ifi Hip-Dac 3

Introduction

This is the first time I have reviewed an ifi product. Although I own the ifi ZEN CAN which I bought some time ago, I had not tried a source from this brand. Established in 2012 and with a distribution centre in the USA, ifi has its own way out of the other brands from the east. Very faithful to the Burr-Brown chips, the brand has a classic touch in its sound that is already a trademark of the house. This time I have been able to enjoy on loan for a few weeks this small portable DAC/AMP in its third generation, called if hip dac 3. It is a battery-powered DAC/AMP with a shape reminiscent of a small flask adorned with a Titanium Shadow tone. It has an aluminium casing and virtually all of the brand's signature features: iEMatch technology, metal film capacitors, updated version of ifi's GMT circuitry, along with a new crystal oscillator, Burr-Brown DAC, 16-core XMOS chip, true balanced circuitry, custom iFi OV op-amp, switchable gain selector called PowerMatch, Xbass bass boost selector, MQA support, DSD up to 256 and PCM up to 384 kHz. There are two USB Type-C ports, one for data and one for charging, with LED indicator included, two audio outputs (SE 3.5mm and BAL 4.4mm) and a 2,200 mAh battery that offers up to 12 hours of playback. Let's take a closer look at what this new ifi product has to offer.



Specifications

• Input: USB-C
• Supported formats: DSD256 / PCM384kHz / Full MQA decoder.
• DAC: Burr Brown.
• Headphone outputs: BAL 4.4 mm, SE 3.5 mm.
• Output power (RMS): BAL 400mW @ 32Ω; 6.3V @ 600Ω.
• Output power (RMS): SE 280mW @ 32Ω; 3.2V @ 600Ω.
• SNR BAL: <109dB(A) @ 0dBFS.
• SNR SE: <103dB(A) @ 0dBFS.
• DNR BAL: <109dB(A).
• DNR SE: <103dB(A).
• THD + N BAL: <0.006X% (360mW/2.0V @ 600Ω).
• THD + N SE: <0.01% (100mW/1.27V @ 16Ω).
• Frequency response: 20Hz - 45kHz (-3dB).
• Power consumption: <2W standby, 4W max.
• Battery: 2,200 mAh lithium polymer.
• Battery life: up to 12 hours.
• Power system Charging via USB-C, compatible with BC V1.2 up to 1000mA charging current.
• Dimensions: 102x70x14mm (4.0" x 2.8" x 0.6").
• Net weight: 135g.

Packaging

The ifi hip dac 3 comes in a small white box, whose dimensions are 126x93x38mm. On the front side there is a real picture of the product. At the top is the brand logo, at the bottom is the model name and the description of the model. On the back side there is a description of the motivation of the product, the main features, a description of the content, the specifications and the certifications it complies with. After sliding off the box, the product is shown inside a white protective pouch, inside a cardboard base. Attached to the pouch is a sticker with a smiley headphone smiley thanking you for your choice. Underneath is a double-sided quick manual card and the rest of the accessories. In a nutshell:

• The ifi hip dac 3.
• Quick manual.
• USB-A to USB-C cable.
• USB-C to USB-C cable.
• Instruction manual.
• MQA card.
• 4 white rubber bases.
• Brand logo sticker.

A protective cover is missing, but is sold separately. The cables are short, clearly for portable use. There is a difference between the two cables, while the USB-C to USB-C cable has a textile coating that makes it look better, the USB-A to USB-C cable is more generic, black and plastic-coated.
The packaging is really compact, with just enough and minimal frills. Just adequate, but nice in its size.



