Overview

The Hip DAC 3 adds iEMatch for sensitive IEMs and dual USB-C ports to iFi’s flask-shaped portable DAC/amp. US street price is 199 USD (e.g., Bloom Audio) with support up to PCM 384kHz/DSD256 and both 3.5mm SE and 4.4mm balanced outputs [1][3]. The battery is 2,200mAh; manufacturer materials list approx. 8 hours (media deck) and “up to 12 hours” on the product page [1][2].

Scientific Validity

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From official specs: SNR <109dB(A) balanced / <103dB(A) SE; THD+N <0.006% (balanced, 360mW/2V@600Ω) and <0.01% (SE, 100mW/1.27V@16Ω); frequency response 20Hz–45kHz (-3dB); output 400mW@32Ω (balanced), 280mW@32Ω (SE); output impedance ≤1Ω (≤4.5Ω with iEMatch)[2]. These are competent but not class-leading figures, and independent third-party measurements are limited. Score reflects a conservative, spec-based assessment.

Technology Level

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True-balanced topology, S-Balanced SE, revised GMT with a new crystal oscillator, and iEMatch are all sensible engineering moves[1][2]. However, the architecture and measured targets remain conventional rather than state of the art.

Cost-Performance

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Cheapest equal-or-better comparator: FiiO KA13 (dongle). It delivers up to 550mW@32Ω balanced (desktop mode) with strong SNR/THD+N and costs 79.99 USD[4][5]. Calculation: 79.99 USD ÷ 199 USD = 0.402 → 0.4. Therefore, you can obtain equal-or-better output performance at ~40% of the Hip DAC 3’s price.

Reliability & Support

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Solid build, clear documentation, and a 12-month limited warranty are stated in official materials[2]. iFi’s support presence is established, though long-term failure data specific to Hip DAC 3 is not yet abundant.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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Prioritizing noise control (iEMatch, oscillator/GMT updates) is rational, but retaining the flask form and analog XBass instead of relying solely on software EQ suggests some emphasis on brand ergonomics over pure measurement optimization[1][2].

Advice

Choose Hip DAC 3 if you want a battery-powered wired DAC/amp with iEMatch for hiss-free IEM use. If you don’t need a battery, the FiiO KA13/KA17 dongles offer higher power for less (KA13 79.99 USD, KA17 149.99 USD, up to 650mW@32Ω balanced)[4][5][9][10]. If you need Bluetooth and app PEQ, Qudelix 5K remains excellent (4V balanced, deep PEQ, ~109.98 USD)[6][7]. For Bluetooth with high power in one box, consider FiiO BTR17 (up to 650mW@32Ω balanced)[8].

References

[1] iFi Audio — Hip DAC 3 Product Page (features, “up to 12 hours”): https://ifi-audio.com/products/hip-dac-3/ (accessed 2025-08-15)
[2] iFi Audio — Hip DAC 3 Media Deck (official specs incl. SNR/THD+N/FR/output/impedance/warranty, ~8h): https://media.ifi-audio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/hip-dac_3_Media_Deck_20240110.pdf (accessed 2025-08-15)
[3] Bloom Audio — Hip DAC 3 product listing (US street price context): https://bloomaudio.com/products/ifi-hip-dac-3 (accessed 2025-08-15)
[4] FiiO — KA17/KA13 Parameters (KA13/KA17 output, SNR/THD+N): https://www.fiio.com/KA17_parameters (accessed 2025-08-15)
[5] Linsoul — FiiO KA13 product page (price 79.99 USD): https://www.linsoul.com/products/fiio-ka13 (accessed 2025-08-15)
[6] Qudelix — 5K Product Page (functions, 4V balanced / 2V SE): https://www.qudelix.com/products/qudelix-5k (accessed 2025-08-15)
[7] Amazon.com — Qudelix-5K listing (price ~109.98 USD): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088F7C976 (accessed 2025-08-15)
[8] FiiO — BTR17 Comparison Page (balanced output up to 650mW@32Ω): https://www.fiio.com/btr17_comparison (accessed 2025-08-15)
[9] FiiO — KA17 Parameters (650mW@32Ω balanced in desktop mode): https://www.fiio.com/KA17_parameters (accessed 2025-08-15)
[10] Linsoul — FiiO KA17 product page (price 149.99 USD): https://www.linsoul.com/products/fiio-ka17 (accessed 2025-08-15)

(2025.8.15)