iFi hip-dac: Portable USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier User Manual

This document provides information on the features, operation, and specifications of the iFi hip-dac.

Product Overview

The iFi hip-dac is a portable USB DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) and headphone amplifier designed to enhance your audio experience on the go.

The iFi hip-dac features a compact design with various controls and ports on its top and front panels.

Key Features and Controls

1. PowerMatch® (on/off)

PowerMatch® adjusts the hip-dac's impedance and sensitivity to match your headphones for optimal efficiency. For in-ear monitors, use PowerMatch® off. For headphones, use PowerMatch® on.

2. XBass® (on/off)

XBass® is an analogue circuit that restores lost bass frequencies, providing a more accurate reproduction of the original music, especially for headphones lacking strong bass response.

3. Audio Format LED (kHz)

The LED indicator displays the audio format and sampling frequency received from the music source:

Green: 44/48/88/96kHz
Yellow: 176/192kHz DXD352/384kHz
Cyan: DSD128/DSD64 (2.8/3.1/5.6/6.2MHz)
Blue: DSD256 (11.2/12.2MHz)
Magenta: MQA
Off: No valid signal

4. ON/OFF and Analogue Volume Control

The analogue volume control offers superior performance compared to digital volume controls. Always start with the volume at a low level to prevent damage to your headphones and hearing. iFi audio is not responsible for hearing or equipment damage from misuse.

Power ON: Step 1

Power OFF: Step 2

[Note: The hip-dac continues to use battery power even if the USB cable is connected afterwards.]

5. Balanced 4.4mm Headphone Output

Connect your balanced 4.4mm headphones here.

6. Single-ended 3.5mm Headphone Output

Connect your single-ended 3.5mm headphones here.

Connectivity and Charging

7. USB3.0 'Type A' Data Input Port

Connect your smartphone using a Lightning to USB Camera Adapter (for Apple devices) or a USB On-The-Go (OTG) cable (for Android devices). For other audio sources, use a standard USB cable. It is recommended to use a USB 3.0 port over a USB 2.0 port on your PC.

8. USB-C (5V) Battery Charge Input

This port is for charging the device only. A high-powered USB charger can fully charge the hip-dac in approximately 3 hours.

9. LED for Battery Status

The LED indicates the battery charge level:

White*: > 75%
Green*: > 25%
Red*: > 10%
Red (flashing)*: < 10%

*The Battery LED will flash while the device is charging.

Specifications

Category	Details
Formats Supported	DSD256/128/64 (Octa/Quad/Double/Single-Speed DSD), DXD (384/352.8kHz), PCM (384/352.8/192/176.4/96/88.2/48/44.1kHz), MQA
Digital Inputs	USB 3.0 Type 'A' (High-Speed Asynchronous USB 2.0, 32bit/384kHz)
Headphone Output	Balanced 4.4mm, Single-Ended 3.5mm
Power Output	BAL: 400mW @ 32Ω; 6.3V @ 600Ω S-BAL(SE): 280mW @ 32Ω; 3.2V @ 600Ω
Battery	Lithium-polymer 2200mAh
Power System	Charging via USB-C, BC V1.2 compliant up to 1000mA charging current
Power (max)	<2W idle, 4W max
Dimensions	102(l) x 70(w) x 14(h) mm
Weight	125g (0.28 lbs)
Warranty Period	12 months

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

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