A producer-voiced version of the GR2 portable DAC
iFi Audio has announced the iDSD GR2 MT, a Master Tuned edition of its iDSD GR2 portable DAC and headphone amplifier, voiced by the producer Steve Levine (opens in a new tab). The company says the tuning work produced two digital filters that are exclusive to this version, alongside component-level changes over the standard GR2. In its announcement, iFi scheduled the unveiling for October 1, 2026, at World Heart Beat Studios.
- Works with
- Headphones through the integrated amplifier
- Formats
- aptX Lossless and LDAC over Bluetooth 5.4
- Connections
- Bluetooth, plus analogue and digital connectivity
- Price
- Not stated in the announcement
- Available
- Not stated in the announcement
The core converter stays the same as the standard model, a Burr-Brown PCM1795 DAC, and JVCKENWOOD K2HD Technology is carried over. Around that core, iFi has replaced the FR-4 circuit board with an aerospace-grade hydrocarbon ceramic PCB and moved the DAC current-to-voltage stage to an OV4627A with tantalum resistors. The amplifier stage now uses Audio Note Kaisei capacitors, and the display gains an illuminated silkscreen logo.
iFi rates the amp section at over 1,500mW RMS into 32 ohms, and the display is a high-resolution colour touch panel with capacitive control. Bluetooth runs on version 5.4 with aptX Lossless and LDAC support. A desktop mode bypasses the internal battery, and the hybrid power modes are intended to extend battery lifespan. The unit works with the iFi Nexis app, which handles over-the-air updates and advanced control.
Plans for the unveiling
iFi's event plans included jazz listening, questions for Levine, a demonstration using a multitrack DAW session and listening stations for guests. Gareth Johnson, who owns Stand Alone Productions, was also scheduled to discuss his experience with the device. The company announced a stream on World Heart Beat's website starting at 7pm BST, with remote viewers invited to submit questions. It said its social accounts would share the stream link before the event.
Levine has produced Culture Club and the Beach Boys. His honours include a Grammy recognising his Deniece Williams work. Steve Levine described his aim for the tuning: “I have voiced the iDSD GR2 MT with this same goal in mind, and I hope you feel that when you listen”. He identified that goal as documenting the emotion and authenticity of an artist's performance.
If you already own the standard GR2, the Master Tuned changes are parts and voicing rather than a new DAC chip, so the two exclusive filters and the revised analogue stage are the reasons to consider this version.