iFi hip Dac 3 with USB-C, upgraded circuit and IEMatch

Following the triumphs of hip Dac 1 (REVIEW) and 2, iFi hip Dac 3 emerges as a sophisticated solution tailored for the iPhone 15, which has discarded the lightning jack, favoring a more streamlined approach requiring solely a USB-C to C cable. This innovation ensures swift connectivity, enabling users to seamlessly link their phones to the DAC.

Presenting itself in the stylish Titanium Shadow hue and encased in durable aluminum, the hip Dac 3 epitomizes portability. Its slim, unobtrusive design effortlessly slips into pockets or bags, replacing lackluster DAC and amplifier setups in smartphones, tablets, PCs, and Macs. Simply connect via USB-C, plug in your preferred headphones, and indulge in the depth of rich, dynamic sound.

The decoder and amplifier circuit of hip Dac 3 maintain a semblance to hip Dac 2 but receive substantial upgrades with superior components. An additional high-quality oscillator circuit, coupled with a metal film capacitor circuit, enhances the audio experience, rendering it swifter and more detailed than its predecessors.

The amp stage boasts impressive capabilities, delivering up to 400mW into a 32-ohm headphone load, ensuring compatibility with a wide array of headphones. Moreover, it adeptly powers high-impedance headphones with an output voltage of 6.3V into 600 ohms through the balanced output.

Notably, iFi hip Dac 3 incorporates an IEMatch circuit in both 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone outputs. This feature allows users to connect low-impedance, high-sensitivity in-ear headphones without concerns about hissing or audio leakage.

Equipped with two USB-C ports, one for battery charging and the other serving as a USB input for phones and computers, the hip Dac 3 ensures versatility. Its nominal battery capacity reaches 2,200mAh, enabling a remarkable 12 hours of continuous music playback

iFi hip Dac 3 price and availability

The new iFi audio hip amplifier is now available on Amazon.com for $199. Additionally, for those seeking added protection, a soft leather case for hip Dac 3 can be purchased separately, enhancing both style and functionality. Please note that the case is not included and must be acquired separately.