Construction and Design

The hip dac 3 is a small, oval flask encased in aluminium alloy and painted in a shade called Titanium Shadow. The body is compact, the casing has a good thickness and the whole thing is relatively light at 135g. The top face has only the brand logo in the centre, in black ink. On the underside are all the informative legends and icons, including one that says something like "designed and built in the UK, made in China". There is also the iEMatch selector. On the front face, from left to right, is the Power Match gain selector, the Xbass bass selector, the potentiometer, the 4.4mm BAL headphone output and the 3.5mm SE output. The selectors have a white LED indicating their activation, while on both sides of the potentiometer there are two curved green LEDs indicating that the device is switched on. On the back, from left to right, is the USB Type-C data port, a sticker with a QR code, a sticker with the Hi-Res Audio logo, the USB Type-C charging port with an LED (red to indicate low battery and white while charging). Little else.
I don't like that the iEMach selector is underneath and its travel is a little short, while its movement is a little rough and unsteady. Otherwise the design is compact, feels quite robust, has LEDs indicating almost all options and the weight is low for its power.



Connectivity

The ifi hip dac 3 can be connected to an Android smartphone via the USB-C to USB-C cable. It can also be connected to an Apple smartphone via a Lightning to USB adapter (not included). It can be connected to any PC, tablet or device with a compatible USB output, but only via the data port. For use with Apple iOS and Android devices, battery powered use is recommended,
otherwise you may receive error messages from your device. For use with PC it is necessary to download drivers. It has ASIO drivers and you can update the firmware from here:

www.ifi-audio.com/download-hub/



Operativity

The ifi hip dac 3 is switched on by moving the potentiometer clockwise and after hearing the click. It is a powerful device and it is recommended to start listening from the lowest volume range. It has a gain selector, ifi calls it PowerMatch. It increases the gain by 10dB. It has a bass boost selector, which ifi calls Xbass. This is an analogue circuit designed to "recover" the lost bass response.
The LEDs on both sides of the potentiometer light up in different colours to give information about the format being played:

• Yellow: PCM 44.1/48kHz
• White: PCM 88,2/96/176,4/192/352,8/384kHz
• Cyan: DSD 64/128
• Red: DSD 256
• Green: MQA
• Blue: MQA Studio
• Magenta: Original Sample Rate* (*MQB)

The iEMatch is a selector that reduces the output level. It allows more sensitive headphones to be used with the high part of the potentiometer, whose results are more linear. It is also used for more precision with the volume. It can be activated for 3.5mm SE output, 4.4mm BAL output or deactivated.
The device has a dedicated USB Type-C port for data and a dedicated USB Type-C port for charging. Charging the battery can take up to 3 hours using a powerful USB charger. It is recommended to use the included USB-A to USB-C cable, a smart charger or a standard charger up to 6.3V.
The battery indicator LED is colour coded as follows:

• White* > 75%
• Green* > 25%
• Red* > 10%
• Red* > 10%
• Red (flashing) ≤ 10%

*The battery LED will flash when the battery is charging.



Measures

Let's see how iEMatch behaves. In my opinion, it is an attenuator. Ifi could use three gain modes and save this circuit. Although, it is possible that it affects something else. The unloaded output at low gain almost reaches 1V RMS per SE, with the iEMatch activated in the 3.5mm position the voltage stays at 0.23V, a very drastic drop. Given that the output impedance per SE that I have measured is 0.32Ω, is it possible that the iEMatch decreases this impedance even more? Measuring that value is difficult for me because the voltage is low and my measuring equipment is not very accurate in that range. But, it seems that lowering the output impedance even further would be possible in an accurate circuit and achieve much lower background noise. In the same way, it is possible to use the potentiometer in the higher range, where the outputs are also more even between channels.
You can activate the iEMatch with high gain, but you can't go to the maximum volume because you see a clear distortion. The system stays at about 0.44V RMS.
Something similar happens at the balanced output. At the low gain output it delivers 1.9V, with iEMatch activated at the 4.4mm position it reaches 0.46V. Activating the high gain is the same as for SE, you can't reach the maximum volume with iEMatch activated, staying at 0.57V RMS without visible distortion.
The output impedance of BAL at low gain is almost negligible, 0.1Ω.







No Load SE

For SE at low gain you don't reach 1V RMS. At high gain you get up to 3.1V RMS.



15 Ω SE

For SE at high gain you get 1.46V RMS, which means 140mW power and over 97mA. Very good.



