iFi Gryphon: A Revolutionary Audio Experience
, by Haim Deutsch, 6 min reading time
As music lovers, we are constantly seeking ways to elevate our listening experience and immerse ourselves in the world of sound. The iFi Gryphon Portable DAC is a groundbreaking audio device that promises to do just that. With its cutting-edge technology, sleek design, and unparalleled performance, the iFi Gryphon is revolutionizing the way we listen to music. In this article, we will delve into the world of iFi Gryphon and explore how it is changing the audio landscape.
What is the iFi Gryphon
The iFi Gryphon is a high-performance audio device that combines a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), a preamplifier, and a headphone amplifier in a single unit. It is designed to deliver a pristine audio experience with exceptional detail, dynamics, and clarity.
The Gryphon is compatible with a wide range of audio sources, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and digital audio players, making it a versatile option for audiophiles, music enthusiasts, and professional audio users alike.
It is an attractive piece of technology. I'm just going to say that it looks like a cyberpunk flask right out of the box, and that's pretty cool.
Its size is roughly equivalent to that of an external hard drive, which is appropriate for a portable headphone amplifier and DAC of this kind.
It's lighter than I anticipated, but iFi did a fantastic job using the materials to reduce the weight without sacrificing the device's premium feel.
Both a 3.5mm unbalanced and a 4.4mm balanced headphone jack are located on the front of the DAC amplifier. 1). The option for a 4.4.1 balanced connection makes me very happy. I much prefer the stronger balanced connector to the 2.5mm option. 2). Balanced ports are great.
more force. more options for connecting. To the right of the balanced jack, there are LED indicators for the audio format and input choice.
When you press inward on the volume knob, a multi-function button appears for mute, on/off, and menu navigation. This provides a nice tactile experience.
A three-way switch to choose between bass, presence, or both bass and presence is located on the back of the Gryphon.
There are two USB-C ports: the left one is for charging, and the right one is for sending audio data. For additional connectivity, there is a S/PDIF input jack in addition to 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm unbalanced inputs.
The Gryphon has an "iEMatch" switch on the bottom where you can choose between a 3.5mm and 4.4mm jack for delicate IEMs.
To transport your Gryphon, iFi includes a velvet drawstring bag. It's nice enough, but when I'm not using it, I'd probably feel better keeping it in a hard case. You can adjust the volume knob while inside the bag through a narrow opening on the bottom of the bag.
Overall, the Gryphon is an elegant flagship product with premium features. When everything is taken into account, I believe a device like this could easily cost twice as much.
But they are only one component of the overall picture. How it sounds is what matters most.
Uncompromising Sound Quality
At the heart of the iFi Gryphon is its state-of-the-art DAC, which is designed to provide the highest level of audio performance. The Gryphon features a flagship DAC chipset that supports PCM audio up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD audio up to 512, which means it can handle the most demanding high-resolution audio formats with ease. The Gryphon also incorporates iFi's proprietary digital signal processing (DSP) technology, which is designed to eliminate jitter, distortion, and other artifacts that can degrade audio quality.
The Gryphon's analog stage is equally impressive, featuring a fully balanced design with premium components and meticulous engineering. It boasts a dynamic range of over 120dB, a signal-to-noise ratio of over 117dB, and a total harmonic distortion (THD) of less than 0.001%. This level of performance ensures that the Gryphon delivers an uncompromisingly transparent and natural sound that faithfully reproduces the original recording.
Standard modest filtering is used, along with modest pre and post-ringing. They are minor adjustments, and I frequently found myself using the bit-perfect or standard filters.
Flexibility and Connectivity
One of the standout features of the iFi Gryphon is its versatility and connectivity options. It offers a wide range of inputs and outputs, making it compatible with a vast array of audio sources and devices. The Gryphon includes USB, coaxial, and optical inputs for digital sources, as well as balanced and unbalanced analog inputs for analog sources. It also features both balanced and unbalanced outputs for connecting to amplifiers or powered speakers, and a dedicated headphone output for driving high-performance headphones.
The Gryphon also includes a host of advanced features that allow for fine-tuning of the audio performance to suit individual preferences. It has a built-in 6-band parametric equalizer (PEQ) that enables precise adjustment of the frequency response, as well as a 3D+ holographic sound system that expands the soundstage and enhances the spatial imaging. Additionally, the Gryphon offers a range of digital filters that can be selected to tailor the sound to personal preference.
Features
- Hi-Res Bluetooth Codecs
- Burr-Brown
- MQA
- Balanced Circuits
- S-Balanced Performance
- OptimaLoop
- PureWave
- SilentLine OLED
- CyberSync
Conclusion
The iFi xDSD Gryphon is yet another excellent product from iFi. It is a feature rich, durable, and perfectly pocketable gadget.
In addition to its exceptional audio performance, the iFi Gryphon also boasts a sleek and elegant design that exudes quality and craftsmanship. The Gryphon features a precision-machined aluminum chassis with a brushed finish, which not only looks stunning but also provides excellent durability and shielding against electromagnetic interference.
The front panel of the Gryphon features a minimalist layout with a large volume control knob, a color OLED display, and a headphone output, giving it a clean and uncluttered appearance.
We particularly adored the updated screen feature and better build quality. Additionally, it is a very adaptable tool to use. It simply functions flawlessly.
If you're looking for a desktop amplifier, we suggest going with the iDSD Signature.
However, if you want the best portability in a powerful amplifier with premium sound, the xDSD Gryphon is the right choice.
Related Articles
Unleashing the Power of Music: Exploring the iFi Gryphon Headphone Amplifier
