[Dixter]

https://ifi-audio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/iFi-audio-xCAN-S_BAL-Tech-Note.pdf

Yep.. I have read that... the S in S BAL stands for Single Ended....

 

[Dixter]

 

[MalinYamato]

Man, they're still doing that weird separate USB-A thing? You'd think a new version would've changed it to a single USB-C for data and power but I guess not. Very disappointing.

agree, if it had a single C for all, I would have considered this new hipp.

 

[Poganin]

It's like iFi paid exactly zero attention to the biggest complaints people had about the first model. Why even release a new version of the device if you do not improve on its chief design issues?

 

[dmac6419]

It's like iFi paid exactly zero attention to the biggest complaints people had about the first model. Why even release a new version of the device if you do not improve on its chief design issues?

Exactly,same as it ever was just $20 more and a different color iFi should be ashamed.

 

[OldRoadToad]

I agree with people about the USB thing and iFi should have upgraded the unit. I am also disappointed in not being able to buy one without that ridiculous "feature" known as "MQA". I neither want nor need it and do not wish to pay for something I find annoyingly usurious and useless to people who want to hear the music not "Moolah" Bob Stuart's flaccid take on it. I purportedly listened to MQA when they had a comparison booth with an Onkyo DAP at a show several years ago and in a blind as a bat self test, I had no clue what "version" I was listening to. In other words, I ain't buyin' the ENC, i.e., Emperor's New Clothes. Not even in blue or red by iFi.

Ah well...iFi makes some nice stuff but anything with snake oil like MQA is not getting my money.

ORT

 

[Malevolent]

The new hip-dac2 almost hits the sweet spot.. almost. To be frank, I don't want to be using the USB-C to USB-A cable to connect to the device. If it used a single USB-C port for both charging and data transfer, it would be perfect, IMO.

Anyway, the new colorway is fantastic. It looks even more like a hip flask now.

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

I agree with people about the USB thing and iFi should have upgraded the unit. I am also disappointed in not being able to buy one without that ridiculous "feature" known as "MQA". I neither want nor need it and do not wish to pay for something I find annoyingly usurious and useless to people who want to hear the music not "Moolah" Bob Stuart's flaccid take on it. I purportedly listened to MQA when they had a comparison booth with an Onkyo DAP at a show several years ago and in a blind as a bat self test, I had no clue what "version" I was listening to. In other words, I ain't buyin' the ENC, i.e., Emperor's New Clothes. Not even in blue or red by iFi.

Ah well...iFi makes some nice stuff but anything with snake oil like MQA is not getting my money.

ORT

While I appreciate your take on "MQA", I begin to wonder what will you guys that have this opinion do off it all goes "MQA"?

Will you never buy anything again?

Again not looking for an argument, as a Tidal, Qobuz, subscriber I am not in favor of either way, just curious.

Cheers

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Exactly,same as it ever was just $20 more and a different color iFi should be ashamed.

That is not an accurate statement attached all, not even close!

But to each his own I guess!

 

[InvisibleInk]

While I appreciate your take on "MQA", I begin to wonder what will you guys that have this opinion do off it all goes "MQA"?

Will you never buy anything again?

Again not looking for an argument, as a Tidal, Qobuz, subscriber I am not in favor of either way, just curious.

Cheers

Im not buying it.

 

[537778]

At this point in time, ifi is just mocking people with same old tactics and having to lock them for another round with old tech and may be bring USB C in next 12 to 18months and then people will start upgrading. They playing what Apple and Intel have done only offering baby steps upgrades.

No innovation no money, ifi. Might just go with RME since all hopes for Type-C Micro iDSD have died now.

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

At this point in time, ifi is just mocking people with same old tactics and having to lock them for another round with old tech and may be bring USB C in next 12 to 18months and then people will start upgrading. They playing what Apple and Intel have done only offering baby steps upgrades.

No innovation no money, ifi. Might just go with RME since all hopes for Type-C Micro iDSD have died now.

Really, lol

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Im not buying it.

Good answer! Well thought out

 

[roycecooker]

It's like iFi paid exactly zero attention to the biggest complaints people had about the first model. Why even release a new version of the device if you do not improve on its chief design issues?

That's what I was thinking. I wonder if they even fixed the horrendous battery life from the first Hip DAC at all....

 

[pk4425]

Not that I want to be schooled in USB C or anything else being better, but what exactly is the problem with A?

In my eyes I like the A connector on units of this size and price point, especially because the are not as easily broken in a silly situation like a drop, fall, whatever.

Cheers!!

Agreed. I find the USB-A socket to be a brilliant feature for ease of use and durability, as I'm an iPhone user.