Description
The name of the iFi xDSD Gryphon refers to a mythical creature that combines two fearsome animals. Similarly, the device combines the best of both worlds. It is great as a DAC, but it also has an excellent powerful analog part.
That is, now you do not need to puzzle over the selection of headphones or a source. It is no coincidence that the stylish case has similar features to the xCAN. The iFi xDSD Gryphon has approximately the same focus, but with an even more adult sound. A real multibit DAC with the possibility of wired and wireless connection, backed by a powerful amplification part.
Perhaps the main feature of the model is a real Bit-Perfect, realized with the help of a multibit circuit from Burr-Brown. And here its potential is realized to the fullest thanks to a lot of proprietary technologies. Thus, the device supports DSD512, PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz and MQA x16. And all the most advanced wireless codecs, including, for example, aptX HD, HWA and LDAC. After all, not only a wired connection to the source is possible. And the presence of two headphone outputs at once makes iFi xDSD Gryphon a truly versatile device.
Product information
Burr-Brown Multibit
iFi xDSD Gryphon, like some other products of the company, uses the Multibit True Native circuit from Burr-Brown. Having considerable experience in its implementation, engineers are able to unleash its full potential. In addition, an intelligent memory buffer and a femtosecond GMT (Global Master Timing) clock are used to eliminate jitter. The result is the same natural, natural and musical sound that multibit technology is so beloved for.
PureWave
For its part, the presence of PureWave technology at the output means that the amplification part is also perfectly implemented. The output power of 1 W per channel at 32 ohms of load is supported by 6.7 V of current. The technology is dual mono with the shortest possible signal paths. That is, the left and right channels are free from crosstalk. Distortion from many other components is also avoided. In practice, this means that iFi xDSD Gryphon has a clear and natural sound.
And it is also capable of rocking many models. Including, of course, not only sensitive in-ear, but also tight full-size headphones. For example, planar ones. The presence of two outputs at once also contributes to different usage scenarios. These are 4.4 balance and 3.5 unbalanced. The latter has S-Balanced technology. It allows the unbalanced output to realize all the advantages of balance in the form of, for example, higher channel separation, more accurate scene structure, etc. But that's not all. For sensitive models, there is a built-in iEMatch function that allows you to get rid of background noise if it is present.
OptimaLoop
OptimaLoop is another technology that belongs to the amplification part. In fact, it is a negative feedback that is used to achieve a positive result. Namely, to compare the input signal with the output signal. This makes it possible to correct possible errors and distortions, as well as to reduce noise. At the same time, the technology may have its drawbacks, such as phase mismatches. Therefore, iFi engineers have developed a special scheme that allows you to get all the benefits of negative feedback, while leveling its disadvantages. It includes several stages of negative feedback instead of one global cycle.
XMOS
The Gryphon can be connected to an iFi xDSD source via a wire or without it. A high-quality XMOS chip is responsible for the first scenario. It receives and processes data received via USB and S/PDIF inputs. Since you have to deal with rather heavy files, the most powerful 16-core XMOS version with low latency is used.
Bluetooth.
For its part, Gryphon uses Qualcomm's QCC5100 for wireless connection of the iFi xDSD. The circuit provides the device with Bluetooth 5.1 support. To achieve high sound quality, support for many codecs is implemented. Among them are aptx-HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX LL, LDAC, HWA, LHDC. At the same time, aptX Adaptive and aptX HD work with recordings up to 24-bit/48 kHz, and the sampling for LDAC and LHDC is up to 96 kHz. Thus, the device supports Hi-Res Audio Wireless.
Line.
Operation in pure power amplifier mode is also possible. Two analog inputs are provided for this purpose. These are the usual unbalanced 3.5 and the balance of the modern standard - 4.4. Thus, iFi xDSD Gryphon can be useful even if you already have a good player, but its output power is not enough to open the headphones.
XSpace and XBass
Both options are designed to add extra emotion to music. Both are patented proprietary signal processing technologies. The first one is designed to increase the imaginary space. The second one, respectively, is designed to enhance the bass. At the same time, unlike a conventional equalizer, they do not distort the signal and do not degrade the sound quality, since they work exclusively with an analog signal.
CyberSync
A modest control on the front panel of the device also hides a whole technology. It's called CyberSync, and its purpose is to keep the sound quality at a high level regardless of the volume. This technology is a development of the CyberDrive volume control ideas used by xDSD. In this case, it's a special programmable controller that works in analog mode when using digital precision. The way it communicates with the source to achieve high synchronization and use the most correct control curve is very different.
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