iFi Audio Updates Its Premium Pocket-Sized Portable DAC Amp

InnovationConsumer TechiFi Audio Updates Its Premium Pocket-Sized Portable DAC AmpByMark Sparrow,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Technology journalist specializing in audio, computing and Apple Macs.Follow AuthorJun 04, 2026, 09:00am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.The iFi iDSD GR 2 is designed to be a portable powerhouse for audiophiles wanting hi-fi sound no matter where they are.IFIBritish audio specialist iFi is something of a trailblazer when it comes to the innovation of portable audio devices. Now, the Southport-based company has announced an update to its high-end portable DAC. The new iDSD GR 2 is the next evolutionary step for one of the company’s most celebrated products. Built on the foundation of iFi’s xDSD Gryphon DAC, the iDSD GR 2 is designed to be a portable powerhouse for audiophiles wanting hi-fi sound no matter where they are. This latest DAC has been redesigned from the ground up and reimagines the Gryphon for a new generation and introduces a completely new DAC architecture. The GR 2 features an upgraded and fully balanced amplification system which it pairs with an OLED touchscreen interface. In addition, the GR 2 uses JVCKENWOOD’s K2HD Technology as well as lossless Bluetooth connectivity. The result, says iFi, is the company’s most versatile and true-portable DAC/Amp to date. Pure Conversion ChipsetAt the heart of the GR 2 is a major change to the conversion architecture. This is the first time iFi has used the Burr-Brown PCM1795 DAC chipset. It’s designed to preserve the warmth and analog character of the music while delivering true 32-bit resolution audio with less distortion and greater dynamic range.As a current-output DAC, the PCM1795 chipset also unlocks greater design freedom for the iFi engineers. It enables them to design fully bespoke I/V and output stages, optimized to extract the chip’...