I tested iFis new DAC/amp and its a masterpiece, with impressive portable power, stellar sound quality, a fountain of features, and an intuitive OLED display

Date:
Mon, 31 Aug 2026 21:00:00 +0000

Description:
I tested iFis new iDSD GR 2 portable DAC/amp, and it's a phenomenal sequel, with more power, more intuitiveness, and more features.

FULL STORY ======================================================================iFi
iDSD GR 2: one-minute review With the iFi iDSD GR 2, a seemingly arduous task was at hand. British hi-fi brand iFi had to produce a portable DAC/amp that could improve on the spectacular xDSD Gryphon, which we handed a rave five-star review. But boy, did they pull it off.

The iDSD GR 2 provides upgrades that feel meaningful, practical, and
tangible. It delivers around 50% more amplification power than its predecessor, making it easier to drive more demanding headphones, all while providing enhanced dynamic range and lower distortion. Whats more, it adds K2HD tech, licensed from JVC Kenwood, which helps to restore warmth and musicality that digital recordings sometimes lose. Oh, and it fixes our only major gripe with its predecessor, by adding a vivid OLED touchscreen display, making it feel intuitive and easy to use when switching sources, toggling XBass and XSpace processing, or accessing settings. As a result, it easily competes with the best headphone DACs that money can buy. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here:

It's a fantastic performer, delivering articulate, layered, and balanced sound. I paired the DAC/amp with the Astell & Kern A&ultima SP4000 music player and a range of headphones/IEMs, including the Sennheiser HD 600, and the results blew me away. The GR 2 supplied intricate instrument separation, punchy bass, phenomenal mid-range clarity, and expressive treble, making for
a captivating listen, no matter what genre I threw at it.

Whats more, the DAC/amp has higher battery capacity (4,900mAh) with adaptive power, meaning I could indulge in long listening sessions without interruption. Combine that with a neat companion app, numerous connectivity modes, and a lightweight feel, and the GR 2 is the ideal device for audiophiles to carry while on the move.

At launch, the iFi iDSD GR 2 is cheaper than its predecessor was at the point of release, despite making a whole host of improvements. And while it wouldve been nice to see a case bundled in at this price-point, and while there are cheaper options on the market, I still think this model offers impeccable value for money when considering the sheer volume of tech crammed into this little device. As a result, its all too easy for me to recommend the GR 2. (Image credit: Future) iFi iDSD GR 2 (OLED) at Amazon for 529 iFi iDSD GR 2 review: price & release date List price of $529 / 529 / AU$849 Released in June 2026 The iFi iDSD GR 2 released in June 2026, and is the spiritual successor to the brands popular portable DAC/amp, the iFi xDSD Gryphon a model that hit the market back in 2021. Despite offering a number of upgrades over its predecessor, the GR 2 is cheaper at launch, coming in at $529 / 529
/ AU$849. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. (Image credit: Future) iFi iDSD GR 2 review: features Brilliant OLED touchscreen display 4,900mAh battery capacity with adaptive power K2HD tech opens up even more textured, subtle playback The iFi iDSD GR 2 is rammed with features, and improves significantly on its already impressive predecessor.

Some of the most captivating options are back, including XBass and XSpace filters, which you can use in tandem or individually. XBass provides a tasteful bump to low-end sounds, while XSpace aims to deliver a more
expansive soundstage both work brilliantly, and I found myself using them often for more hard-hitting hip-hop and dance tracks.

You can select these via a new OLED touchscreen interface, which is phenomenally responsive and very easy to use. Here, you can access a range of settings, including Bluetooth pairing, dual charge mode, a voice prompt toggle, volume sync and more. The main menu also enables you to sift through the GR 2s vast array of sources, such as Bluetooth (with higher-res aptX Lossless and LDAC support), USB-C, optical, coaxial, and line in. Theres also a lock button if you want to avoid accidental screen touches.

On top of this, the model features dedicated 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone ports and a USB-C charging slot. Speaking of charging, it will take about 3.5 hours to get to 100% from flat, which isnt particularly impressive, although I
still found that I got quite a lot of playtime from the GR 2 without having
to juice it up. Thats because the model features an upgraded battery capacity of 4,900mAh, which should be good for around 7 hours of use though this will vary depending on volume and if youre using sound filters.

You can use the GR 2 while charging it via its dedicated USB-C port, a very useful feature if you find youre indulging in long listening sessions (as I did during testing). The DAC/amp also brings a new adaptive power feature to the table, which balances external power and battery operation. So, if youve got the GR 2 hooked up to an external supply, it can prioritize mains power, and in the case that additional power is required, it can be drawn from the devices battery. The GR 2 will also automatically return to external power if demand drops.

