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ifi Audio Hip-Dac 3
Just the tonic for headphone fans.
The hip-dac 3 advances the hip-dac series’ iconic design with iEMatch for sensitive IEMs, enhanced circuitry for cleaner sound, and modern USB-C connectivity – delivering the perfect blend of portability and performance.
Note: The black variant is available in selected countries. If unavailable, contact your region's distributor for further information on availability.
Titanium shadow. Trendsetting innovations.
Inside, the device boasts circuit enhancements, including new metal film capacitors for a better frequency response. Additionally, an updated version of iFi’s GMT circuitry, coupled with a new crystal oscillator, further reduces phase noise, delivering a purer sound to you.
Hip flask size. Magnum performance.
The hip-dac 3 combines sleek aluminium design with powerful audio performance, the portable hip-dac 3 discreetly fits in a pocket or bag, replacing subpar DACs and amplifiers in mobile and desktop devices. With a 16-core XMOS chip expertly paired with the Burr-Brown DAC, it delivers rich, dynamic, and high-resolution sound for your favorite headphones.
hip-dac 3 your power-hungry headphone.
The hip-dac 3 features a true balanced circuit design, reducing distortion for purer, more captivating sound. With high-quality components, including a custom iFi OV op-amp and Texas Instruments power IC, it delivers up to 400mW into 32-ohm headphones and 6.3V for high-impedance headphones from the balanced output.
Get connected
The hip-dac 3 supports up to 32-bit/384kHz audio via its USB-C input, with an asynchronous design for jitter-free data transfer. It offers a 3.5mm single-ended output with S-Balanced circuitry and a 4.4mm balanced output, along with a 2,200mAh battery providing up to 12 hours of playtime.
Tailored for your headphones and earphones
The hip-dac 3 features PowerMatch, a switchable gain to tailor power for your headphones, and iEMatch technology to optimize output for high-sensitivity IEMs, reducing hiss and enhancing detail. Its XBass feature boosts bass in the analogue domain, ensuring clean, dynamic audio for earphones and open-back headphones.
12 hours of playtime
Play all your files, including MQA
Hi-res PCM and DXD audio data is supported at sample rates up to 384kHz, alongside DSD from 2.8MHz to 11.3MHz (DSD64, 128 and 256).
Full decoding of MQA – the hi-res streaming technology, as used by Tidal’s ‘HiFi Plus’ tier – is also supported, performing the full ‘three unfold’ decoding process (as opposed to just the final unfold in the manner of an MQA ‘renderer’).
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iFi Audio Hip-Dac 3 — portable, punchy and musically engaging
The iFi Audio Hip-Dac 3 is a pocket-friendly, battery-powered portable DAC/headphone amp that blends a Burr‑Brown DAC tonal warmth with an energetic analogue output stage. Reviewers at What Hi‑Fi? and StereoNET applaud its smooth, well‑balanced sound and lively dynamics, while SoundStage Solo and ecoustics note its broad format support (DSD256/PCM384 and full MQA) plus both 3.5mm S‑Balanced and 4.4mm balanced outputs. Physical build is robust—extruded aluminium, tactile volume knob and dual USB‑C ports—and onboard tools like PowerMatch/XBass make headphone matching simple. Ideal for listeners who want a clear, dynamic upgrade over phone audio without a bulky rig.
Pros
- Smooth, natural and engaging sound with strong dynamics and musical midrange, driven by the Burr‑Brown DAC and refined analogue stage.
- Comprehensive format and output support — native DSD, PCM to 384kHz, full MQA decoding plus 3.5mm S‑Balanced and 4.4mm balanced outputs — for wide headphone and source compatibility.
- Well-built, pocketable chassis with useful portability features (battery power, PowerMatch, XBass and dual USB‑C ports) that make it versatile for phone and laptop use.
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Cons
- Real-world battery life often falls short of the 12‑hour claim under moderate-to-heavy use.
- Sampling-rate / format LEDs can be confusing or insufficiently granular for some users who want clear file-type feedback.
- Larger and heavier than the smallest dongle-style rivals, so less pocket‑inconspicuous for ultra‑mobile use.
Sound Quality
92/100
Multiple reviews note lively, punchy dynamics and strong transient grip: eCoustics and StereoNET describe a snappy, punchy presentation and abundant headroom compared with laptops/smartphones. What Hi‑Fi? highlights its ability to add kick and pep to recordings, supporting an energetic, dynamic delivery.
Noise Floor
86/100
The Stealth update and revised components are explicitly aimed at quieter power-supply operation and reduced phase noise (eCoustics), and reviewers report no distracting hiss or interference in normal use (eCoustics, StereoNET). While not described as 'reference-dead-quiet', commentary and the SNR/DNR specs support a very quiet background suitable for most IEMs and headphones.
Headphone Compatibility
89/100
The Hip‑Dac 3 offers 400mW balanced into 32Ω and 6.3V into 600Ω and includes PowerMatch and IEMatch for gain/level optimization, so it can comfortably drive a wide range from sensitive IEMs (with IEMatch) to many high-impedance cans. Reviews confirm use with varied headphones (Meze models, high-impedance examples) though it remains a portable desktop unit rather than a multi-watt reference amp for the most demanding planars.
Build Quality
90/100
Across reviews the Hip‑Dac 3's aluminium chassis, solid construction and pocket-friendly size receive praise (What Hi‑Fi?, StereoNET). The Stealth finish and revised internals suggest durable, well-considered build and reliability for portable use.
Features Connectivity
90/100
Baseline portable amp features are expanded here: Burr‑Brown DAC with DSD/MQA support, USB‑C input, separate charge and audio ports, 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm S‑Balanced outputs, PowerMatch/XBass/IEMatch and up to 12hr battery life. Those extras (balanced out, DAC, USB, multiple outputs, gain/IEM options) place it well above a minimal portable amp.
Value for Money
90/100
At the stated $199 price reviewers repeatedly call it a strong value—'hard to argue with $199' (eCoustics), 'as good as many pricier designs' and 'heartily recommended' (StereoNET). The consensus is that it delivers performance and features that justify its asking price in this segment.
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