Meet the New GR2: The iFi xDSD Gryphon Headphone Amp DAC Evolves–Everything to Know Before Upgrading
Read Time: Approx. 15 min.
TL;DR:
- The iDSD GR 2 is the direct successor to the iFi Audio Gryphon, featuring a fully redesigned signal path with the Burr-Brown PCM1795 DAC chipset for lower distortion and higher resolution audio
- A new capacitive OLED touchscreen replaces the button-heavy navigation of the original, making it dramatically easier to switch inputs, adjust filters, and access settings on the go
- Output power is up 50% over the Gryphon, giving the GR 2 the headroom to handle harder-to-drive headphones with better dynamics and tighter control
- aptX Lossless Bluetooth 5.4 and JVCKENWOOD K2HD harmonic restoration are standout new features, enabling lossless wireless streaming and the recovery of musical detail lost in digital recordings
- Despite a slight reduction in battery life (7 hours vs. 8), the GR2's hybrid power mode intelligently balances mains and battery power — making it as capable at a desk as it is on the go
The Next Generation of Portable Hi-Fi Has Arrived
When I think of the champions in portable audio, there are a few hi-fi manufacturers who come to mind, and at the top of that list sits iFi Audio. The Gryphon set the bar for portable DAC amps—and the iDSD GR 2 just moved it somewhere most people didn't think portable audio could go. From the technical changes, including the new signal path, to the upgraded features and improved physical design, the iDSD GR 2 DAC/Amplifier reimagines what portable listening looks like today. New Burr-Brown PCM1795 DAC chipset, a capacitive OLED touchscreen, 50% more headphone power, aptX Lossless Bluetooth 5.4, JVCKENWOOD K2HD harmonic restoration. That's what five years of evolution looks like when a manufacturer refuses to play it safe.
You might be surprised at just how much the Gryphon legacy has evolved, but this is a welcome change we're ready for. Whether you're a longtime Gryphon devotee wondering if it's time to upgrade, or a newcomer looking for the best portable source money can buy, the GR 2 is the kind of device that immediately resets your expectations. It's compact enough to slip in you back pocket, powerful enough to drive demanding planar magnetics, and refined enough to satisfy the most particular of ears. In a market crowded with incremental updates and repackaged features, the iDSD GR 2 is something rarer: a product that actually earns its place as the new gold standard.
The NEW Portable DACAmp to BEAT in 2026! iFi iDSD GR 2 Review
PROS
- Up to 50% more output power than the Gryphon
- New Capacitive OLED Touchscreen!
- K2HD/K2, XBass, XSpace sound enhancements for personalized tonalities
CONS
- Battery life drops to 7 hours from 8 hours on the Gryphon
Design
The GR 2 joins iFi Audio's portable lineup with a familiar, yet distinctive look. It shares the body style of the first-generation Gryphon–small with round edges and grooved detailing–but enhances it with a new finish, longer display screen, and overall larger size. The GR 2 is almost an inch longer than the Gryphon and just a smidge slimmer in width and a tad taller, making it easier to hold in one hand or slide into your back pocket.
iFi Audio has swapped out the signature silver finish for a bold charcoal grey, which, in my opinion, is an excellent choice. Silver is safe and black is boring, but charcoal grey is not–at least that's what I'm calling it. It's cool-toned yet rich, and it's got this subtle blue undertone that tricks the eyes. Is it black? Is it gray? Is it blue? Who knows. This new finish creates a harmonious balance between the black display screen and matte black bottom panel.
And if you're looking closely, you might notice some additional tweaks to the chassis. The straight edge connecting the top panel and the front has been upgraded to a beveled edge, making for a smaller front panel. The power/volume wheel is smaller with the same grooved detailing as the overall chassis, and the Hi-Res Audio plaque has been removed from the top. They've cleaned up the back panel, removing the bass presence switch on the OG Gryphon, and opted for black lettering over white.
Aside from its striking new finish and subtle physical tweaks, the GR 2 stands out with its new capacitive touchscreen OLED display. Yes, I know, that was a mouthful. Not only is it larger than before and no longer sporting a mirrored reflection, but it's also colored and a touchscreen!
