xDSD Gryphon from iFi Audio is their newest portable all-in-one! Just like its mythical namesake, it is two beasts in one. The high-res DAC features an ultra-res digital stage, using the Burr-Brown MultiBit at the core, and a powerful amplifier built around their PureWave analog power section which pumps out 1,000mW. It takes serious headphones to tame the Gryphon.
Ships in USA
30 Day Returns
Free 1 or 2 Day
Authorized Retailer
Gryphon is built with independent Bluetooth, DAC, and amp stages. Each is optimized for maximum performance. It features USB and digital SPDIF inputs, 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm single-ended analog inputs, and Qualcomm’s new QCC5100 Bluetooth processing IC in combination with proprietary circuits to create an audibly superior “Bluetooth engine.”
Using the latest QCC 5100 series Bluetooth v5.1 as the starting point for wireless connectivity, the xDSD Gryphon is at the bleeding-edge when it comes to the latest formats:
Additionally, each of the above is on the iFi digital platform where each section is distinct. They have QC5100 for reception > Global Master Clock for jitter > Burr-Brown for DAC conversion. It might take more effort but that’s why Gryphon's wireless gives wired a run for its money.
In terms of wired connectivity, the xDSD Gryphon handles all the formats using a hybrid Burr-Brown DAC chipset, which is the same as the one used in iFi Audio's £3,000 flagship Pro iDSD Signature. Rest assured that all of the following latest formats are not only catered for, but most importantly, are pushed to their zenith.
On USB:
On SPDIF:
PCM (192/176.4/96/88.2/48/44.1 kHz)
DoP
The xDSD Gryphon uses PureWave amplification circuitry. It has 1,000mW at 32 Ohms. With a whopping max 6.7v output, bring on the high impedance headphones, because the Gryphon will not break a sweat driving them. This is plenty to drive all manner of headphones. The 4.4mm is the best for balanced playback. The 3.5mm S-Balanced will max SE headphones. Also, your premium high-sensitivity IEMs have not been forgotten either – iEMatch will cut out the hiss.
XSpace - adds back the cavernous soundstage of recordings.
XBass II - reinstates the missing bass from open-backed headphones or for recordings where you hanker for bass slam. Under XBass II, you can select “Bass” and/or “Presence” so that the upper midrange frequencies are correctly added back into your favorite recording.
iEMatch - our proprietary tech which reduces the annoying hiss from high-sensitivity headphones without losing any dynamic range.
With digital sources, users can choose between three bespoke digital filters, via the on-screen menu: Bit-Perfect, Standard, and GTO (Gibbs Transient Optimized). Each one has a fine-tuning effect on sound.
With the OLED display and iFi’s CyberSync operating system combined, they usher in a whole new world of user enjoyment – all information from format to battery life is there. Just as importantly, SilentLine technology means that the display does not add noise into the system. It can even be set to off if preferred.
• iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon
• Cloth bag
• USB Type-C male to Apple Lightning male
• USB Type-C male to USB Type-C male
• USB Type-C male to USB Type-A male
• iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon manual
• iFi warranty card
Input / Output• Wireless Input: Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX LL, LDAC, HWA, AAC and SBC Codec)
• Wired (digital input): USB-C, S/PDIF co-axial
• Wired (analog input): Balanced 4.4mm, single-ended 3.5mm
• Wired Out: 4.4mm Pentaconn, 3.5mm SE (headphone and line OUT both through front output sockets)
Compatible Operating Systems• Android via USB OTG cable with iOS & Mac via Apple Lightning to USB
• Chipset: TI Burr-Brown
• Power Output (Balanced/SE): 1000mW @32Ω & 74mW(at 6.7v max) @600Ω / 320mW @32Ω & 40mW(at 2.8v max) @600Ω
• Output Impedance: < 1Ω
• SNR (Balanced/SE): 116dB(A) @ 0dBFS / 115dB(A) @ 0dBFS
• THD+N (Balanced/SE): <0.009% @ (6.5mW/2.0v@600Ω) / <0.03% @ (100mW/1.27v@16Ω)
• Line Out THD+N (Balanced/SE): <0.007% @ 0dbFS / <0.015% @ 0dbFS
• Line Out Function Output Impedance (Balanced/SE): ≤200Ω / ≤100Ω
• Power System: USB-C charging. BC1.2 compliant up to 1900mA charging current
• Dimensions: 4.8"(L) x 3.0"(W) x .7"(H)
• Weight: 215g
Overall rating: 5.0 / 5 from 13 reviews.
Review topics: [].
"I recently purchased the iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon because I was wanting a change from my Chord Mojo, and I couldn't be happier. It's such a neat little device that packs plenty of power for larger over-the-ear headphones while also sounding great with IEMs. Also, the build quality is excellent. My buying experience with HeadAmp was fantastic. Absolutely lightning quick shipping and everything was well packaged. Thank you!"
"So much power in such a small package - loving this DAC/Amp. The build quality is fantastic and the Xbass and XSpace customizations really add to the sound quality. I love that I can power my iems and over ear headphones with one device. I bought this to replace my Fiio BTR7 DAC/Amp which I loved. Two weeks in and it’s lived up to the hype and well worth the price!"
