iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon Portable to Desktop DAC/AMP; Worthy of Price? Honest Audiophile Impressions
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- Опубліковано 24 лип 2024
- A BIG thank you to iFi Audio for providing the xDSD Gryphon for review, greatly appreciated. Is the hefty price of the xDSD Gryphon worthy with all of the inputs, outputs, filters and options?
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Test Tracks:
Tingvall Trio “Beat” - piano tonality
Sinne Eeg “We’ve Just Begun” - multiple layer soundstage
Molly Johnson “What a Little Moonlight Can Do” - female vocal tone
Leslie Odom Jr. “Under Pressure” - male vocal tone
Eric Clapton “Change the World” - soundstage, layering and placement
Yo Yo Ma “Ecstasy of Gold” - acoustic instrument timbre
Adam Baldych “Spem in Alium” - acoustic instrument timbre
Pain of Salvation “Stress” - bass and percussion balance
Michael Buble “When I Fall in Love” - orchestral dynamics
Patricia Barber “Code Cool” - sibilance check
Christian Scott “New New Orleans” - shouty upper mids
Tool “Chocolate Chip Trip” - imaging
Hans Zimmer “Why So Serious” - sub bass extension
Marcus Miller “No Limit” - bass control
Dave Holland Quartet “Conference Of The Birds”- bass check
Ilhan Eshkeri “47 Ronin”- orchestra and bass dynamics
Hans Zimmer: “2049” - sub bass extension
Cher: “Believe” - sibilance
Stanley Clarke - “Passenger 57 main title” - percussion, bass, separation and placement
Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra - “The Pine of the Appian Way” - soundstage, imaging, separation, dynamic range
Houston Person - “You are my Sunshine” - tone and timbre
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Thank you Dave. As always, love your reviews. A Swiss army knife of a portable.
My pleasure, you're welcome.
Thank u 4 the great review as always
My pleasure, you're welcome. Thank you for watching and commenting.
Great review as always. Quick question (regarding the bluetooth connectivity on this). Can the gryphon connect & remember more than one BT source at the same time ? For 600$, looks like an overkill to me (who owns the hip dac with no regrets so far) Cheers!
I don't remember to be honest. I only used Bluetooth during review process to confirm that it worked properly.
Super bro👌
Thank you for the review on the xdsd. I'm looking at one of these for my trip, I will be flying and hope to have internet while flying to stream music to my Sennheiser HD 600 but, you mentioned these headphones struggle some.I like extremely loud with insane amount of base. Can you give me your thoughts, ideas as to what I need or if I will be ok with the headphones and this xddd? My Ranger has a 1350 watt stereo in it with a 12 inch woofer. Any input would be appreciated and I beleive you give honest, respectful opinions. Thank Rodney
The xDSD and the 600 using the 4.4 balanced out may be an acceptable option but not optimal. I am sorry I no longer have the xDSD to test this theory in person as I had to return to loaner to iFi. the xDSD Signature would for sure have enough power but isn't wireless.
Thanks!
Thanks for the kindness and the gift, much appreciated.
Dave, thanks so much for this. To use the Gryphon as a DAC with another amp (in my case a Topping A90D) which 4.4 jack would be the output? the one on front normally used for headphones or the one in the back, which I thought was just an input? thanks kindly!
To be honest I don't recall. I returned the Gryphon to iFi after review as it was a loaner.
Hi Dave, I have Mark Levison 9050 Cans, just curious if this or another one you can recommend mainly for Soft Jazz, I love Airyness and Sparkly sound. Thanks
Sorry I haven't heard the Mark Levinson 9050. Another to consider is the Fiio Q15, review coming soon.
Will this power the Arya Stealth? Also could you give a quick comparison to Mojo 2? Love your work!
Sorry haven't heard the Mojo 2.
As far as powering the Arya Stealth, yes but it isn't optimal. The Arya Stealth will sound better on a desktop amp.
For Sundara headphone would you prefer this or Diablo? I am not interested in BT. Will I miss Xbass and Xspace feature with Diablo?
