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Change Log - 14/12/21 xDSD Gryphon - V2.07 1. New features Short press Volume knob to play/pause Short press Volume knob twice to skip to next track Short press Volume knob three times to skip to beginning/previous track 2. Added volume synchronization between xDSD Gryphon and player 3. Bug fixes
Hey @Zeos they have added BT pause / skip/previous to vol in new firmware. It even works when in USB mode. Also something really cool is hardware volume control from PC or Phone. Change Log - 14/12/21 xDSD Gryphon - V2.07 1. New features Short press Volume knob to play/pause Short press Volume knob twice to skip to next track Short press Volume knob three times to skip to beginning/previous track 2. Added volume synchronization between xDSD Gryphon and player 3. Bug fixes
Someone on head-fi stated that with a firmware update it can do the exact function that zeos is stating is missing." Starting with the most visible of these, the volume dial, not so much a dial as a multi-function knob, acts as an on/off power switch, menu selector (when inside the settings menu), and most importantly as an analogue volume control. Did I mention it can also be used to mute the volume (single press) and, with the latest firmware, gives you full pause/forward/reverse track control when connected with Bluetooth?"
New firmware does add skip, prev, play/pause along with a GTO filter and a factory reset option in the menu. I love this thing and it's my new favorite amp but not perfect. When switching xbass/space etc I get a moderately loud and annoying popping sound. This only happens if the unit has been playing for a while. Also, I don't mess around with iematch, I find it reduces dynamic range quite a bit. I think it's better to use the 3.5mm with sensitive iems since it puts out a lot less power and still sounds amazing. The other slightly annoying thing is an audible hum after connecting to BT. It goes away after 30 seconds or so but it's something I haven't experienced on anything else. Compared to the XDuoo Bal (which is collecting dust atm) it has much better BT and better controls. The XDuoo does have a built in mic and would probably be a better choice for people primarily running power hungry headphones or people that listen to music in creepy alleys and need something to use as a weapon against possible muggers. The Bal is terrific especially with the Burson OpAmps. I exclusively use a laptop for computing but if I had a desktop setup I'd probably rock the Bal there full time. I'm excited to give the new Mojo a listen but I refuse to pay for anything still using micro usb released in 2022. Also, I wanted to mention something about the Go Blu vs the Q5K. I really like the Blu but the bt sucks. The Q5K has insane BT range and it has a clip. I've been using it at the gym b/c 1:clip and 2: I can literally leave my phone in my locker and never drop connection. I love it! The Blu is better for just walking around or if you have your phone on you... and it sounds better. The Gryphon BT is right in the middle in terms of range. Since having the Gryphon I rarely use the Go Blu now. Gryphon for everyday listening and the Q5K for the gym, running and doing chores around the house.
@@frykauf thanks for the compliment! I really do like all those dac/amps but they all have their upsides and downsides. I'm hoping a Mojo 2 may miraculously cross my path at some point because their stuff, while insanely overpriced imo, does sound spectacular.
@Mike Byrne No doubt, I love the Go Blu. I think it sounds better and is nicer to use than the Q5K but the clip and BT range have been winning out lately. However, if I could only have one it would be the ifi.
@Mike Byrne It doesn't have that premium feel but the ergonomics are what do it for me. I'm hoping they release a Go Blu 2 sooner than later to address a few niggles but I won't hold my breath as that might anger some early adopters.
I loved the Go Blu enough to get the Gryphon when it became available. Listening with Moondrop Starfields, I hear no significant difference between the two amps. But using Dunu Zen Pros, the Gryphon sounds significantly better. I don't miss pause and skip when using BT; I use my phone for that. Watch out when using the Gryphon with a USB connection and USB Audio Pro on an android phone; this app resets the Gryphon when it starts, which turns the volume to maximum. Fortunately I discovered this quirk with a track that starts at a very low volume.
IFI a UK based company charges £599 for this in the UK, which works out to $812 USD, you'd think they'd want to incentivise us to buy British, but no. If it was closer to the rate of conversion for $599 which works out to £440 ish I probably would have snapped one up.
A possible alternative is to buy an LG v60 which weighs the same, has an equally powerful DAC, All the same Bluetooth functionality. Like $250. It even has expandable storage. Everything but a balanced option but you'd have $400 left over to get a qudelix 5k or something.
@@michaelcorcoran8768 the audio specs on the LG v60 are not as good (Dynamic Range / SNR / Crosstalk / Distortion/Noise etc). And the amp is not powerful enough to drive mildly difficult headphones, I tried it. The Gryphon is a true Hi Fi product. You might as well say why not buy a Toyota Corolla hatchback instead of a Mclaren The lgv60 does 125mW into 32Ω. This is not enough.
To share with viewers about ifi products, I own the iDSD Signature DAC/amp which does not have Bluetooth. I love it. Just love it. It's a larger unit which I use when travelling (not daily commutes) and as a desktop unit when driving my iPad Pro while working. It's so good. The latest iterations of xBass+ and 3D+ with their analogue implementation are really addictive. When using my PC I use a tube-rolled xDuoo TA-20 and a Drop THX amp paired with a Topping D70. Neither amp can, just as an example, make my HD 650's sound as good as when driven by the ifi. Results differ for my various high-end headphones but damn if the iDSD Signature isn't a do-it-all contender, at least in the category of the afore mentioned amps in the price class. So yea, I recommend ifi products. If you want Bluetooth then I say go for it.