"Just got the iFi xDSD Gryphon for my workouts and for listening to jazz & classical. This DAC is a game-changer for sound quality. The clarity and detail it brings to jazz and classical tracks is phenomenal. You can really hear the depth in each instrument, making those complex compositions come alive. It's also very convenient for workouts. The compact size means it's not in the way, and the build is sturdy enough to handle being on the move. Plus, the battery life lasts through even the longest sessions. If you're into serious sound quality for your jazz and classical tunes, and need something that can keep up with an active lifestyle, the Gryphon's a top pick."
"The noise is so low that there is basically none, which means throughout all the frequencies its better sounding than I heard before. I have 7hz timeless ae, and a samsung speaker that they both sound excellent on. I will use with my laptop and TV as well. The sound quality is better than I thought, mainly because there is no noise. But it also has nice characteristics that sound well above average. I use bit perfect and xbass xspace and presence. Unless I'm listening to my speaker, then I turn off xspace. They sound great with these features. But makes little difference. Worth the money, it sounds like it's cost. For me, above average. And would buy again."
"Sounds good. Lotsnof useful features"
"It’s one of the very best DAC . Very nice and SOUND GOOD. Shipping very fast. Love this store. Thank you"
"I bought this to drive several in ear headphones (N5005, ER4, W40). The sound is much better than direct driven by computer/phone. It also has several input choices which is very convenient in different use cases. Highly recommended if you want a single piece yet versatile sound solution."
"I would consider this an audiophile-grade dac/amp. This review is based on about ten days of listening, a couple hours each day. I've tested the Gryphon out with my Focal Utopia headphones and my JH-13 CIEMs. I've had the JH-13's for about eight years, and I don't remember them ever sounding this good. My listening was done with Tidal on my iPhone or Mac, and I compared the Gryphon to an older portable dac/amp I've been using for years, to the laptop's headphone out, and the iphone's own dac/amp via a lightning-to-headphone adapter. They Gryphon improves noticeably on each of the other listening configuration I tested. Try this - close one eye and look around you. The scene is the same but it's flat and it runs together. Open up your closed eye again and everything is just more distinct and vivid. The Gryphon is like that. Nothing changes about the auditory scene, it just gets more dimensional. When I first started listening to the Gryphon, nothing stood out. This is why I think it's an audiophile-quality device. Whenever I'm impressed off the bat with a piece of new equipment, that usually tells me it has a sonic "character" to it. Whenver I say "wow the guitars really shimmer!" or "man, this thing's got BASS!" that's a device I end up eventually wanting to swap out. I would say the Gryphon's presentation is vivid and clear, with no aspect of the sound standing out. Exactly what I look for in a component that I know I'll be happy with for a long while. Here's another sign this is a great-sounding device. If you switch to Bluetooth instead of USB, the sound is worse. Just a little, but discerinbly so. With some other gear I have, bluetooth sounds just as good as wired. In principle, it shouldn't. (Not yet, at least.) If Bluetooth is sounding just as good as wired, that's a clear sign that the device could be doing better. (I'm happy to have the bluetooth functionality - eventually I will try using it as a streamer to my stereo.) The Gryphon's got plenty of power. For my IEMs the volume never goes above 70. For my Utopias the volume is around 90 max. I've ordered a pentaconn cable for the Utopias, and that should have even more power. Who knows, it may further improve the sound too. There are cons. The cables really stink. They are too short. Like seriously, just 25% longer would have made them a lot easier to use. As it is, I'm going to want to buy longer cables. Frustratingly, the apple brand cables don't work with it. Also, you will want to buy a case for it. The case iFi makes doesn't fit well, so I'm returning it and trying out a third-party case. The little bag they include with the amp is ridiculous, and really no substitute for a proper case, which you are going to want. I get it how accessories can drive up the cost, but in this situation it just feels like far less thought went into the design of the accessories than into the amp itself. So, just be prepared to drop another $100 to get all the stuff you will want. That's still a great price for its sound quality!"
"If you want the ultimate portable but very powerful DAC that can drive most of your power hungry headphones, look no further. This little thing is extremely powerful and will easily drive any headphones you have in your collection. I tested these with some planars and it drives them without a hiccup! The bluetooth feature is also very nice and im glad they have USB C now to hook up to laptop unlike their other models which uses a USB A out and you need to use their provided cable. Overall im super happy with this product."
"This nifty little dac/amp is pretty versatile. The sound is solid with many more features compared to its competitors. The price/value ratio is definitely in winning territory. Although there might be a better sounding device out there, it probably won't offer the convenience of bluetooth. The added x-bass/space feature are also quite simple and impactful. I use this piece to run IEMs primarily, and it's beyond worth the expense for its portability, capabilities, and convenience. As always, HeadAmp offers unbeatable customer service and loyalty. I've been buying from Justin for a couple years and have no plans to slow my business with this reputable shop. Please buy with confidence!"
