True Native

The digital to analog conversion stage of the HIP DAC is based on a Burr-Brown DAC chip already used many times in iFi Audio products for its fluidity, its 'musical' reproduction and its True Native architecture.

Hi-Res Audio

PCM and DXD Hi-Res files are supported up to 384kHz sample rates and DSD up to DSD256. The sides of the volume knob have a color changing LED to indicate the format and sample rate during playback.

Exclusive firmware

The XMOS USB interface, processing the audio data received from the USB input, is programmed by iFi Audio. This custom firmware allows better audio signal processing. In addition, the HIP DAC can be adapted to your listening experience by installing different iFi Audio exclusive firmware, which has different filters, such as the GTO filter of the iFi Audio iDSD Pro.

Balanced Performance

The amplifier stage also incorporates an adjustable gain level, called PowerMatch. This feature allows the gain to be adapted according to the impedance of the headphones used, adjusting the input sensitivity and thus the strength of the signal. For example, with high-sensitivity in-ear headphones, the PowerMatch function at its lowest level results in an extremely low noise level. When listening with high impedance headphones, activating PowerMatch increases the gain for a higher output level.

The HIP DAC offers 2 headphone outputs: the first one is a 3.5mm jack for a single-ended link and the second one is a 4.4mm Pentaconn jack, allowing a connection with a balanced headphone and thus to take advantage of the balanced architecture of the HIP DAC.

In addition, the 3.5mm jack output benefits from proprietary S-Balanced technology, significantly reducing crosstalk and distortion for use with unbalanced headphones. A particularly useful feature with in-ear headphones.

USB Ports

The HIP DAC has 2 USB ports: a USB-A for audio data and a USB-C for charging the device. The USB-A connector is a male connector, allowing a better mechanical resistance than a female connector or a Micro USB. This port is also compatible with the iPhone and iPad through the use of an Apple Lightning to USB Camera adapter (not included), without the need for an additional USB female to male adapter.