The Story Behind ListenUp Becoming an iFi Audio Elite Dealer

In 2021, Portable Hi-Fi Was Taking Over

In 2021, Ecommerce Brand Manager Dylan Crane began noticing the explosive growth of portable audio within the hi-fi space. Headphone listening, mobile DACs, and compact desktop systems were no longer niche categories—they were becoming central to modern high-fidelity audio. The question wasn’t whether ListenUp should lean into portable audio; it was which brand was truly leading the charge.

Discovering iFi Audio

Rather than relying solely on distributor pitches or industry assumptions, Dylan went straight to the source: the audio community.

“I simply did a Reddit poll comparing iFi to other brands and the results were significantly greater for iFi than their competitors. I knew from there we needed to start carrying iFi.”

The response was overwhelming. Audiophiles consistently praised iFi Audio for its performance-to-price value, innovative portable DAC/amps, clean power solutions, thoughtful engineering, and strong community loyalty. It was clear that iFi wasn’t just another audio manufacturer—it was a brand people genuinely trusted.

The Rise of the Hip-Dac

Around that same time, the original blue hip-dac was nearing the end of its run and the orange version was on the horizon. Almost immediately, we saw how popular portable DACs had become.

The hip-dac helped prove that serious hi-fi sound didn’t need to be confined to a traditional rack system. With true high-resolution decoding, strong headphone amplification, and a compact, travel-friendly design, it delivered a clear upgrade over built-in phone or laptop audio. Demand was strong from day one, and it only grew.

Expanding Into the iFi Ecosystem

What began with portable DACs quickly expanded into a much broader relationship. From the hip-dac, We dove deeper into the iFi lineup, bringing in the Zen Series for high-performance desktop listening, SilentPower products like the PowerStation designed to reduce noise and improve system performance, and the Pro Series for customers seeking flagship-level DAC, amplification, and streaming solutions.

Each category reinforced the same theme: iFi Audio consistently overdelivers.

Becoming an Elite iFi Dealer

By the end of 2024, ListenUp had officially became an Elite iFi Audio Dealer.

This milestone represents more than sales volume, it reflects deep product knowledge, in-store demonstrations across locations, a commitment to carrying the full product lineup, and strong alignment between our teams. Today, ListenUp carries every product iFi manufactures—from entry-level portable DACs to flagship reference components.

Showcasing iFi at CanJam SoCal 2025

In 2025, we attended and hosted alongside iFi Audio at CanJam SoCal, one of the premier headphone and personal audio events in the country. At CanJam we showcased along other great brands such as Campfire Audio, Technics, Audeze, & Meze Audio. 

The Phantom

We were proud to be among the first dealers to showcase the iDSD Phantom — iFi’s flagship DAC, streamer, amplifier, and preamplifier all in one statement component with iFi's Marketing Manager Ricardo Anton.

The response at the show confirmed what we’ve seen since 2021: iFi continues to lead innovation in personal and desktop hi-fi.

Experience iFi at ListenUp

Today, iFi Audio demos are available in all our locations, with products spanning everything from SilentPower solutions to next-level DAC/amp designs. You’ll find demos on display featuring products like the SilentPower PowerStation, Zen Series components, Neo iDSD 3, Supernova Power Cables, iDSD Valkyrie, and the flagship iDSD Phantom.

Whether you’re building a reference two-channel system, upgrading your desktop listening setup, or searching for the right portable DAC, iFi offers a solution—and ListenUp has it ready to audition.

Salesman Nathan Calhoun in our Colorado Springs store had this to say about iFi, “I've enjoyed the flexibility iFi products have. They're able to power a wide range of headphone designs and offer the ability to customize the sound to my preferences.”

A Partnership Built on Community

The partnership between iFi Audio and ListenUp didn’t start in a boardroom. It started with listening to the community. By paying attention to what audiophiles actually wanted, we aligned with a brand that shares our philosophy: deliver serious performance, embrace innovation, and make high-end audio more accessible.

From a Reddit poll in 2021 to Elite Dealer status in 2024 and beyond, iFi Audio has become a cornerstone brand at ListenUp—and we’re just getting started.

Explore the full iFi lineup, visit a ListenUp showroom, or chat with our team to find the right iFi solution for your system.