6 Best Alternatives to the iFi xDSD Gryphon (2026)

How each alternative compares

TOPPING DX5 II Balanced DAC and Headphone Amp

The TOPPING DX5 II shifts from portable to desktop use, offering significantly more physical space for components. It features a hybrid amplifier class and Bluetooth connectivity, providing tuning flexibility that the Gryphon lacks. You gain precise EQ control and balanced power suited for stationary listening, but you sacrifice the compact aluminum build and wireless convenience of the iFi. This unit is larger, measuring 6.1 inches wide and 7.48 inches long. It is ideal for desktop listeners who prioritize sound customization and balanced output over portability. The black finish and dual ES9039Q2M DACs support high-resolution audio in a fixed setup.

Fosi Audio Balanced DAC and Headphone Amp

The Fosi Audio ZH3 is a desktop unit designed for wired high-resolution audio and customizable sound profiles. It supports XLR and USB connectivity, along with RCA and optical inputs, offering more versatile wired connections than the Gryphon. You get strong balanced power for desktop setups, but you give up the portable form factor and Bluetooth capabilities. The ZH3 is much larger, weighing 2.87 pounds and measuring 11.8 inches wide. It suits users who want a dedicated desktop DAC amp with flexible inputs. The lack of wireless features means you must connect via cable, making it a stationary solution for listeners who value wired signal integrity and tuning options.

TOPPING Balanced Desktop DAC Headphone Amp

The TOPPING DX1 II targets gaming audio with precise EQ control, differing from the Gryphon’s general high-res focus. It connects via USB and optical inputs, lacking the Bluetooth and multiple analog outputs of the iFi. This unit is smaller and lighter, weighing 14.4 ounces, with a silver finish. It offers high-resolution audio tailored for gaming profiles rather than balanced headphone driving. You gain specific tuning for gaming scenarios but lose the versatile connectivity and balanced outputs of the Gryphon. It is ideal for gamers who want precise audio control without a complex setup. The compact footprint makes it suitable for small desks, though it sacrifices the premium build and wireless convenience of the original.

Topping DX3 Pro+ Headphone Amp and DAC

The Topping DX3 Pro+ is designed for listeners who want to use it as a pre-amp for external speakers. It connects via USB and features multiple digital inputs for a clean signal chain. Unlike the Gryphon, it focuses on driving external amplifiers rather than direct headphone output. The unit is larger, measuring 6.54 inches wide and 5.08 inches long, with a black finish. You gain strong wireless performance and line-out capabilities, but you give up the compact portable design and integrated headphone amplifier power of the iFi. It fits users who prioritize signal chain cleanliness and external amp integration. The lack of portable features makes it a stationary choice for home audio setups.

AOSHIDA SMSL 2.1-Channel DAC Amplifier

The AOSHIDA SMSL AO300 PRO is a powerful desktop amp with 165W output and HDMI eARC support. It connects via USB and RCA inputs, focusing on speaker driving capability over portability. You gain high power and modern TV connectivity, but you sacrifice the compact size and headphone-focused design of the Gryphon. The unit is a Class D amplifier in a black finish, much larger than the portable iFi. It suits those who prioritize wired connections and speaker output. The lack of balanced headphone outputs and wireless features makes it a specialized desktop solution. It is ideal for users who want a single box for high-power speaker driving and HDMI eARC integration.

FiiO Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier

The FiiO K17 is a desktop DAC and headphone amplifier designed for users needing serious power and detailed EQ control. It connects via USB and features a silver finish, weighing 2.2 pounds. Unlike the portable Gryphon, it is a stationary unit optimized for desktop listening setups. You gain high power and precise tuning flexibility, but you give up the compact aluminum body and Bluetooth convenience of the iFi. The K17 is larger and heavier, making it unsuitable for travel. It is ideal for desktop listeners who prioritize audio detail and power over portability. The lack of wireless features and balanced outputs means it is a fixed solution for high-fidelity home audio.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

