iFi iDSD GR2 - Out With the Old, In With the 2!

 5⭐️

+ Familiar V-shaped sound signature, but with a hint of musicality and greater extension on both ends

+ Richer note weight, better spatiality, and refined treble texture

+ Premium build quality and a new, revamped design 

+ Feature-rich including iFi's XBass, XSpace, iEMatch, digital filters, and K2HD

+ USB-C, S/PDIF, and Bluetooth connectivity 

+ Can be used as a standalone amplifier with 3.5mm and 4.4mm line in

+ New touchscreen interface works like a charm

+ Somehow cheaper than the original Gryphon!

- Great musicality, but I would like a little more warmth

- Still somewhat expensive for the average consumer

- Slightly bigger than the original and definitely on the larger side of portable

- No case included 

- A few UI quirks and no PEQ, but not a dealbreaker for me

thaslaya's star rating system:

☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!

☆☆☆☆ - Recommended

☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me

☆☆ - Can't see the appeal

☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer: 

This product was loaned to me by iFi in exchange for an honest and impartial review. I receive no compensation, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Non-affiliate link for those interested:

https://ifi-audio.com/products/go-link-2-max

Gear used: 

● Samsung Galaxy s25 Ultra

● Various IEMs

Source:

● Listening was done using Amazon Music HD/Ultra HD and local FLAC files.

Introduction:

iFi needs little introduction for most audiophiles. The company is well-known for its desktop and portable DACs and amplifiers, covering the entire gamut of price ranges. As a fully portable listener myself, I have become intimately familiar with many of iFi's products and have reviewed six of their offerings to date. The company recently revealed a follow-up to their long-standing flagship portable DAC/amp, the Gryphon. This new iteration, dubbed the xDSD GR2, obviously draws inspiration from the original, but with a revamped design and the introduction of a brand-new Burr-Brown DAC chip. It comes with an MSRP of $529, which is surprisingly $70 cheaper than its predecessor. Let's break down the new GR2 and see what improvements have been made.

Unboxing and build quality:

The GR2's unboxing experience is very much in line with the other iFi products I've tried. The clean and simple white motif and no-frills packaging really serve to underscore what you'll find within—the GR2 looks and feels like an absolutely premium audio device. Those familiar with the original Gryphon will see a lot of similarities here. It's no surprise they are so alike, but make no mistake, the GR2 feels new and exciting, and not like a simple reskin of an existing product. The iFi design team does a great job of integrating the aesthetic and form factor of their original models into their newest designs while also making them feel fresh and revitalized. You can look at the hipdac 3 and GO blu Air as examples of this, and the GR2 can now be added to that list. Even though it has a very similar form factor and aluminum alloy housing to the original, the GR2 is sleeker and more modern-looking with a more durable midnight blue/cobalt finish. I for one am very happy to see iFi move away from the diluted gray of the original model. Many of the key functionalities are still the same, which I will cover in more detail in the next section, but the big new feature of the GR2 is the touchscreen located on top of the unit. I must say I was a little skeptical about iFi implementing a touchscreen for the first time, but it's quite responsive. Despite its small size, the touch controls are easy to use, and I really like the amount of information displayed on the screen. I would definitely recommend going through the user manual to familiarize yourself with the options and icons, but once you commit them to memory, it's simple and intuitive. There's still a volume wheel on the front of the unit, but it feels a little smoother and sturdier this time around. The 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs are here as well, along with an XBass/XSpace button and another button for the new K2HD technology. On the opposite side, you'll find two USB-C ports (one for charging and one for data) and SPDIF/optical, 3.5mm, and 4.4mm inputs. Besides the unit itself, inside the box you'll find three cables for all your digital connection needs: a USB-C to USB-C, Lightning to USB-C, and a longer USB-A to USB-C. There's also a quick start guide, a user manual, an iFi-branded sticker, and a soft carrying bag. Ideally, iFi would include a 3.5mm to 3.5mm interconnect too, but that's a minor gripe. Overall, the unboxing experience may not be much to write home about, but the inclusion of three cables and the fantastic quality of the unit itself more than makes up for it. My only real complaint is that I wish iFi would include a protective case, but many other manufacturers haven't caught on to that yet either, so I can't really fault them much. 

