iFi Hip-DAC Impressions Thread
Jan 21, 2021 at 5:21 AM Post #361 of 768
just buy cheap yet Versatile Tempotec V1A that can be used as Bluetooth LDAC 96 Quality Priority Reciever out to USB to hip dac + you get dedicated DAP 💃

Sounds like a solid plan to me :)
 
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Jan 29, 2021 at 4:57 PM Post #362 of 768
I made a review of the iFi Hip DAC! :)

Absoluely loved this one, and looking forward to future iFi products like the newly released Diablo :)

https://www.audiophile-heaven.com/2021/01/warm-forward-blue-ifi-hip-dac-amp.html

iFi-Hip-DAC-Review-Audiophile-Heaven-MQA-Battery-Hi-Res-Headphone-AMP-54.jpg
 
Jan 29, 2021 at 5:03 PM Post #363 of 768
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Jan 29, 2021 at 6:10 PM Post #364 of 768
My ER2XR begin to lose 1 channel as I turn the hip-dac down to a level I would consider normal.

I looked this up and found this link: https://ifi-audio.com/faqs/volume-control-channel-imbalance-short-detailed/

It says to:

In case of a small channel imbalance at very low volume settings, please adjust the hip-dac so the volume control is at 12 o’clock for normal listening levels.

Does this mean to lower digital volume on the source until 12 o clock on the hip-dac is a normal, comfortable level? Or leave the digital volume on the device and adjust the volume on the hip-dac some other way? It is not clear to me (and powermatch just makes it louder).
 
Jan 31, 2021 at 4:32 PM Post #365 of 768
Does this mean to lower digital volume on the source until 12 o clock on the hip-dac is a normal, comfortable level? Or leave the digital volume on the device and adjust the volume on the hip-dac some other way? It is not clear to me (and powermatch just makes it louder).

For that purpose we have iEMatch :)

https://ifi-audio.com/products/iematch/
 
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Feb 7, 2021 at 5:59 AM Post #366 of 768
Hi everyone! I am new to the community so please forgive my lack of knowledge.

I have Dm6, Blon 03 and recently purchased Thieaudio Clairvoyance. I was advice by someone to get AMP/DAC to get the most out of my CLAIR.
I dont own any headphones so will I be good with Qudelix-5k/BTR5 or does HIP DAC will actually make my gear sound better?
I have a XIAOMU MI9t phone and windows laptop. I am willing to invest in TIDAL if the differences are actually distinguishable. Currently I use Apple Music.

Any help would be appreciated!
 
Feb 7, 2021 at 6:56 AM Post #367 of 768
I dont own any headphones so will I be good with Qudelix-5k/BTR5 or does HIP DAC will actually make my gear sound better?

Although I don't know whether hip-dac will be better for you that the other device, my advice would be to contact your local iFi representative and give hip-dac a try if possible. Worst case scenario, you'll get a refund :)
 
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Feb 10, 2021 at 10:01 PM Post #368 of 768
Just wanted to post some quick impressions of the Hip-DAC that @Sebastien Chiu was kind enough to send out for demo!

Set-up: MacBook Air > Audirvana w/ FLAC > ifi Hip-DAC > Hidition Viento-B. I chose to use the Viento because it seems to be a fairly source-dependent IEM.

As the name might imply, the Hip-DAC follows a slim form factor not dissimilar to that of a hip flask. I really like overall design, and the volume wheel - which mimics the aesthetic of a flask's cap - is immensely satisfying to actuate. It controls on/off. Along these lines, set-up was very simple, almost plug-and-play if I recall correctly, and the controls of the unit itself are well-thought out.

Now, full-disclaimer, I'm not a big source guy, but I'll try my hand. The Hip-DAC is a warmer, more colored source to my ears. Upper-midrange notes are bolder, more grand relative to my DX160; while the sibilance on the Viento pervades, some of the transient edginess is taken off whilst maintaining good resolution. Bass on the DX160 sounds again, more incisive, more mid-bass emphasized whereas I'd say the Hip-DAC is a tad pillowy-er, loose down low. Oh right, there's also a bass switch and, man, does it slap on gobs of sub-bass. It easily pushes the Viento to bloat levels, so I think it's use is more situational albeit very fun. Highs on the Hip-DAC are present, but somewhat smoother. Overall, the Hip-DAC has a warm, pleasing sort of presentation. I'd posit that it sacrifices some technical ability (certainly noticeable relative to something like ifi's iDSD Black Label), but it's a worthy trade-off in my eyes for on-the-go listening and if you're not looking for something too reference-y.

If I may make a suggestion, though, I'd like to see the IEMatch implemented if there are future iterations of the Hip-DAC. I found that I wasn't able to listen off of a number of IEMs (for example, the Solaris 2020, U12t, and Fourte) because the Hip-DAC actually provided too much juice! At my desired volume, only one side of these IEMs would make noise; maybe I'm just a very quiet listener. Here, I didn't find the Power Match feature very useful for obvious reasons.

Overall, the Hip-DAC's a pretty sweet package, even if I do feel that there are some limitations at play. Again, I want to thank iFi for their generosity in allowing me to take a demo unit for a spin for a short while :)
 
Feb 11, 2021 at 11:23 AM Post #370 of 768
Just wanted to post some quick impressions of the Hip-DAC that @Sebastien Chiu was kind enough to send out for demo!