Got the Gryphon powering the 7hz TImeless - sounds amazing, much better than the Fio BTR5 I had paired prior. Also noticed the Bluetooth sounds significantly less clear than the USB to PC. The Gryphon also brought my Focal Eligias to life, was unimpressed with them on the BTR5. iFi has an all around great dac/amp that I use as a desk unit.
@@TheTastefulThickness original 7Hz is amazing if you pair with proper dongle or dap-amp. For example it sounds pretty good on my BTR7 and the owner (my friend)'s VE Megatron but simply horrible on my questyle M15. Way too bright and sometimes sibilant. Pricier dongle/amp doesn't always mean it will sound better with all HPs
Watching this late, but about to purchase and after some research, very happy to see the volume knob can now pause, play, skip, and previous track as of Firmware v1.43.
Was considering one of these this week and during my research I fell across the chord mojo 2 and just had to grab one, be interesting to see your take on one, some real nice improvements over the original mojo but there's still some awkward omissions like a balanced output but chord reckon it just wasn't the way to go with it, no Bluetooth either which is a shame but hey... poly is why. Sounds pretty amazing though with a really effective EQ and crossfeed ability. also some impressive specs for its size, looks to be far more powerful with single ended over the gryphon but falls behind compared to the balanced power output, dynamic range is also noticeably better on paper... yeh, its pretty sweet.
Was about to buy a gryphon but chord really interests me and I didn't realize how close they were in price. The fact you said it has EQ, gets me excited I REALLY have been enjoying eq with my mini ES100 but its clearly not powerful enough. Now more research...
I’m in the same camp. Mojo 2 and cables or Gryphon with Bluetooth. I travel with LCD-Xs. Have some concerns about the Gryphon being able to power the LCD-X, but I love the unit. Of course everyone gushes about the MOJO 2 and I’m a professional musician so sound is very important to me….confused!
Smartphones have an arbitrary number of volume steps. You typically get about 10-20 volume levels using the volume buttons to make it more user-friendly, but they could easily make it 100 level instead. When you manually drag the volume bar, you can adjust it in between the default steps. Just like wireless headphones, the DAC is telling the OS running on the phone to set the volume up or down by some amount of some unit, but that may or may not be the amount that the volume buttons would normally do. It's just a software thing, really. The only thing that has me worried is iFi using digital knobs instead of analogue because they're far less reliable, and I absolutely hate when they start skipping like the volume knob on my Xduoo XA-10 does.
About the volume, I've heard that phones output maximum quality audio when volume is at 100%, so maybe that's why they have such adjustable volume range?
Two things wrong with recent firmware: change from dB volume to some stupid arbitrary scale. And screen brightness when in 'off' mode is low instead of high, which doesn't make sense. On the up side: there's pause and play now. Loved the review.
I still have no reason to upgrade my xduoo xd05plus since it sounds as good as I would want it for doing things around my house and it powers all my large headphones well (t60rp's for example). From that point of view 350 more $ seems a lot to ask and really I would only use one or two of the functions that the ifi has over the xd05plus. But if you are in the market and you need the higher sound quality on the go it sounds like a rly compelling option so good on you ifi. I hope xduoo responds with another device as competition is always nice to see
Yeah, of all my portables my xd-05 plus is at the top of the hierarchy. At the moment. I also have the Fiio BTR5, and the Fiio q5s. The xduoo is overkill for iems, but the two Fiios tend to run out of headroom when driving demanding full-size headphones. I just wish it had Bluetooth for convenience. Still on the fence about buying the Bluetooth adapter for the xduoo.
@@RYTHMICRIOT I've been using my xd05plus only with the bluetooth adaptor as i only use it as a portable around the house for full sized headphones and i can not live portable without wireless. There rly is no big sound change and the range is good but it is a bit finicky as it needs more or less direct view of the phone (the signal is weaker because i use ldac) it is also a bit annoying thag you need to detach it to charge the amp. I think it is worth it but it depends on how you use it
@@RYTHMICRIOT have you found something to replace the Q5S? I used them to drive my EE LX. So the X and got the evos. And honestly I didn’t like the pairing. It’s an older unit and it’s been dropped a bunch. So I’m looking to find a replacement.
I have one too. A couple things I will add. The USB C to lighting connector does not work. It works at first then starts loosing the connection to the unit. I tried two of them and they both did the same thing. It took about a month or so for each of them to stop working I have no idea why. If I use the Apple lighting to USB A adapter and then the ifi cord it has been working fine. I've seen others say the same thing. I think also the gryphon sounds a lot better from your iPhone this way than bluetooth, it's a lot better. I keep mine in the vehicle and go analog out to the aux input on my vehicle. It's an amazing sounding DAC and right in the realm of sound I get from my 3K Astell & Kern player
Been enjoying Dunu Zen Pros you reviewed very much with Cobalt Dragonfly and iphone or via laptop at work. Cobalt works very well and packs away in the Dunu supplied case which is brilliant for portability but the lightening connector adapter sold by Apple that you need is a disaster, couple of months use and the wires are broke or shorted or something. Cobalt won't connect or drops a channel or the phone flashes up messages that the device is using too much power. So I've ordered the Gryphon which does come with it's own lightening adapter (fingers crossed better quality than the Apple ones) but if that fails I hear the sound over bluetooth connection is still pretty good. Gryphon and Zen pro should be high quality match. Looked at Mojo but you need Mojo and Poly and balanced adapter to get the features in the Gryphon at a fairly eye watering price.