If you're familiar with how the first-generation Gryphon works, then navigating the GR 2 will be like riding a bike. On the Gryphon, the functionality was rudimentary. You used the large round power button to turn the unit on and off, cycled through inputs and outputs via the button on the control panel, and accessed settings through a series of short and long presses via another physical button. The hardest part was having the patience and eyesight to navigate through the options and read them on the tiny display screen.
Despite the Gryphon being only 5 years old, the technology feels ancient compared to the GR 2. Powering the GR 2 is the same, but instead of using physical buttons to cycle through inputs and outputs, the luxurious touchscreen does the heavy lifting. It's never been easier to change inputs, access settings, enable sonic filters, and mute/unmute the volume–all available from the main menu display. No more Morse code sequences of short press, long press, and short again here! Just smooth sailing from the jump.
It's a natural next step for the hi-fi manufacturer, but this feels like a leap and bound for audiophiles. I'm 27, and I have nearly perfect eyesight. Navigating a tiny display screen isn't difficult, but it's certainly not enjoyable for long periods of time.
And while the footprint of the GR 2 might be small, it's not strictly limited to portable listening. USB, Bluetooth, S/PDIF via coaxial and optical, and dedicated line inputs give you all the flexibility to use the GR 2 in various settings, be it connected to a computer via USB, a small desktop system, or larger 2-channel setup. When it comes time to listen to music with your favorite headphones and IEMs, you've got a few options. The GR 2 comes equipped with two headphone jacks, a balanced 4.4mm and single-ended 3.5mm, plus Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless for wireless listening. When using Bluetooth, the GR 2 preserves full detail at CD-quality, 44.1kHz playback, and supports LDAC with bitrates of up to 990kbps.
The GR 2 is fully compatible with the iFi Nexis app, available on Android and Apple iOS devices. This is where you'll access advanced settings for additional personalization and enable over-the-air firmware updates that add refinements, features, and improvements.
With a full charge, you'll get roughly seven hours of playback, which is an hour less than the Gryphon, but iFi implemented some neat tech to combat that. The GR 2 introduces a new hybrid power mode that, when connected to an external power supply, prioritizes mains power first. If extra power is needed, it'll then draw from the battery, and automatically returns to external power once the demand drops.
Overall, the design improvements of the GR 2 make for a seamless user experience from start to finish. It comes with two USB Cables–one USB-A to USB-C and one USB-C to USB-C–a protective bag, a quick start guide, and an instruction card. Everything you need to get started and nothing that you won't use.
Sound
Listening at my desk, I connected the iDSD GR 2 to my computer via a USB-C to USB-C Cable, plugged in the Campfire Audio Chimera IEMs using our Silver Dragon IEM Cable, and logged into Qobuz. From my years of testing iFi Audio gear, I'm quite familiar with their most notable spatial enhancements, XBass and XSpace, as well as K2/K2HD–their newest addition. They're great features for those who own gear with different tonalities and listen to many genres. I tend to hop all over the spectrum: hip-hop, pop, indie, psychedelic EDM, etc., so for me it's a huge perk.
The Chimera has a dynamic, engaging sound quality but lacks some of the low-end rumble I enjoy, which the XBass setting makes up for. It took the Chimera's textured, punchy bass response and added substantial weight to the sub-bass. The overall presentation became fuller and deeper. Hip-hop tracks from Don Toliver were more impactful. The sub-bass was beefy and visceral, while the mid-bass had just enough slam and energy to resemble what a live concert with crazy good subwoofers would be like.
XBass and I have a soul tie, and it was very difficult to part from it when it came time to test the other enhancements. Where XBass adds low-end extension and visceral bass, XSpace expands the soundstage, recreating the dimensional quality of a live performance. It's perfect for tracks that sound congested or lack top-end resolution and articulation. While I personally prefer XBass, XSpace has its place in my listening experience, and that's when Frank Sinatra, ABBA, or Enya is playing.