Set-up: MacBook Air > Audirvana w/ FLAC > ifi Hip-DAC > Hidition Viento-B. I chose to use the Viento because it seems to be a fairly source-dependent IEM.

As the name might imply, the Hip-DAC follows a slim form factor not dissimilar to that of a hip flask. I really like overall design, and the volume wheel - which mimics the aesthetic of a flask's cap - is immensely satisfying to actuate. It controls on/off. Along these lines, set-up was very simple, almost plug-and-play if I recall correctly, and the controls of the unit itself are well-thought out.

Now, full-disclaimer, I'm not a big source guy, but I'll try my hand. The Hip-DAC is a warmer, more colored source to my ears. Upper-midrange notes are bolder, more grand relative to my DX160; while the sibilance on the Viento pervades, some of the transient edginess is taken off whilst maintaining good resolution. Bass on the DX160 sounds again, more incisive, more mid-bass emphasized whereas I'd say the Hip-DAC is a tad pillowy-er, loose down low. Oh right, there's also a bass switch and, man, does it slap on gobs of sub-bass. It easily pushes the Viento to bloat levels, so I think it's use is more situational albeit very fun. Highs on the Hip-DAC are present, but somewhat smoother. Overall, the Hip-DAC has a warm, pleasing sort of presentation. I'd posit that it sacrifices some technical ability (certainly noticeable relative to something like ifi's iDSD Black Label), but it's a worthy trade-off in my eyes for on-the-go listening and if you're not looking for something too reference-y.

If I may make a suggestion, though, I'd like to see the IEMatch implemented if there are future iterations of the Hip-DAC. I found that I wasn't able to listen off of a number of IEMs (for example, the Solaris 2020, U12t, and Fourte) because the Hip-DAC actually provided too much juice! At my desired volume, only one side of these IEMs would make noise; maybe I'm just a very quiet listener. Here, I didn't find the Power Match feature very useful for obvious reasons.

Overall, the Hip-DAC's a pretty sweet package, even if I do feel that there are some limitations at play. Again, I want to thank iFi for their generosity in allowing me to take a demo unit for a spin for a short while :)


Thanks a ton, Theo! Appreciate you putting your time into this and having a go at sources even though it's not your strong suit! We appreciate all the feedback and suggestions!
 
Feb 11, 2021 at 5:00 PM Post #371 of 768
Just wanted to post some quick impressions of the Hip-DAC that @Sebastien Chiu was kind enough to send out for demo!

Set-up: MacBook Air > Audirvana w/ FLAC > ifi Hip-DAC > Hidition Viento-B. I chose to use the Viento because it seems to be a fairly source-dependent IEM.

As the name might imply, the Hip-DAC follows a slim form factor not dissimilar to that of a hip flask. I really like overall design, and the volume wheel - which mimics the aesthetic of a flask's cap - is immensely satisfying to actuate. It controls on/off. Along these lines, set-up was very simple, almost plug-and-play if I recall correctly, and the controls of the unit itself are well-thought out.

Now, full-disclaimer, I'm not a big source guy, but I'll try my hand. The Hip-DAC is a warmer, more colored source to my ears. Upper-midrange notes are bolder, more grand relative to my DX160; while the sibilance on the Viento pervades, some of the transient edginess is taken off whilst maintaining good resolution. Bass on the DX160 sounds again, more incisive, more mid-bass emphasized whereas I'd say the Hip-DAC is a tad pillowy-er, loose down low. Oh right, there's also a bass switch and, man, does it slap on gobs of sub-bass. It easily pushes the Viento to bloat levels, so I think it's use is more situational albeit very fun. Highs on the Hip-DAC are present, but somewhat smoother. Overall, the Hip-DAC has a warm, pleasing sort of presentation. I'd posit that it sacrifices some technical ability (certainly noticeable relative to something like ifi's iDSD Black Label), but it's a worthy trade-off in my eyes for on-the-go listening and if you're not looking for something too reference-y.

If I may make a suggestion, though, I'd like to see the IEMatch implemented if there are future iterations of the Hip-DAC. I found that I wasn't able to listen off of a number of IEMs (for example, the Solaris 2020, U12t, and Fourte) because the Hip-DAC actually provided too much juice! At my desired volume, only one side of these IEMs would make noise; maybe I'm just a very quiet listener. Here, I didn't find the Power Match feature very useful for obvious reasons.

Overall, the Hip-DAC's a pretty sweet package, even if I do feel that there are some limitations at play. Again, I want to thank iFi for their generosity in allowing me to take a demo unit for a spin for a short while :)

Wow, that's some great feedback and thanks a lot for all your effort :beerchug:
 
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Feb 16, 2021 at 12:23 PM Post #374 of 768
Folks, it's been a whole year since we launched the hip-dac at CanJam NYC!

As a result, we're selling the hip-dac Gift Set, for a limited time only! Featuring a Vegan leather case and Final E3000 iems for £199!

Available now: https://ifi-audio.com/buy/hip-dac-final-e3000/

Join us for the journey this week as we'll be reminiscing on the hip-dac's achievements & highlights.

*Available for UK delivery only
 
Last edited:
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