Perhaps my favorite new feature on the GR 2, though, is its K2HD tech, which we saw before in iFis considerably pricier and larger iDSD Phantom desktop DAC. This is intended to restore harmonic detail, and bring a track closer to its intended sound, and is exclusively licensed to iFi by JVC Kenwood. Ill speak more about the sonic benefits of K2HD in the sound quality section, but for now, just know that it is indeed a brilliant addition.

Finally, it's worth noting that you can control the GR 2 with the iFi Nexis app, which is incredibly easy to use. It displays all of the options youd typically see on the devices touchscreen display, enabling you to easily switch between connectivity modes, adapt volume, toggle on the XBass / XSpace modes and more. Features score: 5/5 (Image credit: Future) iFi iDSD GR 2 review: sound quality Balanced, articulate, and nuanced sound K2HD adds beautiful depth and detail, XBass / XSpace fantastic too 50% more headphone drive, but less distortion and greater dynamic range The original Gryphon was a great performer, delivering impeccable detail, precision, and dynamism, so it should come as no surprise that its sequel is phenomenally talented as well.

Although I tried the GR 2 with a few pairs of IEMs, I conducted most of my testing with the Sennheiser HD 600 headphones, and iFis DAC/amp got the very best out of them.

When tuning into a 24-bit 192kHz FLAC of Doralice by Stan Getz, Joo Gilberto, and Antonio Carlos Jobim, the GR 2 provided a beautifully balanced,
insightful listen. Vocals were textured and carefully defined, and the K2HD feature added a nice dosage of warmth. Acoustic guitars were brilliantly separated too, and sounded as if they were operating in a discrete pocket within a broad and nuanced soundstage. Subtle percussion worked away in the right channel and expressive, leading sax also flowed through with
personality and natural tonality.

With a more energetic track, Rocking Chair by Mr Scruff, the GR 2 continued
to impress. The resonance of bongos in the intro was striking, higher pitched percussion in the treble range came through with vibrancy and precision, and there was an incredibly warm and textured quality to the squelchy bass, which hit with impressive impact especially with XBass active. Individual instruments, like keys and tambourines were again fantastically weighted and separated, and K2HD added a delicious layer of subtlety and detail that effortlessly restored the richness of the tunes low end.

Even compared to a strong portable rival, like the FiiO BTR17 , the iFi iDSD GR 2 proved to be exceptional. In Felini by Venerus and Marco Castello, the trickling of water was true-to-life and acoustic guitars were expertly separated from emotive vocals. On that subject, iFis model just added a bit more detail and depth to the vocals compared to its (still impressive) FiiO rival. The GR 2 exhibited a markedly delicate, raw quality with the vocals
and I felt as if I was getting the sort of listening experience the artists had intended.

The capability of the GR 2 to serve up punchy bass, articulate mids, and expressive treble while maintaining such excellent balance across the frequency range has to be applauded. Combining this with its nuanced and precise soundstage with or without XSpace and impressive handling of dynamics, it truly feels like the full package.

Whats more, the GR 2 has around 50% more power to drive headphones with (up
to 1,513mW RMS) than its predecessor, but it still offers even greater
dynamic range and less distortion. So, whether youre looking to upgrade from the OG Gryphon or get a portable DAC/amp with serious audiophile credentials, I think the GR 2 is one of the best options on the market right now. Sound quality score: 5/5 (Image credit: Future) iFi iDSD GR 2 review: design Excellent OLED touchscreen display Lightweight and pretty portable Case can
be purchased separately In terms of design, the iFi iDSD GR 2 is a considerable upgrade over its predecessor, largely as a result of one major change: its touchscreen.

Not only is the OLED color display vivid and clear, but it's incredibly easy and intuitive to use. The touchscreen is responsive and enables you to easily make any changes you want or switch to a different source. You can also
adjust the screens brightness to your liking, or lock the screen entirely if you want to prevent accidental commands.

Otherwise, the GR 2 has all of the qualities youd want from a portable DAC/amp. Its lightweight (at just 0.6 lbs / 268g), has a wide range of connectivity ports, and has a good standard of build. It also has a tactile volume control knob with a small set of physical buttons all of which are well-sized and effective.

Some may find that there are more portable options out there. The FiiO BTR17
I compared to the GR 2 has a considerably smaller footprint, and will fit in just about any pocket. But for the tech stuffed inside iFis new model, Id still argue its portable enough, and I had no issue slotting it into my short pockets or a small bag. Oh, and in case you're wondering, no, my review
sample never ran hot not that the OG did either, you understand, but it's often a question we're asked. These products bear plenty of power squirrelled away within a small enclosure, so it's important to mention.

