iFi xDSD Gryphon Portable Bluetooth DAC & Headphone Amplifier

Product Description

The iFi xDSD Gryphon combines a high-resolution DAC, powerful balanced headphone amplifier, and wireless Bluetooth receiver in one portable component. Built for listeners who want desktop-quality headphone performance without being tied to a desktop, the Gryphon offers USB, S/PDIF, Bluetooth, and analog connectivity, making it equally useful with a smartphone, laptop, digital audio player, or home audio system.

At its core, the xDSD Gryphon pairs iFi's Burr-Brown MultiBit DAC architecture with PureWave balanced amplification, delivering more than 1,000mW into 32 ohms through its 4.4mm headphone output. Support for PCM up to 768kHz, DSD512, and full MQA decoding provides extensive compatibility with high-resolution music libraries, while LDAC, aptX Adaptive, and other Bluetooth codecs offer convenient wireless listening.

Unlike a conventional USB dongle DAC, the Gryphon features an internal rechargeable battery, dedicated analog inputs, a front-panel OLED display, and separate connections for headphones and line-level audio. It's a versatile choice for anyone who wants one high-performance DAC and headphone amplifier for listening at home, at work, and on the move.

Burr-Brown DAC with High-Resolution Audio Support

The xDSD Gryphon uses a Burr-Brown MultiBit DAC chipset selected for its ability to handle PCM and DSD through separate signal paths. Combined with iFi's digital processing platform and precision clocking, the DAC supports a broad range of digital music formats without requiring a separate desktop converter.

USB playback supports PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz, native DSD512, DXD, and full MQA decoding. Three selectable digital filters—Bit-Perfect, Standard, and GTO (Gibbs Transient Optimized)—provide additional control over digital processing.

The Gryphon's digital architecture makes it suitable for high-resolution streaming services, locally stored music libraries, and dedicated digital audio players.

PureWave Balanced Amplification

The Gryphon's PureWave amplification stage delivers more than 1,000mW into 32 ohms through its 4.4mm balanced headphone output, with a maximum output exceeding 6.7V into 600 ohms.

This provides the power and voltage capability needed to accommodate a broad range of full-size audiophile headphones, including models that benefit from more substantial amplification than a smartphone or laptop can provide.

A separate 3.5mm S-Balanced output delivers more than 320mW into 32 ohms, allowing conventional single-ended headphones to benefit from iFi's noise-reduction circuitry.

For highly sensitive in-ear monitors, integrated iEMatch technology reduces output sensitivity and helps minimize background hiss while preserving usable volume control.

High-Resolution Bluetooth 5.1

The xDSD Gryphon features Qualcomm's QCC5100-series Bluetooth 5.1 platform, offering wireless playback without sacrificing the flexibility of a dedicated headphone amplifier.

Supported codecs include LDAC, LHDC/HWA, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, standard aptX, AAC, and SBC. With compatible source devices, the Gryphon supports Bluetooth audio at sample rates up to 96kHz.

Whether you're streaming from an Android smartphone, listening through an iPhone, or connecting to a Bluetooth-enabled computer, the Gryphon provides a convenient wireless alternative to its USB and S/PDIF digital inputs.

XBass II and XSpace Analog Processing

The Gryphon includes two of iFi's signature analog sound-processing technologies, giving listeners additional control over headphone presentation without relying on software equalization.

XBass II provides selectable Bass and Presence adjustments, designed to compensate for headphones that lack low-frequency weight or upper-midrange presence. XSpace is intended to create a more spacious presentation, addressing the tightly confined soundstage sometimes associated with headphone listening.

Both features can be used according to personal preference, allowing the Gryphon to accommodate different headphones, recordings, and listening environments.

Flexible Digital and Analog Connectivity

One of the Gryphon's distinguishing features is its ability to operate as more than a portable USB DAC.

USB-C and S/PDIF digital inputs allow it to connect to computers, smartphones, and compatible digital transports. Bluetooth provides wireless connectivity, while dedicated 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm single-ended analog inputs let the Gryphon function as a standalone headphone amplifier with an external DAC or analog source.

Its variable line outputs also allow the Gryphon to feed an external amplifier or powered speaker system, extending its usefulness beyond personal headphone listening.

This combination makes the xDSD Gryphon particularly practical for listeners who regularly move between portable and desktop audio systems.

OLED Display, CyberSync and Portable Design

The Gryphon's front-panel OLED display provides information about the active input, audio format, volume level, battery status, and selected settings. iFi's SilentLine technology is designed to prevent the display circuitry from introducing unwanted electrical noise into the audio signal.

CyberSync volume control helps coordinate volume adjustments between the Gryphon and compatible connected devices, while the physical volume dial provides convenient direct control.

A built-in 3,600mAh lithium-polymer battery allows the Gryphon to operate independently of its connected source. Separate USB-C connections for audio and charging make it possible to maintain a dedicated digital connection while managing battery power.

Measuring just 123 × 75 × 19mm and weighing 215 grams, the Gryphon is compact enough for portable use while offering the connectivity and amplification capabilities of a considerably larger component.