Diablo would be better suited to drive the Sundara. I didn't miss xbass and xspace with the Diablo. But the Gryphon is pretty solid in powering it I remember correctly.
Thanks for your wonderful videos. I have a question. I would like to use the Gryphone as a DAC preamp to feed my Yamaha S3200. I am going to use the iFi audio 4.4mm to XLR Balanced Interconnect Cable to feed the amp xlr inputs. I gather I would go from the 4.4mm front headphone output. Is there a setting I need to change on the Gryphone? Or I just have to have the volume down on the Gryphone to have line out balanced signal?
Thanks!!
Sorry, I have no idea. You should contact iFi Audio customer service with your question as they are very knowledgeable and helpful. I had to return the Gryphon to iFi after the review.
The 3,5mm and 4.4mm ports can work as Inputs and outputs. See the Manual.
I was hoping for to only use one dac/amp for both desktop and mobile use. Would there be any issue in using the Gryphon as a semi permanent desktop amp? (Like future battery bloating and other issues.) I know the mojo 2 has a desktop mode but I can't seem to find anything (conclusive) about this with regards to the Gryphon. I tried contacting ifi directly to see if they can answer my question but they have yet to get back to me.
I have no idea how well the battery and internals would handle it. But for what it is worth, for the 60 days I had it on loan from iFi I used it most plugged in 24/7 and had no issues.
Just plugin the gryphon in your desktop via the usb data port. It will bypass the battery.
is something like this worth buying if i already have a DAP with the functionality built in? i have a fiio m15s coming on monday, this looks super sick though.
I think the Gryphon wouldn't be much use if you have something like a M15s that has a ton of power. Unless you don't like the sound of the M15s or need additional power to drive demanding gear the Gryphon is just another gadget.
Hey, does gryphon sound as good as a desktop dac/amp that is in similar if not slightly lesser price point?
Yeah it can compete with similar prices desktop DAC.
I would love to have a one of those dac
I hope you get the opportunity to own one.
@@TheHonestAudiophile just cant afford one
@@abhtv1297 understandable
@@TheHonestAudiophile if you have any extra lying around. You know where to send it 😉 but good vid
hello, I'm hesitating between the go blu and the gryphon. Is the difference in audio quality extremely significant or is it more about subtleties?
The difference is significantly improved on the Gryphon.
@@TheHonestAudiophile OK, thank U very much
@@Ve8g my pleasure, you're welcome
Another good review. Seems like a better built device than the iFi xDSD that I purchased in 2020 for $399.00. Output is certainly better but is it worth $300.00 more, in your opinion or is there a better option for the money? I agree, their Bluetooth is remarkable. I was going to try to Go blu but not after hearing about the 'drop-outs' (also, considerably less money)
It's a minute difference to the xDSD. The only difference is the adjustment in sonic filters and added xbass options. Not sure the price difference warrants an upgrade, more of a sidegrade with a slight upward tilt.Honestly don't know of any other option in the price range unless you go iDSD Signature but then your swapping options so....
@@TheHonestAudiophile It's a wonder this hobby doesn't make us all alcoholics!!! Thanks for your input; always valued. You spent my money last week but saved me a lot this week. :-)
No kidding 😂
My pleasure, you're welcome.
Hello...
Thanks for the review.
Do you think the Gryphon would make a good match with the Hifiman Edition XS?
Sorry haven't heard the Hifiman Edition XS but the Gryphon isn't the best option for planar headphones, especially ones that are somewhat power hungry.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Thanks for the reply..
My pleasure, you're welcome ❤️
@@TheHonestAudiophile how about Audeze Euclid?
Sorry haven't heard the Euclid.
I have some LCD-X. I need something like this, with Bluetooth. I do like highs. Do you feel this would work for me ? Do you have a different suggestion?
I am not sure the Gryphon would have enough power to push the LCD-X. If you were to connect the Gryphon to an external amp that would be adequate.
@@TheHonestAudiophile yeah. Leaves me in a bit of a quandary.