33 Ω SE

For SE at high gain you get 2.55V RMS, giving you 200mW of power and more than 77mA. The specifications say that 280mW should be reached and for that you should reach 3V RMS, something I have not been able to corroborate, as above 2.6V RMS there is visible distortion in the audible range.



100 Ω SE

For SE at high gain you get 3.1V RMS, with the volume at maximum. 96MW and 31mA.



No Load BAL

Without BAL load at low gain it reaches 1.92V and at high gain 6.25V RMS.





15 Ω BAL

For BAL at high gain you get 1.54V RMS, which is 160mW and 100mA. Surprisingly powerful.



33 Ω BAL

For BAL at high gain you get 3.31V RMS, giving 330mW and 100mA as well. 400mW is specified, for that the voltage should be 3.58V RMS. It's not far off, but it doesn't reach that value over the whole frequency range without visible distortion.



100 Ω BAL

My surprise was that I could not reach the maximum volume with this impedance. It reaches 5.52V RMS and the power is 300mW. A bit disappointing considering that the current is only 55mA.



Frequency Response

The frequency response is flat between 5Hz and 40kHz, as it should be for a Hi-Res product. No difference is observed between channels at medium volume.
Activating the Xbass selector gives an increase in the lower range which is 12dB at 5Hz, 10dB at 20Hz, 8dB at 40Hz, 4dB at 100Hz, 2dB at 200Hz and the curve joins the original without Xbass beyond 1khz.



Sound

Audio brands usually have some kind of house sound. With ifi this is absolutely true. The ifi sound is often associated with a warm, organic, analogue sound. And a lot of that may be due to the technology it uses. Ifi is faithful to Burr Brown dacs, analogue amplification and the use of the best electronic components.
Although I have only tested the ZEN CAN amplifier and this hip dac 3, perhaps I should not generalise this premise to the rest of the devices. However, both the components used and the brand itself are looking for something in that direction. But when I tried the hip dac 3 I was surprised that this feeling was not so pronounced. I think this device has those certain nuances, but it also has a sound that tends towards a realistic, mature, descriptive and wide neutrality. I was surprised to find a wide and voluminous soundstage, superior to many dongles or similar devices I own, with more flesh, weight, body and size. At that point, I set about comparing the hip dac 3 with those small devices, looking for that juicy, physical, extended sound. In fact, I didn't find it and that's why I have admitted the first superior value of this music flask.
Starting with a more concrete description of the sound, in the low end, the hip dac 3 offers a very deep range, with a slight rubberiness associated with a sense of darkness that gives it that realistic, analogue feel. It has a bit more flesh and physicality compared to cooler dacs, which can sound more dry or sterile. The hip dac 3 is juicier in this respect, offering a rounder, fuller bottom end. I get the impression that the bass hit has more travel, offering a more discernible, rougher texture. Although it is also less compact, compared to Sabre dacs like the EarMen TR-Amp. In this way, I feel the bass is longer, subtly slower in its recovery, but also with that extra physical part, extension and texture, which makes it more exciting and fun, without losing its good technical capacity.
In the midrange I continue to get that sense of physicality and body, which enhances the sound and adds a sense of volume and space, without having to fiddle with the potentiometer to make up for it. In this way, male vocals feel full and very full, enriched by the warm character of the hip dac 3. On the other hand, the profile's orientation towards neutrality is demonstrated in the clarity of the midrange. Without feeling forced or exalted, the midranges are clean, transparent and separated, reproduced with ease, but in a very complete and descriptive way. This is how the instruments are described in a quite vivid, even lush analogue way, winning the emotional game against other more bland, cold and sterile dacs. My feeling is that the hip dac 3 offers a juicier, more organic and natural sound that makes it more enjoyable, at the same time more palpable, surrounding, even voluptuous and full of attractive musicality. Despite the above, the hip dac 3 doesn't lose detail, it just exposes itself on a slightly different plane. My sense is that the body and physicality of the bass remains at a closer point, while the micro detail remains explicit, albeit on a plane not quite as close as the TR-Amp represents it. Its visibility is about the same, but there is a subtly greater density surrounding it.
I find the ifi sound represented in the treble. The analogue aspect of the high notes means that they are represented in a softer way at their end point. While the TR-Amp is more vivid, sparkling and fine in the last flash, the hip dac 3 ends the treble in a subtly rounder way, which gives it that point of musical softness, which is appreciated after hours of intense listening. The result is an equally explicit, extended, transparent, clean and separated high end, but less sharp and penetrating. It's not that there is a drop in the energy level, it's not a nuanced treble, but that the energy is more controlled, more distributed and emitted with a little less drive and edge.
But if there is something that I liked and surprised me about this portable device, as I mentioned at the beginning of this section, it was the sensation of spaciousness and scene. Without being a monster in this aspect, the sensation of volume, occupied space and depth, made me compare it with several similar products, searching in those, the size of that scene to find out if it was superior. The truth is that it has not been easy to find a device at that price level. That is why I must conclude that the hip dac 3 is excellent in this respect. Thanks to the physical, powerful, energetic feel of the bass, coupled with its level of depth, rounder body and extension, the soundstage feels wide, voluminous and more three-dimensional. It doesn't quite have that enveloping, gaseous, head-over-heels sensation, as I think the analogue nature of the sound gives it a realistic spatial attachment, without becoming detached or volatile. However, this does not detract from the fact that it possesses a remarkable sense of height, openness, distance between notes and separation. In that more technical aspect, this ifi is able to discern the micro detail as other dacs more analytical, but without getting to expose it in a more preferential plane, but more realistic or perhaps, a little behind the voluptuousness of the bass or first midranges.



