--- product_id: 568212047 title: "hip-dac3 - Portable Hi-Res DAC/Headphone Amp - True Balanced Circuit, 400mW Output, Dual USB-C, PCM 384kHz/DSD256/MQA Decoding, XBass Analog Enhancement, PowerMatch, iEMatch & up to 12hrs Playtime" brand: "ifi" price: "€ 334.97" currency: EUR in_stock: true reviews_count: 9 category: "I Fi" url: https://www.desertcart.it/products/568212047-hip-dac3-portable-hi-res-dac-headphone-amp-true-balanced store_origin: IT region: Italy --- # 400mW output power Up to 12hrs playtime Dual USB-C ports hip-dac3 - Portable Hi-Res DAC/Headphone Amp - True Balanced Circuit, 400mW Output, Dual USB-C, PCM 384kHz/DSD256/MQA Decoding, XBass Analog Enhancement, PowerMatch, iEMatch & up to 12hrs Playtime **Brand:** ifi **Price:** € 334.97 **Availability:** βœ… In Stock ## Summary > 🎧 Elevate your audio gameβ€”because your ears deserve the best. ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** hip-dac3 - Portable Hi-Res DAC/Headphone Amp - True Balanced Circuit, 400mW Output, Dual USB-C, PCM 384kHz/DSD256/MQA Decoding, XBass Analog Enhancement, PowerMatch, iEMatch & up to 12hrs Playtime by ifi - **How much does it cost?** € 334.97 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.it](https://www.desertcart.it/products/568212047-hip-dac3-portable-hi-res-dac-headphone-amp-true-balanced) ## Best For - ifi enthusiasts ## Why This Product - Trusted ifi brand quality - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Key Features - β€’ **Hi-Res Audio Decoding:** Supports PCM 384kHz, DSD256, and MQA for studio-quality playback on the go. - β€’ **Dual USB-C Connectivity:** Seamlessly charge and play simultaneously with modern cable management. - β€’ **True Balanced Circuitry:** Experience pristine, distortion-free sound that elevates every note. - β€’ **Sleek Titanium Shadow Design:** Turn heads with a premium aluminium frame that’s as stylish as it is durable. - β€’ **Customizable Sound Enhancements:** XBass, PowerMatch, and iEMatch let you tailor audio to your headphones and preferences. ## Overview The hip-dac3 is a portable high-resolution DAC and headphone amplifier featuring a true balanced circuit delivering up to 400mW into 32-ohm headphones. It supports advanced audio formats including PCM 384kHz, DSD256, and MQA decoding. With dual USB-C ports, it allows simultaneous charging and playback, enhanced by user-friendly controls and LED indicators. Its sleek Titanium Shadow aluminium frame houses upgraded circuitry and capacitors, offering up to 12 hours of playtime and customizable sound enhancements like XBass, PowerMatch, and iEMatch for a premium listening experience anywhere. ## Description iFi hip-dac3 - Portable Hi-Res DAC/Headphone Amp - True Balanced Circuit, 400mW Output, Dual USB-C, PCM 384kHz/DSD256/MQA Decoding, XBass Analog Enhancement, PowerMatch, iEMatch & up to 12hrs Playtime: desertcart.com: Industrial & Scientific Review: Perfect match for Sennheiser 600 cans - I own a pair of Sennheiser HD 600 Open Back headphones and the power and clarity from this little DAC flask is phenomenal. It has plenty of clean power to push these cans. Many people use this on their desktop, however the portability was what helped me make my purchase decision. The fact that it has a battery makes it perfect for me to use while walking on my treadmill, hanging out on the couch or relaxing outside on my deck. I easily get up to 8 hours on it at pretty high volume, then charge it. Full charge is takes only a few hours. I was reluctant to spend $200 but after stellar reviews on the internet I decided I needed this. It did not disappoint. Built extremely well, small compact and you have several options for volume control including Power Match & XBass, which works great with my headphones. Also has IEM capability, which I don't use. If you are on the fence, search the internet, plenty of great reviews. Great addition for any avid audiophile. Review: Perfect Portable DAC/Amp for My Sony MDR-MV1 Studio Monitors and iPhone 14 - I had been researching portable DAC/amp solutions that would allow me to stream Tidal high resolution audio and Spotify audio from my iPhone 14 Plus. I seriously considered a Chord Mojo 2, but kept reading about intermittent white noise problems