Hi Andy, you video appeared on my home feed today. I thought your review was very well done on the Hip Dac 3. I personally have this dac amp on my radar and I was wondering how it performed with a 300 ohm headphone as I am thinking about buying the HD 660s2. You answered all my questions in your review. I subscribed to your channel. Thank you for doing a review for us.
I purchased the VE ODO based on your recommendation, Andy, and I really enjoy it! The plastic envelope it came in is also very funny and excentric, in a good way, and I kept it instead of throwing it into the recycle bin. Keeping it real! Cheers from Rio de Janeiro, and thank you for your reviews and recommendations (currently waiting for my Onix Xl1 to arrive, which I alao bought after watching your video).
Another useful discussion. I'm still confused about what to buy but I feel like your videos have laid out the range of options in an understandable way so thank you.
Brilliant review, Andy! I have looked at this specifically because it has the XBass. Sometimes I want to groove to some extra bass. Keep up the fantastic work!
i used to have a hip dac, with the case, i stick a magsafe ring magnet on its case belly and use it. So convenient. Now some peeps release something called DAC Pocket, for dongles, it kinda nice, tbh.
Another excellent review Andy 💯 i must admit that I'm quite curious to hear this XBass from them (although not being basshead). One day maybe... Ps: your cats must be in every video, their "sound" are the best ones 😂
Hi Andy, have you ever tried the Fiio Q3 MQA version (AKM), connected to JDS Labs Atom 2 Amp, or with the Xduoo MT-602 or Xduoo MH-02 ? ( I compared this combo in the past with Burson Funk and they were better than Burson) It is the best combo for HD 600/HD 650 series and the Fiio Q3 alone is the best for the Sennheiser IE 900. I hope to see a future review of these DAC/Amps from you . I compared the Q3 alone with the KA17, Ifi Griphon and Q3 were better for my ears.
Hi Andy, Thank you for the great review, between dx180, hip dac 3 and q15 from micro details (i.e resolution in mids and highs) and instrument separation, how do they compare ? Many thanks in advance…
My pleasure. Between the three you mentioned, the quad DAC of DX180 offer slightly more pronounced imaging for the micro details with more air (Treble), Q15 with a little stronger in Mids imaging density and Hip DAC3 stand somewhere in between. But the differences are minute because the general tuning for them are similarly aligned
Great review, I already have its slightly bigger first cousin the ifI Gryphon. It seems they would have offered Bluetooth with this release…? My guess is it would have been market disrupter for the Gryphon even at if the hip dac had a price of $300 with Bluetooth. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the matter….?
Yes I think it may shake the Gryphon if Hip Dac3 were to come with BT, the whole idea is to offer Gryphon sort of sonic performances with stripped down features
Q15 will always have the most denser/richer sound texture but it is also more colored. DX180 is truthfully transparent/neutral and at the same time still rich and dense, close enough to Q15, regardless of which IEMs because both are exceedingly versatile with synergy of pairing
@@donglemadness which one is better? Both are close in price but I believe that most of the price goes into the hd display and Android OS in the Ibasso Dx180, making it inferior to Q15 which is purely a dac/amp. Am I correct?
Hello Andy! Is there any score rating and Analog score too for hip dac as you have with the dongles you review. I would like to see a comparison score with numbers between the hip and the Onix.
Soon perhaps, I have just started to build on portable DAC/Amp and don't have enough data yet to construct a table. But since you asked, Hip DAC3 scores similarly to EPZ TP50 and ONIX Alpha on the Analog/Hi-Fi table
Hello Andy. If you compare the Hiby R4 to the Hip DAC 3 and the Questyle M12i (which I have), which one is more musical. I want to buy something with a battery for HD650 and DT 770pro 80Ohm. While the M12i works well with a laptop (it needs 40% volume), it is worse on a smartphone, I have to use almost 100% volume. Thanks for the answer. You run the best channel. Regards
While with the phone, do you run USB Exclusive mode? USB Exclusive mode removes power restrictions to dongles. Hip DAC3 is similar to M12i analog sound, R4 is less analog
Saludos Andy. Como se compara este ifi con el colorfly cada m1p solo en el aspecto sonoro?. Si te dieran a elegir entre los dos, cuál sería tu elección, solo en el aspecto sonoro?