iFi xDSD Gryphon Portable DAC Amp

Best for: Portable balanced audio with high-res support

Power Output

1000mW

Audio Inputs

USB-C, S-PDIF, 3.5mm, 4.4mm, optical

Audio Outputs

4.4mm balanced, 3.5mm S-Balanced

Wireless Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.1

Use

Portable

Amplifier Type

Headphone Amplifier

View on Amazon: iFi xDSD Gryphon Portable DAC Amp Affiliate link

The iFi xDSD Gryphon is a portable balanced DAC and headphone amplifier built from military-grade aluminum. It features a 1000mW power output and supports ultra-res PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz. You get full MQA decoding and native DSD up to DSD512. Bluetooth 5.1 handles aptX HD and LDAC. It includes balanced 4.4mm and single-ended 3.5mm outputs for flexible connection options.

Pros

• 1000mW power output for high-power headphones
• Supports native DSD512 and full MQA decoding
• Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD and LDAC support
• Balanced 4.4mm and single-ended 3.5mm outputs

Cons

• No remote control included
• No dedicated app for EQ adjustments
• Only 3.5mm and 4.4mm output options

Good fit if

• You need a portable DAC with balanced outputs
• You listen to high-res audio files like DSD
• You want Bluetooth with aptX HD or LDAC

Skip if

• You require a remote control for operation
• You need a desktop unit with multiple inputs
• You prefer a simpler single-ended design only

Verdict: The iFi xDSD Gryphon Portable DAC delivers strong power and high-res support in a compact aluminum body. It fits buyers who prioritize balanced outputs and wireless high-quality audio on the go.

2 Also great

TOPPING DX5 II Balanced DAC and Headphone Amp

Best for: desktop listeners needing balanced power and EQ

Power Output

7600mW x2

Audio Inputs

USB, Coaxial, Optical

Audio Outputs

4.4mm, 6.35mm

DAC Chip

Dual ES9039Q2M

Wireless Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.1, LDAC

Color

Black

View on Amazon: TOPPING DX5 II Balanced DAC and Headphone Amp Affiliate link

The TOPPING DX5 II is a desktop DAC and headphone amplifier built around dual ES9039Q2M chips. It delivers 7600mW per channel through a fully balanced X-Hybrid amp. You get 10-band parametric EQ for precise tuning and Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC support. It includes USB, coaxial, and optical inputs. This unit suits listeners who want high-resolution wired performance with wireless flexibility.

Pros

• Dual ES9039Q2M DAC chips for ultra-low distortion
• 7600mW x2 balanced output for demanding headphones
• 10-band PEQ for precise audio tuning
• Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC and aptX Adaptive support
• 2.0-inch full-color Aurora UI display

Cons

• No remote control included in specifications
• Desktop form factor requires dedicated space
• No analog RCA line outputs listed for passive speakers

Good fit if

• You need a balanced headphone amp with high power
• You want parametric EQ for custom sound tuning
• You prefer LDAC for high-quality wireless audio

Skip if

• You require a compact portable DAC
• You need a remote for convenience
• You only use passive speakers without an amp

Verdict: The TOPPING DX5 II Dual ES9039Q2M Desktop DAC offers serious power and tuning flexibility for desktop setups. It fits listeners who prioritize balanced output and precise EQ control over portability.

3 Best xlr

Fosi Audio Balanced DAC and Headphone Amp

Best for: desktop listeners needing balanced power and EQ

Power Output

640mW@32Ω x2, 2570mW@32Ω x2

Audio Inputs

USB, Optical, Coaxial, RCA

Audio Outputs

4.4mm, 6.35mm, RCA, XLR

DAC Chip

AKM4493SEQ

Connectivity

USB, XLR, Coaxial

Use

Desktop

View on Amazon: Fosi Audio Balanced DAC and Headphone Amp Affiliate link

The Fosi Audio ZH3 is a desktop DAC and headphone amplifier featuring the AKM4493SEQ chip and XMOS XU316 processor. It supports PCM 768kHz and DSD512 for high-resolution audio. You get both 6.35mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced outputs, delivering up to 2570mW at 32Ω. It includes coaxial, optical, USB, and RCA inputs. The unit also functions as a preamp with bass and treble EQ controls for your desktop setup.