Technical specifications and features:

● Hi-res Support: PCM 768kHz; DSD512

● Bluetooth Codecs: aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC, SBC

● Chipset: Burr Brown PCM1795

● Digital Input: 1x USB-C; 1x S/PDIF (optical/coaxial); Bluetooth 5.4

● Analogue Input: 1 x Balanced 4.4mm, 1 x Single-Ended 3.5mm

● Analogue Output: 1 x Balanced 4.4mm, 1 x Single-Ended 3.5mm

● Headphone Output: 1 x Balanced 4.4mm; 1 x S-Balanced 3.5mm

● RMS Output Power: 6.94V/1,513mW @ 32Ω; 8.60V/119mW @ 600Ω (Bal); 4.26V/567mW @ 32Ω; 4.27V/30mW @ 600Ω (S-Bal)

● Output Impedance: ≤0.4Ω; ≤4.5Ω with iEMatch (Bal); ≤0.2Ω; ≤4.4Ω with iEMatch (S-Bal)

● SNR & DNR: 115dBA (all outputs)

● THD+N: 0.006% @ 16Ω (headphone outputs); 0.0005% @ 0dBFS (line outputs)

● Battery: Lithium-Polymer 4,900mAh; ~7h battery life

● Power Supply Requirements: 5V/>1.8A via USB-C; ~3.5h charging time

● Dimensions: 141 x 75 x 19mm (5.55 x 2.95 x 0.75”)

● Net Weight: 268g (0.59lbs)

The above lays out most of the GR2's important technical specifications, so now let's discuss the many features packed inside. Those familiar with iFi and the original Gryphon will recognize most of what's here, but the way the options are toggled is a big change. The GR2's new touchscreen is a departure from iFi's usual button- and switch-based interface. I was actually a little reticent to accept this change, but navigating the menus is a simple and seamless endeavor, much like using the smartphones to which we are all too accustomed. The touchscreen is quick and responsive, and there's even an easy-to-use slider to lock the device for added protection against accidental input. Speaking of the screen, the OLED display is vibrant, easy to read, and showcases all the important information that you'd be interested in seeing at a glance. Like the Gryphon, the GR2 packs a ton of input/output options to meet various needs. On the back of the unit, there's a dedicated USB-C and S/PDIF for digital input, as well as a 3.5mm and 4.4mm line in for use as a standalone amplifier. The front features 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs, and there's also Bluetooth connectivity for wireless listening. Many of iFi's staple features make a return too, including XBass+, XSpace+, and IEMatch, though that one is presented in a slightly different way. With other iFi devices, the IEMatch options are typically labeled "3.5", "4.4", and "Off"; however, on the GR2, they are shown on screen as "-12dB", "0dB", and "+6dB", but in essence, they serve a similar function as before. There are also four digital filter options (Bit-Perfect, Gibbs-Transient Optimized, Minimum Phase, and Standard), and the GR2 offers JVCKenwood's K2HD technology for the first time outside its debut on iFi's GO bar Kensei. As a huge fan of the Kensei, I was both surprised and very pleased to see K2HD being implemented in the GR2, and I hope to see it in future iFi devices as well. The XBass, XSpace, and K2HD options can be toggled through the touchscreen, but for the physical enthusiasts out there, there are two buttons on the front to control these as well. The K2HD button also serves as an input selector. The volume wheel is located here too and functions pretty much as you'd expect. Pushing the wheel in for about 3 seconds will power on/off the GR2, and it can be short-pressed to mute/pause, as well as double/triple-pressed to go to the next or previous track. The wheel can also be used to scroll through the menus if touchscreens just aren't your thing. The GR2 implements some new features when it comes to the battery and the charging of the device, which I'll go over in more depth below. Overall, the GR2 is just as feature-rich as its predecessor, with the addition of K2HD. The new, large OLED touchscreen makes it easy to see the status and change the settings at any given time, and having all the options accessible literally at your fingertips makes using the GR2 incredibly intuitive.