Saludos. Between M1P and Hip DAC3, Hip DAC3 offers further reach of dynamic range and not as "warm" sounding as M1P. However, I will admit that M1P does appear to be smoother edged and denser with sound notes. It will be hard for me to decide which one I like more because both are great at what they do best
Hi Andy… this is Mandy from Ph. Just a late inquiry from a newbie. Wanted to buy a planar portable system… will hipdac 3 be a good and beautiful pair musically with Sundara or Edition XS? I lean slightly towards bass heads. Appreciate so much your feedback… thanks!😊Would also welcome inputs from the other group members.
Yes if course, especially if you love BASS. Hip DAC3 with that XBass will satisfy your needs, since you driving planar headphones, just make sure you use the 4.4mm BAL side for 100% performance
Hi and thanks for the review. For use with very hard to drive headphones like the hifiMan he6se v2, do you recommend a dac connected to a separate amp or an integrated device like the fiio k7? I mainly use a mojo1, in lineout mode, linked to a topping a30 pro
Hi, Connecting a phone to a DAC and playing WAV file vs connecting a quality streamer to a DAC, on paper there's shouldn't be a different in sound quality! That's correct? Thank you 🙏
It depends on what you are streaming. If you stream lossless format and you get bitperfect transmission, then yes it will be equal to lossless WAV on local storage
@@donglemadness Another reviewer reply: Theoretically a phone connected to a DAC should deliver equivalent sound to a streamer, but at some level, the streamers are able to produce better sound quality by minimising noise that's passed downstream to the DAC and or better manage jitter and any digital-to-digital conversion being done. You'd be getting up to the $700-800 USD range before that would be noticeable, I think.
Not better, more like equals and I do feel Q15 is a hair superior in several areas especially timbre and sound notes versus many others, mind, I say a hair of differences
The only issue with using ifi battery powered products as desktops replacements, is that there is no way to bypass the battery. If you use it all the time with a power cable hooked up to it, it was quickly kill the battery. I wish ifi would allow a bypass but they have never done it yet.
@@LorenzoFrausto ifi has confirmed themselves on head fi that there is no way to by pass the battery on any of their battery powered devices. The hipdac 3 may be different, but they have not stated that yet.
Received it yesterday. I am returning it today. Very dissapointed in the hip dac. Very narrow soundstage, poor details and instrument sepparation. I have the ifi zen dac 3 with ifi power supply. And its at least 40% better than the hip dac.
Hi Andy, you video appeared on my home feed today. I thought your review was very well done on the Hip Dac 3. I personally have this dac amp on my radar and I was wondering how it performed with a 300 ohm headphone as I am thinking about buying the HD 660s2. You answered all my questions in your review. I subscribed to your channel. Thank you for doing a review for us.
My pleasure. And thank for the support!
OMG. I have been sad for months that you haven't reviewed this. You just made my day .
Thanks
My pleasure
I purchased the VE ODO based on your recommendation, Andy, and I really enjoy it! The plastic envelope it came in is also very funny and excentric, in a good way, and I kept it instead of throwing it into the recycle bin. Keeping it real!
Cheers from Rio de Janeiro, and thank you for your reviews and recommendations (currently waiting for my Onix Xl1 to arrive, which I alao bought after watching your video).
lol,And Saludos to you!
Another useful discussion. I'm still confused about what to buy but I feel like your videos have laid out the range of options in an understandable way so thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Brilliant review, Andy! I have looked at this specifically because it has the XBass. Sometimes I want to groove to some extra bass. Keep up the fantastic work!
Thanks! 🙏
Thanks for the brief comparison with the ot hipdac. Have fond memories of it.
My pleasure 🙏
Hipdacs are worth it for the xbass button alone. Its so much fun. Makes every iem sound good, except the etymotic Er2xr.
May I ask why? I have an er2xr and planning to get a hip dac 3. Is it good or bad :)
@@zamkamaz It doesn't make a good match. The koss kph30i and etymotic er2xr sounds worse in Hipdac. Just my opinion though.
Hello Andy, I got myself a Hiby r4 based on your review .It's awesome to me it sounds better than my AK ak 70 .Thank you .
