iFi Hip-DAC 3

The iFi hip-dac 3 is a pocket-sized USB DAC and headphone amplifier designed for listeners who want better sound, more power, and greater control than the built-in headphone output of a phone, tablet, or computer can provide.

Its Burr-Brown True Native DAC and 16-core XMOS processor support high-resolution PCM up to 384kHz, native DSD256, DXD, and full MQA decoding. A true balanced amplifier design with a 4.4mm headphone output delivers up to 400mW into 32Ω and 6.3V into 600Ω, providing ample drive for a wide range of headphones.

The hip-dac 3 also features iEMatch for sensitive IEMs, XBass analogue bass enhancement, and PowerMatch gain control, allowing its output to be tailored to different headphones and listening preferences.

A 2,200mAh lithium-polymer battery provides up to 12 hours of playback, while the compact aluminium chassis measures just 102 × 70 × 14mm and weighs 135g, making the hip-dac 3 an ideal portable companion for smartphones, tablets, and computers.

Designed for Portable HiFi

The hip-dac 3 replaces the limitations of built-in headphone outputs with a dedicated high-resolution DAC and powerful headphone amplifier, while remaining compact enough for everyday portable listening.

True Native Digital Conversion

The Burr-Brown True Native architecture maintains separate pathways for PCM and DSD, supporting PCM up to 384kHz, native DSD256, DXD, and full MQA decoding for high-resolution playback.

True Balanced Headphone Amplification

The 4.4mm balanced headphone output is driven by a true balanced circuit design, delivering up to 400mW into 32Ω and 6.3V into 600Ω for substantial power and voltage headroom across a wide range of headphones.

Tailored for Headphones and IEMs

iEMatch optimizes the output for high-sensitivity IEMs, PowerMatch provides switchable gain for different headphone requirements, and XBass adds low-frequency reinforcement entirely in the analogue domain.

Portable Battery Power

The integrated 2,200mAh lithium-polymer battery provides up to 12 hours of playback, allowing the hip-dac 3 to deliver dedicated DAC and headphone amplification without relying on the connected device for primary operating power.

Key Features

• Burr-Brown True Native DAC — Supports bit-perfect PCM, DSD, and DXD playback with separate PCM and DSD pathways.
• 16-Core XMOS Processing — Handles asynchronous USB audio and high-resolution digital formats.
• True Balanced Circuit Design — Provides a fully balanced signal path for the 4.4mm headphone output.
• 400mW Balanced Output — Delivers up to 400mW into 32Ω through the 4.4mm balanced connection.
• 6.3V Output at 600Ω — Provides strong voltage drive for high-impedance headphones.
• iEMatch — Optimizes output for sensitive IEMs while helping reduce audible background hiss.
• XBass Analogue Bass Enhancement — Adds low-frequency weight in the analogue domain without digital EQ.
• PowerMatch Gain Control — Provides switchable gain to accommodate headphones with different sensitivity and power requirements.
• Updated GMT Clock Circuitry — Uses an updated crystal oscillator and GMT circuitry designed to reduce phase noise.
• 2,200mAh Battery — Provides up to 12 hours of portable playback.
• Compact Aluminium Chassis — Measures 102 × 70 × 14mm and weighs just 135g.
  

Connectivity & Compatibility

Input

• USB-C asynchronous USB audio

Outputs

• 4.4mm balanced
• 3.5mm S-Balanced

Supported Formats

• PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz
• DSD64/128/256
• DXD 384kHz
• Full MQA decoding

Power

• 2,200mAh lithium-polymer battery
• USB-C charging
• Up to 12 hours playback

Compatible Devices

• Smartphones
• Tablets
• Mac computers
• Windows PCs
• USB audio-compatible devices

Compatible Headphones

• IEMs
• Dynamic headphones
• Planar magnetic headphones
• High-impedance headphones
• Open-back and closed-back headphones