iFi xDSD Gryphon... My thoughts and opinion

[@WILMORENO]

hey man that was a great video, well done

[@thelastrhino2581]

Great review Tyler. You keep stepping up the thoroughness of your reviews. I am really tempted to grab this, but will wait to see what the upcoming Mojo 2 is about...

[@TylersEclectic]

Thank you! Slowly getting better at this ha! Always learning something new with each video! Yeah, I’m also curious about the new CHORD stuff coming out…

[@adrianmorrish8494]

Wonder if they will still segregate the wireless component into an add on, if so it isn’t the same convenience based device as this but I expect the sound for those that like it’s signature (sane people 😁) will be awesomeness

[@mindhead1]

Mojo 2 with a Poly will likely be 3x the cost of the Gryphon. The question is does it sound 3x better?

[@axelfoley1768]

I auditioned both the Gryphon & Mojo II. The Gryphon was the one that performed for me, the Mojo II was not to my liking at all.

[@adrianmorrish8494]

@@axelfoley1768 willing to elaborate a bit as I haven’t heard either?

[@BillyKueekSG]

I am a headphone user. Started with the iFi Zen DAC V2 and love the iFi sound. I bought the Gryphon and use it as a DAC paired with iFi Pro iCAN Signature for my small collections of headphones.

[@TylersEclectic]

Love my Gryphon!

[@BillyKueekSG]

@@TylersEclectic the Gryphon is a neat and well-made portable device with many functions. It is most useful for IEM users and easy-to-drive headphones. my unit is underused actually because most times, I use the Gustard R26 R2R DAC paired with iFi Pro iCAN Signature.

[@aceofspades6667]

Fun review enjoyed the content !

[@MartinLeschinski]

Thank you for the great review, Tyler. You step up your content with this one. I wonder if I upgrade from my xDSD, though don’t have mine in use. Maybe it gets more of a topic in a few months, when I get back to the office.

[@TylersEclectic]

Yeah, this would be great for on the go, or as a office setup! Thank you, slowly getting better, need to learn how to get my microphone to sound its best both at recording and in editing… things to work on ha!

[@JTB--]

I like the name Gryphon. I had the iFi Audio Micro iDSD Black Label for a while and liked it a lot. The XBass and 3D+ are a lot of fun. iFi's portable stuff is not cheap... but it's quality

[@TylersEclectic]

Yeah, I’m a fan as well! I still have my Nano black label lol

[@BudgieFan101]

Which is better, this or the Fiio Q7 for my Dan Clark Aeon Noires and why. Thanks

[@TylersEclectic]

I haven’t listened to the DCA Noirs… so can’t speak on it… or the Fiio Q7… sorry couldn’t be more help

[@Audi0phool]

Great review Tyler. Very thorough and well put together and I like the casual-relaxed atmosphere . Keep up the awesome work man, I like your style…digging it !!

[@TylersEclectic]

Thank you! Learning and getting better with every video ha!

[@filocano]

I like how you got that Redwood Empire! This unit is solid BTW!

[@TylersEclectic]

Thanks Marvin! Killed that bottle after that recording lol 😂 my next bottle of it arrives tomorrow

[@jamesewanchook2276]

Great vid, do you think it would power Dan Clark E3? And, would this Gryphonover over colour my MM500's for mixing and mastering? Thanks,

[@TylersEclectic]

Hey, sorry for the delayed response… This does have a presence and bass boost to it…not sure how good it would be for mixing 🤔 also unsure if it would optimally power the E3, but it would power it for sure… I don’t recall how power hungry the E3 is

[@ChrisoneillART]

Good review, the 4K looks great btw.

[@TylersEclectic]

Thank you! Hopefully your holidays turned out great and you got some quality time with the fam!

[@tjoakiemhwa8840]

It helps very much. Tq Bro!

[@whiskeywine101]

You have the voice for radio and I've got the face for it! Nice B roll!

[@TylersEclectic]

Ha! I need to work on audio post editing… Thanks Marvin! B-roll is getting easier to film harder to incorporate lol

[@whiskeywine101]

@@TylersEclectic throw some compression on it and call it good. The whole video is nice and crisp

[@jamesofla80]

Great overview but I am pretty certain the Presence & Bass toggle (6:10) in the back is only engaged when you have XBass enabled. If Xbass is not enabled the switches shouldn't alter the sound.

