, adapters, headphone amplifiers, and more, iFi Audio produces home audio and portable audiophile-grade gear at affordable prices, ranging from entry-level to mid-tiered music lovers and discerning audiophiles. Check out our entire collection of iFi Audio products and dedicated reviews for more.
What's In the Box?
- Hip DAC 3
- USB-A to USB-C Cable
- USB-C to USB-C Cable
- Quick Start Card
- Instruction Card
FAQ
Does the iFi Hip DAC 3 have Bluetooth connectivity?
No, the iFi Audio Hip DAC 3 does not have Bluetooth connectivity, it can only be used in a wired connection.
What is the output power of the Hip DAC 3's headphone amplifier?
The Hip DAC 3's headphone amplifier has a maximum output power of 400mW into 32 ohms, making it capable of driving a wide range of headphones.
| Formats supported | DSD | 256/128/64, Quad/Double/Single-Speed |
|---|---|---|
| PCM | 384/352.8/192/176.4/96/88.2/48/44.1kHz | |
| DXD | 384/352.8kHz | |
| MQA | 384/352.8kHz | |
| Digital Inputs | USB 3.0 Type 'A' | |
| (USB2.0 compatible) | ||
| Headphone Outputs | Balanced | 4.4mm |
| S-Balanced (S-E) | 3.5mm | |
| Power Output (@1% THD) | Balanced | 400mW@32Ω; 6.3V@600Ω |
| S-Balanced (S-E) | 280mW@32Ω; 3.2V@600Ω | |
| Battery | Lithium-polymer 2200mAh | Approx. 8 hours |
| 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) |