iFi Hip-dac2 Gold Edition User Manual

1. Introduction

The iFi Hip-dac2 Gold Edition is a portable Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) and headphone amplifier designed to significantly enhance the audio quality from your smartphone, tablet, PC, or Mac. This device supports high-resolution audio formats and offers both balanced and unbalanced headphone outputs, providing a superior listening experience on the go or at home.

Key Features:

Portable high-resolution DAC/headphone amplifier with USB input.
Supports 24-bit/384kHz PCM, bit-perfect DSD, and MQA decoding.
Powerful amplifier stage delivering 400mW max output into 32 ohms.
Balanced circuit design for reduced noise and crosstalk.
PowerMatch (gain) and XBass (bass boost) functions.
Dual headphone outputs: 4.4mm Balanced and 3.5mm S-Balanced.
Integrated rechargeable battery with 6-8 hours of life.

Product Overview

Figure 1: Front view of the iFi Hip-dac2 Gold Edition, showcasing the iFi logo.

Figure 2: Back view of the iFi Hip-dac2 Gold Edition, displaying the "hip dac gold" branding and regulatory information.

Figure 3: Angled view of the iFi Hip-dac2 Gold Edition, showing the front panel with controls and the side with USB ports.

2. Setup

This section guides you through the initial setup of your Hip-dac2 Gold Edition.

2.1 What's in the Box

Verify that all components are present in the packaging:

iFi Hip-dac2 Gold Edition unit
USB-C OTG Cable
USB3.0 Cable
USB-A to USB-C Cable
Quick Start Guide
Instruction Card

Contents of the iFi Hip-dac2 Gold Edition box

Figure 4: Diagram showing the Hip-dac2 Gold Edition unit and included cables.

2.2 Charging the Device

Before first use, fully charge your Hip-dac2 Gold Edition. Connect the supplied USB-C to USB-A cable to the USB-C charging port (labeled "5V only") on the device and the other end to a USB power adapter (not included) or a computer's USB port. The battery LED indicator will show charging status.

Green: Fully charged
White: >75%
Yellow: >25%
Red: <25%
Flashing Red: Low battery

2.3 Connecting to a Source Device

The Hip-dac2 Gold Edition connects to your source device (smartphone, tablet, PC, Mac) via its USB input. Use the appropriate cable from the included accessories.

For Android Devices: Use the supplied USB-C OTG cable to connect your Android phone/tablet to the USB input port (USB-A) on the Hip-dac2. Ensure your Android device supports USB OTG.
For iPhone/iPad: An Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter (not included) is required. Connect the adapter to your iOS device, then use the supplied USB-A to USB-C cable to connect the adapter to the USB input port (USB-A) on the Hip-dac2.
For PC/Mac: Use the supplied USB3.0 cable to connect your computer to the USB input port (USB-A) on the Hip-dac2. For Windows PCs, you may need to install iFi drivers from the iFi website. Mac devices are typically plug-and-play.

Bottom view of iFi Hip-dac2 Gold Edition showing USB input and charging ports

Figure 5: Bottom panel of the Hip-dac2, illustrating the USB input (left) and USB-C charging port (right).

3. Operating Instructions

Familiarize yourself with the controls and functions of your Hip-dac2 Gold Edition.

3.1 Controls and Ports Overview

Diagram of iFi Hip-dac2 Gold Edition controls and ports

Figure 6: Detailed diagram of the Hip-dac2's front panel controls and bottom panel ports.

PowerMatch Button: Toggles between different gain settings to match the sensitivity of your headphones. Press to activate/deactivate.
XBass Button: Enhances low frequencies without muddying the mid-range. Press to activate/deactivate.
Power/Volume Knob: Rotates to adjust volume. Press and hold to power the device on/off.
4.4mm Balanced Headphone Output: For headphones with a 4.4mm Pentaconn balanced connector.
3.5mm S-Balanced Headphone Output: For headphones with a standard 3.5mm unbalanced connector.
USB Input (USB-A): Connects to your source device for audio data.
USB-C Charging Port: Dedicated port for charging the internal battery (5V only).