[@TylersEclectic]

Weird, I noticed a very subtle change, hmmm maybe test again later…

[@TylersEclectic]

Ok, tried again with my sensitive Andromedas, and I’m still getting a subtle change in the lows and mids… ?!?! And when I say subtle, if I’m not concentrating on it, it’s not noticeable… I’ve asked some friends that have the Gryphon to test on their end as well.

[@kambizf]

@@TylersEclectic I was also almost certain about what James has stated in his comment, but doubted when saw your comment here. Tested again and I personally didn't hear a difference. Also, the following is stated in the original manual: "Our long present XBass fits the profile of the low-frequency correction required. However, it was also shown that a certain amount of upper midrange boost is needed to give many headphones a more 'natural' sound. This upper midrange region is usually called the 'presence' region; we have used this term to indicate the upper midrange + correction. In the xDSD Gryphon, XBass (or perhaps better HPEQ) can be selected to have either Bass + Presence correction, only Bass or only Presence correction."

[@AsSiMiLaTeD77]

I confirmed with ifi that the bass presence switch is only active when xbass is turned on. Any differences you’re hearing between those when xbass is turned off is placebo

[@TylersEclectic]

@@AsSiMiLaTeD77 the brain is a marvelous thing

[@mindhead1]

Great review of the Gryphon. Did you test with balanced to SE out? Also, any comments on the whisky?

[@TylersEclectic]

Whisky is delicious! New favorite! I didn’t play with balanced in to SE out, hmm might end up buying a Gryphon soon though as I miss having it.

[@michellelee427]

That was a pretty cool little device!

[@TylersEclectic]

Thanks Michelle!!! Cheers!

[@mohammedalnuaimi7970]

Many thanks for the review, Which one is better xduoo 05 bal or ifi gryphon

[@TylersEclectic]

That’s tough… I think I like the tube signature of the Xduoo more, but the iFi Gryphon is solid state and a darn good one

[@fluffylambut]

Great review! As an audio newbie, I just want to confirm: running my phone via Bluetooth to this device and then to my, soon to be received, Meze Classics, should sound much better than conventional Bluetooth headphones, run in the normal manner (I have Bose 700s)? I know the new headphones will be good, but the device contributes significantly to the Bluetooth improvement, too? Thank You!!!

[@TylersEclectic]

In my experience, yes… but it does come with the adapters needed to run from almost any device as well(iPhone/Android, etc)

[@jonathanoxlade4252]

This is more of a Bluetooth amplifier too be honest your music will be lossy but not as much distortion will be further reduced and be able to turn it up to the max without any distortion forget those sily volume booster apps they make the volume distorted use this instead the future of Bluetooth is slapping a external Bluetooth DAC lol if you want lossless maybe stick to a music player just saying

[@joelmunoz6218]

Hello... Thanks for the review. Do you think the Gryphon would make a good match with the Hifiman Edition XS on balanced output?

[@TylersEclectic]

I haven’t tried that combo, but I think it would be generally pretty good. Might not be able to get it to optimal performance, but probably good enough.

[@joelmunoz6218]

@@TylersEclectic Thanks!!

[@rawj42]

Thanks for the review, what 4 pin adapter are you using for your Stellia”s?

[@TylersEclectic]

Just a random one I bought off Amazon… XLR to 4.4mm balanced adapter

[@topandrun126]

Z-reviews mention the Gryphon support optical input and output is that true cause i can't seem to find that info in the manual. thanks

[@TylersEclectic]

It does! Look at reference number 16. ifi-audio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/xDSD-Gryphon-User-Manual-Ver1.2_ok.pdf But, essentially the 3.5mm on the back is dual purpose with spdif adapter plug

[@topandrun126]

@TylersEclectic I think the SPDIF is coaxial out only not optical. And thanks for sharing.