Well then! Lol I almost bought the IxCan whatever it’s called, recently, grabbed the XD05 plus instead, but this thing is a beauty, like really LOVE it’s look
Can I also use this for my car audio as it doesn't have bluetooth only red and white aux? I already have headphones and if it will double up for my car setup, I'll be good
OK! Maybe iFi listened to you! On Bluetooth and USB the main button works like the button/dial on the Go Blu. Start/stop song. Advance or rewind track. I just got mine today, looks to be software upgrade! This is the king of DAC/Amps. Literally does everything, and well. And sounds great!
Hey @Zeos, I’ve just watched your older stuff about the WA8 Eclipse, and have a question how you would compare the Gryphon to the WA8 Eclipse? Which one is better for planar headphones like the HiFiMAN Arya, and headphones in general? Btw, I love your reviews. A lot of useful comments and pure joy - thanks so much!
I'm specifically interested in the T60 Argons from Mod House. Wonder if these would power them, and power them good for it's Watt needs the specific tuning it has of it's own (Mod House = God).
I had no idea that Chewie passed so sorry been there it gets better god bless...RIP Chewie hope I spelled it right still watch and love your reviews a little late but still here bro.
Hey Z. You can control tracks in bluetooth mode with the mute button. once to pause, twice to skip forward and 3 times to go back, I love this little beast.
I don't think you're getting the point here. ;) This box is a bluetooth *receiver*. It receives bluetooth from your phone. Then you connect it *wired* to any headset / iem. With the clear advantage of a superior DAC and AMP, compared to just using your phone with a bluetooth headset. So yes, the sound is going to be much much improved compared to that setup.
GNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN I really really REALLY don't really need another portable amp. BUT bluetooth + Xbass might seal de the deal. I really like Xbass on my Hip-Dac (first model). 600$ is a pricey ticket for "just" Xbass. I will see.
This as more power than just the zen dac v2 ! I have the both.. use it on LCD-2C , Harmonicdyne Zeus and Focal Radiance , top! Love it also with my sennheiser ie300.
Need something more portable and thinking trading in my Dacmagic 200M for this one. Do you think the SQ will be more or less similar with these two? Thanks.
So I could use this as just a wired dac, or BT dac into my Singxer preamp at home & take it with me on the go? Does it sound as good as the iDSD Signature?
Some sites state it's able to connect fixed or variable to an external amp, but I can't find this in the specs. (that's what I Like about my Zen Dac V2). I want to add a Zen Can and an Sundara, but now I consider the Gryphon and return my Dac V2 as it's still returnable..however, will this device be any good when it's most of the time connected to my pc via usb? Will the battery degenerate sooner? I also don't like the idea of having a battery-device constantly connected. (if only these things were powererd by replaceable 18650 batteries..)
is the go bar gold better than the gryphon? the gold go bar has a smaller formfactor, better build quality with high copper and gold shell, no bt, no battery and no screen, so whom of the two is better?
Is the S/PDIF really both input and output? I can’t find any other reference to that. If it is input and output this is my baby all day long, if not then it’s my baby most of the day - ??
I have both the iDSD Signature and the xDSD Gryphon. The Gryphon is definitely in the same league as the big brother iDSD Signature. Very similiar sound, obviously not as powerful as the Signature but can still vibrate my earlobes on my TH610s at -16db. Heaps of headroom and dont even need to use the ie match on my CFA Andromedas. Heaps more versatile and more portable and BT sounds every bit as good as wired, especially when using max bitrate LDAC at 96k. Also used as input from my turntable and sounds magnificent! TECHNICS SL1210mk5 > Ortofon Super OM40 > TUBE Box DS > ifi xDSD Gryphon > ALO Litz 4.4 pure silver > Fostex TH610 Black Limba Chambers..... = Bliss
I have both the Gryphon and Signature + the HipDac2 too.. I'm a sucker for all things iFi because they offer a bass enhancement feature that I can't live without. I use it for 80/90s mainstream pop/rock music where a majority of them suffer from weak bass or a lack of it but when I'm listening to jazz/instrumental/classical I turn it off. The Gryphon has less of that smooth, rounded and warm iFi signature sound but it still sounds robust and smooth but with an added touch of airiness and slight sparkle. There is no lack of volume on all my iFi DAC/amps even though I'm using SE connection (but have balanced cables on order), you just know you're getting something magical and worth your dough with iFi products. I really wanted the Diablo but settled for the Signature because of the XBass feature.
@@nellatl The Signature is superior in power output/volume, it is effortless in driving my Audeze planar cans compared to the Gryphon. The Gryphon however has added sparkle in the highs compared to the Signature which has more rounded off highs. Go for the Signature if you'll be mainly driving cans rather than IEMs. Although both has XBass, I found the Signature has slightly more wallop but the Gryphon has the option of a boost in the mids via the Presence switch. Call me shallow but between the two I'm more enamoured with the Gryphon's looks and size (classy vs industrial). If I don't have full sized cans I'd probably go for the Gryphon but with the Signature you have the added confidence that it will drive anything you throw at it.