with iOS devices using Lightning connections. I wanted something compact and light to carry as I listen to music therapeutically when I am at home or on the road for work. I read about the iFi hip-dac3 and wondered how much I would give up in audio quality selecting this over the Chord Mojo 2. I decided to purchase this as I read on Web forums that this DAC/amp worked well with iOS devices. I also like the simple, yet elegant, industrial design with intuitive controls. Better, it has a 4mm TRRS balanced output along with a 3.5mm unbalanced TRS output. My Sony MDR-MV1 studio monitor headphones have a 24 ohm impedance and can be used in unbalanced or balanced modes, so they're not difficult to drive. I really love them because they are light and comfortable. I can literally wear them all day, they fit that well. They are Sony's first open back professional headphones with a neutral presentation for professional monitoring use, so I wanted something that was smooth and able to drive these headphones that have an exceptional bass response for open back headphones. For reference, I listen to a wide range of music from jazz to classic rock to large orchestral classical music. I also purchased a Miter case to protect the beautiful Shadow Titanium anodized Aluminum enclosure of the hip-dac3. When I opened the package for the hip-dac3, I was pleasantly surprised to find a 5-6 length Apple Lightning-to-USB-C OTG connection cable. iFi's product description does not state that this cable is included, so that was a bonus. It also came with a USB-A-to-USB-C cable and a USB-C-to-USB-C cable. I also discovered just how compact the hip-dac3 is relative to my iPhone 14 Plus. I can hold my iPhone and hip-dac3 in one hand while I carry it around with my Sony's on my head. It really is a nice portable combination that I can take with the Sony's when I am on extended business trips or tooling around the house. As for sound quality, I love this combination when playing high resolution tracks streaming from Tidal. The hip-dac3 also decodes MQA streams. This was not a requirement for me as I am not an MQA fan. I prefer the high resolution FLAC tracks, but it is kind of neat to see the LEDs around the volume knob change colors depending on the digital source. Prior to receiving the hip-dac3, I used a Sonic Unity mDSD USB dongle DAC that takes power and audio from my iPhone through the bulky Apple iOS Lightning Camera Connection Kit. Apple's CCK works reliably, but it looks like a Rube Goldberg apparatus when everything is connected. This was more cumbersome to handle, and not very rugged. The Encore mDSD is an ESS DAC-based device that can be a bit dry sometimes and even harsh when pushed. The hip-dac3 is smooth as silk with its Burr-Brown Multi-Bit DAC and iFi's custom op amps in a full-balanced circuit driving my Sony's. Since it runs on batteries, I definitely have more clean and smooth headroom. Listening to classical scores by Holst and Stravinsky, this amp can reproduce the symphonic fireworks. Playing Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" and "Animals" at high resolution really fleshes out the engineer's mixes. The pace and rhythm really got my head to bobbing, feet to tapping and had me singing along. When music listening engages me in this way, I know I have a great thing going. I played Wayne Shorter's remastered "Speak No Evil" at high resolution, and the interplay and flow between Wayne Shorter and his ensemble really stirred me. This device faithfully reproduces tone and timbre. I am sure the Chord Mojo 2 is a fine DAC/amp, but I am really pleased that I purchased the iFi hip-dac3. I highly recommended this. ## Features - Enhanced Design and Functionality - The hip-dac 3, now available in a Titanium Shadow hue and encased in a sleek Aluminium frame, is not only visually striking but also encompasses a range of updated features and circuit enhancements, such as new metal film capacitors and an updated GMT circuitry, to elevate your audio experience. - Advanced Connectivity and User-friendly Controls - Equipped with two USB-C ports for simplified cable management, the device facilitates clear and high-quality audio playback and allows simultaneous charging. Furthermore, user-friendly