[iFi audio]

Folks, we have one fantastic review we'd like to share with you!

What Hi-Fi, hip-dac 2, FIVE stars: https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/ifi-hip-dac-2

 

[Mr Trev]

It's a regular USB cable, so it should work well with laptops, so perhaps that OTG was damaged.



It would be cool if these cables had some extra dimensions of their USB enclosures, so I'm not sure whether they would fit. But in general, hip-dac's USB A input was designed to comfortably accommodate Apple's CCK as showcased on the photo below. Based on thaat, the OTG by CableCreation looks like it would fit, but not having it nearby I can't be 100% sure, sorry!





Most IEMs enjoy external DAC/amp combos, so the odds are that yours would sound better from our hip-dac 2.

Do you know what the dimension of the CCK connector are? I asked about the dimensions of CableCreation one I linked to and got a reply of "6x2mm", which doesn't seem remotely correct (IIRC the dimensions of the ifi otg are 15x7mm)

<edit - got a reply from CC: 28x17x9.5mm. I inquired about a uGreen OTG https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00LN3LQKQ… 28x17mm, no mention of height>

Another question…
When using the hipdac with my Sony A17 and the sample rate switches from lo-res to HR the sound is very distorted. A pause/resume will fix it, and the problem doesn't happen going from HR to lo. Any ideas?

 

[sidpost]

How well does this work with 300ohm headphones?

 

[iFi audio]

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00LN3LQKQ

It should fit!

When using the hipdac with my Sony A17 and the sample rate switches from lo-res to HR the sound is very distorted. A pause/resume will fix it, and the problem doesn't happen going from HR to lo. Any ideas?

hip-dac and hip-dac 2 generally work with what they get from a transport connected, so it's most likely related to what your Sony A17 sends out and how. If I were you I'd try hip-dac with say a laptop or PC, just to try the same tracks and see what happens then. Can you do that by any chance?

 

[Mr Trev]

It should fit!



hip-dac and hip-dac 2 generally work with what they get from a transport connected, so it's most likely related to what your Sony A17 sends out and how. If I were you I'd try hip-dac with say a laptop or PC, just to try the same tracks and see what happens then. Can you do that by any chance?

Never had an issue with either my Win 10 or Daphile setup.
I'm really not gonna waste too many calories on the problem since it only happens when I shuffle tracks with different sample rates

 

[iFi audio]

I'm really not gonna waste too many calories on the problem since it only happens when I shuffle tracks with different sample rates

Understood, enjoy it as is then

 

[Mr Trev]

@iFi audio
I understand that it's normal to have background noise using the balanced connector with high sensitivity IEMs. My Dunu SA6 have a background hiss - kinda brings back memories of listening to cassette tapes. Today I tried out my LZ A7mini and in addition to the hiss (much louder) there was a noticable electronic squealing type noise in the right channel. This noise would change in pitch as I sweep the volume knob. Is that considered normal? I don't hear the electronic noise on my SA6, but I think the hiss is louder in the right channel. The SE connector seems unaffected
Just looking to get your thoughts on whether I should contact support or not

 

[iFi audio]

Today I tried out my LZ A7mini and in addition to the hiss (much louder) there was a noticable electronic squealing type noise in the right channel. This noise would change in pitch as I sweep the volume knob. Is that considered normal? I don't hear the electronic noise on my SA6, but I think the hiss is louder in the right channel. The SE connector seems unaffected
Just looking to get your thoughts on whether I should contact support or not

Just to clarify, this happens on hip-dac's balanced output only? And if so and hissing aside, are both channels as loud, or is one louder than the other? And what is your volume knob position? Thanks!

 

[Mr Trev]

Just to clarify, this happens on hip-dac's balanced output only? And if so and hissing aside, are both channels as loud, or is one louder than the other? And what is your volume knob position? Thanks!

Yup, seems like balanced only. Playing music sounds ok. The hissing and electronic noise are louder on the right side. Volume position doesn't matter, Actually as I turn the volume knob the electronic squealing does make some weird sci-fi type noises - poossibly savage RFI? I might try and see if I can get a recording of the sound on my phone and post it

 

[iFi audio]

Yup, seems like balanced only. Playing music sounds ok. The hissing and electronic noise are louder on the right side. Volume position doesn't matter, Actually as I turn the volume knob the electronic squealing does make some weird sci-fi type noises - poossibly save RFI? I might try and see if I can get a recording of the sound on my phone and post it

This would imply issues with mechanical connection somewhere or perhaps a faulty pot. If this squealing noise is troublesome, you might want to let our support staff know about it: https://support.ifi-audio.com

Perhaps your unit needs to be swapped, but let our support staff handle your case if that's OK. They will know what to do

 

[Mr Trev]

This would imply issues with mechanical connection somewhere or perhaps a faulty pot. If this squealing noise is troublesome, you might want to let our support staff know about it: https://support.ifi-audio.com

Perhaps your unit needs to be swapped, but let our support staff handle your case if that's OK. They will know what to do

Thanks. I wanted to see if you felt this was something that needed to be elevated to support or just normal operation

 

[iFi audio]

Thanks. I wanted to see if you felt this was something that needed to be elevated to support or just normal operation

Sure! In short, hissing audible on sensitive IEMs is OK as hip-dac is a rather powerful little thing, but any odd noises aren't, especially those that impact playback at normal listening levels.

 

[tensleep80]

Hello, I purchased a pair of Shure ES535 new and a used ifi hip-dac. Unfortunately, I didn't fully audition the hip-dac and it seems to have significant distortion and lower output on the left channel. I like the form factor and portability, but will not be able to handle the distortion long term. I'm pretty handy with electronics repairs and have most of the tools I would need. Can anyone point me in the right direction for possible repairs I could make?

I've tried different power sources to be sure I wasn't hearing something from the power supply. It's pretty consistent. I also used a pair of Sennheiser HD280 Pro and I still hear the same distortion.

If repares aren't possible, I'll be scouring the forums for a good value, high fidelity portable deck amp. After all, isn't that what we all want?

 

[corgifall]

Hello, I purchased a pair of Shure ES535 new and a used ifi hip-dac. Unfortunately, I didn't fully audition the hip-dac and it seems to have significant distortion and lower output on the left channel. I like the form factor and portability, but will not be able to handle the distortion long term. I'm pretty handy with electronics repairs and have most of the tools I would need. Can anyone point me in the right direction for possible repairs I could make?

I've tried different power sources to be sure I wasn't hearing something from the power supply. It's pretty consistent. I also used a pair of Sennheiser HD280 Pro and I still hear the same distortion.

If repares aren't possible, I'll be scouring the forums for a good value, high fidelity portable deck amp. After all, isn't that what we all want?

I’m surprised the hip DAC is having issues. I don’t think I’ve heard of that problem. I wonder if @iFi audio might have a way for you to send it in to get fixed for a low cost.

 

[tensleep80]

I’m surprised the hip DAC is having issues. I don’t think I’ve heard of that problem. I wonder if @iFi audio might have a way for you to send it in to get fixed for a low cost.

I was surprised as well. The seller seemed straight up, all the packaging and cabling was there, the device was in good shape. Shape. I thought about sending it in and may still go that route. I know with home audio gear, one can often clean the volume pot to eliminate distortion and balance volume. I don't have an adapter to test the second headphone jack, 4.4 mm balanced I believe?