iFi iDSD GR 2 DAC/Amp Review: A New Portable Hi-Fi Upgrade

The highly anticipated upgrade to the iFi Gryphon has arrived at Audio46. The iFi iDSD GR 2 is a new portable DAC and amplifier combo that is set to take your audiophile portable journey to new places. If you already have the Gryphon, you may wonder: "Is the GR 2 worth the money? How can it be an upgrade for less money?" In this review, we'll analyze all the details that will help you determine if the GR 2 should be added to your portable setup. 

Based on the pictures, you probably won't see too much difference between the Gryphon and the GR 2. The only thing that stands out immediately is the color. The GR 2 has a blue tone to it, rather than the familiar silver we remember from the Gryphon. The soft blue is a nice touch of color that I really like, which doesn't stand out too much or is so bright that it becomes an eyesore. The display screen is larger than that on the Gryphon, and the updated graphics make it easier to navigate through controls. 

Most of the controls are actually done through the touch screen on the GR 2. This widened display screen makes the entire aesthetic sleeker and smoother. The GR 2 is a bit heavier than the previous model, but not overly so, and you can carry it comfortably without issue. I liked the physical buttons that still allowed for some analog control in the event the touch screen isn't as easily accessible. iFi kept the ridges in the design, and this made the GR 2 comfortable to hold as much as it is stable on a desktop. 

Using the GR 2 is exceptionally simple and easy. Even if all the added features aren't for you, they don't get in the way of simpler use cases. You can easily use the GR 2 by simply turning it on and plugging it into your audio source. The multiple input options make it easy to find the right connection that is easiest for your setup, whether it's USB-C or Bluetooth with version 5.4. I used the Bluetooth connection for my older iPhone, and then again with my computer directly wired in. Both were extremely simple to use, and for people with more extensive setups, you can utilize the coaxial and optical inputs for some more specific connections. 

If you remember from the Gryphon, the portable DAC has a lot of features to help elevate your audio experience. It goes a step above a normal DAC that is simply meant for plug-and-play, so you get more versatility and control in your listening. What does the GR 2 bring to the table? For starters, iFi gives you the option for 3.5mm and 4.4mm connections. You can connect a lot of headphones with just those two terminations, and finding adapters is very easy. 

When it comes to sonic performance, iFi really takes care of you. You are met with the classic XBass and XSpace filters you know and love, and both are equally effective when put into use. These filters aren't very customizable, but it does give you the option to boost the ranges a bit for a more dynamic listen. Unlike the Gryphon, the GR 2 is equipped with K2HD Technology, so you know you have the highest quality of sound reproduction. Through the Nexis app, you can choose the codecs that are compatible with your device and make sure you are listening at the hgihest resolution even via Bluetooth. 

Additionally, the GR 2 has a couple of different modes that make it compatible with numerous headphones and IEMs. You have standard mode with the original output, and a high-gain mode for tougher to drive headphones. On top of that, you have a low-gain mode for IEMs. This allows you to use the DAC more and get the sonic profile from the device without fear of blasting your ears out or damaging your earphones. You can lock the screen and disable any changes made if you find a good setting for your listening. 

• Analog Inputs: Balanced 4.4mm / Single-Ended 3.5mm
• Analog Outputs: Balanced 4.4mm / Single-Ended 3.5mm
• Battery: Lithium-Polymer 4,900mAh; ~7hr battery life
• Bluetooth Codecs: aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC, SBC
• Chipset: Burr Brown PCM1795
• Digital Inputs: USB-C / Bluetooth 5.4
• Dimensions: 141 x 75 x 19mm (5.55 x 2.95 x 0.75")
• Net Weight: 268g (0.59lbs)
• Headphone Output: Balanced 4.4mm / Single-Ended 3.5mm
• Hi-Res Support: PCM 768kHz; DSD512
• Output Impedance:
  • ≤0.4Ω; ≤4.5Ω with iEMatch (Bal)
  • ≤0.2Ω; ≤4.4Ω with iEMatch (S-Bal)
• RMS Output Power:
  • 6.94V/1,513mW @ 32Ω; 8.60V/119mW @ 600Ω (Bal)
  • 4.26V/567mW @ 32Ω; 4.27V/30mW @ 600Ω (S-Bal)
• THD+N:
  • 0.006% @ 16Ω (headphone outputs)
  • 0.0005% @ 0dBFS (line outputs)
• SNR DNR: 115dBA (all outputs)
• Power Supply Requirement: 5V/>1.8A via USB-C; ~3.5h charging time