controls such as a switch to activate iFi's iEMatch technology and LEDs that indicate the format and sample rate of the incoming audio are integrated. - Optimized Audio Performance - A true balanced circuit design, the hip-dac 3 guarantees optimal performance and pure sound by minimizing signal distortion and efficiently driving a wide range of headphones with up to 400mW into a 32-ohm headphone load. - Versatile Audio Support and Playtime - The hip-dac 3 provides extensive audio data support, including hi-res PCM and DXD up to 384kHz, DSD from 2.8MHz to 12.4MHz, and full decoding of MQA. It also offers a notable 7-10 hours of playtime with a 2200mAh battery and comes with a USB-C OTG cable and a USB-A to USB-C cable to ensure a smooth and lasting user experience. ## Product Details - **Brand:** iFi - **Interface Type:** USB - **Mounting Type:** Portable - **Number of Channels:** 4 - **Number of Pins:** 6 ## Images ![hip-dac3 - Portable Hi-Res DAC/Headphone Amp - True Balanced Circuit, 400mW Output, Dual USB-C, PCM 384kHz/DSD256/MQA Decoding, XBass Analog Enhancement, PowerMatch, iEMatch & up to 12hrs Playtime - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61-nKz5gvKL.jpg) ## Available Options This product comes in different **Color** options. ## Questions & Answers **Q: Do I need additional software or cable to use it with my Android phone, iPhone or MacBook?** A: No, just plug and play. Everything you need is already in the box **Q: Can I use this for gaming?** A: There is no mic input or pass through. But if you only want to use it for headphones while playing, it's as easy as pie **Q: Can I use this with my Bluetooth adapter?** A: The unit requires a digital input. So no **Q: What's in the box?** A: iFi hip-dac; USB-A to USB-C Cable; USB-C to USB-C Cable; Quick start card; Instruction card ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Perfect match for Sennheiser 600 cans *by T***Z on January 17, 2026* I own a pair of Sennheiser HD 600 Open Back headphones and the power and clarity from this little DAC flask is phenomenal. It has plenty of clean power to push these cans. Many people use this on their desktop, however the portability was what helped me make my purchase decision. The fact that it has a battery makes it perfect for me to use while walking on my treadmill, hanging out on the couch or relaxing outside on my deck. I easily get up to 8 hours on it at pretty high volume, then charge it. Full charge is takes only a few hours. I was reluctant to spend $200 but after stellar reviews on the internet I decided I needed this. It did not disappoint. Built extremely well, small compact and you have several options for volume control including Power Match & XBass, which works great with my headphones. Also has IEM capability, which I don't use. If you are on the fence, search the internet, plenty of great reviews. Great addition for any avid audiophile. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Perfect Portable DAC/Amp for My Sony MDR-MV1 Studio Monitors and iPhone 14 *by R***G on December 23, 2023* I had been researching portable DAC/amp solutions that would allow me to stream Tidal high resolution audio and Spotify audio from my iPhone 14 Plus. I seriously considered a Chord Mojo 2, but kept reading about intermittent white noise problems with iOS devices using Lightning connections. I wanted something compact and light to carry as I listen to music therapeutically when I am at home or on the road for work. I read about the iFi hip-dac3 and wondered how much I would give up in audio quality selecting this over the Chord Mojo 2. I decided to purchase this as I read on Web forums that this DAC/amp worked well with iOS devices. I also like the simple, yet elegant, industrial design with intuitive controls. Better, it has a 4mm TRRS balanced output along with a 3.5mm unbalanced TRS output. My Sony MDR-MV1 studio monitor headphones have a 24 ohm impedance and can be used in unbalanced or balanced modes, so they're not difficult to drive. I really love them because they are light and comfortable. I can literally wear them all day, they fit that well. They are Sony's first open back professional headphones with a neutral presentation