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What To Know

  • In the realm of high-fidelity audio, the ifi Zen DAC V2 and ifi Hip DAC 2 stand as formidable contenders, offering exceptional sound quality and versatility.
  • The Hip DAC 2 is particularly adept at revealing the fine details of music, making it an excellent choice for discerning listeners seeking an uncolored and revealing sound.
  • The ifi Zen DAC V2 and ifi Hip DAC 2 are both exceptional DACs that offer high-quality sound and a range of features at an affordable price.

In the realm of high-fidelity audio, the ifi Zen DAC V2 and ifi Hip DAC 2 stand as formidable contenders, offering exceptional sound quality and versatility. Whether you’re an audiophile seeking the ultimate listening experience or a music enthusiast looking to elevate your portable sound, these DACs (Digital-to-Analog Converters) are worthy of consideration. However, the choice between these two highly capable devices can be a daunting task. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the intricacies of the ifi Zen DAC V2 vs ifi Hip DAC 2, examining their key features, performance, and suitability for different listening scenarios.

Sound Quality: A Battle of Titans

Both the ifi Zen DAC V2 and ifi Hip DAC 2 boast impressive sound quality, but each offers a distinct sonic signature.

ifi Zen DAC V2

The Zen DAC V2 delivers a warm, detailed, and engaging sound. Its Burr-Brown True Native DSD128 DAC chip provides a smooth and natural reproduction of music, with a wide soundstage and excellent separation of instruments. The Zen DAC V2 excels at revealing the nuances and subtleties of recordings, making it an ideal choice for critical listening.

ifi Hip DAC 2

The Hip DAC 2, on the other hand, offers a more neutral and analytical sound. Its Cirrus Logic DAC chip provides a highly accurate and detailed presentation, with a focus on clarity and transparency. The Hip DAC 2 is particularly adept at revealing the fine details of music, making it an excellent choice for discerning listeners seeking an uncolored and revealing sound.

Portability and Convenience

ifi Zen DAC V2

The Zen DAC V2 is designed for desktop use and is not particularly portable. It requires an external power supply and is relatively large in size. However, it offers a wide range of connectivity options, including USB, optical, and coaxial inputs, making it a versatile choice for home audio systems.

ifi Hip DAC 2

The Hip DAC 2, as its name suggests, is designed for portability. It is extremely compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. It features a built-in rechargeable battery that provides up to 12 hours of playback time. The Hip DAC 2 also offers a variety of input and output options, including USB-C, 3.5mm analog, and 4.4mm balanced, making it compatible with a wide range of devices.

Features and Functionality

ifi Zen DAC V2

The Zen DAC V2 offers a comprehensive set of features, including:

  • True Native DSD128 decoding
  • Burr-Brown True Native DAC chip
  • XBass and XSpace sound enhancement technologies
  • Headphone amplifier with adjustable gain
  • Digital filter options

ifi Hip DAC 2

The Hip DAC 2 offers a more streamlined feature set, including:

  • Cirrus Logic DAC chip
  • XBass and XSpace sound enhancement technologies
  • Headphone amplifier with adjustable gain
  • Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity

Price and Value

ifi Zen DAC V2

The Zen DAC V2 is priced at around $150, while the Hip DAC 2 is priced at around $130. Both DACs offer exceptional value for money, providing high-quality sound and a wide range of features at an affordable price.

Which DAC is Right for You?

The choice between the ifi Zen DAC V2 and ifi Hip DAC 2 ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.

ifi Zen DAC V2

  • Ideal for desktop use and critical listening
  • Offers a warm and detailed sound
  • Provides a wide range of connectivity options
  • Features True Native DSD128 decoding

ifi Hip DAC 2

  • Perfect for portable use and on-the-go listening
  • Delivers a neutral and analytical sound
  • Offers Bluetooth connectivity
  • Features a compact and lightweight design
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Dynamic Range and THD+N

ifi Zen DAC V2

  • Dynamic Range: 112dB
  • THD+N: <0.005%

ifi Hip DAC 2

  • Dynamic Range: 110dB
  • THD+N: <0.003%

Signal-to-Noise Ratio

ifi Zen DAC V2

  • 110dB

ifi Hip DAC 2

  • 108dB

Power Consumption

ifi Zen DAC V2

  • 3.5W

ifi Hip DAC 2

  • 0.5W
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Wrap-Up

The ifi Zen DAC V2 and ifi Hip DAC 2 are both exceptional DACs that offer high-quality sound and a range of features at an affordable price. The Zen DAC V2 is ideal for desktop use and critical listening, while the Hip DAC 2 is perfect for portable use and on-the-go listening. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Q1: Which DAC has a wider soundstage?

A1: The ifi Zen DAC V2 offers a wider soundstage than the ifi Hip DAC 2.

Q2: Which DAC is better for Bluetooth streaming?

A2: The ifi Hip DAC 2 features Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, while the Zen DAC V2 does not.

Q3: Which DAC has a longer battery life?

A3: The ifi Hip DAC 2 has a longer battery life than the ifi Zen DAC V2, providing up to 12 hours of playback time.