Do you recon it can drive a 600ohm Bayerdynamic ? Great review by the way !
No it isn't powerful enough for 600ohm headphones.
I haven't owned any 600ohm phones but, I gather those are intended mainly for use with a really powerful (2 watts or much more) desktop home amp or high power
receiver of some kind, and/or a studio solution, rack amp, desk amp, whatever or mixing desk that's capable of those type of high impedance phones. Not really
designed for portability and lower power amps. I'm told they will just sound 1000x better also, with a more powerful amp, it's not just driving them, but
about the overall quality that you'll get.
Dear Dave , I have the xCan . How exactly do I recharge it. What charger do I use. Everything I've tried doesn't work. Help !
Been a long time since I used the xCan (returned after the review as it was a loaner) but I am pretty sure it charges via USB-C 5v. You can reachout to iFi customer service via their website if you still need assistance.
@@TheHonestAudiophileThanks !
@arthurmonay3156 my pleasure, you're welcome
👍
Anyone's try the Moondrop MoonRiver 2 dingle which outputs at 4vrms via balanced using yourself portable device's battery with minimalist leaching.
Dose the Xbass works in Bluetooth mode also? Thanks
I've not heard the Gryphon since I reviewed. I think it does but I can't confirm.
I currently own BTR5, is it a good upgrade? Does it sound 3x better? Also if there is anything better Bluetooth dac amp for sound quality please let me know.
I haven't heard the BTR5 in a long time but I wasn't impressed with it, hence reason I didn't review it. The Gryphon blows the socks off the BTR5 in my honest opinion, not even close in comparison.
I ow n the BTR5 and the Gryphon and what Dave said is 100% correct “the Gryphon blows the socks off the BTR5”. Not even close.
As someone looking for a transportable DAC/Amp that can be used in a desktop setting, I wonder how quickly would being constantly plugged into a power source wear down the battery capacity. I know my laptop suffered from non-stop use quite quickly, and dropped like 60% of battery capacity after 2 years, and I'm worried this would be very much the same, and there's just no way in hell I would unplug it while not in use. I wish they added a switch similar to Xduoo, where you could run it off the USB power without constantly keeping the battery at 100% charge, as that's a horrible thing to do to a Li-Po battery.
I had the xdsd for less then a year before the battery failed. They replaced the unit but the battery failed in that one after about a year and a half. I tried to always top off the battery after use and not let the battery die. I did let the battery fully die a few times by mistake(kind of easy to do since the indicator is a tiny light on the back). I would have to use it plugged into power to use and noticed it getting very warm. I opened it and took out the swollen battery. I now run it plugged in without the battery inside.
I'm hesitant to get any battery powered DAC now. I prefer the sound of the xdsd over my Dragonfly Cobalt, but I don't see the Cobalt failing any time soon and I can get just as much play time with the device over my Iphone.
P.S.
I've also tried to find a replacement battery for the unit but wasn't successful after a moderate attempt. It would require soldering as the battery is just clipped in.
@@happyforestgump1, Soldering would be the least of my concerns, and there's no realistic way I'd ever let the battery die, but keeping it at 100% all the time is equally worrying. According to one review on Head-Fi, there seems to be some kind of smart battery-saving circuitry in the Gryphon, but I can't find any credible source of that information.
@@NatiiixLP i think the xdsd was supposed to have that as well. It would only charge to ~80% if left plugged into a desktop. There’s supposed to be a safeguard built in to keep the battery from completely discharging as well, but I’m not sure how well that works. After accidentally letting the battery die just a few times I noticed a marked decline in battery life.
I think the feature that chargers battery to 80% in desktop mode was on the idsd and not the xdsd. It may be a feature of the gryphon as well.
@@happyforestgump1, That's pretty strange, and I've never experienced anything like that with any Li-Po battery. I'm not really sure how the device could figure out if it's just being charged or if it's being used as a desktop DAC/amp. It would be stupid to only charge to 80% just because it's being charged via the data connection, and similarly, it should protect the battery even when using optical input, since that's what many people do with their desktop setup.
