iFi Audio iDSD GR 2 Portable DAC, Preamp, and Headphone Amp
Experience high-resolution portable audio with the iFi Audio iDSD GR 2, a powerful DAC, preamp, and headphone amplifier built for serious listening anywhere. Designed as the next evolution of one of iFi’s most popular portable DACs, the iDSD GR 2 features a Burr-Brown PCM1795 DAC chipset, Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless and LDAC, and up to 1,513mW RMS output at 32 ohms for confident headphone drive. Its OLED capacitive touchscreen makes settings fast and intuitive, while JVCKENWOOD K2 and K2HD technology helps restore depth, tone, and musicality to digital playback. With USB-C, S/PDIF optical/coaxial, Bluetooth, balanced 4.4mm, and single-ended 3.5mm connectivity, this compact iFi portable DAC amp adapts easily to desktop systems, travel setups, high-end headphones, and everyday music listening.
Specifications
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Product Type: Portable DAC, preamp, and headphone amplifier
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Model: iDSD GR 2
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Hi-Res Support: PCM 768kHz; DSD512
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Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.4
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Bluetooth Codecs: aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC, SBC
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DAC Chipset: Burr-Brown PCM1795
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Digital Inputs: 1 x USB-C; 1 x S/PDIF optical/coaxial; Bluetooth 5.4
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Analogue Inputs and Outputs: 1 x Balanced 4.4mm; 1 x Single-Ended 3.5mm
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Headphone Outputs: 1 x Balanced 4.4mm; 1 x S-Balanced 3.5mm
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Balanced Output Power RMS: 6.94V/1,513mW @ 32Ω; 8.60V/119mW @ 600Ω
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S-Balanced Output Power RMS: 4.26V/567mW @ 32Ω; 4.27V/30mW @ 600Ω
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Balanced Output Impedance: ≤0.4Ω; ≤4.5Ω with iEMatch
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S-Balanced Output Impedance: ≤0.2Ω; ≤4.4Ω with iEMatch
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SNR and DNR: 115dBA across all outputs
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THD+N Headphone Outputs: 0.006% @ 16Ω
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THD+N Line Outputs: 0.0005% @ 0dBFS
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Battery: Lithium-polymer 4,900mAh
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Battery Life: Approximately 7 hours
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Power Requirements: 5V / >1.8A via USB-C
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Charging Time: Approximately 3.5 hours
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Power Modes: Battery mode, hybrid power mode, and desktop mode that bypasses the internal battery
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Display: OLED display with capacitive touchscreen
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Audio Enhancement: JVCKENWOOD K2 and K2HD technology
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App Compatibility: iFi Nexis app for advanced settings and over-the-air updates
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Connections: 3.5mm S-Balanced headphone out, 4.4mm balanced headphone out, USB-C 5V DC power input, USB-C data input, S/PDIF coaxial and optical input, 4.4mm balanced line in/out, 3.5mm single-ended line in/out
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Dimensions: 141 x 75 x 19mm / 5.55 x 2.95 x 0.75 inches
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Net Weight: 268g / 0.59lbs
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Limited Warranty: 12 months; 24 months in the EU
What It's Great At
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Powerful Portable Listening: Drives demanding headphones with up to 1,513mW RMS at 32Ω from the balanced output.
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High-Resolution Audio Playback: Supports PCM up to 768kHz and DSD512 for detailed, audiophile-grade digital playback.
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Lossless Wireless Audio: Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless and LDAC delivers premium wireless performance without sacrificing convenience.
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Flexible System Integration: Works as a portable headphone amp, DAC, preamp, Bluetooth DAC, or compact hub for digital and analogue sources.
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Intuitive Everyday Control: The OLED capacitive touchscreen puts key settings directly at your fingertips.
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Longer Listening Sessions: Hybrid and desktop power modes help reduce unnecessary battery cycling when connected to external power.
Expanded Key Features List
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Burr-Brown PCM1795 DAC: Delivers iFi’s signature warm, analogue-inspired sound with true 32-bit resolution, lower distortion, and wider dynamic range.
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1,513mW RMS Balanced Output: Provides serious headphone-driving power with added headroom for demanding loads, cleaner dynamics, and tighter bass control.
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OLED Capacitive Touchscreen: Makes everyday adjustments faster and clearer by placing core settings on a responsive color interface.
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K2 and K2HD Technology: Restores harmonic detail, depth, tone, and musicality to digital recordings for a more natural listening experience.
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Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless: Enables CD-quality wireless playback at 44.1kHz/16-bit, with LDAC support up to 990kbps for high-bitrate streaming.
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Hybrid Power Management: Prioritizes external power when plugged in and draws from the battery only when needed to help preserve battery lifespan.
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Desktop Mode: Bypasses the internal battery for stable long-session use in a desktop audio setup.
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Versatile Digital Inputs: Connect USB-C, S/PDIF optical/coaxial, and Bluetooth sources for compatibility with phones, computers, streamers, and legacy gear.
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Balanced and Single-Ended Connectivity: Includes 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm S-Balanced headphone outputs plus 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm single-ended line in/out options.
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iFi Nexis App Compatibility: Unlocks advanced settings, personalization, and over-the-air updates so the iDSD GR 2 can continue evolving over time.
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iEMatch Integration: Helps optimize output for sensitive earphones by reducing hiss and improving usable volume control.
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Compact Portable Design: Packs advanced DAC, preamp, Bluetooth, and headphone amp functionality into a slim 268g chassis.
FAQ Section
Q: What is the iFi Audio iDSD GR 2 designed for?
A: The iDSD GR 2 is designed for high-quality portable and desktop listening, combining a DAC, preamp, Bluetooth receiver, and headphone amplifier in one compact device.
Q: Which DAC chip does the iDSD GR 2 use?
A: It uses the Burr-Brown PCM1795 DAC chipset, chosen for its 32-bit resolution, low distortion, wide dynamic range, and natural analogue-style sound.
Q: How much headphone power does the iDSD GR 2 provide?
A: The balanced output delivers up to 6.94V/1,513mW RMS at 32Ω, giving it strong drive capability for more demanding headphones.
Q: Does the iDSD GR 2 support lossless Bluetooth?
A: Yes, it supports Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless for CD-quality 44.1kHz/16-bit wireless playback, along with LDAC, aptX Adaptive, LHDC/HWA, AAC, and SBC.
Q: What high-resolution formats are supported?
A: The iDSD GR 2 supports PCM playback up to 768kHz and DSD512 for high-resolution digital audio listening.
Q: What is K2HD technology?
A: K2HD technology helps restore harmonic detail, depth, and musicality that can be reduced in digital recordings, creating a more natural and engaging sound.
Q: Can I use the iDSD GR 2 as part of a desktop audio system?
A: Yes, it includes desktop-friendly connectivity and a desktop mode that bypasses the internal battery for long listening sessions while connected to external power.
Q: What inputs and outputs are included?
A: It includes USB-C data, USB-C power, S/PDIF optical/coaxial, Bluetooth 5.4, 4.4mm balanced headphone output, 3.5mm S-Balanced headphone output, 4.4mm balanced line in/out, and 3.5mm single-ended line in/out.