Conclusion

The ifi hip dac 3 is a very portable device that is powerful, musical, very versatile and highly equipped. Ifi didn't want to leave anything behind and has equipped this device with almost all the improvements of its big brothers: iEMatch, PowerMatch, Xbass, dual audio output BAL 4.4mm and SE 3.5mm, integrated 2,200 mAh lithium battery, analogue potentiometer, separate USB Type-C connections for data and charging, the best electronic components, Burr Brown dac, MQA, DSD 256 and PCM up to 384khz. All this in a small, slim flask with a Titanium Shadow aluminium body. Not to mention a very competitive price, the ifi hip dac 3 can be a very effective entry-level device for multiple scenarios, which will make it unnecessary to carry other more expensive, even more bulky dongles or desktop systems, given its power, sound quality, size, connectivity and all those features I've already mentioned. Does the rest of the competition have all that at this price? Answer for yourself.



Earphones and Sources Used During Analysis

• Hidizs MP145 Golden Titanium
• BQEYZ Wind.
• Letshuoer S15.
• Letshuoer Cadenza 4.
• NiceHCK Himalaya.
• Rose Martini.
• Simgot EA1000 Fermat.
• TinHiFi T5s.
• Rose Star City 5 Pro.
• Shozy P20.
• Hidizs AP80 PRO-X Red Copper LE
• Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro

Purchase Link



You can read the full review in Spanish here

thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Best in class/buy it now
☆☆☆☆ - Highly recommended
☆☆☆ - Sound for thee, not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer:
This product was provided to me by Ifi Audio in exchange for my impartial and honest review. I recieve no compensation and all thoughts and opinions are my own. A special thanks to Karina at Ifi for coordinating this unit for review.

Gear used:
● LG v30+
● Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra
● Samsung dongle
● Various iems

Source:
Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.

Introduction:
Ifi Audio produces some of the best rated and most popular DAC/amplifiers on the market today. They have many choices in both the portable and desktop categories. Today I will be reviewing one of Ifi's newest portable releases, the hip dac 3. Despite the name, it is actually the fourth iteration but it comes with some substantial differences that will be showcased below.