[@TylersEclectic]

@@topandrun126 it’s only input for coaxial and SPDIF… output is only on the 3.5mm and 4.4mm based on the manual… The coaxial input is a combination port with SPDIF but you need a 3.5mm SDIF adapter for it to work.

[@guydoms294]

Great review ... I agree the screen looks fantastic, but I presume it is plastic (?) ... so, possibly prone to getting scratched easily ?

[@TylersEclectic]

Just double checked… pretty sure it’s glass!

[@guydoms294]

@@TylersEclectic Thank-you ... That's great ... much less prone

[@MenniePlay]

Worth than Mojo 2. I only have ifi Go BLu and I love the sound of ifi.

[@TylersEclectic]

The Gryphon is so versatile! Love it!

[@gbarrows04]

Hey Tyler, great review man! I was wondering what you're thoughts were on the Gryphon versus the Go Blu? I've been eyeing one of iFi's portables for a while, and was wondering how big the performance jump would be from the Go Blu to the Gryphon. Thanks.

[@michaelcorcoran8768]

I think the most important thing to recognize is you're not going to be able to tell the difference between how they sound in a/b testing. The extra money is just for the features not for sound quality. A lot of people just assume a $600 device will sound better than a $200 device and it's just not true.

[@TylersEclectic]

Biggest difference will be in power delivery. The Gryphon easily powers most headphones I throw at it, where the GoBlu will struggle. If you have mostly IEMs than the GoBlu is a great option! If you have efficient headphones the Gryphon would be the better option. Also, the Gryphon is more versatile with all of its features. The GoBlu is extremely portable and a great option for on the go listening!

[@monarakudumbiya957]

How damaging this can be for both iems and ears if volume accidentally turns high ? Cheers

[@TylersEclectic]

Depends on the IEMs(could blow some of the drivers) Hearing … depends on exposure… if only a couple seconds… should be ok… but, I’m no Doctor…

[@jacquesn8ir]

Is it possible to charge the ifi while listening without problems? Then I would use it as a desktop device.

[@TylersEclectic]

Yes! I did this! It’s quite the versatile device!

[@lonestar1664]

Great review, I was looking forward to review of ifi👍 I am torned between Focal Stellia and ZMF VC to replace my Audeze LCD XC I am leaning towards stellia for easy to drive features. But worried about Stellia being to Sharp in treble. Hope you can provide some guidance ☺️

[@TylersEclectic]

Stellia is more versatile, but for me, I prefer the VC as a pure performance headphone. That being said, both are my top two closed backs, my recommendation is to go with your gut. Based off my crappy audio memory I think the Stellia is closer in performance to the XC. The VC has reverb which some do not get along with, I’ve also had people tell me it was too bright for them… same goes for the Stellia… The VC has better stage and low end. It also has for me a better sound. The Stellia has better detail and imaging, it’s basically a warmer Utopia to my ears. It also has a bit more forward midrange over the VC. Hope that helps a little bit

[@lonestar1664]

@@TylersEclectic Many thanks for providing your guidance with lots of details

[@phong5475]

@@lonestar1664 is the XC any bit too bright for you?

[@lonestar1664]

@@phong5475 yes on some tracks 8 find certain frequencies too bright also I think bass on XC are not deep like my dynamic Z1R 8 regret selling them.

[@MrLuftmann]

Do you think this could power a DCA Aeon 2 Noire?

[@TylersEclectic]

Possibly, but without trying it myself I can’t say for sure… it will definitely get it loud enough, but unsure if it would power it to optimal performance.

[@Abelesque]

Hello, if i putchase it for my hifiman arya i do wrong or it can be a good choice?

[@TylersEclectic]

It should be good, especially out of the 4.4mm balanced out… but even the 3.5 should be enough to power it. But, it might not hit “peak” performance…everything I’ve seen about the pairing seems to be positive…

[@joshkerr]

What cables are you using on your Stellias?

[@TylersEclectic]

Those are periapt cables! Great options and build for the price! So many great cable makers out there!

[@lonestar1664]

Hi Tyler can Gryphon drive VC to a satisfactory level?

[@TylersEclectic]

For me it does the job… but, I do think the VC gains a lot with a bit more power behind it.

[@UmarAbid]

Hi can i ask is this better than Creative Sound Blaster X4?