@@artyboy1377 purely sound, gryphon is better? I have signature but was thinking about gryphon. Imho, signature is much better than Diablo. Diablo more noise than signature. Thinking about gryphon for analog options as well.
@@nellatl It depends on the music genre, I prefer the Signature when I want more slam but I would say for jazz and vocals the Gryphon's sparkly highs does have an edge (although that would work against it on bright recordings so it's a give and take). Like you I also pondered over the Gryphon when I already had the Signature. I bought the Gryphon not because it was better than the Signature but becos it was more pocket friendly for outdoor use and it also sounds as good as it looks, so it compliments it rather than replaces it. However it can replace it if you're mainly listening on IEMs.
Since FiiO L5 cable is discontinued is there any alternative cable for reasonable price or maybe someone is still selling it somewhere ? Looking for NW-Port to 3.5mm audio jack for my Sony ZX300 DAP.
Hi Maciej, it might be a bit of an expensive option but the SONY Walkman Cradle BCR-NWH10. I have it for my zx300 for home use and it provides more standard connectivity options. As a bonus it also charges the zx300 whilst listening.
can't decide between micca mb42x with a mini amp and Edifier r1280db.. can anyone help? personally I am leaning towards the micca's but it is not currently available and edifiers has a lot of input options plus inbuilt amp. but not sure about the sound quality.
@@ZReviews It would be perfect if it was half the price. And more portable. I mean if you can't tell the difference with a/b testing, it seems silly to spend three times as much money.
I am planing on buying some dca aeon noire and need a dac/amp for run them both when I am out (which is a lot) and when i am home… I was thinking chord mojo 2 because it just came out and i like the double 3.5 out, but micro usb charging seems annoying… What would you guys choose, mojo2 or the gryphon?
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FIRMWARE 2.07 INDEED ADDS THE ABILITY TO SKIP TRACKS AND PLAY PAUSE.. THIS IS IT.. PRAYERS ANSWERED!
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Change Log - 14/12/21
xDSD Gryphon - V2.07
1. New features
Short press Volume knob to play/pause
Short press Volume knob twice to skip to next track
Short press Volume knob three times to skip to beginning/previous track
2. Added volume synchronization between xDSD Gryphon and player
3. Bug fixes
Hey @Zeos they have added BT pause / skip/previous to vol in new firmware. It even works when in USB mode. Also something really cool is hardware volume control from PC or Phone.
Change Log - 14/12/21
xDSD Gryphon - V2.07
1. New features
Short press Volume knob to play/pause
Short press Volume knob twice to skip to next track
Short press Volume knob three times to skip to beginning/previous track
2. Added volume synchronization between xDSD Gryphon and player
3. Bug fixes
Someone on head-fi stated that with a firmware update it can do the exact function that zeos is stating is missing." Starting with the most visible of these, the volume dial, not so much a dial as a multi-function knob, acts as an on/off power switch, menu selector (when inside the settings menu), and most importantly as an analogue volume control. Did I mention it can also be used to mute the volume (single press) and, with the latest firmware, gives you full pause/forward/reverse track control when connected with Bluetooth?"
I will make out with you if this is true.. Updating now.
Can it firmware update itself to a smaller size
@@ZReviews now we’re talking
@@ZReviews have you been able to verify?
@@JayDpwnz the video stamp for this chapter says: IGNORE THIS RANT, NEW FIRMWARE FIXED IT
ngl, I don’t always agree with Z’s views on stuff, but he has to be the most entertaining audio reviewer out there
The only reviewer with a head cam.😂
New firmware does add skip, prev, play/pause along with a GTO filter and a factory reset option in the menu. I love this thing and it's my new favorite amp but not perfect. When switching xbass/space etc I get a moderately loud and annoying popping sound. This only happens if the unit has been playing for a while. Also, I don't mess around with iematch, I find it reduces dynamic range quite a bit. I think it's better to use the 3.5mm with sensitive iems since it puts out a lot less power and still sounds amazing. The other slightly annoying thing is an audible hum after connecting to BT. It goes away after 30 seconds or so but it's something I haven't experienced on anything else. Compared to the XDuoo Bal (which is collecting dust atm) it has much better BT and better controls. The XDuoo does have a built in mic and would probably be a better choice for people primarily running power hungry headphones or people that listen to music in creepy alleys and need something to use as a weapon against possible muggers. The Bal is terrific especially with the Burson OpAmps. I exclusively use a laptop for computing but if I had a desktop setup I'd probably rock the Bal there full time. I'm excited to give the new Mojo a listen but I refuse to pay for anything still using micro usb released in 2022.
Also, I wanted to mention something about the Go Blu vs the Q5K. I really like the Blu but the bt sucks. The Q5K has insane BT range and it has a clip. I've been using it at the gym b/c 1:clip and 2: I can literally leave my phone in my locker and never drop connection. I love it! The Blu is better for just walking around or if you have your phone on you... and it sounds better. The Gryphon BT is right in the middle in terms of range. Since having the Gryphon I rarely use the Go Blu now. Gryphon for everyday listening and the Q5K for the gym, running and doing chores around the house.
Nice and comprehensive "actual user" review. Love it. Thanks for posting it.