Pros

• AKM4493SEQ DAC chip supports PCM 768kHz and DSD512
• 2570mW output via 4.4mm balanced connection
• Dual 6.35mm and 4.4mm headphone outputs
• Coaxial, optical, USB, and RCA inputs
• Adjustable bass and treble EQ settings

Cons

• No Bluetooth connectivity listed in specifications
• EQ adjustments apply only to headphone output
• RCA and XLR output levels differ significantly

Good fit if

• You need balanced 4.4mm output for high-impedance headphones
• You want bass and treble customization for your listening
• You require multiple digital inputs for a desktop rig

Skip if

• You require wireless Bluetooth streaming capability
• You need EQ adjustments for speaker preamp output
• You prefer a compact portable device over a desktop unit

Verdict: The Fosi Audio ZH3 Desktop DAC Amp delivers strong balanced power and flexible inputs for desktop listeners. It suits users who prioritize wired high-resolution audio and customizable sound profiles.

4 Best budget

TOPPING Balanced Desktop DAC Headphone Amp

Best for: gaming audio with precise EQ control

Power Output

1000mW x2 @32Ω

Audio Inputs

USB-C, Optical

Audio Outputs

4.4mm, 3.5mm, RCA, Optical

DAC Chip

ESS ES9039Q2M

Color

Silver

Use

Gaming

View on Amazon: TOPPING Balanced Desktop DAC Headphone Amp Affiliate link

The TOPPING DX1 II is a compact DAC and headphone amplifier tuned for gaming. It uses the ESS ES9039Q2M chip to deliver 1000mW x2 @32Ω output. You get a 10-band PEQ for precise sound tuning and support for PCM up to 384kHz. It includes a 3.5mm TRRS jack for headset mic input. This unit also functions as a preamp with RCA and optical outputs for speakers.

Pros

• ES9039Q2M DAC chip for ultra-low distortion
• 1000mW x2 output at 32Ω via 4.4mm balanced port
• 10-band PEQ with independent L/R channel tuning
• 3.5mm TRRS jack supports headset microphone input
• Includes infrared remote control for volume adjustment

Cons

• No dedicated analog volume knob on the chassis
• Only two digital input options (USB-C and Optical)
• Requires PC software for full PEQ profile management

Good fit if

• You want a dedicated gaming DAC with positional audio tuning
• You need a balanced 4.4mm output for high-impedance headphones
• You prefer a single USB-C cable for power and audio

Skip if

• You require Bluetooth wireless connectivity
• You need multiple digital inputs like coaxial or AES
• You want a built-in display for real-time settings

Verdict: The TOPPING DX1 II Gaming DAC & Headphone Amp offers high-resolution audio and gaming-specific EQ tuning in a small footprint. It is ideal for gamers who want precise control over their audio profile without a complex setup.

5 Also great

Topping DX3 Pro+ Headphone Amp and DAC

Best for: driving external amplifiers via line out

Audio Inputs

USB, optical, coaxial

Audio Outputs

Line Out

DAC Chip

ES9038Q2M

Wireless Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.0

Amplifier Type

Headphone Amplifier

Features

Built-in DAC

View on Amazon: Topping DX3 Pro+ Headphone Amp and DAC Affiliate link

The Topping DX3pro+ is a compact desktop DAC and headphone amplifier featuring the ES9038Q2M decoder chip. It accepts USB, optical, and coaxial digital inputs, plus Bluetooth 5.0 with LDAC support for wireless streaming. You get line outputs to connect to external power amps or active speakers. This unit serves as a versatile pre-amplifier with digital volume control, making it a solid upgrade for wired or wireless hi-fi setups.