Design:
At first glance it may be hard to differentiate the variations in all of the hip dac models. They all boast a fantastic build quality and different colored finishes. The hip dac 3 sports a "titanium shadow" color that is a more neutral departure from the previous blue, orange, and gold options. I personally prefer the blue and orange colors of the first two as they are more fun but the newest colorway does look more expensive and classy. On the bottom of the unit you'll find two USB-C ports, one for charging and one for the source connection. Ditching the old USB-A input for a USB-C is one of the best upgrades of this newest version. I have owned both of the previous models and one of my biggest complaints was the awkward, cumbersome, and frequent disconnections with the USB-A cable. The volume wheel retains the same look and feel as previous models. It also functions as to power on the device. There are two indicator lights on either side of the wheel that change colors to denote the sample rate of the source. The overall build quality is outstanding with a premium finish that feels fantastic in hand.

Features:
The "Power Match" and "XBass" buttons are back and their functions are the same as before. There are small indicator lights to show when these options are enabled. The Power Match is essentially a toggle for low and high gain. The XBass function injects a healthy amount of bulk to the lower end. It works really great with iems that are light on bass but can make others sound a bit bloated. It will mostly depend on the tuning and the user's penchant for bass. The hip dac 3 now features Ifi's IEMatch technology in the form of a toggle switch on back of the unit. It ensures a noise free background and is very helpful for reducing any hiss from high sensitivity gear. Included with the unit are three different cables with USB, USB-C, and lightning connections. It's a small inclusion but it ensures that the hip dac 3 can be used with any device right out of the box. There are also 4 little rubber "feet" in the box that are a nice little bonus.

Power consumption:
The hip dac 3 can deliver up to 400mW@32 ohm for balanced output and 280mW@32 ohm for standard.The unit uses a lithium-polymer battery that's robust and definitely holds a nice charge. Ifi touts the battery lasting up to 12 hours depending on volume and enabled options. In my testing when using IEMatch, Power Match, and intermittent XBass, it easily offers 6+ hours of play time. The battery indicator light is the same as past models and changes color depending on the remaining charge. Also thanks to the separate USB-C inputs, the hip dac 3 can be used while being charged which is great for desktop use.

Sound impressions:
The hip dac 3 still uses the same Brown-Burr chipset as the other iterations. These Brown-Burr DACs are known for adding warmth to the frequency response. To my ears it's a very subtle but welcome inclusion. There also seems to be a small increase in the overall soundstage. The hip dac 3 will faithfully and accurately reproduce the stock tuning of your favorite gear (with a touch a warmth) and take everything to the next level when using the extra features. I also had the chance to test the unit while watching Dune and Top Gun: Maverick. The added bass rumble with XBass enabled is awesome!

Final thoughts:
Is the newest iteration of Ifi's excellent hip dac worth the $199 asking price? I'd say it's a resounding "yes!". It sports excellent options and features, packs plenty of power, and can move seemlessly from desktop to portable use. Now the harder question: is it worth upgrading to the 3 if you already own one of the previous models? That answer is more nuanced. Do you need the IEMatch feature for sensitive iems or headphones? Is the USB-A connection a deal breaker? (it was for me) Is the titanium shadow color calling to you? Only you can answer those questions. For myself I found that the newest iteration packs every feature I could want in a DAC/amp and also addresses problem areas found on previous models. The hip dac 3 sets a new high standard in the portable DAC/amp category and is another fantastic product in Ifi's stable.

IFI HIP DAC 3: INTOXICATING FLASK OF AUDIO

Introduction: -

Today at Aural Cafe we are reviewing the iFi Hip-DAC 3 portable DAC and Headphone Amplifier. But before that let us tell you a bit about iFi Audio. iFi Audio is a subsidiary of Abbingdon Music Research (AMR) which is one of the UK's largest manufacturers of high-end audio products such as AmpliFiers, Active Buffer/PreampliFiers, DACs, and USB filters. Founded in 2000, AMR is based in London, United Kingdom. It is a subsidiary of the Abbingdon Global Group.

iFi Audio is one of the most respected brands in the audiophile world with hi-fi products across different prices and product categories with one aim- to improve music enjoyment. Founded in 2012 iFi oversee the design, development, and manufacture of more than 50 products from their headquarters in Southport, UK. iFi products and their packaging are made from recyclable materials, including Aluminium, Paper and Recycled plastics. There are no hazardous toxins in their components, and they ensure that every product released meets environmental standards. iFi prides itself on being an eco-friendly company.

iFi Hip-DAC 3 is competitively priced at US$ 199 only.