My pleasure. Enjoy!!!
great work, a tier list for dap too will be appreciated
Hopefully soon 😁
i used to have a hip dac, with the case, i stick a magsafe ring magnet on its case belly and use it. So convenient. Now some peeps release something called DAC Pocket, for dongles, it kinda nice, tbh.
Another excellent review Andy 💯 i must admit that I'm quite curious to hear this XBass from them (although not being basshead). One day maybe...
Ps: your cats must be in every video, their "sound" are the best ones 😂
😹😹
Argh, you got me v interested in this now! Damn you Andy!
😅😁
Great review as usual! A very versatile product! I really like the concept.
Thanks! 🙏🙏
Great Review great analysis I just have one question is it good with Metal music? Thank you
Thanks. Yes of course it is great for Metal music
Its a relief to hear its got usb c.
my bro is listening to wings!! 😂
great review as usually, congrats!
Thanks! 😁
Looking forward to your new Luxury and Precision W2 Ultra review ( 800 mw output from balanced port)
Me too!
@@donglemadness😅❤
Hi Andy, have you ever tried the Fiio Q3 MQA version (AKM), connected to JDS Labs Atom 2 Amp, or with the Xduoo MT-602 or Xduoo MH-02 ? ( I compared this combo in the past with Burson Funk and they were better than Burson) It is the best combo for HD 600/HD 650 series and the Fiio Q3 alone is the best for the Sennheiser IE 900. I hope to see a future review of these DAC/Amps from you . I compared the Q3 alone with the KA17, Ifi Griphon and Q3 were better for my ears.
No I haven't unfortunately. 8 don't have Q3
Hi Andy, Thank you for the great review, between dx180, hip dac 3 and q15 from micro details (i.e resolution in mids and highs) and instrument separation, how do they compare ? Many thanks in advance…
My pleasure. Between the three you mentioned, the quad DAC of DX180 offer slightly more pronounced imaging for the micro details with more air (Treble), Q15 with a little stronger in Mids imaging density and Hip DAC3 stand somewhere in between. But the differences are minute because the general tuning for them are similarly aligned
Hello Geoff 🐈😺 & Oreo 😺🐈 🌿🍀
Geoff is the Boss !! 🙂 🙂
They own the channel now 😹😹
Great review, I already have its slightly bigger first cousin the ifI Gryphon. It seems they would have offered Bluetooth with this release…? My guess is it would have been market disrupter for the Gryphon even at if the hip dac had a price of $300 with Bluetooth. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the matter….?
Yes I think it may shake the Gryphon if Hip Dac3 were to come with BT, the whole idea is to offer Gryphon sort of sonic performances with stripped down features
How does something like the Fiio Q15 compare to DAPs like the Ibasso DX180 in pure sound perspective for IEMs like the Ziigaat Estrella?
Q15 will always have the most denser/richer sound texture but it is also more colored. DX180 is truthfully transparent/neutral and at the same time still rich and dense, close enough to Q15, regardless of which IEMs because both are exceedingly versatile with synergy of pairing
@@donglemadness which one is better? Both are close in price but I believe that most of the price goes into the hd display and Android OS in the Ibasso Dx180, making it inferior to Q15 which is purely a dac/amp. Am I correct?
Hello Andy! Is there any score rating and Analog score too for hip dac as you have with the dongles you review. I would like to see a comparison score with numbers between the hip and the Onix.
Soon perhaps, I have just started to build on portable DAC/Amp and don't have enough data yet to construct a table. But since you asked, Hip DAC3 scores similarly to EPZ TP50 and ONIX Alpha on the Analog/Hi-Fi table
Hello Andy.
If you compare the Hiby R4 to the Hip DAC 3 and the Questyle M12i (which I have), which one is more musical. I want to buy something with a battery for HD650 and DT 770pro 80Ohm. While the M12i works well with a laptop (it needs 40% volume), it is worse on a smartphone, I have to use almost 100% volume. Thanks for the answer. You run the best channel. Regards
While with the phone, do you run USB Exclusive mode? USB Exclusive mode removes power restrictions to dongles. Hip DAC3 is similar to M12i analog sound, R4 is less analog
Saludos Andy. Como se compara este ifi con el colorfly cada m1p solo en el aspecto sonoro?. Si te dieran a elegir entre los dos, cuál sería tu elección, solo en el aspecto sonoro?