In recent years, I've grown quite fond of Reggae–all shapes and forms. The only downside is how hard it is to decipher what some of these artists are saying. With XSpace enabled, the congested midrange where vocals and instruments collided became wider. More space for instruments to breathe and fine details to emerge beautifully.
But the great thing about all of this is that you don't have to choose one or the other. You can have your cake and eat it too. Enable both at the same time. Turn one off. Turn both off. With the tap of a finger, you can customize your listening experience to suit each new track.
K2HD is a newer technology that iFi Audio has been incorporating in its latest products, and for a while, I didn't get the hype. Maybe because I was too infatuated with XBass, but after testing it out on the GR 2, I can't believe I let it sit on the sidelines for so long.
K2HD is designed to restore the musicality in digital recordings that can get lost in the shuffle. It's one of those things that you might not notice is missing. You just assume that's how your music "sounds." But K2HD reintroduces those lost harmonics for a sound quality that's more vivid, deeper, and engaging. When enabling K2 mode, the difference is so subtle it's barely noticeable, but when I switched over to K2HD, frankly, I was appalled I'd been listening to "that" sound quality and calling it great. K2 mode offers similar enhancements without upsampling, but K2HD is the mac daddy.
Another Life
By SZA
(LANA (SOS Deluxe))
DAISES
By Justin Bieber
(SWAG)
2 a.m.
By Slightly Stoopid
(Chronchitis)
Tuition
By Don Toliver
(Octane)
Features
- All-new Burr Brown PCM1795 DAC chipset delivers uncompromising sonic resolution and depth
- aptX Lossless Bluetooth 5.4 codec streams CD-quality audio without data loss
- New discrete amplifier circuit with explosive dynamics and crystal-clear transparency
- Three distinct power modes, including iEMatch optimized for sensitive IEMs
- XSpace and XBass+ analogue filters for fine-tuning your personal soundstage
- JVCKENWOOD K2 and K2HD technology for harmonic restoration of digital audio
- Vibrant OLED display with capacitive touch controls for intuitive on-the-go operation
- iFi Nexis app (Android) compatibility for firmware updates and expanded settings
- 4,900mAh battery with Battery Health and Hybrid power modes to preserve long-term lifespan
PCM1795: Pure Conversion Magic: The GR 2 stands out as iFi Audio's first product to feature the Burr-Brown PCM1795 DAC chipset. This chipset delivers a warm, analog character to the overall sound quality, but elevates it wth true 32-bit resolution, lower distortion, and greater dynamic range. As a current-output DAC, it gives iFi Audio complete freedom to engineer a bespoke analog output stage, so they can extract the very best from the chipset.
Headphone Amplification: If there's one thing an iFi Audio product never lacks, it's power. They've mastered the art of squeezing powerful amplification into compact, portable devices, and the GR 2 is the perfect example. The iDSD GR 2 delivers up to 50% more headphone drive than the previous generation Gryphon, giving it the headroom to handle more demanding loads with ease. The sonic results are evident: bass stays composed, transients remain defined, and dynamics open up more freely, even with harder-to-drive headphones.
The GR 2 introduces a new hybrid power mode that intelligently balances external power and battery operation. When connected to an external power supply, say a USB-C cable connected to your laptop, the GR 2 will prioritize mains power first, and if extra power is needed, it then draws from the battery and automatically returns to external power once demand drops. That means you can leave the GR 2 plugged in for longer listening sessions without constantly cycling the battery.
JVCKENWOOD K2HD: The GR 2 incorporates a newer technology featured in several of iFi Audio's latest products, JVCKENWOOD K2HD. Digital recordings can often lose the warmth and natural richness of the original performance, leaving music feeling flat or clinical, which is the opposite of what we audiophiles are chasing. K2HD restores the depth, tone, and musicality of a recording, reintroducing subtle harmonic detail to bring recordings closer to their original intent.
The result is a more natural, engaging listening experience, with digital playback that feels less processed and more connected to the emotion of the performance. It's a feature that can be turned on and off as you please, with a K2HD and K2 mode available. For those who prefer a lighter touch, K2 mode offers similar enhancement without upsampling.
