iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon - High Performance Burr Brown DAC/AMP

Introducing the iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon, a mythical blend of high-resolution digital performance and powerful analog amplification in a sleek, portable DAC/amp. At its core lies a Burr-Brown MultiBit DAC stage paired with the PureWave amplifier section, delivering a formidable 1,000mW output—ready to power demanding headphones with finesse and authority. The Gryphon is meticulously engineered to deliver audiophile-grade sound whether you're using Bluetooth, USB, or S/PDIF.

Connectivity is at the heart of the Gryphon. It separates Bluetooth, DAC, and amp stages for optimal signal integrity, supporting USB and S/PDIF digital inputs, as well as analog 3.5mm and 4.4mm inputs. Bluetooth 5.1 support includes every major codec—from aptX Adaptive to LDAC and AAC—ensuring a seamless wireless experience. Enhanced by features like iEMatch for sensitive IEMs, XBass II and XSpace for sonic customization, and a precision OLED display with CyberSync OS, the Gryphon redefines what’s possible in portable audio.

iFi Audio xDSD vs xDSD Gryphon

Design & Build

• xDSD: Compact and lightweight (127g) with a glossy magnesium-aluminum chassis. Minimalist look, but prone to fingerprint smudging.
• xDSD Gryphon: Slightly larger and heavier (215g) with a ribbed aluminum body. Includes an OLED display for better usability and feedback.

DAC & Processing

• xDSD: Uses Burr-Brown DSD1793 DAC, supports PCM up to 768kHz, DSD512, and MQA rendering.
• xDSD Gryphon: Features a Burr-Brown MultiBit DAC with 16-core XMOS processor. Supports PCM 768kHz, DSD512, DXD, and full MQA decoding.

Amplification & Output Power

• xDSD: Outputs up to 500mW at 16Ω via 3.5mm S-Balanced connection.
• xDSD Gryphon: Offers up to 1000mW at 32Ω via 4.4mm balanced output. Can drive high-impedance headphones more easily.

Connectivity

xDSD:

• Inputs: USB, S/PDIF (coaxial/optical), Bluetooth (aptX, AAC).
• Outputs: 3.5mm S-Balanced headphone output.

xDSD Gryphon:

• Inputs: USB-C, S/PDIF, Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, LDAC, HWA/LHDC, AAC, SBC).
• Outputs: 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm S-Balanced headphone outputs.

Features

• xDSD: Includes analog signal enhancement with XBass and 3D+ modes. Volume indicated via color-coded LEDs.
• xDSD Gryphon: Adds XBass II, XSpace, iEMatch for sensitive IEMs, and a rotary knob for volume control. OLED display provides detailed feedback.

Battery Life

• xDSD: Approx. 6–8 hours via 2200mAh battery.
• xDSD Gryphon: Up to 8 hours playback with a 1900mAh battery, despite greater processing power.

Summary

The xDSD Gryphon is a significant upgrade over the original xDSD, offering better DAC performance, stronger amplification, more versatile connectivity, and an improved user interface. While the xDSD remains a capable unit for basic audiophile needs, the Gryphon is better suited for users with demanding headphones and a desire for more advanced features in a portable setup.

Specifications

• DAC Chipset: Hybrid Burr-Brown DAC
• Supported Formats: PCM, DSD, DXD, MQA
• Bluetooth Version: 5.1 with aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, LDAC, AAC, SBC, HWA/LHDC
• Digital Inputs: USB, S/PDIF (optical/coaxial combo)
• Analog Inputs: 3.5mm SE, 4.4mm balanced
• Headphone Outputs: 4.4mm balanced, 3.5mm S-Balanced
• Output Power: Up to 1,000mW @ 32 ohms
• Sound Enhancements: XBass II, XSpace, iEMatch
• OLED Display: Yes, with CyberSync
• Digital Filters: Bit-Perfect, Standard, GTO (Gibbs Transient Optimized)
• Features: Global Master Clock, OLED Display, Customizable Filters
• Build: Compact aluminum chassis

Key Features List

• High-Power Output: The Gryphon delivers up to 1,000mW at 32 ohms, making it suitable for both high-impedance headphones and power-hungry audiophile gear.
• Flagship Burr-Brown DAC: With the same chipset found in iFi's top-tier Pro iDSD Signature, it supports every major audio format with precise conversion and rich tonal balance.
• Ultimate Wireless Compatibility: Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity includes aptX Adaptive, LDAC, AAC, and more, ensuring near-lossless audio streaming from any device.
• All-Around Connectivity: Use USB or S/PDIF for digital sources or connect via 3.5mm and 4.4mm analog inputs—ideal for turntables or other analog gear.
• Custom Sound Options: Enhance your experience with XBass II for low-end presence and XSpace to widen your audio soundstage.
• User-Centric Interface: An OLED display and CyberSync OS provide volume and source control without introducing audio noise, offering a clean and intuitive user experience.

Q&A Section

Q: What audio formats does the xDSD Gryphon support?
A: It supports PCM, DSD, DXD, and MQA formats for both wired and wireless playback.

Q: How powerful is the amplifier?
A: The Gryphon delivers up to 1,000mW of output power at 32 ohms, sufficient for most high-impedance and planar headphones.

Q: Can I use it with my smartphone via Bluetooth?
A: Yes, it supports Bluetooth 5.1 with all major codecs including LDAC, aptX HD, and AAC for high-quality streaming.

Q: Does it support analog sources?
A: Yes, the Gryphon accepts analog input via 3.5mm and 4.4mm jacks.

Q: What is iEMatch and why is it useful?
A: iEMatch reduces hiss when using high-sensitivity IEMs, preserving the full dynamic range of your audio.

Q: What digital filters does it include?
A: You can choose between Bit-Perfect, Standard, and GTO filters to tailor sound presentation.

Q: Is the display visible in bright light?
A: The OLED display is clear and readable, showing volume, input, and status with minimal power draw.

Q: Is this device truly portable?
A: Absolutely. The Gryphon is compact, lightweight, and battery-powered, ideal for portable high-end audio.

iFi Audio XDSD Gryphon User Manual