Power and Battery Life:

Since the GR2 relies on its own internal power supply, it won't drain the battery of the connected source. Well, that's not entirely true. There's an option on the screen to toggle between Dual Charge mode, which supports both charging and data input via a single USB-C connection. When connected to a PC or laptop with Dual Charge mode enabled, the GR2 will draw power from the PC to charge its battery, but using it with a phone will not charge it. There's also a Hybrid Mode, which is basically a desktop mode. Essentially, the GR2 will prioritize an external power source and only draw from the battery when demand requires it. Of course, the device can be put in Pure Battery Mode as well, which negates any power drain from the source. There's also a toggle for Battery Health Mode, which stops charging the device at 80% and automatically shuts down below 5% (for transparency, the user manual says 90%, but this is an error). This reduces strain on the battery and prevents overcharging and over-discharging situations, extending the life of the battery. One small detail I discovered is that touching the battery icon on the screen will toggle the remaining percentage. It's pretty hard to read the small font, though, but it's still a neat feature that iFi thought to include. The GR2 has a 4,900mAh capacity lithium-polymer battery, which is an increase over the 3,600mAh of the original model. According to iFi, the charge lasts about 7 hours, which I found to be pretty accurate throughout my testing. Of course, it will ultimately depend on the options enabled, such as Bluetooth, gain level, volume, etc. In a perfect world, I would like to see the battery life extended even further, but the GR2 is already bordering on the larger side for a portable device, and I'd hate to see it get much bigger. The good news is that it charges fairly quickly, and there's a dedicated charging port so it can still be used while charging.

Comparisons:

● iFi iDSD Gryphon ($600) - I've already covered most of the differences between the old guard and the new challenger in the paragraphs above, so I won't rehash them all here. That being said, there are some things I'd like to highlight, and one or two I haven't touched on yet. These two are obviously very similar in shape and size, though it's worth noting the GR2 is about half an inch longer. It also offers a slightly revamped design, including a very attractive midnight blue finish. It feels even sleeker and more premium than its predecessor, which is no small feat. The GR2 also offers higher output power, a larger capacity battery, and upgraded Bluetooth connectivity from 5.1 to 5.4. The biggest difference I found between the two is that the original Gryphon has a switch on the back to control how the XBass sounds, which the GR2 omitted. While this isn't a huge drawback, having any sound customization option removed does feel a little bad. The GR2 does have the K2HD now, though, so I suppose it's a trade-off. As for the sound signatures of the two, they sound quite similar, which is, frankly, not surprising. The GR2, though, is definitely a refinement in a few areas. It has a thicker and more grounded note weight and a better sense of spatiality and fullness that the original simply does not possess. The Gryphon sounds a little colder and drier in comparison, and while it is certainly good in its own right, it frankly lacks a sense of musicality that I look for in all of my sources. The GR2 also addresses issues in treble texture and brittleness that plague the Gryphon and offers more resilience to sibilance and harshness than its older sibling. Basically, the GR2 takes the best parts of the original Gryphon and tweaks the parts that didn't really work for me, which is about all I could ask for in a new model.

● Questyle Sigma ($600) - These DAC/amps are great representations of two different design philosophies. The GR2 is an all-in-one kind of device with many sound customization and connection options. The Sigma is more form over function, and though it does offer Bluetooth, it lacks any meaningful sound-altering options like XBass, XSpace, digital filters, or K2HD. Both are also fairly large for portable devices but still what I would consider pocket-friendly. The Sigma arguably has a more premium design and feel thanks to the large glass window, but the GR2 is also very well-built. Its aluminum chassis is also more durable. The Sigma takes a more minimalistic approach, utilizing only LED lights to show the battery and volume levels, as well as various statuses. It also relies on just a few buttons and switches for its controls. In contrast, the GR2 has a full OLED touchscreen display to navigate the various menus and toggle features. Both devices can be charged while in use thanks to separate, dedicated USB-C ports for data and power, but the GR2 can be used as a standalone amplifier. Both also have substantial power to drive demanding headphones and IEMs, but the Sigma has the advantage in terms of battery life and charging speed. When it comes to sound, both devices are incredible, but they do have different strengths. The Sigma sounds more neutral or like a reference with a sub-bass boost, whereas the GR2 is a bit more V-shaped. The Sigma takes the cake in bass extension, impact, texture, and separation, but the GR2 has more weight and a slightly slower decay that sounds more natural to my ear. The GR2 also accentuates the upper midrange and pushes vocals and instruments more to the forefront, while the Sigma lets them land where they lie depending on the tuning of the headphone/IEMs. The trebles of the two sound quite similar, but I have to give the Sigma the edge in detail, tonality, and texture, though the GR2 has better air and extension. Technically, the Sigma has exemplary separation, detail retrieval, timbre, and imaging, but the GR2's note weight and soundstage are more impressive. I think the choice between these two devices ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you're on the hunt for a device that could almost literally do it all, the GR2 is hard to beat. The combination of great build quality and design, a plethora of features, and a price tag that actually seems somewhat sensible makes for a really solid value. The Sigma isn't nearly as feature-rich, but the design and aesthetic have a very high-end feel. It's also slightly more portable and pocketable, and I found that the naturalness of the sound signature pairs better with more IEMs in my collection.

