iFi Audio – xDSD Gryphon

Designed in the UK 1 Year ofWarranty Ideal forAudiophiles Best Suited forPortable Use Bluetooth withaptX HD, aptX LL & LDAC 8 Hours ofBattery Life 4.4mmBalanced Output Burr-Brown DAC Chip Pair with Laptop via USB-C Connect WithS/PDIF Coaxial Upto 1000 mW @ 32ΩPower Output VolumeControls DESCRIPTION ADVANCED AUDIO ARCHITECTURE WITH BURR-BROWN CHIPSET AND PUREWAVE POWER Portable DAC/Amps tend to be compromised because they focus on either the digital or analogue section. But not both. The iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon is engineered differently. Just like its mythical namesake, it is two beasts in one. From the Ultra-Res digital stage using the Burr-Brown MultiBit chipset at the core, to the PureWave analogue power section pumping out 1,000mW, it offers serious output power. The Burr-Brown True Native chipset means file formats remain unchanged or ‘bit-perfect. This means you are listening to music as the artist intended. PureWave is a new, balanced, symmetrical dual-mono topology with short, direct signal paths. The name refers to the sonic purity it achieves thanks to exceptional linearity and infinitesimally low levels of noise and distortion. FEATURING A BALANCED AUDIO CIRCUIT WITH A NEGATIVE FEEDBACK SYSTEM The iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon utilises a superior method to the traditional single-ended circuit approach to deliver pristine audio. xDSD Gryphon features a Balanced, differential analogue circuit to reduce noise and crosstalk within the signal path by separating the left and right channels, leading to less interference and clean sound. This Balanced circuit design is usually implemented in higher-end products, but iFi Audio is now using this across its product range to produce the best quality audio for all its users. The team at iFi Audio recognised that different parts of a circuit benefit from specifically optimised feedback loops and have developed a Negative Feedback System that is much more accurate than the usual approach. This system incorporates multiple feedback paths instead of a global loop allowing every path to be optimised for a particular function that works synergistically with the others to deliver optimal performance. DELIVERING RAW POWER WITH DUAL OUTPUTS AND S-BALANCED TECHNOLOGY The iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon uses PureWave amplification circuitry to drive your connected headphones or IEM’s. It has 1,000mW at 32 Ohms. With a whopping max 6.7v output, bring on the high impedance headphones because the xDSD Gryphon will not break a sweat driving them. The device also features a 4.4mm Pentaconn connector for balanced playback along with a 3.5mm single-ended connector with S-Balanced technology for use with single-ended headphones. S-Balanced technology delivers maximum performance from both single-ended and balanced headphones. You can also use premium high-sensitivity IEMs with the 3.5mm connector. UTILISING THE LATEST QUALCOMM 5100 SERIES BLUETOOTH CHIP FOR HD AUDIO The iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon uses the latest QCC 5100 series chip that offers Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity. Utilising Qualcomm’s new QCC5100 Bluetooth processing IC in combination with proprietary circuits createS an audibly superior ‘Bluetooth engine’. All the current high-definition Bluetooth audio formats are supported – Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive and aptX HD, Sony’s LDAC and HWA’s LHDC, regular aptX and aptX Low Latency, AAC (Apple iOS devices) and SBC. Of the 24-bit-capable codecs, aptX Adaptive and aptX HD support up to 48kHz, while LDAC and LHDC reach 96kHz. iFi’s ‘Bluetooth engine’ can also be updated over the air, allowing for future codecs to be added. FULL MQA ENCODING & DECODING FUSED WITH BUILT-IN USB AND S/PDIF CONNECTIVITY The iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon comes with Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) support, enabling you to hear music exactly as recorded. MQA authentication is a badge of approval and guarantees the device master-quality audio output. The master MQA file is fully authenticated and is small enough to stream or download. To further enhance the signal path, iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon is equipped with a USB and S/PDIF connector that allows the xDSD Gryphon to handle all pro audio formats. All the following latest formats are catered for but most importantly, are pushed to their zenith. PCM(768/705.6/384/352.8/192/176.4/96/88.2/48/44.1 kHz), DSD (512/256/128/64), DXD (768/705.6/384/352.8kHz), MQA (Decoder) On S/PDIF, PCM (192/176.4/96/88.2/48/44.1 kHz) and DoP. ​ ENHANCED WITH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES THAT ALLOW YOU TO PERSONALISE AUDIO iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon features a digital platform where each section of the circuitry is distinct. It features a QC5100 chip for Bluetooth reception, a Global Master Clock for jitter, Burr-Brown chipset for DAC conversion. The xDSD Gryphon is also equipped with XSpace, XBass II, iEMatch and CyberSync technologies to elevate your audio. With XSpace enabled, it adds back the actual sound stage of recordings. Bass II reinstates the missing bass from open-backed headphones. Under XBass II you can select ‘Bass’ or ‘Presence’ so that the upper midrange frequencies are added back into your favourite recording. iEMatch is iFi Audio’s proprietary tech that reduces the annoying hiss from high-sensitivity headphones without losing any dynamic range. COMES EQUIPPED WITH CYBERSYNC TECHNOLOGY AND THREE BESPOKE DIGITAL FILTERS CyberSync is a software-driven volume control that operates in the analogue domain. It provides perfect volume synchronisation between the source and the DAC. It detects which operating system (OS) the DAC is connected to – iOS, Android, Windows, Mac OS or Linux – and instructs the source’s OS to bypass its software volume control. Whether the volume is adjusted using the xDSD Gryphon’s rotary control or on the source device, CyberSync ensures the change is performed purely by the iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon’s superior analogue control chip, while also displaying the adjustment on the source device’s screen. With digital sources, users can choose between three bespoke digital filters via the on-screen menu: Bit-Perfect, Standard and GTO (Gibbs Transient Optimised), each having a fine-tuning effect on the sound. EMBEDDED WITH A OLED SCREEN THAT FEATURES SILENTLINE TECHNOLOGY FOR LOW NOISE iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon sports a high-quality OLED display that helps you view the changes on your device. The OLED screen in the xDSD Gryphon features a SilentLine design. This ensures that there is no electrical noise to interfere with the audio signal. The way its switches between settings has been engineered to ensure sonic transparency. FET-based switching is handled by a microcontroller, which only ‘wakes up’ when the user changes the setting, thus eradicating any sonic interference. The OLED display and iFi’s CyberSync operating system combined, usher in a whole new world of user enjoyment – all information from format to battery life is there. SPECS AUDIO SPECIFICATIONS INPUTS Wireless: Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX LL, LDAC, HWA, AAC and SBC Codec)Wired (digital): USB-C S/PDIF co-axialWired (analogue): Balanced 4.4mm Single-Ended 3.5mm FORMATS DSD: DSD512/256/128/64, Octa/Quad/Double/Single-SpeedPCM: 768/705.6/384/352.8/192/176.4/ 96/88.2/48/44.1kHzDXD: 768/705.6/384/352.8kHz, Double/Single-Speed DXDMQA (Decoder): 384/352.8kHzBluetooth: Up to 96kHz DAC Burr-Brown BATTERY USB-C charging. BC1.2 compliant up to 1900mA charging current DIMENSIONS 123x75x19 mm 4.8″x3.0″x0.7″ WEIGHT 215 grams 0.5 Ibs LINE SECTION OUTPUTS Balanced: 6.7V max. (variable) S-Bal (SE): 3.5V max. (variable) OUTPUT IMPEDANCE Balanced: ≤200Ω S-Bal (SE): ≤100Ω SNR Balanced: <110dB(A) @ 0dBFS S-Bal (SE): <110dB(A) @ 0dBFS THD+N Balanced: <0.007% @ 0dBFS S-Bal (SE): <0.015% @ 0dBFS HEADPHONE SECTION OUTPUTS Balanced: 4.4mm Pentaconn S-Bal (SE): 3.5mm SE OUTPUT POWER Balanced: >1000mW @ 32Ω >74mW @ 600Ω >6.7V max. @ 600ΩS-Bal (SE): >320mW @ 32Ω >40mW @ 300Ω >3.5V max. @ 600Ω OUTPUT IMPEDANCE Balanced: <1Ω S-Bal (SE): <1Ω SNR Balanced: <116dB(A) @ 0dBFS S-Bal (SE): <115dB(A) @ 0dBFS THD+N <0.005% (1V @ 16Ω) IN THE BOX BOX CONTENTS 1. iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon 2. 1x USB-A to USB-C Cable 3. 1x USB-C to USB-C Cable 4. 1x Lightning to USB-C Cable 5. 1x Protective Bag 6. 1x User Manual 7. 1x Instruction Card FAQs What is the warranty on the iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon and how do I claim it? iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon offers 1 year warranty. You can read more about warranty here. Does it support S/PDIF coax and optical? Yes. Gryphon supports coax via 3.5mm adapter, and Toslink optical via mini-Toslink adapter on the same physical socket. Can two people listen at the same time? Yes, when not in Line-In mode, 4.4mm Pentaconn and 3.5mm sockets on both sides output audio simutaneously. However, iEMatch is only applies to the sockets on the side with the Power/Multi-function knob. How is it better than xDSD and xCAN? xDSD Gryphon supports advanced features including: Ultra-Res (PCM 32/768, 24?/192, DSD512, MQA decoder 384) Advanced 96kHz Bluetooth 5.1 QCC5100 chipset, HD Bluetooth formats Purewave balanced design (from Neo and Diablo), lower noise/THD? Filters — GTO, STD, BP iEMatch Balanced 4.4mm outputs Dual/multiple headphones simultaneously Multiple input selections: Bluetooth, USB, S/PDIF (coax & optical), LineMultiple output selections: 4.4mm Pentaconn BAL, and 3.5mm S-BAL How to prolong battery life-span? Charge to ~70% only by turning on the device first before plugging in power. Is it balanced? YES! How to reset? With USB power unplugged, hold down the XSpace/XBass button while turning on the unit will factory reset the device. Should I switch off the OLED for best sound quality? There’s not a need to do so because the ‘SilentLine’ tech means the OLED and its power supply are de-coupled from the main PCB. Therefore there is next to nil noise contamination. Is the volume control analogue or digital? Analogue so you can enjoy the best sound quality because digital volume controls cut the resolution by up to 1.5 Bits. The neat trick in the Gryphon is that it operates in the analogue but the controls are in the digital domain so you can have the best of both worlds! What charger is compatible? USB-C with 5v. High powered chargers are supported. What is the battery life? Battery life of iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon is 8 hours typically. What is Gryphon? xDSD Gryphon is our newest portable DAC that supports multiple inputs and outputs. For additional details, please check out Gryphon webpage on our website. What is XBass II with Bass & Presence? XBass II denotes you have the option to perfectly fine-tune the bass frequency reponse. Bass – is low bass and Prescence is mid-bass,. Adjust as you like to get the ideal bass response for you. Why is there not a turbo mode? Has it more power than the xDSD? It has built-in ‘Turbo’ when at full volume, it can add up to +6dB gain. DOWNLOADS User Manual Warranty & Media Reviews 1 Year Warranty Don’t sweat it, this iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon comes with a 1 year warranty from iFi Audio that covers manufacturing defects. All products featured on Headphone Zone are backed by an original manufacturer’s warranty. Read more about iFi Audio’s warranty in India.