The only thing I would have liked is a case, which has to be purchased separately. But otherwise, the GR 2 is a certified hit in the design
category. Design score: 4.5/5 (Image credit: Future) iFi iDSD GR 2 review: setup & usability Incredibly easy to get set up and started iFi Nexis app
only adds more seamless usability Easy to use interface The iFi iDSD GR 2 is incredibly easy to start using. Just power the device on and its ready to go no overlong login process, no confusing pairing requests, just plug and play design at its best.

Even if youre not a seasoned user of DACs or amps, everything is labelled clearly, making it very simple to navigate. The iFi Nexis app also helps you tap into any settings you need on the fly, only heightening the devices versatility. Setup & usability score: 5/5 (Image credit: Future) iFi iDSD GR
2 review: value Not the cheapest option around, but still great value Less pricey than predecessor at launch Impeccable all around quality makes it feel worth the investment Look, Im not going to pretend that the GR 2 is a cheap piece of tech. It comes in at $529 / 529 / AU$849, which is a considerable investment to make into your audio setup but I still think it more than
earns its price.

First of all, it's cheaper than its predecessor at launch, but offers 50%
more amplification power, a much-improved user interface, K2HD tech, and
more. It does all of this while remaining highly portable and delivering stellar sound, and there can be no doubts over the quality you get in return for your outlay.

Yes, you could grab a model like the aforementioned FiiO BTR17 for around
$219 / 179 / AU$349, and while thats a nifty small pick with strong performance and features to match, it cant deliver the depth of the GR 2, which stuns with its excellent sound filters, wide connectivity options, top-tier audio, and mighty portable power. Value score: 5/5 (Image credit: Future) Should I buy the iFi iDSD GR 2? Swipe to scroll horizontally

Attribute

Notes

Score

Features

Excellent new display, K2HD and XBass / XSpace work a treat, neat adaptive power with upgraded battery capacity.

5/5

Sound quality

Balanced, layered, precise sound with beautiful detail from K2HD with
tasteful bass and soundstage boost options.

5/5

Design

Fantastic touchscreen display, great build quality, lightweight, would be
even better with a case bundled in.

4.5/5

Setup & usability

Quick setup, easy to use interface, neat control app.

5/5

Value

More affordable than its predecessor while meaningfully improving upon it in almost every way.

5/5 Buy it if

You need a powerful and portable amplification solution The GR 2 provides around 50% more output power than its predecessor, meaning it can fuel some harder-to-drive headphones, and even some speakers. So, if you need a
powerful amplification tool to take on the go, look no further.

You're looking for premium performance I was wowed by the quality on offer from the iFi iDSD GR 2. Music sounds textured and layered, especially with K2HD tech activated. If you want premium on-the-go performance, this is the model Id go for. Dont buy it if

Youre on a budget Although it still offers great value for money, theres no denying that the iFi iDSD GR 2 is quite the investment. In addition, there
are plenty of lower-priced alternatives that weve rated highly if youre interested, check out the also consider section.

You want an ultra-compact model The GR 2 is still a very portable device,
and will slot into some pockets and any small bag. But there are even more compact alternatives out there, like the FiiO BTR17, for instance. iFi iDSD
GR 2 review: also consider

Chord Mojo 2 The Chord Mojo 2 provides phenomenal audio quality, which we described as eloquent, engaging and endlessly listenable in our glowing five star review. It also offers plenty of connectivity options, strong build quality, and a standout design. It doesnt have the most intuitive interface, though. Read our full Chord Mojo 2 review .

FiiO BTR17 The tiny FiiO BTR17 is a great little DAC/amp. I used it as a point of comparison for the GR 2, and while iFis model sounds a bit more nuanced, FiiOs rival is still a fantastic sounding option, with a tiny footprint, stylish look, and wireless connectivity. Read our full FiiO BTR17 review . How I tested the iFi iDSD GR 2 (Image credit: Future) Tested across multiple days Used with Sennheiser HD 600, Beyerdynamic IEMs, and more Compared against rival model I spent multiple days intensively testing the
iFi iDSD GR 2, during which time I spent countless hours listening to music and exhausting its various features.

Most of the time, I used the Sennheiser HD 600 headphones to test the GR 2 out, although I did also use a few pairs of IEMs from the likes of Beyerdynamic. I used the Astell & Kern A&ultima SP4000 as my main source device, and played a range of file types. And when listening to music, I
tuned into tracks from a wide variety of genres, and made sure to compare the GR 2 against a rival from FiiO.

More generally, Ive spent years testing audio gear here at TechRadar, where I serve as a resident Senior Reviews Writer. Ive reviewed a range of products, from hulking party speakers like the Marshall Bromley 750 through to reference-grade IEMs, like the Sennheiser IE 600 . Read TechRadars reviews guarantee First reviewed: August 2026 iFi iDSD GR 2: Price Comparison 529
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