---
product_id: 362992613
title: "hip-dac2 - Portable Balanced DAC Headphone Amplifier for Android, iPhone with USB Input Only/Outputs: 3.5mm Unbalanced / 4.4mm Balanced – MQA Decoder"
brand: "ifi"
price: "A$443"
currency: AUD
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 9
category: "I Fi"
url: https://www.desertcart.com.au/products/362992613-hip-dac2-portable-balanced-dac-headphone-amplifier-for-android-iphone
store_origin: AU
region: Australia
---

# 400 mW max power output 6-8 hrs battery life Balanced 4.4mm & 3.5mm outputs hip-dac2 - Portable Balanced DAC Headphone Amplifier for Android, iPhone with USB Input Only/Outputs: 3.5mm Unbalanced / 4.4mm Balanced – MQA Decoder

**Brand:** ifi
**Price:** A$443
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🎶 Elevate every beat, anywhere you go — don’t just listen, experience!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** hip-dac2 - Portable Balanced DAC Headphone Amplifier for Android, iPhone with USB Input Only/Outputs: 3.5mm Unbalanced / 4.4mm Balanced – MQA Decoder by ifi
- **How much does it cost?** A$443 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.com.au](https://www.desertcart.com.au/products/362992613-hip-dac2-portable-balanced-dac-headphone-amplifier-for-android-iphone)

## Best For

- ifi enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted ifi brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **All-day listening:** Up to 8 hours battery life keeps your soundtrack uninterrupted
- • **Pocket-sized power:** Slim, lightweight design for on-the-go audiophiles
- • **Amp up your headphones:** 400 mW output drives both IEMs and over-ear headphones effortlessly
- • **Versatile connectivity:** Seamlessly connects to Android & iPhone via USB input
- • **Audiophile-grade clarity:** Native DAC with full MQA decoding for pristine sound

## Overview

The iFi hip-dac2 is a portable, high-resolution DAC headphone amplifier featuring a powerful 400 mW amplifier, balanced 4.4mm and unbalanced 3.5mm outputs, and full MQA decoding. Designed for Android and iPhone users, it delivers up to 8 hours of battery life in a sleek, pocket-friendly form factor, making it the ultimate companion for audiophiles seeking premium sound quality on the move.

## Description

desertcart.com: iFi hip-dac2 - Portable Balanced DAC Headphone Amplifier for Android, iPhone with USB Input Only/Outputs: 3.5mm Unbalanced / 4.4mm Balanced – MQA Decoder : Electronics

Review: useful, sounds excellent, high value - PIC: Under the phone is the HipDac 2. I bought the original HipDac and liked it so much getting the HipDac2 was a no brainer. The HipDac is the most powerful, portable and flexible DAC you can buy for under $200. Despite it being geared for headphone mobile us, after looking at the specs and the capabilities, I literally found it to be a quite capable desktop DAC. The only drawback in doing so is having to use a 3mm headphone jack for output to the rest of my stereo chain. I listen to Spotify or Tidal all day in my home office. I use the premium subscriptions for each Spotify for playlist listening, Tidal for reviewing artists and previewing for vinyl purchases. The HipDac goes into other low cost gear...from the HipDac it goes to a Fosi MM tube pre-amp that also doubles as a signal pre. From there it loops through a Bellari EQ570 and on to a Nobsound 6p1 tube amp. (Rolled to HQ tubes) from there out to the very excellent Wharfdale 80th Anniversary Dentons. I use the line matching button and extra bass, I run the level on the HipDac at about 1 o'clock and control the overall volume at the amp. Some caveats of using it as a HiFi system DAC. The major drawback is getting the streaming audio to it takes up some space on the rack. Yes, you can use a phone, PC, laptop or tablet but for phones and tablets, it is problematic to charge and play at the same time. I have had inconsistent success doing so with both Android and iOS devices. I ended up sticking with a Lenovo tablet and using USB Audio Player Pro's custom android audio driver for Tidal and native spotify use. USBAPP drive will take over chores and provide bit perfect streaming with their Tidal implementation. Using spotify native app is pretty much seamless. The Lenovo gives me 12-14 hours of playing time. Spotify premium allows 320 kbits steaming and frankly for all day listening I find Spotify audio quality very consistent and non-fatiguing. Plus they have excellent playlists for office/work music. Tidal MQA works well and is extremely high quality, so much so it will show you the true levels of the recordings complete with all the scratchy instrument hairballs and magnetic dust bunnies. This detail can be fatiguing to listen to. There is a learning curve to getting the highest audio quality possible for least amount of $$ possible. If you are into that quest the HipDac2 is a good place to start regardless how you use it, it is simply a really good device. If it is your first time using a DAC you discover things in your favorite music, in the recording and in the voices of singers and instruments that you never heard before because you were listening to a crappy DAC and low resolution stream. If you are already a long time audiophile and want to move beyond the limitations of wireless headphone listening or phone onboard DACS you will. be rewarded.
Review: A great recommendation by ChatGPT. - My Sennheiser HD 280 pros have been Frankensteined together for the last 15 years or so - adding new parts and all that. They just look sad an dated now, so I just upgraded to the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 250Ω headphones and needed an amp for use with my laptop and phone when I don't want to use my Bose QuietComfort Ultra bluetooth headset. This amp really makes everything sound great. I never thought the Bose headphones were muddy until I listened to this combo. I'm not an audiophile, but I can tell a huge difference, and it's more than enough power, great battery life and super compact. I did purchase a case for it and silicone port plugs since I travel a lot. It's a great combo and very easy to use.