Helo sir, what you thinking about qudelix 5k dac/amp? I know is Bluetooth and you didn't use this often, but still you can use it on wired mode with your computer or phone. Im curious what is your opinion about.
I was loaned a 5k for a few weeks and I tried it both wired and Bluetooth.
I wasn't impressed with its sound signature as it has lean note weight, cold , bright. EQ settings were able to adjust a bit but the user interface was clunky and annoying. Needless to say, I didn't enjoy the 5k.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Thank you for answer , looks like thing to skip. Greetings
My pleasure, you're welcome.
is it better than bifrost 2? what is your best 3 dacs?
BF2 is better in my opinion but the Gryphon holds its own. My top 3 DAC would be Mytek Liberty DAC, which is my reference, the BiFrost 2 and the Matrix Element X. But there are so many solid options above and below and in between as well.
Hello, if i putchase it for my hifiman arya i do wrong or it can be a good choice?
It isn't the best option as the Arya is power hungry.
I've heard the Aryas are super power hungry phones. I would invest in a really good desktop type amp, even a HT receiver that has tons of power, would be
better.
How does this compare with the iFi Audio micro iDSD Signature or the Cayin RU6?
Sorry haven't heard the Cayin RU6.
@@TheHonestAudiophile would this pair well with the MEZE 99 Classics? I was told by an audio online store that I would not hear much improvement because of the 99classics?
Keep in mind that the Meze 99 Classic aren't the most revealing headphone so differences in source gear will be harder to hear then with more revealing gear. To answer your question, yes the Gryphon would be a good pairing for the 99 Classic, plenty of power to drive them.
how does this compare in terms of sound quality to an all in one desktop unit in the same price range (eg: topping dx7 pro)?
Sorry haven't heard the DX7 Pro.
I would take my desktop Mytek Liberty DAC over the Gryphon.
The Bluetooth acts as receiver or transmitter? Or both? And how do you compare this to zen dac v2?
@@leonardopapantoniou4227 I have the XCan and the BT is a total receiver for your phone or other devices.
Not really a fair comparison, this line of IFIs are mainly intended for portable use. They don't have the same power as the average higher power desktop amps. LIke
the XDuo tube desktop amps they've put out.
Can you use the device while it is charging? Thanks.
I honestly don't remember. Sorry
Had the gryphon, my finding is exactly how you describe the sound. I think the gryphon is shanling m3x player in a dac amp. Infact everytime l listened to the shanling l think l'm listening to the Gryphon, did many AB testing between both for two weeks straight, trying to justify keeping the gryphon, but always pick the shanling as the slightly better sounding, not as warm, better detail retrieval etc. Considering the shanling m3x is 340 pounds sterling, a standalone player with over 17 hrs battery life, the gryphon at £600 was way too much as a dac amp only. I sent it back, got the new Tri amp dac instead for way cheaper and l'm very happy. Will be getting the chord mojo 2 soon hopefully it lives up to the heavenly praises these reviewers...... 😂Thank you.
Thanks for the impressions and comparison. Look forward to your impressions of the TRI amp and Mojo2.
Bruh... It's called the 'Grippin'... Not the Gray-phone. Lol... Actually it's the Gryphon
Hi thanks for your info, I have the Tri tk2 and tought, that this ifi will be step up in SQ, so it is not? thanks in advance
Sorry haven't heard the TRI TK2
@@petrpulpytel No not really,SQ is the tk2 for me.l personally think the gryphon is selling stuff l did not need,sound wise there are better players for the money.
Hi i need to ask you does it deliver power same as audio jd dac/amp because i use beyerdynamic dt1990 pro and it needs a lot of power (250) so .. can this unit support the maximum of my headset?
I have not heard the audio is DAC/amp. The Fiio Q15 is more powerful portable DAC/amp then the iFi.
@@TheHonestAudiophile ah ok .. do you think fiio q15 is the most powerful portable dac/amp ?
