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iFi iDSD GR2 MT: What’s New in the Master Tuned DAC

The iFi iDSD GR2 MT updates several circuit components, adds two filters voiced with Steve Levine and keeps the PCM1795 DAC. Here’s what the launch details establish.
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The iFi iDSD GR2 MT is a Master Tuned edition of iFi’s portable DAC and headphone amplifier. Announced on October 1, 2026, it updates several circuit components, adds two digital filters voiced with record producer Steve Levine, and retains the Burr-Brown PCM1795 DAC. The changes are manufacturer-described; the launch coverage cited here does not include an independent listening review of the MT.

What does “Master Tuned” mean?

“MT” stands for “Master Tuned.” iFi describes the GR2 MT as a special edition of its iDSD GR2, developed with Steve Levine, a record producer and Brit Award winner. Levine said: “The goal of any producer is to document the authenticity and emotion behind the artist’s performance,” adding, “I have voiced the iDSD GR2 MT with this same goal in mind, and I hope you feel that when you listen”. The two filters are part of that tuning approach; the statement describes Levine’s intention, not a measured or independently verified sound result.

How is the GR2 MT different from the regular GR2?

According to iFi, the MT changes parts of the circuit board, DAC input/output stage and amplifier stage. It keeps the PCM1795 DAC used in the GR2, while adding two Levine-voiced filters. The following changes are manufacturer specifications, not independent component or performance measurements.

Area iDSD GR2 MT Regular iDSD GR2
Circuit board Hydrocarbon ceramic PCB, according to iFi FR-4 PCB, according to iFi
DAC I/V stage OV4627A and tantalum resistors, according to iFi OVA2637 and standard surface-mount resistors, according to iFi
Amplifier-stage capacitors Audio Note Kaisei units, according to iFi Not stated in iFi’s announcement
DAC chip Burr-Brown PCM1795 Not stated in the launch comparison; iFi says the MT retains the GR2’s PCM1795
Digital filters Two filters voiced with Steve Levine Not stated in the launch comparison
Launch price reported October 1, 2026 £699 / $699 / €729, reported by What Hi-Fi? £529 / $529 / AU$849, reported by What Hi-Fi?

The prices are launch figures reported by What Hi-Fi? on October 1, 2026, not verified current retail prices; the currencies and markets are not a like-for-like comparison. The table distinguishes disclosed MT changes from details not established for the standard model in the cited launch coverage.

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What features and connections does it offer?

iFi’s announcement lists Bluetooth 5.4, aptX Lossless, LDAC, hybrid power modes and a desktop mode that can bypass the internal battery. The product also supports digital and analogue connections and the iFi Nexis app for updates and control. What Hi-Fi? specifies balanced 4.4mm and single-ended 3.5mm inputs and outputs, USB-C, and a combined optical/coaxial input; it also mentions aptX Adaptive.

iFi states output of over 1,500mW RMS at 32 ohms. That is a manufacturer-stated specification, not an independent measurement. The announced features and output rating describe the device; on their own, they do not establish that it will sound better than the standard GR2 or another DAC.

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Is the GR2 MT worth the launch-price difference?

At the reported launch prices, What Hi-Fi? placed the MT above the standard GR2. The practical question is whether the MT-specific components, two filters and edition details matter to your use—not simply whether the spec list is longer.

  • Consider the MT if you specifically want Levine’s two filters or value the component changes iFi lists.
  • Compare the standard GR2 if you want the core product and are not sure the MT-specific features justify its reported launch premium.
  • Check your setup against the listed wired inputs and outputs, Bluetooth codecs, and battery-bypass desktop mode before choosing.

There is no independent MT listening verdict or direct product measurement in the launch sources cited here, and the listed launch prices do not confirm present-day street pricing. A sound-quality recommendation beyond those documented details would therefore go beyond the available evidence.

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Design details and availability of evidence

iFi says the unit has an illuminated logo on its touch display and Steve Levine’s signature on the rear. These are edition-specific design details; the cited launch material does not establish current stock or retail availability.

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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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