iFi Audio Hip Dac3 Portable Hi Res Audio Music Headphone Amp USB C 3.5mm 4.4mm
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The iFi hip-dac 3 is a battery-powered portable hi-res DAC and headphone amplifier with USB-C input, 3.5mm and 4.4mm balanced outputs, and a 2,200mAh battery lasting up to 12 hours. It is part of iFi's portable DAC range and is finished in Titanium Shadow.
Key specifications
- DAC: Burr-Brown with 16-core XMOS microcontroller
- Input: USB-C, up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD256
- Headphone outputs: 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm single-ended (S-Balanced)
- Power output: 400mW @ 32Ω and 6.3V @ 600Ω (balanced)
- Features: iEMatch, PowerMatch switchable gain and XBass
- Battery: 2,200mAh lithium-polymer, up to 12 hours
- Dimensions: 102 x 70 x 14 mm
- Weight: 135g
The legacy continues. Meet the hip-dac 3
A portable hi-res DAC and headphone amp, now in Titanium Shadow with more versatility.
Titanium Shadow. Trendsetting innovations.
The hip-dac 3's sleek aluminium case combines the Titanium Shadow finish with new features to improve your listening experience. Two USB-C ports keep cable management simple: one for audio, one for charging. A switch on the underside activates iFi's iEMatch technology, optimised for high-sensitivity headphones and IEMs.
Inside, circuit enhancements include new metal film capacitors for improved frequency response. An updated version of iFi's GMT circuitry, paired with a new crystal oscillator, reduces phase noise for a purer sound.
Hip flask size. Magnum performance.
The hip-dac 3's aluminium enclosure fits easily in a pocket or bag. It bypasses the built-in DAC and amplifier in smartphones, tablets, PCs and Macs — connect via USB-C, plug in your headphones and listen.
iFi's Burr-Brown chipset is paired with a 16-core XMOS microcontroller, programmed in-house to optimise sound quality and ensure a reliable hi-res partnership between the two chips. If you want something even more compact, iFi also offer the Go Link 2 dongle-style DAC.
hip-dac 3 for your power-hungry headphones
The hip-dac 3 uses a true balanced circuit design to minimise signal distortion. High-quality components include a custom iFi OV op-amp, a low-noise power supply IC from Texas Instruments and a premium analogue volume pot.
The amp stage delivers up to 400mW into a 32Ω load, covering a wide range of headphones. For high-impedance headphones, it outputs 6.3V into 600Ω from the balanced output.
Tailored for your headphones and earphones
PowerMatch switchable gain ensures the right power level for whichever headphones you are using. The iEMatch switch on the underside optimises output for high-sensitivity headphones and IEMs, reducing hiss, improving detail and dynamic range, and widening the usable volume control range.
XBass is a user-selectable analogue bass boost that lifts low frequencies without affecting the midrange — useful for earphones and open-back headphones. It operates entirely in the analogue domain, with no DSP processing.
Get connected
The USB-C input supports up to 32-bit/384kHz audio and is compatible with USB 3.0 and 2.0. Asynchronous transfer ensures jitter-free data. A dedicated USB-C charging port lets you charge and listen simultaneously without affecting the audio signal path.
The 3.5mm single-ended output uses iFi's S-Balanced circuitry to minimise crosstalk and distortion. The 4.4mm balanced output uses the device's differential amp design for full balanced connectivity.
The 2,200mAh battery provides up to 12 hours of playtime depending on volume and headphone load. In the box: a USB-C OTG cable and a USB-A to USB-C cable.
Explore the full range in iFi Audio.
Specification
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 45kHz (-3dB) |
|---|---|
| Battery | Lithium-polymer 2,200mAh |
| Dimensions | 102 x 70 x 14 mm (4.0" x 2.8" x 0.6") |
More specs
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What's Included
- iFi Audio Hip dac3
iFi
About the iFi Hip-dac 3
From our tech experts at CEN
A iFi digital-to-analogue converter, giving a cleaner signal path than a computer or phone output.
Who it suits
Listeners with a capable system who want the source to stop being the weak link. iFi is a British company specialising in DACs and headphone amplification.
Our tech experts advise
Match it to what you are driving, and remember that a good DAC reveals what is upstream rather than fixing it. get in touch and we will suggest a pairing rather than guessing.
Explore the full iFi range at CEN, with fast UK dispatch and expert advice from our Nottingham team. Shop all iFi
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the iFi hip-dac 3 have a balanced output?
A: Yes. It has a 4.4mm balanced headphone output delivering up to 400mW into 32 ohms or 6.3V into 600 ohms, plus a 3.5mm single-ended output using iFi's S-Balanced circuitry.
Q: How long does the hip-dac 3 battery last?
A: The 2,200mAh lithium-polymer battery gives up to 12 hours of playtime, depending on volume and how much power your headphones need. It charges through its own USB-C port and can be used while charging.
Q: Is the hip-dac 3 suitable for IEMs?
A: Yes. The iEMatch switch on the underside optimises the output for high-sensitivity headphones and in-ear monitors, reducing hiss and improving volume control range.
Q: What audio formats does the hip-dac 3 support?
A: Its USB-C input supports PCM up to 384kHz and DSD256, and the specification lists a full MQA decoder.