@alimatook8962 I think the iFi Diable is more powerful buts way more expensive. But the Fiio is an excellent value in my opinion.
www.thehonestaudiophile.com/post/fiio-q15-the-all-in-one-dac-amp-for-any-situation
@@TheHonestAudiophile i totally agree with you
It sounds smoother and rounder than the hip dac?
The Gryphon is more detailed and resolving than the Hip DAC. It is a bit more hifi in sound so may come across as more smooth and round on some tracks.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Thanks! Can you also give a little comparison between the mojo 2 and the Ifi Gryphon If you happen to know? (raw sounds of both, not filters xbass or EQ)
@jimis3167 Sorry, haven't heard Mojo2
Is it 'just as resolving' as the iFI iDSD Signature?
Yeah I'd say so but I didn't have them side by side to compare so I'm going off memory.
@@TheHonestAudiophile I’ll let you know.
My iFI Signature has broken USB cable
so l bought a gryphon to use while
I wait for a new cable, and as
another option.
Look forward to hearing your thoughts
The iFI Signature has 'something that I can't put my finger on'
that I prefer over the iFI Gryphon, But I have 'Heavily EQ'd' 2018 Maple LCD-XC's.
By themselves, they are on the same level of resolution and layering as The iFI Signature
yet the iFI Signature might have a slightly more expansive soundstage. I am using a 4 X 18 AWG
Cryogenically Treated REAL 7N Grade Cable from Arctic Cables on both set ups. I am EQ'ing with
Winamp's crude EQ settings on my Laptop.
is this better than Zen dac v2 with zen can?
I've not heard any of those since I've reviewed them. If memory serves me correctly, as a DAC the Gryphon is slightly better with clarity, space, separation and layering. As an amp it isn't nearly as powerful. But keep in mind this off memory and not a side by side comparison and it's been quite awhile since I've heard them.
Is this better than Creative Sound Blaster X4?
Sorry I haven't heard X4.
I have a Creative Labs G6 card I've been using for my PC setup for the past five years or so, it's a darned good sound card/amp. Whether it's audiophile i dunno,
but it sounds great, and has tons of power. It's easiliy as good for music as it is for gaming. It runs any of my headphones (planars too) with great ease. That
retailed for about $175 so it wasn't cheap, but it was well worth the money, and it's USB powered. I would think though this IFI would have a better overall quality
sound than the G6, for serious music listening. The Sound Blasters may have more power output, though.
P.S. the CLabs amps aren't really portable, though, that's another thing.
those rubber feet at the back, they're gone already after few weeks .... dosen't bother me but just to let you guys know
Haven't had any issues with the rubber feet and I've had the Gryphon for 2 months plus.
@@TheHonestAudiophile maybe I've lost them cause i sleep with it on :D :D
why would you buy something like this instead of an m11 plus
This would supplement the M11 Plus as an amplifier.
@TheHonestAudiophile I would rather buy an m11 plus than a grypton then you only have to take 1 thing with you seems better right?
If you're using your phone or a dongle as your source then the gryphon makes sense. If your using a DAP as your source the gryphon makes sense if you need more power. Most of the time the DAP is powerful enough.
The gryphon makes sense to be used on it's own as a DAC/amp but you'll need to supply it music from a source.
I prefer a DAP as I find the extra stack makes for a clunky experience.
I really love the warmth of the xdsd using max bass, sad to hear it's not as warm. How deep and warm can you get bass with the buttons like xbass compared to the xdsd? I'd use it with the Skullcandy Crusher ANCs, with max thumping bass on using tidal, its like having imax in your head haha.
Skullcandy headphones with audiophile gear 💀💀💀
@@TF2ReplayMaker And? How can i also learn how to be an audiophile snob that wants everything to sharply hurt the ears and not feel the music in a way that's energizing and exciting?
Not at $600 dollars
I can buy a good player for that price
Absolutely, totally understand.
Which player? 1 W output, added features (X-Bass, X-Space) and same DAC chip used in their TOTL Pro IDSD Signature.
