iFi GR 2 MT DAC Review: Portable Power and aptX Lossless

Who Should Buy It

Key Specifications

Overview

The iFi GR 2 MT DAC is a portable Bluetooth DAC and headphone amplifier in the mid range tier. The listing describes a compact device built around a Burr Brown PCM1795 DAC chip, with support for wired and wireless operation. It is not a headphone or earbud, but a source component that drives headphones and in ear monitors. The published feature set includes aptX Lossless Bluetooth, a 2173mW maximum output, an OLED display, and a 4900mAh battery rated for seven hours of playback.

The product listing positions the GR 2 MT as a way to improve sound from phones, laptops, and other digital sources. It includes PCM and DSD digital filters voiced by producer Steve Levine, plus JVCKENWOOD K2 and K2HD processing. An Audio Note Kaisei capacitor and precision resistors are listed as internal parts intended to improve the analog stage. These details suggest an audiophile oriented design, but the listing does not provide full technical measurements such as output impedance or total harmonic distortion.

Sound Quality

The DAC section is listed as a Burr Brown PCM1795, a chip known in audio circles for a smooth and natural presentation. The GR 2 MT uses PCM and DSD filter options voiced by Steve Levine, which the listing says give a carefully refined listening experience. On paper, this suggests the device may lean toward musicality rather than analytical sterility. The addition of K2 and K2HD technology is described as restoring musical harmonics and increasing richness.

The amplifier stage lists a maximum output of 2173mW, which is substantial for a portable unit. iFi includes three power modes, including iEMatch, to optimize output for sensitive in ear monitors as well as more demanding headphones. The listing mentions an Audio Note Kaisei capacitor in the amplifier stage to add warmth in the midrange, and precision resistors for better channel balance. These parts are often associated with a fuller and more spacious sound.

Because this is an editorial research review, no direct listening claims can be made. The listing does not publish a full set of measurements such as signal to noise ratio, crosstalk, or output impedance. Buyers who prioritize published technical benchmarks may need to look elsewhere. Still, the specified DAC and amplifier parts point to a capable mid range portable source.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort for a DAC and amplifier is not about ear pads or headband pressure. Instead it comes down to physical size, weight, and how easy the device is to hold and operate. The listing does not state the GR 2 MT's dimensions or weight, so pocketability cannot be confirmed from the published data. The presence of an OLED display and capacitive touch controls implies a modern, streamlined interface.

The three power modes and iEMatch function should make the device comfortable to pair with sensitive IEMs by reducing hiss and allowing finer volume control. The listing does not mention any physical buttons beyond capacitive touch areas, so users who prefer tactile buttons may need to adjust. Because no weight is published, buyers should check third party details if portability is a primary concern.

Noise Control and Features

The GR 2 MT does not include active noise cancelling, which makes sense for a DAC and amplifier rather than headphones. Its noise related features are about electrical noise inside the device. The listing says an upgraded circuit board helps reduce unwanted noise, creating a cleaner foundation. The K2 and K2HD processing is also described as restoring harmonics, which is not the same as noise cancellation.

Key features from the listing include a vibrant OLED display, capacitive touch controls, and iFi Nexis app compatibility. The app is described as making updates and additional options easy to manage. Battery Health and Hybrid Power options are included to maximize long term battery life, which is useful for a device with a 4900mAh cell.

• Burr Brown PCM1795 DAC chip with PCM and DSD filters voiced by Steve Levine
• aptX Lossless Bluetooth for CD quality wireless audio
• Up to 2173mW maximum output with three power modes and iEMatch
• OLED display and capacitive touch controls
• iFi Nexis app for updates and options
• JVCKENWOOD K2 and K2HD processing

Battery, Bluetooth and Connectivity

The built in battery is rated at 4900mAh, and the listing claims up to seven hours of listening. That figure likely applies to wireless operation at moderate volume, though the listing does not spell out the test conditions. Battery Health and Hybrid Power modes are listed as ways to maximize long term battery life. The published runtime is relatively modest for a portable Bluetooth device, but the high output power may explain the shorter figure.

Bluetooth support includes aptX Lossless, which is designed to deliver CD quality wireless audio. The listing does not publish a full codec list, so support for AAC, LDAC, or standard aptX is not confirmed. Wired operation is clearly stated, and the device functions as a USB DAC and headphone amplifier. This dual wired and wireless role adds flexibility for smartphones, laptops, and digital audio players.

The listing does not mention multipoint Bluetooth, USB input types, or specific charging time. These omissions are common in product listings but matter for daily use. Buyers should look for a full manual if they need exact connectivity details. On paper, the GR 2 MT appears to cover the essentials for a portable mid range DAC amp.

