I tested iFi’s new DAC/amp and it’s a masterpiece, with impressive portable power, stellar sound quality, a fountain of features, and an intuitive OLED display

iFi iDSD GR 2: one-minute review With the iFi iDSD GR 2, a seemingly arduous task was at hand.

British hi-fi brand iFi had to produce a portable DAC/amp that could improve on the spectacular xDSD Gryphon, which we handed a rave five-star review.

But boy, did they pull it off.

The iDSD GR 2 provides upgrades that feel meaningful, practical, and tangible.

It delivers around 50% more amplification power than its predecessor, making it easier to drive more demanding headphones, all while providing enhanced dynamic range and lower distortion.

What’s more, it adds K2HD tech, licensed from JVC Kenwood, which helps to restore warmth and musicality that digital recordings sometimes lose.

Oh, and it fixes our only major gripe with its predecessor, by adding a vivid OLED touchscreen display, making it feel intuitive and easy to use when switching sources, toggling XBass and XSpace processing, or accessing settings.

As a result, it easily competes with the best headphone DACs that money can buy.

It's a fantastic performer, delivering articulate, layered, and balanced sound.

I paired the DAC/amp with the Astell & Kern A&ultima SP4000 music player and a range of headphones/IEMs, including the Sennheiser HD 600, and the results blew me away.

The GR 2 supplied intricate instrument separation, punchy bass, phenomenal mid-range clarity, and expressive treble, making for a captivating listen, no matter what genre I threw at it.

What’s more, the DAC/amp has higher battery capacity (4,900mAh) with adaptive power, meaning I could indulge in long listening sessions without interruption.

Combine that with a neat companion app, numerous connectivity modes, and a lightweight feel, and the GR 2 is the ideal device for audiophiles to carry while on the move.

At launch, the iFi iDSD GR 2 is cheaper than its predecessor was at the point of release, despite making a whole host of improvements.