for professional monitoring use, so I wanted something that was smooth and able to drive these headphones that have an exceptional bass response for open back headphones. For reference, I listen to a wide range of music from jazz to classic rock to large orchestral classical music. I also purchased a Miter case to protect the beautiful Shadow Titanium anodized Aluminum enclosure of the hip-dac3. When I opened the package for the hip-dac3, I was pleasantly surprised to find a 5-6 length Apple Lightning-to-USB-C OTG connection cable. iFi's product description does not state that this cable is included, so that was a bonus. It also came with a USB-A-to-USB-C cable and a USB-C-to-USB-C cable. I also discovered just how compact the hip-dac3 is relative to my iPhone 14 Plus. I can hold my iPhone and hip-dac3 in one hand while I carry it around with my Sony's on my head. It really is a nice portable combination that I can take with the Sony's when I am on extended business trips or tooling around the house. As for sound quality, I love this combination when playing high resolution tracks streaming from Tidal. The hip-dac3 also decodes MQA streams. This was not a requirement for me as I am not an MQA fan. I prefer the high resolution FLAC tracks, but it is kind of neat to see the LEDs around the volume knob change colors depending on the digital source. Prior to receiving the hip-dac3, I used a Sonic Unity mDSD USB dongle DAC that takes power and audio from my iPhone through the bulky Apple iOS Lightning Camera Connection Kit. Apple's CCK works reliably, but it looks like a Rube Goldberg apparatus when everything is connected. This was more cumbersome to handle, and not very rugged. The Encore mDSD is an ESS DAC-based device that can be a bit dry sometimes and even harsh when pushed. The hip-dac3 is smooth as silk with its Burr-Brown Multi-Bit DAC and iFi's custom op amps in a full-balanced circuit driving my Sony's. Since it runs on batteries, I definitely have more clean and smooth headroom. Listening to classical scores by Holst and Stravinsky, this amp can reproduce the symphonic fireworks. Playing Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" and "Animals" at high resolution really fleshes out the engineer's mixes. The pace and rhythm really got my head to bobbing, feet to tapping and had me singing along. When music listening engages me in this way, I know I have a great thing going. I played Wayne Shorter's remastered "Speak No Evil" at high resolution, and the interplay and flow between Wayne Shorter and his ensemble really stirred me. This device faithfully reproduces tone and timbre. I am sure the Chord Mojo 2 is a fine DAC/amp, but I am really pleased that I purchased the iFi hip-dac3. I highly recommended this. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great little DAC!! *by A***R on August 7, 2025* A great little pocket-sized DAC for me. Gives me that extra boost in sound, volume, and bass with the added power option. Pretty good battery life and was perfect for a cruise I took it on. ## Frequently Bought Together - iFi hip-dac3 - Portable Hi-Res DAC/Headphone Amp - True Balanced Circuit, 400mW Output, Dual USB-C, PCM 384kHz/DSD256/MQA Decoding, XBass Analog Enhancement, PowerMatch, iEMatch & up to 12hrs Playtime - Miter Case for iFi Hip-dac/Hip-dac2/Hip-dac 3 Portable dac, Handmade Italy Artificial PU Leather Case Cover for HipDac 3 (Black) --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - πŸ›’ **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** β€” Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** β€” Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - πŸ’° **No Hidden Fees** β€” All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - πŸ”„ **15-Day Free Returns** β€” Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - πŸ”’ **Secure Payments** β€” Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** β€” Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.it/products/568212047-hip-dac3-portable-hi-res-dac-headphone-amp-true-balanced](https://www.desertcart.it/products/568212047-hip-dac3-portable-hi-res-dac-headphone-amp-true-balanced) --- *Product available on Desertcart Italy* *Store origin: IT* *Last updated: 2026-05-10*