iFi Audio’s GR2 gets Steve Levine upgrades

British audio brand iFi Audio has announced the launch of the iDSD GR2 MT, a Master Tuned version of its flagship portable DAC/amp reimagined in collaboration with Grammy and Brit Award-winning record producer Steve Levine. Building on the original GR2, the new model pairs key component-level upgrades with two exclusive, Levine-voiced digital filters designed to deliver the balance and emotional potency of his signature studio sound. Levine—whose legendary production credits span Culture Club, The Beach Boys, Gary Moore, and Lemmy—guided every sonic decision on the unit, drawing from a lifetime of critical listening to bridge the gap between artist performances and the listener.

To mark the launch, iFi audio unveiled the iDSD GR2 MT at an exclusive jazz-themed listening event at World Heart Beat Studios in London. Attendees heard directly from Steve Levine during an interactive Q&A and a live multitrack DAW demonstration showing the device in action, alongside industry insights from Gareth Johnson of Stand Alone Productions. The launch was livestreamed on the World Heart Beat website and YouTube.  You can watch the launch here.

The GR2 MT was launched this evening at the World Heart Beats Studio with Steve Levine himself.  He discussed mixing Jess Edie’s T&Cs Apply to a “sunny” reggae beat using the GR2 MT, which he said offered a much wider soundstage and a stronger front-to-back feel.  I liked his description of getting closer to the ‘high-shakers’ in one of his reference tracks on Donald Fagen’s NightFly as he developed the GR2 MT.  

Under the hood, the GR2 MT features significant hardware refinements, replacing standard circuit board materials with an aerospace-grade hydrocarbon ceramic PCB to minimise signal loss. Additional upgrades include an improved DAC I/V stage using OV4627A operational amplifiers with audiophile-grade tantalum resistors, alongside Audio Note Kaisei capacitors in the amplifier section. The device retains the Burr-Brown PCM1795 DAC core, JVCKENWOOD K2HD Technology, an OLED touchscreen interface, and a robust 1,500mW RMS output at 32 Ohms. Connectivity features include Bluetooth 5.4 supporting aptX Lossless and LDAC, digital and analogue inputs, a desktop power bypass mode to prolong battery life, and compatibility with the iFi Nexis app for settings and over-the-air updates.

The iDSD GR 2 MT is available to purchase at ifi-audio.com and authorised dealers for £699/$699 USD/€729/CA$799.99