Saludos. Between M1P and Hip DAC3, Hip DAC3 offers further reach of dynamic range and not as "warm" sounding as M1P. However, I will admit that M1P does appear to be smoother edged and denser with sound notes. It will be hard for me to decide which one I like more because both are great at what they do best
Hi Andy… this is Mandy from Ph. Just a late inquiry from a newbie. Wanted to buy a planar portable system… will hipdac 3 be a good and beautiful pair musically with Sundara or Edition XS? I lean slightly towards bass heads. Appreciate so much your feedback… thanks!😊Would also welcome inputs from the other group members.
Yes if course, especially if you love BASS. Hip DAC3 with that XBass will satisfy your needs, since you driving planar headphones, just make sure you use the 4.4mm BAL side for 100% performance
@@donglemadness Appreciate so much your quick and helpful reply 😊
Hey Andy will you be reviewing the Blon V1 Dac/ Amp..... Seems like a good alternative to the dawn pro and dc04 pro
Yes I will, I have one now being tested
Hello Andy. Have you reviewed the ifi go bar Kensei or do you only do budget dongles?
I have a Kensei now I am testing
@donglemadness OK, I am looking forward for your review. I listen to a lot of mp3's and was wondering if the K2HD works.👍
Hello do you plan to review the fh19 from fiio ? I would love to hear your opinion about it.
Thanks. I hope too, but I don't know when
Any plans on reviewing smsl d10 in the future?
I have one D10 on the way :D
Hi and thanks for the review. For use with very hard to drive headphones like the hifiMan he6se v2, do you recommend a dac connected to a separate amp or an integrated device like the fiio k7?
I mainly use a mojo1, in lineout mode, linked to a topping a30 pro
Some integrated DAC/Amps like BURSON Audio Playmate 2 are even more powerful than most stacks. Also you can consider JDS Labs Atom 2
Hi,
Connecting a phone to a DAC and playing WAV file vs connecting a quality streamer to a DAC, on paper there's shouldn't be a different in sound quality! That's correct?
Thank you 🙏
It depends on what you are streaming. If you stream lossless format and you get bitperfect transmission, then yes it will be equal to lossless WAV on local storage
@@donglemadness Another reviewer reply:
Theoretically a phone connected to a DAC should deliver equivalent sound to a streamer, but at some level, the streamers are able to produce better sound quality by minimising noise that's passed downstream to the DAC and or better manage jitter and any digital-to-digital conversion being done. You'd be getting up to the $700-800 USD range before that would be noticeable, I think.
Sir please review again philips fidelio x2hr (2024 edition)
If I can get one, yes
So the Hip Dac is almost as good as a desktop. where does that leave the more expensive Gryphon sound wise? Better than the q15 and Hip Dac?
Not better, more like equals and I do feel Q15 is a hair superior in several areas especially timbre and sound notes versus many others, mind, I say a hair of differences
@@donglemadness thanks. Great review as usual. I find your charts most informative.
Is there a Bluetooth model?
Not that I am aware of
Onix alpha or ifi hip dac ?
Hip DAC3 if you need battery and XBass, ONIX Alpha if you need much smaller form factor
@@donglemadness thanks. I used to had hip dac 1 its muddy with my XS when XBass on
The only issue with using ifi battery powered products as desktops replacements, is that there is no way to bypass the battery. If you use it all the time with a power cable hooked up to it, it was quickly kill the battery. I wish ifi would allow a bypass but they have never done it yet.
one of the main reasons I sold my hip dac 2.
if you turn it on after plugging power in, it will only use the wall power.
@@LorenzoFrausto ifi has confirmed themselves on head fi that there is no way to by pass the battery on any of their battery powered devices. The hipdac 3 may be different, but they have not stated that yet.
Received it yesterday. I am returning it today. Very dissapointed in the hip dac. Very narrow soundstage, poor details and instrument sepparation. I have the ifi zen dac 3 with ifi power supply. And its at least 40% better than the hip dac.