[Waddiewadkins]

It got big props from that character Z Reviews in a recent DAC-off

 

[Hellknight[FA]]

Hi. I'm posting this in the hope that someone using an ifi hip dac (any version) with a mobile phone can confirm if I have things set up correctly. I have my new ifi hip dac 3 connected to my Samsung Galaxy S23 phone and I am using my sennheiser hd660s2 headphones. I have a tidal hifi account. I noticed that each time I connect the hip dac to my phone I get a message to grant permission to "allow tidal to access ifi (by AMR) HD use USB Audio". I select OK - most times it starts to play through headphone sometimes it doesn't.

I noticed that the volume buttons on the phone also control the volume which I wasn't expecting since I thought it was a bit perfect digital stream input into the hip dac. Do I need to change any settings on my phone? Is volume adjustment using the phone normal? I'm using the supplied USB C to USB C cable. The sound quality is great - really pleased with the hip dac 3. Is there a preferred sequence to re launching tidal app selecting music turning on ifi hip dac?

On a separate issue is there a protective case available that caters for the IEMatch switch on the back. The cases that are available i.e. from Ifi don't cater for the switch.

I have almost the same combo (S23, Hip DAC 3, HIDIZS MP145)

And I have exactly the same beaviour.

- The UAPP always shows the volume dialog - even when bit-perfect (but you have to activate it of course). When you use the Volume keys on the phone the bar changes but it has no effect - so everything is fine.

- The "bootup" problem: I have the same problem and it rises especially when you reconnect your DAC. I additionally get a msg which warns me that there is an error communicating with the USB interface - I should check my Microphone permissions . My solution is to start UAPP and then connect the DAC.

I think this is a Samsung thing and not a ifi problem.

 

[iFi audio]

I recently bought this flask and here are my impressions:

+ Sound quality - this thing was made for my MP145 iems and blows my DC06pro out of the water. Slightly on the warmer side with it's silky smooth timbre - this is how my iems are meant to be listened to

+ ieMatch & high/low gain to handle all sorts of iems and also some headphones

+ Build quality: The knob is sturdy and has enough resistance, the USB ports are well build and the buttons have a nice feedback.

+ LEDs which show the decoding mode of the DAC

+ not important for some people but as TIDAL subscriber I still need MQA support which is there as well.


Now the not so good things (it may be many but there's nitpicking as well):


- EMI protection: This DAC simply has none. My DC06pro blows it out of the water in this regard. Even 60 cm away from my phone you often can hear crackling. When the sound would not be so great and my Galaxy S23 wouldn't habe "Routines" this DAC would be back on the way to Amazon.

- The LED lights shine through the not used jack which raise concerns wearing this DAC in the pocket. Is there something like a plug awailable?

- The ieMatch slider is made of plastic and wiggles slightly - you only use this slder one time (at least me ) but what about the typical head-fier who has more than 1 headphone?

- The standard USB to USB C cable is stiff but looks cheap because it's only golden painted (I don't think that it's transparent and you see the cable material )



That's it and I will keep it because I like the sound signature of this DAC so much.

Thanks so much for posting your thoughts on the HD3, we appreciate it very much!

I will report your EMI comment as well!

Cheers!!

 

[attafwrd]

Was visiting my friend's shop didn't think I'd be joining the iFi family

 

[iFi audio]

Was visiting my friend's shop didn't think I'd be joining the iFi family

Well, we are glad you did!

Enjoy!

Cheers!!

 

[vilders]

This is a fantastic wonderful thing. The small Ifi DAC sounds simply amazing with planars

And I understand that the software offered on the download page is only a driver to install for Windows, to connect the Ifi to the computer? And updating the firmware version of the DAC itself is not provided?

 

[iFi audio]

This is a fantastic wonderful thing. The small Ifi DAC sounds simply amazing with planars

And I understand that the software offered on the download page is only a driver to install for Windows, to connect the Ifi to the computer? And updating the firmware version of the DAC itself is not provided?

At the moment I don't think (I will have to look) that there is any new firmware yet, this is not unusual, especially with a product we have been used to for a while, the firmware works as intended so there's no real need as of yet to have a new version, but I am sure some will come at some point!

Glad it is to your liking, and we certainly appreciate it

Cheers!!