@@frykauf thanks for the compliment! I really do like all those dac/amps but they all have their upsides and downsides. I'm hoping a Mojo 2 may miraculously cross my path at some point because their stuff, while insanely overpriced imo, does sound spectacular.
@Mike Byrne No doubt, I love the Go Blu. I think it sounds better and is nicer to use than the Q5K but the clip and BT range have been winning out lately. However, if I could only have one it would be the ifi.
@Mike Byrne It doesn't have that premium feel but the ergonomics are what do it for me. I'm hoping they release a Go Blu 2 sooner than later to address a few niggles but I won't hold my breath as that might anger some early adopters.
have you tried it with some power-hungry cans? how does it perform?
I loved the Go Blu enough to get the Gryphon when it became available. Listening with Moondrop Starfields, I hear no significant difference between the two amps. But using Dunu Zen Pros, the Gryphon sounds significantly better. I don't miss pause and skip when using BT; I use my phone for that. Watch out when using the Gryphon with a USB connection and USB Audio Pro on an android phone; this app resets the Gryphon when it starts, which turns the volume to maximum. Fortunately I discovered this quirk with a track that starts at a very low volume.
I believe this has been fixed now (for anyone worried it might still be a problem)
The physical design looks like the creative lab blaster X portable dac
IFI a UK based company charges £599 for this in the UK, which works out to $812 USD, you'd think they'd want to incentivise us to buy British, but no. If it was closer to the rate of conversion for $599 which works out to £440 ish I probably would have snapped one up.
A possible alternative is to buy an LG v60 which weighs the same, has an equally powerful DAC, All the same Bluetooth functionality. Like $250. It even has expandable storage. Everything but a balanced option but you'd have $400 left over to get a qudelix 5k or something.
@@michaelcorcoran8768 the audio specs on the LG v60 are not as good (Dynamic Range / SNR / Crosstalk / Distortion/Noise etc). And the amp is not powerful enough to drive mildly difficult headphones, I tried it. The Gryphon is a true Hi Fi product. You might as well say why not buy a Toyota Corolla hatchback instead of a Mclaren
The lgv60 does 125mW into 32Ω. This is not enough.
It’s not a British company. Made in china and designed in china with china parts. Ifi is listed on companies house UK and that’s it.
To share with viewers about ifi products, I own the iDSD Signature DAC/amp which does not have Bluetooth. I love it. Just love it. It's a larger unit which I use when travelling (not daily commutes) and as a desktop unit when driving my iPad Pro while working. It's so good. The latest iterations of xBass+ and 3D+ with their analogue implementation are really addictive. When using my PC I use a tube-rolled xDuoo TA-20 and a Drop THX amp paired with a Topping D70. Neither amp can, just as an example, make my HD 650's sound as good as when driven by the ifi. Results differ for my various high-end headphones but damn if the iDSD Signature isn't a do-it-all contender, at least in the category of the afore mentioned amps in the price class. So yea, I recommend ifi products. If you want Bluetooth then I say go for it.
I have signature. Sounds better than all my daps including fiio m17. Has major qa issues though
Got the Gryphon powering the 7hz TImeless - sounds amazing, much better than the Fio BTR5 I had paired prior. Also noticed the Bluetooth sounds significantly less clear than the USB to PC. The Gryphon also brought my Focal Eligias to life, was unimpressed with them on the BTR5. iFi has an all around great dac/amp that I use as a desk unit.
how would you describe much better than the BTR5?
the original 7hz? Oof i hate those things
@@TheTastefulThickness original 7Hz is amazing if you pair with proper dongle or dap-amp. For example it sounds pretty good on my BTR7 and the owner (my friend)'s VE Megatron but simply horrible on my questyle M15. Way too bright and sometimes sibilant. Pricier dongle/amp doesn't always mean it will sound better with all HPs
@@damienriot that's possible, i bought them exclusively for the ifi go blu
Hey, would you say gryphon sounds 3x better? How would you describe the exact difference between the two in sound quality?
Got the IFI Go Blue..and I absolutely love this unit! ( pretty well all Bluetooth) 🍻
Watching this late, but about to purchase and after some research, very happy to see the volume knob can now pause, play, skip, and previous track as of Firmware v1.43.
and don't change Steve, your way of presenting is your thing and it works. Thanks
Was considering one of these this week and during my research I fell across the chord mojo 2 and just had to grab one, be interesting to see your take on one, some real nice improvements over the original mojo but there's still some awkward omissions like a balanced output but chord reckon it just wasn't the way to go with it, no Bluetooth either which is a shame but hey... poly is why.
Sounds pretty amazing though with a really effective EQ and crossfeed ability. also some impressive specs for its size, looks to be far more powerful with single ended over the gryphon but falls behind compared to the balanced power output, dynamic range is also noticeably better on paper... yeh, its pretty sweet.
Was about to buy a gryphon but chord really interests me and I didn't realize how close they were in price. The fact you said it has EQ, gets me excited I REALLY have been enjoying eq with my mini ES100 but its clearly not powerful enough. Now more research...
if it did bluetooth out of the box i’d be much more likely to buy mojo
I’m in the same camp. Mojo 2 and cables or Gryphon with Bluetooth. I travel with LCD-Xs. Have some concerns about the Gryphon being able to power the LCD-X, but I love the unit. Of course everyone gushes about the MOJO 2 and I’m a professional musician so sound is very important to me….confused!