3.2 Powering On and Off

To power on the Hip-dac2, press and hold the Power/Volume knob until the LED indicator illuminates. To power off, press and hold the knob again until the LED turns off.

3.3 Adjusting Volume

Rotate the Power/Volume knob clockwise to increase volume and counter-clockwise to decrease volume. Start with a low volume and gradually increase to a comfortable listening level.

3.4 Using PowerMatch and XBass

The PowerMatch and XBass functions can be toggled on or off by pressing their respective buttons. Experiment with these features to find the optimal sound for your headphones and music.

PowerMatch: Use this feature to adjust the gain. For sensitive In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) or efficient headphones, you might prefer PowerMatch off. For less sensitive or high-impedance headphones, activating PowerMatch will provide more power.
XBass: This analog bass correction circuit enhances low frequencies without coloring the mid-range. It is ideal for headphones that lack bass response or for genres that benefit from a more pronounced low end.

4. Maintenance

Proper care will ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Hip-dac2 Gold Edition.

Keep the device clean by wiping it with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
Protect the device from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, and high humidity.
Avoid dropping the device or subjecting it to strong impacts.
When not in use, store the Hip-dac2 in a protective case to prevent scratches and damage.

5. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Hip-dac2 Gold Edition, refer to the following common solutions:

Problem	Possible Cause / Solution
No sound from headphones.	Ensure the Hip-dac2 is powered on. Check headphone connection to the correct output (3.5mm or 4.4mm). Verify volume knob is turned up. Ensure the source device is playing audio and its volume is not muted or too low. Check USB connection between Hip-dac2 and source device. For Windows, ensure iFi drivers are installed and the Hip-dac2 is selected as the default audio output device.
Device not charging.	Ensure the charging cable is connected to the dedicated USB-C charging port (5V only), not the USB input port. Try a different USB power source or cable. Ensure the power source provides sufficient current (e.g., a wall adapter, not just a low-power USB port).
Intermittent audio or static.	Check all cable connections for looseness. Ensure cables are not damaged. Try a different USB cable. Ensure no other applications are interfering with audio playback on the source device. Move away from sources of electromagnetic interference.

6. Specifications

Detailed technical specifications for the iFi Hip-dac2 Gold Edition:

Feature	Detail
Digital Input	USB 3.0 Type 'A' (USB2.0 compatible)
Supported Formats	DSD256 / 11.3MHz, PCM 384kHz, MQA Decoder
DAC	Bit-Perfect DSD & DXD DAC by Burr Brown
Headphone Outputs	Balanced 4.4mm, Unbalanced 3.5mm
Power Output (Balanced)	400mW @ 32Ω; 6.3V @ 600Ω
Power Output (Unbalanced)	280mW @ 32Ω; 3.2V @ 600Ω
Battery	Lithium-polymer 2200mAh, approx. 8 hours
Power System	Charging via USB-C, BC V1.2 compliant up to 1000mA charging current and 6.3 volts
Power (max)	<2W idle, 4W max
Dimensions (L x W x H)	102 x 70 x 14 mm (4"L x 2.8"W x 0.6"H)
Net Weight	135 g (0.30 lbs) / 8.1 ounces
Manufacturer	Abbingdon Music Research
Model Number	HIP-DAC-2_GOLD

iFi Hip-dac2 Gold Edition detailed specifications sheet

Figure 7: Official specifications sheet for the Hip-dac2 Gold Edition.

7. Warranty and Support

The iFi Hip-dac2 Gold Edition comes with a limited warranty. Please refer to the included warranty card or visit the official iFi website for detailed warranty terms and conditions. Typically, the limited warranty period is 12 months.

For technical support, product registration, or further inquiries, please visit the iFi Audio USA store or their official support channels online.

Official iFi Audio USA Store: iFi Audio USA Store

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