Build, Design and Portability

The internal build details give some clues about the GR 2 MT's design priorities. The listing mentions an upgraded circuit board, an Audio Note Kaisei capacitor, and precision resistors, which are not typical of budget portable devices. These parts suggest attention to analog quality and stable performance. However, the outer chassis material and dimensions are not published in the listing, so durability and pocketability remain unknown.

The OLED display adds a modern touch and should make it easier to see input, filter, and battery status at a glance. Capacitive touch controls keep the surface clean, though they can be less reliable with gloves or wet hands. The device is described as compact, but without measurements that term is subjective. Buyers who need a specific size for a pocket or bag should verify external details before purchase.

Portability also depends on battery size and heat management, and the 4900mAh cell suggests the unit is not as slim as smaller dongle DACs. Still, a seven hour runtime implies enough charge for a commute or a long listening session away from a desk. The listing does not state whether the device supports pass through charging while playing, a useful feature for portable use.

Call Quality and Daily Use

The listing does not describe any microphone, call handling, or voice assistant features. As a DAC and headphone amplifier, the GR 2 MT is intended for music playback rather than phone calls. If a buyer plans to use it with a smartphone for calls, they would likely need a separate headset or rely on the phone's own microphone. This omission is not surprising for an audiophile source component.

Daily use should be straightforward with the OLED display and touch controls. The device can drive both IEMs and full size headphones thanks to the three power modes and iEMatch. The seven hour battery life is enough for many daily routines but may require a recharge during very long trips. The iFi Nexis app could simplify firmware updates and filter changes, though the listing does not detail every app option.

The lack of published dimensions and weight makes it hard to predict how the GR 2 MT will feel in a pocket next to a phone. Users who plan to stack it with a portable music player should check third party photos and reviews. For desktop use, the wired USB connection and high output should work well with a laptop. The listing does not mention a case, cable length, or included adapters, so accessory needs are unclear.

Who Should Buy It

This product is for listeners who want a step up from a basic phone headphone jack or entry level dongle. The Burr Brown DAC and high output power suit people with a variety of headphones, from sensitive IEMs to power hungry over ears. The iEMatch feature makes it especially useful for in ear monitor users who struggle with hiss or coarse volume steps.

Buyers who want wireless convenience without giving up wired quality will appreciate the aptX Lossless support. The mid range price tier positions it as an option for people who are not ready to spend premium money but still want audiophile features. The OLED display and app control add modern usability that some portable DAC amps lack.

Current owners of a phone without a headphone jack may benefit from the GR 2 MT as a portable hub for wired headphones. It can also serve as a desktop DAC amp for a laptop when not on the move. If the listing's claims about K2HD and the Kaisei capacitor hold true, it may appeal to listeners who value a warm and engaging sound.

Alternatives Worth Considering

In the mid range portable DAC amp space, there are several established alternatives. A well known option is a compact USB dongle DAC that focuses on wired use only, often at a lower price. Those tend to be smaller and simpler but lack Bluetooth, a display, and high output power. For buyers who only need a wired hookup from a phone to IEMs, a dongle may be enough.

Other portable Bluetooth DAC amps offer similar hybrid functionality with balanced outputs and app support. Some prioritize a smaller body and longer battery life over raw output power. Buyers who need balanced connections or a longer runtime should compare published specs before choosing the GR 2 MT. The iFi unit's high output and iEMatch are standout features in this category.

For desktop use, a dedicated desktop DAC amp may provide better connectivity and more power at a similar price, but it sacrifices portability. The GR 2 MT is best compared to portable rivals that can handle both wired USB and Bluetooth sources. The listing does not publish exact output impedance, so users with very sensitive multi driver IEMs should verify hiss behavior through third party reports.

Verdict

The iFi GR 2 MT DAC is a strong mid range portable DAC and headphone amplifier on paper. The Burr Brown PCM1795 DAC, aptX Lossless, 2173mW output, iEMatch, and OLED display give it a clear identity among portable source components. Published battery life is average, and missing dimensions make portability hard to judge.

This editorial review is based on listing data, so no direct testing claims are made. The internal parts suggest a warm, detailed sound, but actual performance depends on implementation and headphone matching. For the mid range price, it could be a strong buy for IEM users and headphone listeners who want flexible wired and wireless use.

Strengths and Limitations

Alternatives to Consider

Focal Lensys Headphones

Buyers seeking a closed-back professional headphone with metal alloy drivers and a protective carrying case, and who do not require wireless or active noise cancelling features.

Read the Focal Lensys Headphones review →

Focal Bathys High-Fidelity Headphones

Listeners who want high-fidelity wireless sound with effective noise cancelling and premium materials in a mid-range package.

Read the Focal Bathys High-Fidelity Headphones review →

iFi Go Pod Max Wearable

IEM owners who want high resolution Bluetooth playback without replacing their existing monitors.

Read the iFi Go Pod Max Wearable review →

Head-to-Head Comparisons

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Questions Buyers Ask