90%
ifi Audio xDSD Gryphon
On the desk or in your pocket, be ready for anything.
Packed with award-winning features and functionality, the xDSD Gryphon takes the best tech from our desktop DACs to create a portable DAC/Amp that can rise to any challenge.
Fantastic Beasts. Here’s where you find them.
Portable DAC/amps often compromise on either the digital or analogue section—but not the xDSD Gryphon. Like its mythical namesake, it combines two beasts in one: an Ultra-Res digital stage powered by Burr-Brown MultiBit and a PureWave analogue section delivering 1,000mW. Designed to handle serious headphones with ease.
Well Connected
It has separate Bluetooth + DAC + amp stages: each optimised for maximum performance, Digital sources via USB, S/PDIF or Bluetooth Analogue sources via 4.4mm or 3.5mm inputs
Brilliant Bluetooth. Hi-Res Wireless.
The xDSD Gryphon sets the standard for wireless connectivity with the latest QCC 5100 series Bluetooth v5.1, supporting cutting-edge formats like aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, LDAC™, HWA/LHDC, regular aptX, aptX Low Latency, AAC, and even SBC
Built on iFi's advanced digital platform, it combines QC5100 for reception, a Global Master Clock for jitter control, and Burr-Brown for DAC conversion
Balance of Power
The xDSD Gryphon’s PureWave amplification delivers 1,000mW at 32 Ohms with a powerful max output of 6.7V, effortlessly driving high-impedance headphones.
- 4.4mm Balanced: Perfect for balanced playback.
- 3.5mm S-Balanced: Optimized for single-ended headphones.
- iEMatch: Eliminates hiss for high-sensitivity IEMs.
Plenty of power and versatility for every type of headphone.
OLED. Seen but not heard.
The OLED display and iFi’sCyberSync operating system combined, usher in a whole new world of user enjoyment – all information from format to battery life is there. Just as importantly, SilentLine technology means the display does not add noise into the system. It can even be set to off if preferred.
Tailored to your ears
iEMatch: Eliminates hiss from high-sensitivity headphones while preserving dynamic range.
Custom Digital Filters: Choose from Bit-PerfectStandard, or GTO (Gibbs Transient Optimised) for precise sound tuning via the on-screen menu.
XSpace: Restores the expansive soundstage of your recordings.
XBass II: Brings back deep bass and upper midrange presence for open-backed headphones or bass-heavy tracks, with selectable ‘Bass’ and ‘Presence’ options.
Dealers selling ifi Audio near you
iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon — compact, feature-rich portable DAC/amp
The xDSD Gryphon pairs a Burr-Brown DAC with a beefy analog amp and broad codec support to deliver a warm, musical midrange, tunable punchy bass and clear, extended treble in a pocketable chassis. Reviewers praise its lively dynamics, low noise floor and an expansive, well-focused soundstage.
Performance highlights include native DSD/PCM paths, full MQA decoding, high-res PCM/DSD capability, and comprehensive Bluetooth (aptX/LDAC/HWA) support — features noted by ecoustics and HiFi News. The Gryphon's XBass II and XSpace processors make it useful for enlivening thin or poorly recorded tracks, an approach highlighted by Audiophilia.
Built from a robust matte-alloy case with an OLED strip, S-Balanced outputs (4.4mm/3.5mm) and rechargeable battery, it suits desktop and on-the-go use. For listeners who want a single, versatile unit that both cleans up recordings and drives demanding cans, the Gryphon offers compelling value at its price — a point underscored by Positive Feedback.
Pros
- Extensive format and input support (USB-C async, S/PDIF, native DSD/PCM to very high rates, full MQA) and comprehensive Bluetooth codecs make it a one-box high‑res transport.
- Powerful, tunable low end and spatial tools (XBass II, XSpace) that can improve thin or poorly recorded tracks without overly colouring the midrange.
- Musical, high-resolution presentation with clear mids, extended treble and low noise — a balanced, engaging signature praised across reviews.
- Well-built, pocketable matte-alloy chassis with OLED readout, S‑Balanced outputs (4.4mm/3.5mm) and flexible line-out options for desktop or portable setups.
&
Cons
- Rhythmic precision and timing can fall short of the very best portable references for the most rhythm-critical listeners.
- Feature density (LED indicators, processing modes) and some control quirks create a learning curve; battery life varies with use and can be shorter in USB mode.
Sound Quality
90/100
The Gryphon is repeatedly noted for fast transient response, strong impact and lively presentation (ecoustics, Audiophilia, Positive Feedback). A minor caveat appears in one review (What Hi‑Fi?) that it lacks the very last degree of rhythmic precision compared with some reference portable units, but overall dynamics are excellent for its class.
Noise Floor
89/100
Multiple reviews describe excellent background blackness and low noise (Audiophilepure: 'great background blackness'; Audiophilepure/Audiophilia: 'no issue with noise and distortion' on IEMs). While not called 'industry‑leading reference silence', the unit is very quiet and suitable for sensitive IEMs in typical use.
Headphone Compatibility
86/100
Reviewers tested the Gryphon with a broad range of cans (Sennheiser HD800, HD650, Beyerdynamic DT1990 Pro, Audeze LCD‑4) and found it an able partner via its balanced 4.4mm output, driving many demanding headphones capably (HiFi News, ecoustics). Explicit output‑impedance and measured wattage/power figures are not provided in the reviews/spec sheet, so while practical experience indicates good desktop/portable drivability, the score is conservatively capped to reflect the missing numeric impedance/power specs and the occasional note that extremely power‑hungry planars can reveal the headphone's own limits.
Build Quality
90/100
The chassis is praised as robust and well finished (matte aluminium, less fingerprint‑prone) with an overall high‑quality fit and finish for the price (ecoustics, HiFi News, Positive Feedback). Reviewers describe it as pocketable yet solid, and the matte treatment is highlighted as durable and practical.
Features Connectivity
93/100
Extremely well‑specified: USB‑C (asynchronous), S/PDIF coaxial, balanced 4.4mm and 3.5mm analogue I/O, variable/fixed pre‑outs, dual USB ports (audio + charging), Burr‑Brown DAC, full MQA decoding, comprehensive Bluetooth (QCC5100: aptX family, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC), XBass II, XSpace, CyberSync and IEMatch. The unit goes well beyond a baseline amp and earns top marks in connectivity and feature set for its class.
Value for Money
90/100
At the $599 RRP reviewers across outlets call the Gryphon a justified premium — 'worth it' or 'highly recommend' appears repeatedly (Positive Feedback, Audiophilia, ecoustics). Multiple reviewers note it undercuts or competes very well with pricier rivals while offering more features, supporting a strong value judgement.
Reviews
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
Forum Mentions
No forum mentions found yet
FAST, EASY & NEAR
Find ifi Audio Verified Dealers Near You
ifi Audio dealers in the map