## Features

- ✅PORTABLE DESIGN - Your music will never stop with 6-8 hrs of battery life (depending on use) and a slim, lightweight design perfect for carrying in your pocket wherever life takes you.
- ✅HIGH RESOLUTION AUDIO - From Spotify to Tidal MQA to MP3 and beyond, play any high res audio format with native digital to analog conversion so you can listen to any song the way the original recording was intended
- ✅POWERFUL AMPLIFIER - Suited to your style, listen to in ear monitors or drive over the ear headphones with 400 mW max power output from the on-board amplifier
- ✅EASY CONNECTIVITY – Connects directly to your smartphone with the USB Input, and works with balanced 4.4mm or S-Bal 3.5mm headphone plugs for ultimate convenience and versatility
- ✅UPGRADED - The hip-dac2 has been upgraded to give you an even more pleasurable portable audio experience, it now is a full MQA decoder and has an upgraded GMT Clock.

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B09H39FCTH |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. |
| Best Sellers Rank | #68,669 in Electronics ( See Top 100 in Electronics ) #126 in Headphone Amps |
| Brand | iFi |
| Customer Reviews | 4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars (836) |
| Date First Available | September 24, 2021 |
| Interface Type | USB |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Item Weight | 4.8 ounces |
| Item model number | 312005 |
| Manufacturer | Abbingdon Music Research |
| Material | Plastic |
| Mounting Type | Portable,Usb |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Number of Pins | 6 |
| Product Dimensions | 4"L x 2.7"W |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** iFi
- **Interface Type:** USB
- **Mounting Type:** Portable,Usb
- **Number of Channels:** 2
- **Number of Pins:** 6

## Images

![hip-dac2 - Portable Balanced DAC Headphone Amplifier for Android, iPhone with USB Input Only/Outputs: 3.5mm Unbalanced / 4.4mm Balanced – MQA Decoder - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81MzmGDRLiL.jpg)

## Available Options

This product comes in different **Color** options.

## Questions & Answers

**Q: To connect to my macbook's usb-c port, would i need to purchase a male-to-male cord? photo looks like a male usb-c to female usb-a is included.**
A: That male usb-c  to female usb-a in the package is enough to connect to Macbook. I can connect to my macbook pro without any issue for spotify, tidal.

**Q: Is this worth it over the fiio q3?**
A: The Hip Dac 2 has many improvements over the original Hip Dac and the FIIO, the most significant is full MQA decoding. You will see the biggest improvement over the Q3 if you are streaming using Tidal Masters.

**Q: Does it work with 250 ohm headphoe**
A: Impedance is not the only factor that matters. You also have to look at the sensitivity of the headphone. But Yes. generally it should work without any problem as this device is meant to be used with 300 Ohms DD headphones like HD600/800S

**Q: Is this item returnable?**
A: yes

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ useful, sounds excellent, high value
*by M***N on November 19, 2022*

