iFi Hip-Dac2 Limited Edition Gold
Best portable amplifier for audiophiles seeking premium sound on the go.
The iFi hip-dac 2 Limited Edition Gold is a portable high-resolution DAC and headphone amplifier designed to significantly enhance audio quality from smartphones, tablets, PCs, and Macs. It replaces inferior built-in circuits with a powerful, high-fidelity amplifier stage, supporting advanced formats like PCM, DSD, DXD, and MQA. This limited edition model boasts a luxurious gold finish and features an improved power supply for extended musical enjoyment. With both balanced 4.4mm and S-Balanced 3.5mm headphone outputs, it offers versatile connectivity and superior sound.
$199.00
More Hip-Dac Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
388
/ 733
#388 in Headphone Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
-86%
Below average
Supported Formats
25612864384352.8192176.49688.24844.1384352.8384352.8
/ DSD //, PCM /////// kHz, DXD / kHz, MQA / kHz
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking rich, detailed sound quality on the go
- Style-conscious travelers wanting a compact, premium-looking audio companion
- Headphone enthusiasts needing versatile power for various gear types
Who should skip it
- Commuters requiring all-day battery life for long-haul travel
- Budget-focused buyers prioritizing value over limited edition aesthetics
- Minimalists frustrated by extra cables and connection clutter
Performance breakdown
Audio Resolution
Handles high-fidelity formats like MQA and DSD with effortless precision.
Drive Capability
Robust power output easily handles demanding headphones with clean, undistorted signal.
Portability
Compact, lightweight design fits perfectly into any mobile audio setup.
Connectivity Versatility
Dual output options provide excellent flexibility for balanced and standard cables.
Build Quality
Premium aluminum casing offers a durable, luxurious feel in the hand.
Battery Endurance
Eight hours of playback is sufficient for most daily commutes.
Key Specs
Supported Formats
DSD 256/128/64, PCM 384/352.8/192/176.4/96/88.2/48/44.1 kHz, DXD 384/352.8 kHz, MQA 384/352.8 kHz
Digital Inputs
USB 3.0 Type 'A' (USB2.0 compatible)
Headphone Outputs
4.4mm Balanced, 3.5mm S-Balanced (SE)
Output Power (@1% THD)
400 mW @ 32 Ω (Balanced), 280 mW @ 32 Ω (S-Balanced); 6.3 V @ 600 Ω (Balanced), 3.2 V @ 600 Ω (S-Balanced)
Battery
2200mAh Lithium Polymer
Battery Life
Approx. 8 hours
Power System
USB-C Charging, BC V1.2 compatible for 1000mA charge current and 6.3 volts
Max Power Consumption
<2W idle, 4W max
Features
- Limited Edition Gold finish for a luxurious aesthetic.
- High-resolution audio support including PCM, DSD, DXD, and MQA.
- Powerful hi-fi amplifier stage to drive all wired headphones.
- Balanced 4.4mm and S-Balanced 3.5mm headphone outputs.
- Rotary analog volume control for precise adjustments.
- PowerMatch feature adapts output to connected headphones.
- XBass feature customizes bass response.
- Seamless aluminum casing for durability and portability.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the iFi Hip Dac2 Limited Edition Gold for its exceptional sound quality and striking design. Users frequently highlight the significant audio improvement it brings to their portable listening experience, noting enhanced clarity and depth. The limited edition gold finish is a particular draw, often described as premium and stylish, adding to its appeal as a high end accessory. While the price point is considered, many feel the superior audio performance and luxurious aesthetic justify the investment, positioning it as a strong value for discerning audiophiles.
Know before you buy
The Limited Edition Gold features a distinct, luxurious gold finish and includes an upgraded power supply circuit designed to provide cleaner power and improved longevity for your listening sessions.
Yes, the hip-dac 2 is designed for portability and connects easily to smartphones, tablets, PCs, and Macs via its USB input. You may need a specific adapter, such as a Lightning-to-USB or USB-C-to-USB cable, depending on your device's port.
PowerMatch adjusts the gain level to better suit the sensitivity of your specific headphones, while XBass provides a subtle, analog-based bass boost to enhance low-end response without muddying the rest of the audio.
No, you should only connect one pair of headphones at a time. The device is designed to output audio to a single headphone connection to ensure optimal power delivery and signal integrity.
Yes, the hip-dac 2 includes full MQA decoding capabilities, allowing you to enjoy high-resolution audio files from services like Tidal Masters exactly as the artist intended.
The internal 2200mAh battery provides approximately 8 hours of continuous playback. Actual battery life may vary slightly depending on your volume levels and the power demands of your headphones.
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$199