IFi Audio Hip Dac V3

The Hip-Dac V3 is a portable digital-to-analogue converter combined with a headphone amplifier, designed by iFi Audio. It is intended to improve the sound quality of mobile listening by replacing the internal DAC of a smartphone, laptop or audio player with dedicated, more refined electronics.

Its core relies on a Burr-Brown converter paired with an XMOS processing chip. The unit supports DSD256 decoding, PCM up to 384 kHz, and full MQA, via a USB-C input operating in asynchronous mode to reduce latency during data transfer. The internal circuit is of balanced design, which helps reduce signal distortion. Output power reaches 400 mW into a 32 ohm load, and up to 6.3 V into a 600 ohm load via the balanced output, allowing it to drive both sensitive in-ear monitors and more current-demanding headphones.

On the connectivity side, the Hip-Dac V3 offers an unbalanced 3.5 mm headphone output fitted with an S-Balanced circuit, as well as a balanced 4.4 mm output. The dynamic signal-to-noise ratio reaches less than 109 dB(A) in balanced mode and less than 103 dB(A) in unbalanced mode at 0 dBFS.

The unit houses a 2,200 mAh lithium-polymer battery, rated for up to 12 hours of battery life, allowing extended use on the move without recharging. Its compact format, weighing 135 g with dimensions of 14 x 70 x 102 mm, makes it easy to carry in a pocket or bag.

This type of portable DAC is aimed at music lovers on the move who want to get more from their headphones or in-ear monitors, particularly those with a 4.4 mm balanced output or a higher impedance requiring extra power. It is suited to use with both a smartphone and a computer, complementing a high-resolution file library or MQA-compatible streaming services.