Comparison to the iFi xDSD Gryphon
While the GR 2 sports a different name from the first-generation xDSD Gryphon Headphone Amp DAC, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to deduce that this is the next evolution of the renowned portable DAC Amp. Regardless of how or why the GR 2 received its new name, it embodies what made the Gryphon a cult classic while ushering in a new generation of technology, features, and aesthetics.
In the design section, I touched on some of the physical differences between the iDSD GR 2 and Gryphon, being the finish color, addition of the touchscreen, redesigned volume wheel, and inputs and outputs. The biggest difference between the two models lies in their core architecture. The GR 2 uses a fully redesigned signal path with a Burr-Brown PCM1795 DAC chipset, while the Gryphon features a Burr-Brown "Multibit" DAC. This upgraded architecture means lowered measured distortion–down to 0.0005% via the line outputs–and an overall cleaner, more resolving tonality. It's still distinctly Burr-Brown, but it's just better.
The GR 2 has significantly more power than the Gryphon, delivering better headroom for planar magnetic headphones, improved dynamics, and more control at higher volumes. It's fully balanced from DAC to preamp to headphone amp, and the integration of Class A op-amps delivers more consistent performance and cleaner transient response. Other incremental upgrades include Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless support, iEMatch integrated directly into the unit, and K2/K2HD Technology for harmonic restoration.
Should I Upgrade from the Gryphon to the GR 2?
Look, if you're asking me whether it's worth upgrading from the Gryphon to the GR 2, the first thing I'm going to say is this: If you're even questioning it, then you probably already know the answer–it's a yes. But if you want the facts, here they are: every year, hi-fi technology advances. The latest and greatest DAC chip is suddenly replaced by a better, more advanced one, and manufacturers find new ways to pack more features and tech into smaller units.
For the audiophile who uses the same headphones daily and doesn't plan on upgrading anytime soon, then maybe the GR 2's new features and tech upgrades aren't worth it to you. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right? But, for the listener who finds joy in upgrading, swapping, and testing out new gear, then it feels like a no-brainer.
Much like Apple iPhones, with each new generation, the previous ones become more and more obsolete. The Gryphon might be getting the job done now, but what about in 5 years? 10 years from now, when your headphones demand more power or those firmware updates stop coming out. This isn't just a new finish color on a retrofitted chassis with a touchscreen. These are major improvements in performance, amplification, features, and overall user experience that make a big difference in the grand scheme of things.
And if you're not a Gryphon user, but you're still considering an upgrade from your current DAC Amp, analyze your current setup, assess your needs, and see if the GR 2 fills them. Don't go backward and get the Gryphon because it feels like a safe option. Take the leap, make the upgrade. Your headphones and your ears will thank you.
xDSD Gryphon DAC/Amp
Inputs: Wireless Bluetooth 5.1, USB-C, S/PDIF coax, Balanced 4.4mm, Single-ended 3.5mm
Outputs: Headphone Section (Balanced 4.4mm, Single-Ended 3.5mm), Line Section (Balanced, S-Bal)
Balanced Power @ 32 ohms: 1000 mW
Balanced max voltage: 6.7V
Single-Ended Power @ 32 ohms: 320 mW
Output Impedance: Headphone section (Balanced: <1 ohms, Single-Ended: <1 ohms)
Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1
Top Codec: aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX, LDAC, LHDC, AAC, SBC
Max PCM: 768kHz
DSD Support: DSD512
DAC Chip: Burr-Brown MultiBit
Battery Life: Up to 8 hours
Dimensions: 123 x 75 x 19mm
Weight: 215g
iDSD GR 2 DAC/Amp
Inputs: Wireless Bluetooth 5.4, Balanced 4.4mm, Single-Ended 3.5mm, USB-C, S/PDIF (optical/coaxial)
Outputs: Balanced 4.4mm, Single-Ended 3.5mm
Balanced Power @ 32 ohms: 1513 mW
Balanced max voltage: 6.94V
Single-Ended Power @ 32 ohms: 567 mW
Output Impedance: ≤0.4Ω; ≤4.5Ω with iEMatch (Bal), ≤0.2Ω; ≤4.4Ω with iEMatch (S-Bal)
Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.4
Top Codec: aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX, LDAC, LHDC, AAC, SBC
Max PCM: 768kHz
DSD Support: DSD512
DAC Chip: Burr-Brown PCM1795
Battery Life: About 7 hours
Dimensions: 141 x 75 x 19mm
Weight: 268g
Dragon Cables
[Silver Dragon USB Cable, Black Dragon USB Cable]
There are a lot of reasons why you need to make sure your audio cables are not afterthoughts.
