iFi Hip-Dac 3
Best portable amplifier for audiophiles seeking high-resolution sound on the go.
Experience superior audio on the go with the iFi hip-dac 3, a premium portable DAC and headphone amplifier. Engineered with a Burr-Brown chipset and a 16-core XMOS microcontroller, it delivers exceptional hi-res sound up to 32-bit/384kHz. Its robust aluminum chassis houses a powerful battery for extended listening sessions. Tailor your sound with intelligent features like XBass, PowerMatch, and iEMatch, ensuring optimal performance for any headphone. Connect effortlessly via dual USB-C ports and enjoy pristine audio through both 3.5mm and balanced 4.4mm outputs.
$199.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
53
/ 733
#53 in Headphone Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
-86%
Below average
D/A Resolution
32384
/ Up to -bit/kHz
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking personalized sound profiles for different music genres
- Modern users needing seamless connectivity and high-fidelity balanced audio
- Listeners demanding high-resolution audio support and native format playback
Who should skip it
- Commuters requiring all-day battery life for long travel sessions
- Travelers prioritizing a slim, pocketable profile for mobile stacking
- Owners of high-impedance or inefficient planar magnetic headphones
Performance breakdown
Audio Fidelity
Burr-Brown chipset delivers rich, high-resolution sound with exceptional clarity.
Drive Capability
Balanced output provides ample power for demanding, high-impedance headphones.
Portability
Compact aluminum chassis fits easily into any pocket or travel bag.
Sound Customization
XBass and iEMatch offer precise control over your preferred listening profile.
Battery Endurance
Twelve hours of playback covers most daily commutes and long flights.
Build Quality
Robust metal construction feels premium and built to withstand daily wear.
Key Specs
D/A Resolution
Up to 32-bit/384kHz
Supported Formats
PCM, DXD, DSD (up to 12.4MHz), MQA
Power Output
Up to 400mW into 32 ohms (balanced)
Connectivity
1 x USB-C (data), 1 x USB-C (charging)
Outputs
1 x 3.5mm stereo jack, 1 x 4.4mm balanced output
Battery Life
Up to 12 hours
Dimensions
4.01" Height x 2.75" Width x 0.55" Depth
Weight
4.76 oz
Features
- High-resolution audio playback up to 32-bit/384kHz
- Tailor sound with XBass, PowerMatch, and iEMatch
- Dual USB-C ports for audio and charging
- Balanced 4.4mm and 3.5mm headphone outputs
- Up to 12 hours of continuous playtime
- Compact and durable aluminum enclosure
- True balanced circuit design
- LED indicator for volume and status
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the iFi Hip-Dac 3 for its exceptional sonic performance. The sound profile is consistently described as warm, musical, and highly engaging, significantly elevating digital audio. A key highlight is the welcome upgrade to USB C connectivity, boosting modern convenience. Users are impressed by the robust power output, noting its ability to drive demanding headphones effectively. The analog XBass feature is celebrated for adding impactful depth to the low end without compromising the midrange clarity. While build quality is excellent, some find the battery life merely adequate. Overall, the device delivers substantial value and a truly high fidelity portable listening experience.
Know before you buy
Yes, it features both a 4.4mm balanced output and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing you to connect a wide variety of headphones and IEMs.
The device includes iEMatch technology to reduce background hiss for sensitive in-ear monitors, while the PowerMatch feature adjusts the gain to better drive more demanding, power-hungry headphones.
By separating the data and charging ports, the hip-dac 3 prevents electrical noise from the charging source from interfering with the audio signal, resulting in a cleaner, more stable sound.
Yes, the hip-dac 3 supports a wide range of formats including PCM, DXD, DSD up to 12.4MHz, and full MQA decoding, ensuring compatibility with high-fidelity streaming and local files.
You can expect up to 12 hours of continuous playback, though actual battery life may vary slightly depending on your volume levels and the power requirements of your headphones.
It is capable of driving headphones up to 600 ohms, providing up to 400mW of power into 32 ohms when using the balanced output, which is plenty for most portable and desktop-class headphones.
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