PIC: Under the phone is the HipDac 2. I bought the original HipDac and liked it so much getting the HipDac2 was a no brainer. The HipDac is the most powerful, portable and flexible DAC you can buy for under $200. Despite it being geared for headphone mobile us, after looking at the specs and the capabilities, I literally found it to be a quite capable desktop DAC. The only drawback in doing so is having to use a 3mm headphone jack for output to the rest of my stereo chain. I listen to Spotify or Tidal all day in my home office. I use the premium subscriptions for each Spotify for playlist listening, Tidal for reviewing artists and previewing for vinyl purchases. The HipDac goes into other low cost gear...from the HipDac it goes to a Fosi MM tube pre-amp that also doubles as a signal pre. From there it loops through a Bellari EQ570 and on to a Nobsound 6p1 tube amp. (Rolled to HQ tubes) from there out to the very excellent Wharfdale 80th Anniversary Dentons. I use the line matching button and extra bass, I run the level on the HipDac at about 1 o'clock and control the overall volume at the amp. Some caveats of using it as a HiFi system DAC. The major drawback is getting the streaming audio to it takes up some space on the rack. Yes, you can use a phone, PC, laptop or tablet but for phones and tablets, it is problematic to charge and play at the same time. I have had inconsistent success doing so with both Android and iOS devices. I ended up sticking with a Lenovo tablet and using USB Audio Player Pro's custom android audio driver for Tidal and native spotify use. USBAPP drive will take over chores and provide bit perfect streaming with their Tidal implementation. Using spotify native app is pretty much seamless. The Lenovo gives me 12-14 hours of playing time. Spotify premium allows 320 kbits steaming and frankly for all day listening I find Spotify audio quality very consistent and non-fatiguing. Plus they have excellent playlists for office/work music. Tidal MQA works well and is extremely high quality, so much so it will show you the true levels of the recordings complete with all the scratchy instrument hairballs and magnetic dust bunnies. This detail can be fatiguing to listen to. There is a learning curve to getting the highest audio quality possible for least amount of $$ possible. If you are into that quest the HipDac2 is a good place to start regardless how you use it, it is simply a really good device. If it is your first time using a DAC you discover things in your favorite music, in the recording and in the voices of singers and instruments that you never heard before because you were listening to a crappy DAC and low resolution stream. If you are already a long time audiophile and want to move beyond the limitations of wireless headphone listening or phone onboard DACS you will. be rewarded.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A great recommendation by ChatGPT.
*by S***N on July 31, 2025*

My Sennheiser HD 280 pros have been Frankensteined together for the last 15 years or so - adding new parts and all that. They just look sad an dated now, so I just upgraded to the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 250Ω headphones and needed an amp for use with my laptop and phone when I don't want to use my Bose QuietComfort Ultra bluetooth headset. This amp really makes everything sound great. I never thought the Bose headphones were muddy until I listened to this combo. I'm not an audiophile, but I can tell a huge difference, and it's more than enough power, great battery life and super compact. I did purchase a case for it and silicone port plugs since I travel a lot. It's a great combo and very easy to use.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Absolutely Worth it for Mobile Fidelity
*by C***D on March 5, 2022*

I’ve looked in to many pocket DACs, and I’m glad I settled on this one. It checks all the boxes. Almost as thin as a phone, balanced output, driverless, and modularity. Setting aside audiophile pickiness, for me, convenience features are more important for a mobile solution. I wish everything had the recessed USB A connection. It feels more sturdy to be shoved in a pocket than any other option. My only wish is that when charging, it would also act as a power pass through to charge the device it’s on. Being driverless means it works with anything willing to offload audio processing. Even a Nintendo Switch Lite. As far as audio goes, it sounds great. I really can’t elaborate much more than that. There’s no hindrance to stereo separation and what they call sound stage and imaging. It just plays sound the way it was intended with no coloration, until you use the bass boost for fun. Paired with a HD650, 95% of the time, the bass boost tapers off right before the vocal range. Which is the perfect pair for movies, TV shows, and even most YouTube videos. The only real issue I’ve found is more or less a compatibility issue. Not the fault of the HipDAC, and more of Apple’s fault. Every dongle I’ve tried with it works flawlessly… except the official Apple Lightning to “camera” dongle. It gets some rhythmic digital noise, almost like a GSM signal. Sometimes it goes away. Other times the HipDAC stops working and you have to turn it off and on. Why it’s an Apple problem, is because Lightning is only capable of USB 2.0 standards and speed. I feel like the noise and crash is because it sometimes bottlenecks, or the timing gets too far out of sync. It never happens with any form of USB 3.0 cable.

## Frequently Bought Together

- iFi Hip-dac2 - Portable Balanced DAC Headphone Amplifier for Android, iPhone with USB Input Only/Outputs: 3.5mm Unbalanced / 4.4mm Balanced – MQA Decoder
- Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter
- Miter Case for iFi Hip-dac/Hip-dac2/Hip-dac 3 Portable dac, Handmade Italy Artificial PU Leather Case Cover for HipDac 3 (Black)

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*Product available on Desertcart Australia*
*Store origin: AU*
*Last updated: 2026-02-22*