Specifications: -

• Input: USB-C
• Formats Supported: DSD256 / PCM384kHz / Full MQA Decoder
• DAC Used: Burr Brown Multibit
• Headphone Outputs: 4.4mm Balanced, 3.5mm SE.
• Power Output: BAL 400mW @ 32Ω; 6.3V @600Ω / UnBAL 280mW @ 32Ω; 3.2V @600Ω
• SNR: BAL <109dB(A) @ 0dBFS / UnBAL <103dB(A) @ 0dBFS
• DNR: BAL <109dB(A) / UnBAL <103dB(A)
• THD + N: BAL <0.006X% (360mW/2.0V @600Ω) / UnBAL <0.01% (100mW/1.27V @16Ω)
• Frequency Response: 20Hz - 45kHz (±3dB)
• Power Consumption: <2W idle, 4W max
• Battery: Lithium-polymer 2,200mAh up to 12 hours
• Power System: Charging via USB-C, BC V1.2 compliant up to 1000mA charging current.
• Dimensions: 102x70x14 mm, 135g

Disclaimer: -

The iFi audio Hip-DAC 3 is a loaner unit that was sent to us directly by iFi Audio. This review reflects our unbiased opinion as always.

Packaging & Accessories: -

• iFi Hip-DAC 3
• 4 x Silicone feet
• USB-C to USB-A cable
• USB-C to USB-C cable
• USB-C to Lightning cable
• iFi sticker
• Documentation

Check out the full unboxing video here,






Build & Design: -

iFi audio Hip-DAC 3 is the third generation of the Hip-DAC series and features a Burr Brown DAC chipset, iFi’s familiar iEMatch, Power Match and XBass. iFi Hip-DAC 3 follows the same timeless flask size design language as its predecessors Hip-DAC 1, and 2. While the flask design remains the same, Hip-DAC 3 has been revamped inside out. The Hip-DAC 3 now comes in a robust and sleek aluminium case with a titanium shadow hue manifesting a piece of timeless art with a touch of modern sophistication. The top panel hosts a top-notch analogue volume knob along with the 3.5mm and 4.4mm Headphone jacks plus the Power Match and XBass buttons. iFi Hip DAC 3 uses the same Power Match switchable gain button to ensure the optimal power for the power-demanding headphones. On either side of the elegant volume knob are a pair of LEDs that change colour depending on the sample rate of the file currently being played. We at Aural Cafe especially just loved this simple and sleek idea.

Although Hip DAC 3 has been marketed to listen to hi-fi music on the go we believe that it's not worth taking this piece of art outside as there are lots of chances of damage and scratches. To listen to hi-fi music on the go iFi Audio fans can try iFi Go bar.

The back of the Hip-DAC 3 now comes with iFi audio legendary iEMatch features which reduce background noise while using sensitive IEMs like Campfire Andromeda and many others. The iFi Hip-DAC 3 now utilizes an advanced 16-core XMOS microcontroller which helps the Hip-DAC 3 for efficient audio data processing and supports up to PCM 384kHz, DSD128, DSD256 and full MQA decoding. The circuit has been upgraded with the addition of new metal film capacitors for better power supply and frequency response. The iFi Hip DAC 3 was also upgraded with GMT circuitry along with a new crystal oscillator to reduce the noise and thus provide a purer sound experience. The upgrades now include two USB-C ports one for data input and the other for charging thus keeping the signal part clean and noise-free and for simultaneous use and charging. The Hip-DAC 3’s comes with the same 2200mAh battery which typically provides 7 to 12 hours of playtime on a single charge, varying based on the volume level and the power demands of the connected headphones.

