by 
We’ve written about a number of different devices from iFi, but for whatever reason, we’ve never focused on one of their uniquely portable designs. Now that they’ve released a special edition (known as the iFi Hip-Dac 3 Stealth Edition), let’s correct that oversight.
iFi Hip-Dac 3 Stealth Edition: what is it?
As you might expect, for something coming from iFi, that this is a DAC (more on what that is here), which will help preserve all of the audio goodness getting it from your device to your ears. In this version, a lot of attention has been given to the circuitry inside to keep noise down, helping it ensure bit-perfect reproduction of the audio.
The form factor
If you’re going to be carrying audio gear around, you want it to be, well, portable. And what could be more a portable format (and time-tested) than the trusty hip flask? Of course, the iFi Hip-Dac 3 Stealth Edition is not going to carry any libations, but it does give you that same basic shape. The body of the DAC gives you the flask itself, while the volume knob gives you the appearance of the flask cap.
The inputs and outputs
For inputs on the iFi Hip-Dac 3 Stealth Edition, you’ve got two USB-C connections. One is solely for charging the on-board battery (which should give you 8 hours of usage), while the other one is for connecting to your audio source (say, a laptop or phone). For outputs, you’ve got both 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone ports, and then Power Match and X-Bass button switches (see the full specs down below).
Wrapping things up
While the original iFi Hip-Dac 3 is indeed available at iFi, if you want this stealthy version, you’ll be headed somewhere else. Pricing is still the same – $199 – but the iFi Hip-Dac 3 Stealth Edition can only be gotten from the folks over at Gramophone.
iFi Hip-Dac 3 Stealth Edition Tech Specs
| Input | USB-C |
| Formats supported | DSD256, PCM 384kHz, MQA Decoder |
| DAC | Bit-Perfect DSD & DXD DAC by Burr Brown |
| Headphone Outputs | |
| Balanced | 4.4mm |
| S-BAL | 3.5mm |
| Power Output (RMS) | |
| Balanced | 400mW @ 32Ω; 6.3V @ 600Ω |
| S-BAL | 280mW @ 32Ω; 3.2V @ 600Ω |
| Output Impedance | |
| Balanced | ≤1Ω ; With iEMatch engaged: ≤4.5Ω |
| S-BAL | ≤1Ω ; With iEMatch engaged: ≤4.5Ω |
| SNR | |
| Balanced | <109dB(A) @ 0dBFS |
| S-BAL | <103dB(A) @ 0dBFS |
| DNR | |
| Balanced | <109dB(A) |
| S-BAL | <103dB(A) |
| THD + N | |
| Balanced | <0.006% (360mW/2.0V @ 600Ω) |
| S-BAL | <0.01% (100mW/1.27V @ 16Ω) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 45kHz (-3dB) |
| Power Consumption | <2W idle, 4W max |
| Battery | Lithium-polymer 2200mAh approx. 8 hours |
| Power System | Charging via USB-C, BC V1.2 compliant up to 1000mA charging current |
| Dimensions | 102 x 70 x 14 mm (4.0″ x 2.8″ x 0.6″) |
| Net weight | 135 g (0.30 lbs) |
| Limited Warranty | 12 months* |
| *12 months typical or as permitted/required by local reseller laws | |
| **Specifications are subject to change without notice. |