I didn’t get it because it has no 4.4 balanced connection and for 600 dollars it should.
@@colingordon0986that’s more of a Chord Ideology thing as Rob Watts doesn’t believe in better sound with balanced
If you remove the volume knob, is there a place for bourbon? Asking for a friend.
Love to see your comparison of the Gryphon vs Mojo 2. I realize the Mojo 2 is priced higher, but you can find them used cheaper than a new Gryphon.
Smartphones have an arbitrary number of volume steps.
You typically get about 10-20 volume levels using the volume buttons to make it more user-friendly, but they could easily make it 100 level instead. When you manually drag the volume bar, you can adjust it in between the default steps. Just like wireless headphones, the DAC is telling the OS running on the phone to set the volume up or down by some amount of some unit, but that may or may not be the amount that the volume buttons would normally do. It's just a software thing, really. The only thing that has me worried is iFi using digital knobs instead of analogue because they're far less reliable, and I absolutely hate when they start skipping like the volume knob on my Xduoo XA-10 does.
I just unpacked my iFi Gryphon and the volume button does basic pause/play/forward control with my iPhone‘s Qobuz app.
About the volume, I've heard that phones output maximum quality audio when volume is at 100%, so maybe that's why they have such adjustable volume range?
Two things wrong with recent firmware: change from dB volume to some stupid arbitrary scale. And screen brightness when in 'off' mode is low instead of high, which doesn't make sense. On the up side: there's pause and play now. Loved the review.
I still have no reason to upgrade my xduoo xd05plus since it sounds as good as I would want it for doing things around my house and it powers all my large headphones well (t60rp's for example). From that point of view 350 more $ seems a lot to ask and really I would only use one or two of the functions that the ifi has over the xd05plus. But if you are in the market and you need the higher sound quality on the go it sounds like a rly compelling option so good on you ifi. I hope xduoo responds with another device as competition is always nice to see
Xbass, Xbass really is a decent reason. But yeah, price climb is steep.
Yeah, of all my portables my xd-05 plus is at the top of the hierarchy. At the moment. I also have the Fiio BTR5, and the Fiio q5s. The xduoo is overkill for iems, but the two Fiios tend to run out of headroom when driving demanding full-size headphones. I just wish it had Bluetooth for convenience. Still on the fence about buying the Bluetooth adapter for the xduoo.
@@RYTHMICRIOT I've been using my xd05plus only with the bluetooth adaptor as i only use it as a portable around the house for full sized headphones and i can not live portable without wireless. There rly is no big sound change and the range is good but it is a bit finicky as it needs more or less direct view of the phone (the signal is weaker because i use ldac) it is also a bit annoying thag you need to detach it to charge the amp. I think it is worth it but it depends on how you use it
@@RYTHMICRIOT have you found something to replace the Q5S?
I used them to drive my EE LX. So the X and got the evos. And honestly I didn’t like the pairing. It’s an older unit and it’s been dropped a bunch. So I’m looking to find a replacement.
@@JosiasRivera Not yet. I'd like to try the Dethonray Honey but I don't want to spend that much money on a unit that doesn't have Bluetooth.
So, here's the 300.00 question: is this twice as good as the Monolith 124460 Portable DAC/Headphone Amp?
I have one too. A couple things I will add. The USB C to lighting connector does not work. It works at first then starts loosing the connection to the unit. I tried two of them and they both did the same thing. It took about a month or so for each of them to stop working I have no idea why. If I use the Apple lighting to USB A adapter and then the ifi cord it has been working fine. I've seen others say the same thing. I think also the gryphon sounds a lot better from your iPhone this way than bluetooth, it's a lot better. I keep mine in the vehicle and go analog out to the aux input on my vehicle. It's an amazing sounding DAC and right in the realm of sound I get from my 3K Astell & Kern player
Been enjoying Dunu Zen Pros you reviewed very much with Cobalt Dragonfly and iphone or via laptop at work. Cobalt works very well and packs away in the Dunu supplied case which is brilliant for portability but the lightening connector adapter sold by Apple that you need is a disaster, couple of months use and the wires are broke or shorted or something. Cobalt won't connect or drops a channel or the phone flashes up messages that the device is using too much power. So I've ordered the Gryphon which does come with it's own lightening adapter (fingers crossed better quality than the Apple ones) but if that fails I hear the sound over bluetooth connection is still pretty good. Gryphon and Zen pro should be high quality match. Looked at Mojo but you need Mojo and Poly and balanced adapter to get the features in the Gryphon at a fairly eye watering price.
Well then! Lol I almost bought the IxCan whatever it’s called, recently, grabbed the XD05 plus instead, but this thing is a beauty, like really LOVE it’s look
"Whoooo are you selling this to?!"
😂😂
I expected rubber fists, Gimp outfits, and perhaps a vat of industrial lube in this episode
You get a thumbs up purely for the beginning ie. GryphonDor. You made me laugh 😂 😂
Ifi should combine the Go Blu with the Go Bar and call it the Gryphling.
Can I also use this for my car audio as it doesn't have bluetooth only red and white aux? I already have headphones and if it will double up for my car setup, I'll be good
Might have to get this just because of the name.