So, after all the features are highlighted and the various connection points utilized, how do we think the GR 2 actually sounds? One of my main qualms with the previous Gryphon was its lack of power in comparison to other DAC/Amps. Not to say it wasn't powerful at all; it did have sufficient power to drive some headphones and plenty of IEMs. I found the Gryphon to be a better match for IEMs rather than over-ear, power-hungry headphones, and I was curious if the GR 2 would end up the same way. I was very pleasantly surprised to find the GR 2 got a major upgrade in its power output, chugging out nearly double that of the Gryphon. Because of this, the GR 2 becomes a great accessory for nearly any audio setup. 

The sound coming from the GR 2 is smooth and clean. I used this with a variety of different IEMs and headphones, and I was pleased that the original sound signatures remained intact and unchanged with the addition of this amplifier. As mentioned earlier, you do have the option to make the signature a little more dynamic with the familiar XBass and XSpace filters that iFi includes. Even without the filters on, the GR 2 added some nice color to more analytical headphones, such as the Dan Clark E3 or the Sennheiser HD 600. I liked that the color remained consistent on fun headphones like the Hifiman HE1000se, or in IEMs like the Kiwi Ears Punch or the Campfire Bonneville. It made listening more entertaining and immersive. 

Despite pushing out more power than the previous Gryphon, the GR 2 did not sound distorted or noisy when reaching those higher volumes. All the sound profiles were consistently smooth and clean, sounding clear no matter the genre or headphone. You are able to appreciate the space and detail in tracks a lot more with the signal being cleaned up with the use of the GR 2, and it is an effective way to make sure your headphone is performing to the best of its ability. With the high gain mode and IEM mode, you are sure to get ample volume and optimal performance out of all your headphones. 

What are the real differences between the Gryphon and the GR 2? We mentioned some aesthetic differences earlier in this review, but there are some more technical differences between the two. iFi provides this very helpful chart mapping out the main differences between the two devices. You can find it on the GR 2 product page for your reference, so you can see exactly what was upgraded in this new device.

Having used both devices, I can confidently say the GR 2 is a great upgrade from the Gryphon. The lower price point is a big bonus, but the GR 2 provides an upgraded user experience and more power, so it is more compatible with other devices. The Gryphon was never my first choice for larger Hifiman or Sennheiser headphones, but instead a device I would reach for solely for IEMs. With the GR 2, I have more confidence that the DAC can be paired with any IEM or headphone. The sonic profiles have a lot of similarities, though the GR 2 does produce a cleaner, more even sound throughout. If you're someone with the Gryphon and you are looking for something with a bit more power and flair, the GR 2 is a familiar and effective upgrade. 

You might even want to compare the GR 2 to the Chord MOJO 2, an exceptional DAC/amp that is a flagship in the portable world. The Chord MOJO 2 offers more exact customization with its built-in EQ and slightly more power output. The GR 2 is a bit easier to use with the LED touchscreen, but the MOJO 2 offers more compactness. Based on what matters more to you in a DAC, you'll be able to make an informed decision on which is right for you. 

The iFi iDSD GR 2 really is a phenomenal amplifier. It offers exceptional value at its price point, competing with the previous xDSD Gryphon and even the likes of the Chord MOJO 2. I think this DAC is a great upgrade for those who may need more power but don't want to sacrifice the sound they know. The GR 2 is a good upgrade that is definitely worth the $500 you will spend. 

You can get the iFi GR 2 at Audio46.