![]() ![]() Battery life SHOULD get you through a workday fairly easily, unless you play continuously then expect 8 hours. Plus, the 400mW is nothing to sneeze at, and drove most of my IEM’s/headphones well enough to enjoy. Just like the other portable ifi’s as noted above. LED’s on either side of the volume knob show what audio format is playing, too. Plus, based upon the specs, which include the Burr Brown DSD1793 chip you have a starting point equivalent or almost to the xDSD. With the ability to play up to DSD256 (even on a Mac, with the right driver according to Audiofools) and PCM/DXD384 as well as MQA, the little ifi can provide for quality music. The proverbial blue ifi can be used either way or as a bridge to another USB-A.Īs stated above, each port has a singular use, and that’s all right to me, especially since they include the more common USB-C for source connectivity. Speaking of connectivity, you get the two cables with which to use. I would suggest something other than your hand, especially since the included USB-A to USB-C may not allow the paired unit to sit in the same orientation (see photo of DTR1/hip). Or if this will be a semi-permanent thing, Velcro. ![]() No straps are included, so you will have to grab one or two from your stash. There is enough “roughness” for a good tactile feel, so the critter should not slip out of your hand either. Either side of the volume knob, u-shaped LED lights show the audio format in use. ![]() Connections are solid and no problem there, as well. The volume knob does function smoothly and without too much effort. Pads on the bottom would alleviate this problem. So be it, but in the long run that may cause a problem if the item is knocked about. Small rubber pads would have been appreciated, but most likely, the hip will be tethered to a Smartphone, which should be in a case.Īll buttons and the knob function without trouble, but I too note that the volume knob is slightly off-center and will touch a surface when laid with the “ifi” logo face up. I do believe the finish may be tougher in day to day use as well. The anodized turquoise-blue finish is tough, and much less prone to smudges than the chromed xDSD/xCAN. A small LED under the charge port shows the relative amount of battery left, like other ifi devices, by color. On the back of the back of the unit, there are two ports: a USB-C for data, and a USB-A for charging only. Under the frame are the other two cables, which are included. Underneath the hip-dac is the proverbial blue ifi cable. The box is small, with a paperboard frame of recycled material, which supports the hip-dac. ![]() This will be quick, since others have noted this section. I have in fact purchased a couple of items as a direct result. I also thank ifi for continuing to run tours with their wares. The unit belongs to ifi and will be returned to them at the end of the tour. This review will be unbiased (it really will), and the unit will be sent to the next person on the list. I thank Lawrance for the opportunity and support. The hip-dac was sent to me as part of the North American part of the ifi tour. Regardless of how you want to look at that, I do believe this gives me the position to be more critical (when warranted) than others because I have so much experience with the brand. Or maybe, I just like the way iFi products sound and perform. Do you see where this is going? I could be considered a fanboy. I’ve also reviewed the Pro iCAN and xCAN, but do not own them. The stack was my first “foray” into an upper-end DAC/Amp set-up. I own the xDSD, Pro iDSD and the iTubes2/iDAC2/micro iDSD Black Label stack. Discreet, intelligent, cunning, kicks, beautiful, understated, timely, trim. ![]()
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