● Muse Hifi M6 Double ($400) - This matchup pits the feature-rich GR2 against arguably my current favorite DAC/amp, the M6 Double. The GR2 is undoubtedly the better-built device. It feels very solid, and the revamped aesthetic is quite eye-catching. The M6 isn't quite as nicely built, but I do like the large glass window showing the circuitry within, and the Nixie tube volume display is just plain cool. The M6 is also the larger of the two, but Muse Hifi does include a case, so I'll give them props for that. Feature-wise, both devices have Bluetooth functionality and several digital filter options, but the GR2 has the advantage in customization thanks to XBass, XSpace, and K2HD. It can also be used as a standalone amplifier when the need arises. The GR2 has over three times the power output of the M6 Double and a slightly larger battery, though the battery life is a little less. Both devices can be charged while in use, but the Double lacks a Hybrid mode like the GR2. Moving on to the sound, for me, the M6's main attraction is its warm and lush tube mode, but it also has a transistor mode for a more neutral-flavored signature. When comparing the GR2 to the M6 Double's tube mode, the former exudes a more energetic and technically capable presentation. The GR2 has a slightly V-shaped tuning with elevated sub-bass and upper-mids/lower treble. The Double has more mid-bass presence, vocal emphasis, a warm, analog-like quality, and a higher level of musicality, but it sacrifices extension and pure detail retrieval in the process. The GR2's bass reaches lower and has more tactility and a slightly faster decay. The midrange also offers a wider and more energetic presentation, with vocals positioned just a bit further back. The Double has a more intimate vocal style and lacks the sheer spatiality of the GR2, but the level of warmth and emotional weight is welcome. The trend continues in the treble, where the GR2 has a certain incisiveness, energy, and sharpness that help set it apart. The Double rolls off a bit earlier and steeper, and its treble texture may leave some wanting, but it works really well for me personally. Now, if switching the Double into transistor mode, these two start to sound more alike. There's still a level of warmth and musicality, but to a far lesser degree, and to be honest, the technicalities perform a little better too. But it still falls short of the GR2 in soundstage width, imaging, and straight detail retrieval. Personally, I think the choice between these two DAC/amps ultimately boils down to their sound signatures and features. The GR2 and M6 Double do share a lot in common, but that just makes their differences all the more impactful. For those wanting a warm and lush sound signature, the M6 Double's tube mode is definitely the way to go. But for those who prefer a more energetic source that offers a higher sense of clarity, transparency, and plenty of customization options, the GR2 is hard to beat.