So, when it comes to design and packaging one thing is sure Hip DAC 3 is a fully loaded flask with lots of useful added features and thoughtful accessories at just US$ 199 which is just US$ 10 more in comparison to the price of which Hip DAC 2 was launched.




Sound Analysis: -

• Tonality: - When it comes to the sound quality, we at Aural Cafe give a lot of importance to the tonality of the source. After listening to Hip DAC 3 for numerous hours with different IEMs and Headphones we can confidently say that Hip DAC 3 follows an organic and analogue tonality which sounds natural and balanced across the frequencies. The Hip DAC 3 excels in showcasing the sinuous nuances of instruments and vocal timbres. While listening to “Save Your Tears” by the Weekend the vocals sound very natural without any noise. Listening to “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin the Hip DAC 3 again showcases its excellent timbre.

• Lows: - The bass reproduction on Hip DAC 3 is clean and leaner without any muddiness. The bass quality will depend mostly on the IEMs or Headphones with whom the Hip DAC 3 is being paired. With the XBass button on there is a slight increase in the mid-bass body which becomes useful while listening to Hip hop and EDM music. While listening to “Da Da Dasse” from Udta Punjab the bass sounds more vibrant and fun with the XBass button on.

• Mids: - The Hip DAC 3 showcases above-average mids when it comes to DAC-Amps at a similar price range. The Hip-DAC 3 adeptly navigates the midrange, offering in a buttery smooth way without any sharpness. Surprisingly with the Power Match button on both the male and female vocals sound a tad bit more forward and natural with lots of soul while the rendering of the instruments such as flute and sitar is intensely felt while listening to “Indian Summer” by Anoushka Shankar.

• Highs: - The Hip DAC 3 showcases a solid treble expression and extension while maintaining a natural and analogue presentation. The treble on Hip DAC 3 is clean with any shouty-ness and sharpness. While listening to “Paayaliya” by Amit Trivedi the Hip DAC 3 showcases just the right treble energy.

• Soundstage & Imaging: - The soundstage and imaging are just average on Hip DAC 3. The stage width is better in comparison to depth, but it's still average in comparison to the competitions. The Hip DAC 3 just adds a bit of soundstage which primarily depends on the IEMs or Headphones you are using the Hip DAC 3 with. The instrument separation and imaging are just average at best which is clearly visible while listening to complex rock and metal genres of music.

• Synergy: - Since the Hip DAC 3 showcases a natural and soulful tonality it synergises really well with neutral IEMs and Headphones. The Hip DAC 3 excels when it comes to background noise, control, and clarity. With the legendary iEMatch feature on board, it can synergise with ultra-sensitive and multi-BA IEMs. It has no lack of power for the most demanding IEMs and many Headphones available in the market. It runs Audeze’s LCD-2 a well demanding full-size Planer Magnetic Headphone without losing its characteristics.

Conclusion: -

This is our first experience with iFi products at Aural Cafe and we are impressed with the well-thought-out design idea of Hip DAC 3. We believe that iFi audio Hip DAC 3 is a special product that will hold its ground strongly in its super competitive product category. It is not just a portable DAC-Amp but a high-quality piece of audio art that must be in every audiophile collection. The design is damn cool yet elegant with top-notch quality at such a price. If you listen to your music while at home and office through your laptops and want to elevate your experience then Hip DAC 3 would be the right choice as it excels in achieving pitch black background, control, and clarity across the frequency without breaking your bank balance. It also brings on board a decent amount of clean power to drive headphones. With iEMatch on board, it’s a must-have product if you have sensitive IEMs. While the Hip DAC 3 excels in achieving analogue timbre and clarity across the frequency, instrument separation and imaging are average to say at the very best.

Non-Affiliated Links: -
- https://www.amazon.com/iFi-hip-dac3-Headphone-Enhancement-PowerMatch/dp/B0CKFKNNJH
- https://www.moon-audio.com/hip-dac-3.html