OK! Maybe iFi listened to you! On Bluetooth and USB the main button works like the button/dial on the Go Blu. Start/stop song. Advance or rewind track. I just got mine today, looks to be software upgrade! This is the king of DAC/Amps. Literally does everything, and well. And sounds great!
Thanks for review. Trying to decide on best phone/laptop unit so this looks close. Sorry to hear about Chewbacca she was a beautiful cat 🙏
so this thing can't Charge fast enough to be used as a Desktop setup?
I just found out about Chewbacca this morning in the dark hours, sad day 😕she really endeared me to you, even more than you do, not weird at all
Yeah it's really sad. Zeos and that cat were super close.
Hey @Zeos, I’ve just watched your older stuff about the WA8 Eclipse, and have a question how you would compare the Gryphon to the WA8 Eclipse? Which one is better for planar headphones like the HiFiMAN Arya, and headphones in general? Btw, I love your reviews. A lot of useful comments and pure joy - thanks so much!
Hello...
Thanks for the review.
Do you think the Gryphon would make a good match with the Hifiman Edition XS on balanced output?
ive had the Xduoo XD-05 Plus for a year or two now. I think this looks like my next upgrade.
If I was in the market for a portable AIO DAC/Amp... it would be between the Gryphon and new Chord Mojo 2.
I'd rather have a Mojo 2.
@@kyron42 Same
How about versus Monoprice THX AAA portable?
I'm specifically interested in the T60 Argons from Mod House. Wonder if these would power them, and power them good for it's Watt needs the specific tuning it has of it's own (Mod House = God).
I had no idea that Chewie passed so sorry been there it gets better god bless...RIP Chewie hope I spelled it right still watch and love your reviews a little late but still here bro.
Hey Z. You can control tracks in bluetooth mode with the mute button. once to pause, twice to skip forward and 3 times to go back, I love this little beast.
Didn`t know this , thanks!
Great review. Thanks
I don't understand why you would buy this or any other portable for BT. My phone does LDAC from Tidal. Is BT better somehow from these things?
I don't think you're getting the point here. ;) This box is a bluetooth *receiver*. It receives bluetooth from your phone. Then you connect it *wired* to any headset / iem. With the clear advantage of a superior DAC and AMP, compared to just using your phone with a bluetooth headset. So yes, the sound is going to be much much improved compared to that setup.
the ifi cables succk lasted me 2 days on the hipdac and its £20 avoid
if the "mute" was the "control" botton it would be better, you can mute your music just scrolling left...
X-wife. That setting will surely blow up your ear drums.
It's a beautiful device.
GNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
I really really REALLY don't really need another portable amp. BUT bluetooth + Xbass might seal de the deal. I really like Xbass on my Hip-Dac (first model).
600$ is a pricey ticket for "just" Xbass. I will see.
My Zen Blue, she spoke on set up and never since.
is it worth buying this over a zen dac v2 if you don't particularly need the portability or the bluetooth?
This as more power than just the zen dac v2 ! I have the both.. use it on LCD-2C , Harmonicdyne Zeus and Focal Radiance , top! Love it also with my sennheiser ie300.
Need something more portable and thinking trading in my Dacmagic 200M for this one. Do you think the SQ will be more or less similar with these two? Thanks.
How is the Gryphon compared to the Diablo and/or the Topping G5? Thanks...
anybody else never seem to be able to find the wallpapers in the resilio folder? like even months after a video posts?
So I could use this as just a wired dac, or BT dac into my Singxer preamp at home & take it with me on the go? Does it sound as good as the iDSD Signature?
The xCAN Bluetooth is noisy, which is probably what you're referring to
im saving up for this one, currently im using a fiio q3 and want something a bit more.
Please compare Gryphon with a xduoo xd05 bal with burson dual v5i D. Or an open case with v6 for an intimate listening use case at home. 😁
Some sites state it's able to connect fixed or variable to an external amp, but I can't find this in the specs. (that's what I Like about my Zen Dac V2). I want to add a Zen Can and an Sundara, but now I consider the Gryphon and return my Dac V2 as it's still returnable..however, will this device be any good when it's most of the time connected to my pc via usb? Will the battery degenerate sooner? I also don't like the idea of having a battery-device constantly connected. (if only these things were powererd by replaceable 18650 batteries..)
is the chord mojo 2 better than this?
Can’t wait for grifphon 2
is the go bar gold better than the gryphon?
the gold go bar has a smaller formfactor, better build quality with high copper and gold shell, no bt, no battery and no screen, so whom of the two is better?
This guy is very funny with his crazy review manners :))
Hi Sir. Hope you can make a review on Thonet & Vander speaker.
I have both and I love both of them
Wonder how sound quality compares to mojo 2which I have my eye on, I think I know the answer
Is the S/PDIF really both input and output? I can’t find any other reference to that. If it is input and output this is my baby all day long, if not then it’s my baby most of the day - ??
But I got my KPH40s before they were gone! Now I'm a gnat's booty from dropping the 6er for a Gryphon (dor)?
they released an update which added the GTO filter
Can't wait for this to go out of stock now
for 600 the screen should be straight.
the ifi and xduoo via firmware update have track control
27:29 Why can i hear the iems?