● Questyle M18i ($350) - Here, we have our first matchup featuring a much smaller device. The M18i is only about a quarter the size of the GR2, but it still features very nice build quality. Its compact size and ease of use make it a perfect travel companion, but it sacrifices a lot in the way of features, power, and battery life to get there. The M18i has three distinct modes, which include PC, Phone, and Bluetooth. It also has two gain levels, but that's really where the features end. The GR2 has XBass, XSpace, IEMatch, digital filters, K2HD, and can be used purely as an amplifier. The GR2 also has much more power and better battery life, around 8 hours compared to the paltry 2 of the M18i. Now let's talk about the sound differences. Both have a generally V-shaped sound signature but with different approaches. In the bass, the M18i is more sub-bass focused with a cleaner sounding mid-bass response. The low end is quick, bouncy, and tactile, yet the decay still sounds natural and lasts an appropriate amount of time. The GR2 is a little thicker, fuller, and slower with extra mid-bass emphasis but still plenty of sub-bass too. The M18i has a more intimate sounding midrange, while the GR2 has a level of width, depth, and naturalness that really draws me in. In the treble the M18i has a little more bite and energy especially with snares and cymbals but it's not harsh—more sharp and concise. The GR2 may have a little more treble emphasis in general, but it's also smoother and more extended which makes it easy to enjoy. From a technical standpoint, the GR2 has better soundstage, timbre, imaging, and layering, while the M18i excels in separation and detail. The GR2's Bluetooth connection is also more stable and the sound quality is closer to that of the wired connection than the M18i. Ultimately, while these two devices may share certain traits, they aren't really all that similar in the grand scheme. The GR2 is simply the superior device in nearly every way that matters, save for portability. Admittedly, the bass of the M18i is very nice, but the GR2's overall sound quality, power output, battery life, and a slew of features make it an easy recommendation. The M18i is still commendable for what it does well, mostly the great bass response, but the GR2 is definitely worth the extra $200 investment if you can afford it. For transparency's sake, I will add that Questyle has recently released an updated version of the M18i with the same $350 price tag, called M18i Max. Apparently, the new model addresses the battery concerns, but the size is larger, and I haven't had any experience with it personally to know if the sound signature is unchanged.

● iFi GO blu ($200) - This is another David versus Goliath matchup in terms of sheer size, but this time it's within the same iFi family. I consider the GO blu to be one of this hobby's staple portable sources, and it's one I've personally enjoyed for years. However, the new GR2, like the Gryphon before it, is really in a whole other league. It has a much higher build and sound quality and many more features, but the size may be a deal-breaker for those seeking maximum portability. The GO blu still includes iFi's XBass and XSpace and can be connected either wired or wirelessly via Bluetooth, but that's where the similarities end. The GR2 has all of that, as well as digital filter options, K2HD, IEMatch, and multiple line-in options, not to mention the much-improved quality. Moving on to the sound comparison, I was surprised to discover that the GO blu is actually the device that shares the most in common with the GR2. The sound signatures are very, very close, but that doesn't account for technical performance differences, which are quite vast. When comparing the two directly, it becomes immediately apparent that the GR2 offers significantly improved technicalities across the board, which helps to justify its much higher cost. From bass extension and impact, to midrange depth and smoothness in the treble, the GR2 simply sounds better. But the thing that stands out most for me is the bass and treble texture. The GO blu tends to sound a little bloomy and bloated in the bass and a bit harsh and brittle in the treble, and the GR2 definitely addresses those issues. Still, the GO blu is an easy recommendation to make just for its portability and ease of use. iFi even released a newer, cheaper model called the GO blu Air that sacrifices a bit in the way of build quality to make the price more affordable. But when it comes to the pure quality of sound, the GR2 is hands down the better device in every way that matters. It's feature-rich, built extremely well, feels like a truly premium product, and has enough power to drive just about anything, save for the most demanding full-sized headphones.

● iFi iDSD Signature (~$150-$200 on the used market) - Let's consider this a sort of "bonus" comparison since the Signature is no longer in production, though there are still used units making their way to the market. I recently picked one up, mostly due to curiosity, and as luck would have it, I now get to compare it against the new GR2. These two devices don't really make for a great apples-to-apples comparison since the GR2's more pocketable design and Bluetooth functionality make it ideal for portable use. The Signature is more "transportable" than it is a true portable device, and its shape, weight, and overall design make more sense as a small piece of desktop gear. Still, they both have very solid build quality, utilize Burr Brown DAC chips, and they share many of the same features, including XBass, XSpace (3D on the Signature), IEMatch, and a number of filter options. The GR2, though, has K2HD as well and is the clear winner when it comes to functionality. It offers USB-C input and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as true analog 3.5mm and 4.4mm line-in for use as a standalone amplifier. The Signature relies on RCA, SPDIF, and the antiquated (and frankly annoying) USB-A input. And since all of the input options are digital in nature, the internal DAC cannot be bypassed to be used purely as an amplifier like the GR2. As far as the sound goes, these two again share much of the same iFi DNA. Both have general V-shaped sound signatures, but one listen to the GR2 reveals the years of experience the company gained since the Signature's debut. The GR2 sounds much more refined, and everything is elevated to the next level. The bass is fuller and deeper, the midrange more dynamic and better separated, and there's a better sense of depth, engagement, and musicality throughout the entire frequency response. The Signature is still a great device and sounds quite similar to the original Gryphon, though I'd say the technical performance is still a step or two below. Ultimately, this comparison was just a fun little experiment for my personal enjoyment. I don't think many audiophiles will actually be faced with the dilemma of choosing between the GR2 or the Signature, but it is nice to see how iFi's design philosophies, build quality, and house sound have remained consistent over time. Both devices offer nice value, but the GR2 clearly elevates the technical performance and engagement factor a step or three further. Obviously, the size, Bluetooth connectivity, and line-in options add even more appeal for those looking for an all-in-one portable solution for their hi-fi audio needs, but I do think many desktop listeners would be more than happy with the Signature.