@@harshmeetsingh1477 bruh, you can get a Sony, Ibasso, Hiby, Cowon, FIIO and other players for under $600 AND AN AMP under $200 very easily and rival the sound of this. I got Ifi stuff too and it's not that hard. Especially with the used marked also being very vibrant for hifi stuff online these days.
@@DJ_BROBOT, Okay, so what? A player is not a DAC, nor is it an amp. Why would you want a dedicated player when you already have a perfectly capable computer and a smartphone? Plus, hardly any DAP has a sound comparable to desktop DAC/Amps, and this does, for it's price anyways.
I really wanted to get this but its 320 mw output power for an amp at this price point didn't seem worth it. I love its compact size and handsome good looks with a nice OLED screen but its output power is not enough for my planar magnetic Audeze headphones. To be honest I'm annoyed by the fact that a lot of these modern audio devices promises high output power BUT only via balanced 4.4mm outputs, not on standard plug types. In the end i got the iDSD Signature and I'm glad I went that route because by just topping up a bit more I got a 4,100mw (max, continuous at 1,560mw) amp/DAC which would suit my full-size Audezes more.
I'm glad you enjoy the iDSD Signature, an excellent choice. The Gryphon is more for IEM and easy to drive headphone or output into an amp. I understand the frustration but 4.4mm adapters are plentiful for purchase. Thanks for the comment.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Oh I didn't know it is meant more for IEMs. Can I just change my existing headphone cables' plugs to 4.4mm? Or do I need to get new 4.4mm headphone cables?
@@artyboy1377 yes, replacement cables are available with 4.4mm. I highly recommend the ThieAudio Smart Cable, it includes various connections that you swap via a mini xlr connection.
www.linsoul.com/products/thieaudio-smart-cable?_pos=1&_sid=3c4fd8f2d&_ss=r
If you need replacement headphone cables there are plenty of companies that provide that connection. Also there are many adapters available.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Thanks so much for the recommendations! Is it worth it changing to 4.4mm balanced headphone cables? Are the sonic improvements discernable compared to single ended cables?
The only major discernable difference is the power provided and the increase in volume.
My pleasure, you're welcome.
Its H.U.G.E
Topping nx4 better value.
Sorry, haven't heard the Topping NX4.
False. Patently false, that is if you want the sound and functionality of 2018
No comparisons. This guy is selling you stuff, and I have ordered a Gryphon.
It looks like a flask. I've seen a bunch of other small DACs that look like a flask too.
The highs/treble rounded off? I don't think so! This guy has obviously got hearing damage 🙄 The highs from the Gryphon are accurate, realistic & detailed.
I'm more worried about it not having a replaceable battery.
So hearing a subtle rounded edge on the Gryphon versus other amps I use and describe in the video means that I have hearing damage; wow. Just because you disagree with a review doesn't mean I have hearing damage.
@@TheHonestAudiophile I would like to hear you elaborate on your description of a subtle rounded edge.
I seek an accurate reproduction of natural sound. Natural sound has edges that at times are sharp, harsh, razor like. The Gryphon always took those times in music and reproduced them softer and less sharp, harsh or razor like. The Gryphon reproduction of the edge is good but it lacks just a small amount of naturalism.
Here is a link to my terms and definitions guide:
www.thehonestaudiophile.com/post/the-honest-audiophile-s-terms-and-definitions-guide
He actually also said treble was rolled off. Thats abject b.s. I agree that the Gryphon conforms to the iFi sound signature which leans toward a smoother, "warmish" presentation. They often do it quite well without eschewing detail and resolution. But i fully am convinced that this guys review is based solely on the reputation of the ifi sound signature. Not based on anything he is actually hearing. And im not defending the Gryphon. Ive auditioned it but dont own one. Dont own any ifi stuff at the moment.
It would be nice to see an "honest:" audiophile who brings in some tiny objective measurements. Otherwise, this fellow is just doing unboxing.
???
Measurements don't mean a thing. Subjectivity will always rule over such due to variables of equipment paired and interpretation.