Zeos deaf confirmed
I have both the iDSD Signature and the xDSD Gryphon. The Gryphon is definitely in the same league as the big brother iDSD Signature. Very similiar sound, obviously not as powerful as the Signature but can still vibrate my earlobes on my TH610s at -16db. Heaps of headroom and dont even need to use the ie match on my CFA Andromedas. Heaps more versatile and more portable and BT sounds every bit as good as wired, especially when using max bitrate LDAC at 96k. Also used as input from my turntable and sounds magnificent! TECHNICS SL1210mk5 > Ortofon Super OM40 > TUBE Box DS > ifi xDSD Gryphon > ALO Litz 4.4 pure silver > Fostex TH610 Black Limba Chambers..... = Bliss
I have both the Gryphon and Signature + the HipDac2 too.. I'm a sucker for all things iFi because they offer a bass enhancement feature that I can't live without. I use it for 80/90s mainstream pop/rock music where a majority of them suffer from weak bass or a lack of it but when I'm listening to jazz/instrumental/classical I turn it off. The Gryphon has less of that smooth, rounded and warm iFi signature sound but it still sounds robust and smooth but with an added touch of airiness and slight sparkle. There is no lack of volume on all my iFi DAC/amps even though I'm using SE connection (but have balanced cables on order), you just know you're getting something magical and worth your dough with iFi products. I really wanted the Diablo but settled for the Signature because of the XBass feature.
@@artyboy1377 which is better gryphon or signature?
@@nellatl The Signature is superior in power output/volume, it is effortless in driving my Audeze planar cans compared to the Gryphon. The Gryphon however has added sparkle in the highs compared to the Signature which has more rounded off highs. Go for the Signature if you'll be mainly driving cans rather than IEMs. Although both has XBass, I found the Signature has slightly more wallop but the Gryphon has the option of a boost in the mids via the Presence switch. Call me shallow but between the two I'm more enamoured with the Gryphon's looks and size (classy vs industrial). If I don't have full sized cans I'd probably go for the Gryphon but with the Signature you have the added confidence that it will drive anything you throw at it.
@@artyboy1377 purely sound, gryphon is better? I have signature but was thinking about gryphon. Imho, signature is much better than Diablo. Diablo more noise than signature. Thinking about gryphon for analog options as well.
@@nellatl It depends on the music genre, I prefer the Signature when I want more slam but I would say for jazz and vocals the Gryphon's sparkly highs does have an edge (although that would work against it on bright recordings so it's a give and take). Like you I also pondered over the Gryphon when I already had the Signature. I bought the Gryphon not because it was better than the Signature but becos it was more pocket friendly for outdoor use and it also sounds as good as it looks, so it compliments it rather than replaces it. However it can replace it if you're mainly listening on IEMs.
For Sony MDR Z7M2 is enough or too much?
How the sound compare to the TRI-TK2 ?
I just wanna see a review of the TRI TK2
What is the fubar thing he said he had on his SD card
Since FiiO L5 cable is discontinued is there any alternative cable for reasonable price or maybe someone is still selling it somewhere ? Looking for NW-Port to 3.5mm audio jack for my Sony ZX300 DAP.
Hi Maciej, it might be a bit of an expensive option but the SONY Walkman Cradle BCR-NWH10. I have it for my zx300 for home use and it provides more standard connectivity options. As a bonus it also charges the zx300 whilst listening.
There is also the FiiO L27 WMport to Type C USB
@@glenstephens9470 I already have bought one furutech cable and one from FiiO so all is sorted now.
Thank you anyway.
👍🏻
are you going to review the chord mojo 2?
can't decide between micca mb42x with a mini amp and Edifier r1280db.. can anyone help? personally I am leaning towards the micca's but it is not currently available and edifiers has a lot of input options plus inbuilt amp. but not sure about the sound quality.
How do you change tracks after the firmware update?
😂 I'm watching you from suadi Arabia man you so funny
Does this iFi Gryphon able to drive at full the Hifiman HE6se V2 ?
forgot watermark, quick everyone reupload it as your own!
Is the Gryphon better than Hip-Dac2 ?
Is the mojo 2 better?
So close, yet still so far away. Maybe a year from now they'll get it right.
If what Brian said is true this is now a perfect unit.
@@ZReviews It would be perfect if it was half the price. And more portable. I mean if you can't tell the difference with a/b testing, it seems silly to spend three times as much money.
Is there a mic for phone calls though?
the knob is a button actually D:
It doesn’t sound as good as the SR25 MKII but for full sized headphones it’s definitely the better option
Can it power Audeze LCD-2C with confidence?
Dang wheres the speaker donation
I love shuffle album.
Xbass or presense?
Why not BOAFF?
B O A F F
How about compare it with XDUOO XD-05?
I am planing on buying some dca aeon noire and need a dac/amp for run them both when I am out (which is a lot) and when i am home… I was thinking chord mojo 2 because it just came out and i like the double 3.5 out, but micro usb charging seems annoying…
What would you guys choose, mojo2 or the gryphon?
Think the title tells you my opinion. BUT I need to touch that damn moho
@@ZReviews it’s still has the marble buttons! I remember your og mojo review. So many salty mojoers!
Named my puppy after Betty White. Got her the day after Betty White died. Sorry about your cat. 2021 did suck.
Wait, hold on, wait. What?! Big sad at the end there. Shit. I’m so sorry, bruv.
You have beautiful eyes Zeos