[iFi audio]

Ok. I CAN confirm that the ifi HIP DAC is able to charge AND be played at the same time. I am using my Sony IER-Z1R earphones and detect no background noise using the 4.4mm balanced cable in both low and high Gain modes. So at least with these earphones I CAN confirm there is no problem and no detriment to the listening experience. That makes me glad that this can become my keeper and my mini desktop amp, period, if the Sony TA-ZH1ES one doesn't carry through. This puts a smile on my face and it sounds REAL good. Ok, so despite the short battery, I can enjoy this fully in any capacity. So I suggest others try and use whatever cans, IEM's you have. Cheers!

Great, I'm glad that you're happy

 

[floydfan33]

Question for owners or @iFi audio
I just purchased a HIP DAC and am testing it in a number of different configurations.

Sources

OnePlus 7 Pro (both Android and UAPP BitPerfect)
Out of M11 Pro (Fiio Music)
Astell and Kern Kann Cube
Fiio Q5S (Oneplus via Bluetooth)

Headphones

CA Solaris (SE and Balanced Dunu Hulk Cable)
CA Cascade (Stock SE and ALO SXC-8 4.4)

Resuts

CA Solaris All configurations - No issues other than some hiss

CA Cascades with SE Cable - No issues sounds great both with Power Match on and off
CA Cascades with 4.4 Balanced Cable - severe distortion even on quiet tracks (power match on and off makes no difference)

The impedance on the Cascades is 38 ohms and the ifi chart says it should be OK. I believe the ALO cable is wired correctly (ifi says that TRS through their balanced out can cause distortion) as it works great direct out of my M11 Pro direct, through the Kann with 2.5mm adapter and out of my Fiio Q5S.

I may try an exchange, but I'm pretty sure the unit is fine. Anyone else have any issues out of the balanced out or any thoughts of where my issue might be?

Thanks in Advance.

 

[Gamerlingual]

Question for owners or @iFi audio
I just purchased a HIP DAC and am testing it in a number of different configurations.

Sources

OnePlus 7 Pro (both Android and UAPP BitPerfect)
Out of M11 Pro (Fiio Music)
Astell and Kern Kann Cube
Fiio Q5S (Oneplus via Bluetooth)

Headphones

CA Solaris (SE and Balanced Dunu Hulk Cable)
CA Cascade (Stock SE and ALO SXC-8 4.4)

Resuts

CA Solaris All configurations - No issues other than some hiss

CA Cascades with SE Cable - No issues sounds great both with Power Match on and off
CA Cascades with 4.4 Balanced Cable - severe distortion even on quiet tracks (power match on and off makes no difference)

The impedance on the Cascades is 38 ohms and the ifi chart says it should be OK. I believe the ALO cable is wired correctly (ifi says that TRS through their balanced out can cause distortion) as it works great direct out of my M11 Pro direct, through the Kann with 2.5mm adapter and out of my Fiio Q5S.

I may try an exchange, but I'm pretty sure the unit is fine. Anyone else have any issues out of the balanced out or any thoughts of where my issue might be?

Thanks in Advance.

I’ve used my IER-Z1R and MDR-1AM2 on balances with no issues while charging the unit and not charging it. Sounds like you need a new cable

 

[Virtu Fortuna]

I just published a first look of the Hip-Dac!

https://www.headfonia.com/first-look-sunday-ifi-hip-dac/

 

[iFi audio]

The impedance on the Cascades is 38 ohms and the ifi chart says it should be OK. I believe the ALO cable is wired correctly (ifi says that TRS through their balanced out can cause distortion) as it works great direct out of my M11 Pro direct, through the Kann with 2.5mm adapter and out of my Fiio Q5S.

If possible, I'd check cans/IEMs with another balanced cable just to exclude it. Also, always you can shoot us a message here: https://support.ifi-audio.com/

 

[iFi audio]

I just published a first look of the Hip-Dac!

https://www.headfonia.com/first-look-sunday-ifi-hip-dac/

Thanks a lot for the link, great work! We look forward to the full read!

 

[iFi audio]

It's a hat-trick! We've only gone and got another What Hi-Fi? 5-Star review!

"The hip-dac is a hugely capable performer with the typical easy-going iFi sound. It’s a balanced presentation that’s refined and free of harsh edges. You can listen to the hip-dac for hours and not feel fatigued."

Thanks What Hi-Fi?!

The full review please see HERE!

 

[floydfan33]

I’ve used my IER-Z1R and MDR-1AM2 on balances with no issues while charging the unit and not charging it. Sounds like you need a new cable

Update. Turns out it was the ALO 4.4 cable.

 

[iFi audio]

Update. Turns out it was the ALO 4.4 cable.

Phew. Not the end of the world then

 

[Liono]

Has anyone been able to give a comparison with the Sony PHA-2A? The iFi seems to have double the power output of the Sony and also support MQA. Would be looking to power XBA-H3 and potentially Z5 in future and or HD660S. Source would be an NW-ZX1 and Samsung S10. I tried the xDSD in 2019 at the Bristol show and sounded very good, but doesn't have a 4.4mm Balanced port.

 

[Gamerlingual]

Has anyone been able to give a comparison with the Sony PHA-2A? The iFi seems to have double the power output of the Sony and also support MQA. Would be looking to power XBA-H3 and potentially Z5 in future and or HD660S. Source would be an NW-ZX1 and Samsung S10. I tried the xDSD in 2019 at the Bristol show and sounded very good, but doesn't have a 4.4mm Balanced port.

I have both. Sony’s doesn’t blow out the volume so suddenly like the iFi. The iFi does output more and can shatter your ears high enough since the volume knob is so sensitive. Gotta be careful, although I haven’t had any loudness issues as I am very careful with the Hip Dac. The PHA-2A smooths out the sounds of headphones and offers a bit more solid bass without being overpowering. The Hip Dac doesn’t output as much bass and the bass booster simply adds WAY too much thump to the bass. I recommend both for being different. Sony also has a more stable volume knob as it offers more precision. Can’t go wrong with either.

 

[Liono]

I have both. Sony’s doesn’t blow out the volume so suddenly like the iFi. The iFi does output more and can shatter your ears high enough since the volume knob is so sensitive. Gotta be careful, although I haven’t had any loudness issues as I am very careful with the Hip Dac. The PHA-2A smooths out the sounds of headphones and offers a bit more solid bass without being overpowering. The Hip Dac doesn’t output as much bass and the bass booster simply adds WAY too much thump to the bass. I recommend both for being different. Sony also has a more stable volume knob as it offers more precision. Can’t go wrong with either.

Many thanks Gamerlingual !

 

[iFi audio]

I have both. Sony’s doesn’t blow out the volume so suddenly like the iFi. The iFi does output more and can shatter your ears high enough since the volume knob is so sensitive.

It packs a punch, yes. With sensitive loads one needs to be careful. If hip-dac's power output is too much, our iEMatch/EarBuddy would provide more usable volume range.

https://ifi-audio.com/products/iematch/

 

[BubbaJay]

The Hip Dac is finally back in stock at a few places, I've been waiting for over a month to get one. Even though I have an M11 I wanted something with a different sound and the Hip Dac seems perfect, I've always liked the warmth of the Burr Brown chips.

 

[califmike33]

I just got mine today I'm deciding what any other monitors to run with it. I haven't listened to it yet but I think it's a warm sound from what I'm gathering hopefully not too warm. Looking for a good neutral i e m to run with it any suggestions?

Thinking fiio fh7 or fh5 don't know how neutral those are.