Our HiFi Audio Dragon Cables bring out more of what you love in your music and audio gear. If you love your headphones but wish they had a bit more top-end sparkle - a Silver Dragon Headphone Cable would be a great option. If your USB cables keep dying - as many stock cables do - then check out our quality USB Audio Cables. We say time and time again that materials matter, and our audio cables and custom geometries actually help to bring out those desired properties in your gear and music. We make tons of custom options for our customers so that you can get the right HiFi Audio cable for your exact needs. If you have any questions feel free to Contact Us and we'll be more than happy to help.
Verdict
At the end of the day, the GR 2 isn't just a follow-up to the Gryphon — it's a generational leap. iFi Audio took everything that made the Gryphon a cult favorite and rebuilt it from the ground up: a more resolving DAC architecture, dramatically more amplification headroom, an intuitive touchscreen that finally makes portable hi-fi navigation feel modern, and wireless performance that no longer asks you to leave quality at the door. Add in the K2HD harmonic restoration, a sophisticated new finish color, and app-based control via iFi Nexis, and you have a device that feels genuinely ahead of the curve.
Is it perfect? The battery life dips slightly from its predecessor, but for the audiophile who wants a single portable device that handles everything without sacrificing fidelity at any stage, the GR 2 delivers on all fronts.
Whether you're coming from the Gryphon, upgrading from another portable source, or jumping into iFi Audio for the first time, the GR 2 is designed to meet you where you are and take your listening further than you thought portable could go. It's the most versatile, powerful, and thoughtfully designed portable device iFi Audio has ever made. Pair it with one of our Dragon USB Cables like the Black Dragon USB Cable, and you've got a high-quality unit designed for stable transmission regardless of whether you're using your smartphone, a tablet, laptop, or computer. If you're on the fence, step off it.
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What's in the Box
- iFi Audio iDSD GR 2 DAC Headphone Amplifier
- USB-A to USB-C Cable
- USB-C to USB-C Cable
- Protective Bag
- Quick Start Guide
- Instruction Card
Specifications
Hi-Res Support: PCM 768kHz; DSD512
Bluetooth Codecs: aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC, SBC
DAC Chipset: Burr Brown PCM1795
Digital Inputs: 1x USB-C; 1x S/PDIF (optical/coaxial); Bluetooth 5.4
Analogue Inputs & Outputs: 1 x Balanced 4.4mm, 1 x Single-Ended 3.5mm
Headphone Outputs: 1 x Balanced 4.4mm; 1 x S-Balanced 3.5mm
Output Power (RMS): 6.94V/1,513mW @ 32Ω; 8.60V/119mW @ 600Ω (Bal), 4.26V/567mW @ 32Ω; 4.27V/30mW @ 600Ω (S-Bal)
Output Impedance: ≤0.4Ω; ≤4.5Ω with iEMatch (Bal), ≤0.2Ω; ≤4.4Ω with iEMatch (S-Bal)
SNR & DNR: 115dBA (all outputs)
THD+N: 0.006% @ 16Ω (headphone outputs), 0.0005% @ 0dBFS (line outputs)
Battery: Lithium-Polymer 4,900mAh; ~7h battery life
Power Requirements: 5V/>1.8A via USB-C; ~3.5h charging time
Dimensions: 141 x 75 x 19mm (5.55 x 2.95 x 0.75”)
Net Weight: 268g (0.59lbs)
Limited Warranty: 12 months*; 24 months in EU