[@TylersEclectic]

I haven’t tried the Sound Blaster X4… could be an interesting comparison

[@MrSouthvalley]

if you don't mind me asking man what's the background song?

[@TylersEclectic]

I’d have to go look… but it’s a track from Epidemicsound… I will try and link the tracks moving forward 😅… I tend to just randomly pick a track on the fly that I think fits the mood ha!

[@MrSouthvalley]

@@TylersEclectic you good man no worries.

[@everettedl]

Nice video! Can this run with everything off (xbass/xspace, presence, bass)?

[@TylersEclectic]

Yeah, as long as nothing is showing on the screen (xbass, xspace) then you shouldn’t have boosts, though, I did notice very slight differences, almost imperceptible, with the presence or bass toggle changes in the back…

[@kambizf]

When Xbass is disabled, Presence & Bass toggle in the back are not engaged. So, yes, if you have both Xspace and Xbass disabled, you can basically run it with everything off.

[@kambizf]

When Xbass is disabled, Presence & Bass toggle in the back are not engaged. So, yes, if you have both Xspace and Xbass disabled, you can basically run it with everything off.

[@astorbeijer9424]

Love the video Tyler! I got an XDSD about 6 months ago. Absolutely love it! Wouldn't have anything else... Except maybe the Gryphon. That's my problem. Is the Gryphon worth getting over the XDSD? Is the sound quality that much better? That's what I would love to know. I know you haven't been terribly impressed by Ifi in the distant past. Us poor consumers though have depended on Ifi to get us close to the sound quality that people with money can hear without going bankrupt. For us po' folks, is the Gryphon worth the upgrade?

[@TylersEclectic]

I’m actually a closet iFi fan lol 😂 I think the Gryphon is a natural step up from the xDSD, but if you’re happy with the xDSD I wouldn’t be in a rush to upgrade… but, I personally prefer the gryphon lol, that screen and ease of use is pretty awesome

[@mikedergalev]

im begining to have issues with that stupid usb otg cable - i can touch it a lil bit and the connection falls off. that starts to annoy me so much. switching to proper type-c in gryphon was very right decision they've made. so i would gladly updrade only because of this, but plans have changed (they always do;)

[@axelfoley1768]

Dude, it's a great sound, very detailed, clear & wide. Natural tone also, and frequency response well-balanced. Problem is, it's a bit too bright imo, you just have to check the clap/snare sound in MJ's Thriller. And the bass from Gryphon is a tad too beefy/overhyped, and the vocals are a touch too forward for my liking. Wide detailed lush neutral/natural sound, but bass & treble slightly overhyped. I'm taking mine back. For this sort of money I expect reference accuracy, not childish tuning. Please ifi, don't do silly things with the tuning in this price range.

[@tcolemanii1971]

@@TylersEclectic I have a go blu and was thinking about getting one of these. I am sure the Gryphon sounds better!

[@TylersEclectic]

@@tcolemanii1971 it definitely has more power and options. I still love mine :)

[@artyboy1377]

Aesthetic wise it actually looks much nicer than its industrial looking elder brothers the Signature and Diablo. I was very tempted to get it based on its features and looks but I needed the extra power the Signature gave. Sound wise I guess it's quite consistently a iFi house sound but I read online that the Gryphon is leaning more towards the higher frequencies I wonder if you hear the same.

[@TylersEclectic]

Yeah it’s fairly neutral, when not in bass boost mode… and I can see where it leans a tad on the high side.

[@luigismilazzo]

But really? are you talking about of 0,01 db you of deviation?

[@Reeeepicheep]

How do you do LDAC on PC?

[@TylersEclectic]

With Bluetooth…

[@Reeeepicheep]

@@TylersEclectic I didn’t know windows supported ldac

[@radissimo1]

@@Reeeepicheep PC>>Gryphon>>Bluetooth LDAC to enabled headphones

[@Reeeepicheep]

I don’t think any dac/amps on the market right now are capable of transmitting ldac. They merely receive ldac. Only Android phones can transmit.

[@Reeeepicheep]

Found the answer finally: Fiio BTA 30 Pro