The iFi Hip-DAC 3 is a premium portable DAC aiming to deliver high-fidelity audio on the go. This review delves into its performance, build quality, and overall usability, exploring whether its $200 price tag is justified. We'll examine its impressive audio capabilities, including its handling of various headphone types and its powerful amplification, and assess the impact of its thoughtfully designed features like Power Match and iEMatch.Beyond the sonic performance, we'll analyze the device's practical aspects. This includes an in-depth look at its compact, yet sturdy aluminum build, its intuitive (though not flawless) controls, and its suitability for use with both smartphones and desktop setups. Ultimately, this review aims to provide a balanced perspective, weighing the Hip-DAC 3's strengths against its weaknesses to help you decide if it's the right portable DAC for your needs.
Pros And Cons
- Premium feel (aluminum body)
- Compact size (smaller than most smartphones)
- Smooth, weighted knob for volume control
- 12-hour battery life
- Multiple connection options (3.5mm and 4.4mm pentaconn)
- Balanced circuit (4.4mm output) for powering hard-to-drive headphones
- Power Match button for added gain
- IE Match switch for sensitive IEMs
- Clean and detailed sound with no noticeable distortion
- XBass button for bass boost without unnatural sound
- Decodes high-res PCM and DXD audio, including MQA
- Minimal latency for gaming and video
- Doesn't charge while connected to a phone (separate USB-C 5V DC input)
- LED indicators are recessed and difficult to see
- Color-coded LEDs for audio format are not intuitive
- IE Match only works on one output at a time
- Subtle noise noticeable in silent portions of tracks when using IE Match with some IEMs
- Stiff cable makes it difficult to lie flat when used with a smartphone
- Can easily be bumped and accidentally change volume
- Volume knob can be turned accidentally while pocketed
Read more: Fiio K11 R2R DAC/Amp Review: A Worthy Upgrade or Redundant Luxury?
Premium Design and Build
The iFi Hip-DAC 3 boasts a premium feel, thanks to its aluminum body and warm color cast. It's surprisingly compact, smaller than most smartphones, fitting comfortably in the hand. The weighted knob, serving as both a power switch and volume control, adds to the luxurious feel and provides excellent grip thanks to its knurled texture.
The device's build quality is top-notch; it feels sturdy and well-constructed. Its weight gives it a sense of substance that belies its small size. The smooth, weighted knob provides tactile feedback, making volume adjustments precise and effortless.
Features and Functionality
The Hip-DAC 3 offers both 3.5mm and 4.4mm Pentaconn outputs, catering to various headphone types. The 4.4mm output delivers a fully balanced circuit, ideal for power-hungry headphones. Power Match and iEMatch buttons allow for customized gain adjustments, ensuring optimal performance with different headphones and IEMs.
While the buttons feel good, the LED indicators are unfortunately recessed, making it difficult to check their status. This is a significant usability issue that should be addressed in future iterations. The color-coded LEDs indicating audio format are also somewhat vague and not user-friendly.
Sound Quality and Performance
The Hip-DAC 3 delivers clean, detailed audio with minimal coloration. It accurately reproduces the source material without noticeable distortion or compression. The XBass button adds a satisfying bass boost without sounding unnatural or overwhelming.
Even power-hungry headphones were easily driven, demonstrating the device's impressive power capabilities. The soundstage was wide and detailed, allowing for an immersive listening experience. The lack of significant noise even with sensitive IEMs is a big plus.
Portability and Practical Considerations
While the Hip-DAC 3 is marketed as portable, its use with a smartphone presents some challenges. The included cable is stiff, making it difficult to achieve a flat configuration. The device's size and the easily-turned volume knob also make it slightly cumbersome in a pocket, risking accidental volume changes.
The lack of simultaneous charging while connected to a phone via USB-C is inconvenient. The small size could also result in accidental scratches to phone camera lenses if carried together in a pocket. While the device performs well on desktops, the overall portability aspect needs improvement.
Conclusion: Is It Worth the Price?
The iFi Hip-DAC 3 offers excellent sound quality, powerful amplification, and a premium design. Its versatility, with support for high-resolution audio formats and various headphone types, makes it a strong contender. However, the usability issues with the LED indicators and portability challenges are significant drawbacks.
At $200, the Hip-DAC 3 is a premium device, and its value proposition depends on your priorities. If top-tier sound quality and powerful amplification are paramount, and the portability issues are acceptable, then it might be a worthwhile upgrade. However, for purely portable use, simpler and more compact alternatives might be better suited.