Sound impressions:

I would characterize the GR2's sound signature as very slightly V-shaped with great dynamics, detail retrieval, and extension on both ends of the frequency spectrum. Unsurprisingly, it sounds quite close to the original Gryphon, which, to be honest, is a bit of a disappointment for me. I was really hoping the new Burr-Brown chipset would lean further toward the warm, lush, analog style that I prefer. However, the GR2 is actually more musical and resonates more emotionally than its predecessor while also being just as resolving, if not more so. To my ear, the real improvements this new model brings to the table are the sense of space, depth, and note weight, as well as the K2HD feature. I also think that the XBass, in particular, works better for me here than on other iFi devices. It hits that sort of Goldilocks zone between the Signature's more subtle approach and the Gryphon's heavy-handedness, and the little bit of added mid-bass is most welcome. As for the K2HD, I found myself using it quite a bit, but it didn't always pair well with every IEM I tested. Sometimes it emphasizes the midrange and the soundstage in a slightly unnatural manner, though I admit to preferring the option more often than not. In short, between the XBass, XSpace, K2HD, and digital filters, there are plenty of customization tools to please just about anyone. Even without utilizing any of these options, the GR2 still has a very natural and engaging sound signature, which absolutely holds a charm of its own. The addition of PEQ would be the icing on the audio cake, but I'm not personally a big EQ user, so there's no love lost for me. One thing I neglected to touch on until now is the Bluetooth performance. The new version 5.4 works great, and I never experienced any dropouts or interruptions during my testing. The connection is secure up to around 30 yards, which is more than adequate for my needs. The sound quality is also very good, though there is a slightly noticeable trade-off when compared to wired, namely in the bass and treble extension, dynamics, and detail retrieval, but it's only a small percentage. If I were to describe the GR2 in five words, they would be: weighty, extended, immersive, thick, impactful. If that sounds like your thing, the GR2 might be right for you, but if you enjoy a more neutral and analytical style, the original Gryphon may be the way to go.

In conclusion:

Honestly, it's about time iFi got around to updating one of their best portable products, though it's a testament to the original Gryphon, which still holds up very well. The OG debuted in 2021 and was always meant to be iFi's portable Swiss Army knife of sorts—a role it still serves very well. However, the new GR2 packs in just as many tools along with some very welcome upgrades to the power, battery life, Bluetooth, and overall design. The most surprising additions for me are the inclusion of K2HD, which finally makes its debut outside of the fantastic GO bar Kensei, and the new OLED touchscreen. To my knowledge, this is iFi's first time using a touchscreen, and they really knocked it out of the park. It's simple, intuitive, and responsive, though it does take a little getting used to. I'm also very happy to see iFi move away from the monotone black and gray aesthetic of the original Gryphon and add a touch of color with that attractive midnight blue hue. Ultimately, all of these upgrades and changes make it easy to recommend the new GR2 over the original model, but if that wasn't enough, the latest iteration even comes with a reduction in price, which is almost unheard of in today's market. The only thing missing is the XBass switch from the original model, but I'll take K2HD integration any day of the week. In summation, the new GR2 represents a long-overdue update to one of iFi's best products, and it earns very high marks from me. If you get a chance to try this jack-of-all-trades portable DAC/amp, do yourself a favor and take it, but be warned, your wallet may come away lighter for it.