Pros

• ES9038Q2M DAC chip for high-resolution audio
• Bluetooth 5.0 with LDAC, aptX HD, and AAC support
• Multiple inputs including USB, optical, and coaxial
• Built-in pre-amp function with balanced digital volume adjustment

Cons

• No dedicated headphone output jack listed in specifications
• No remote control included in product data
• Physical volume control not mentioned in features

Good fit if

• You want to drive passive speakers or a separate amplifier
• You need high-quality Bluetooth streaming with LDAC support
• You prefer digital volume control without channel imbalance

Skip if

• You need a direct headphone amplifier with a dedicated output
• You require a remote control for operation
• You want a physical knob for volume adjustment

Verdict: Topping DX3pro+ ES9038Q2M DAC fits listeners who want to use it as a pre-amp for external speakers or amplifiers rather than a direct headphone driver. It delivers strong wireless performance and multiple digital inputs for a clean signal chain.

6 Best 165w

AOSHIDA SMSL 2.1-Channel DAC Amplifier

Best for: desktop setups with HDMI eARC

Power Output

165W×2 @ 4Ω, 85W×2 @ 8Ω

Amplifier Class

Class D

Audio Inputs

Optical, coaxial, USB, RCA, HDMI eARC

Audio Outputs

4.4mm, 6.35mm, subwoofer

DAC Chip

CS43131

Total Harmonic Distortion

0.003%

View on Amazon: AOSHIDA SMSL 2.1-Channel DAC Amplifier Affiliate link

The AOSHIDA SMSL AO300 PRO is an all-in-one Hi-Fi solution featuring the CS43131 DAC chip and MA5332MS amplifier. It delivers 165W per channel at 4 ohms, driving bookshelf speakers or high-impedance systems with 0.003% distortion. You get optical, coaxial, USB, RCA, and HDMI eARC inputs. The unit includes 8 EQ modes and 5 filters. It also provides 4.4mm balanced and 6.35mm headphone outputs for desktop use.

Pros

• CS43131 DAC with 32bit/768kHz PCM support
• 165W output per channel at 4 ohms
• HDMI eARC input with CEC sync
• 8 EQ modes and 5 filter options
• Includes 4.4mm balanced and 6.35mm outputs

Cons

• Only two EQ modes are fully customizable
• Class D amplifier may lack tube warmth
• No dedicated phono input for turntables

Good fit if

• You want a single device for speakers and headphones
• You need HDMI eARC for TV audio
• You prefer wired inputs over wireless streaming

Skip if

• You require a dedicated phono stage
• You need Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity
• You want a compact portable DAC

Verdict: The AOSHIDA SMSL AO300 PRO DAC is a powerful desktop amp for users who want high power and HDMI eARC in one box. It suits those who prioritize wired connections and speaker driving capability over portability.

7 Best premium

FiiO Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier

Best for: Desktop listeners needing high power and EQ

Power Output

4000mW+4000mW

Audio Inputs

Line, balanced, USB, optical, coaxial

DAC Chip

AK4191 + AK4499EX*2

Wireless Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.1

Color

Silver

Use

Desktop

View on Amazon: FiiO Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier Affiliate link

The FiiO K17 is a desktop DAC and headphone amplifier built around the AK4191 and dual AK4499EX chips. It delivers 4000mW per channel on balanced output to drive demanding headphones. You get a 31-band parametric EQ, Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD and LDAC, and a 3.93-inch touch screen. It includes a remote control for easy operation. This unit suits listeners who want high power and precise sound tuning at home.

Pros

• Dual AK4499EX DAC chips for high resolution
• 4000mW balanced output power
• 31-band parametric EQ for sound tuning
• Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC support
• Includes infrared remote control

Cons

• Desktop form factor requires dedicated space
• Heavier build at 2.2 pounds
• No mention of mobile portability features

Good fit if

• You need high power for low-impedance IEMs
• You want precise frequency response correction
• You prefer touch screen and remote control

Skip if

• You need a portable USB drive
• You want a compact travel device
• You prefer analog-only inputs

Verdict: The FiiO K17 Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier fits users who need serious power and detailed EQ control for their desktop listening setup.

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