When I first heard about the iFi ZEN Blue, I was intrigued by its promise of high-quality wireless audio. After spending some time with the 3rd version, I can confidently say it lives up to the hype. This little DAC packs a punch, making it a fantastic addition to any audiophile's setup.

What’s in the Box

• ZEN BLUE 3
• Power Supply
• USB-A to USB-C Cable
• RCA to RCA Cable
• Quick Start Guide
• Warranty Card

Design

The iFi ZEN Blue 3 features an aluminum chassis that not only looks sleek but also feels durable. Its small footprint allows it to stack well with other iFi Zen products, making it a neat addition to my desk without taking up much space. The front panel lights display the Bluetooth codecs, which is a nice touch for quickly identifying the audio quality being received.

With a QCC518x Bluetooth audio chip, this DAC supports S/PDIF, USB-C, and RCA analog inputs, providing versatility in connectivity. The outputs include S/PDIF, RCA, and balanced connections, catering to a variety of audio setups. The inclusion of 4.4mm and RCA outputs further enhances its compatibility.

Bluetooth Performance

Bluetooth 5.4, the most modern version, ensures a stable and efficient connection. The iFi ZEN Blue 3 supports a wide range of codecs including LDAC™, LHDC/HWA, aptX Adaptive, aptX, AAC, and SBC. This extensive compatibility means I can connect almost any Bluetooth device and enjoy high-quality lossless audio. The device is both a Bluetooth transmitter and receiver, making it work with an array of devices and connections.

One standout feature is its ability to provide 1200kbps true lossless Bluetooth streaming, a rarity among Bluetooth devices. This makes it perfect for gaming and films, as the aptX Low Latency mode drastically reduces output time, ensuring synchronized audio and visuals.

Soundstage

The soundstage of the iFi ZEN Blue 3 is both clear and decisive. When using wider headphones like the Hifiman Arya Organic, the soundstage has excellent width and detail while maintaining a warm and balanced profile. The HD 600 headphones retain their clear midrange and excellent separation in layers, showcasing the DAC's ability to handle intricate audio details.

Large planar headphones like the LCD-X benefit from excellent vertical separation, making the listening experience immersive. The iFi ZEN Blue 3 manages to deliver a soundstage that is detailed yet remains balanced and enjoyable across various headphone types.

Sound Impressions

Listening to the Arya Organic headphones, I noticed the warm sounding DAC mellowed out the highs and delivered punchy yet balanced bass. The HD600 headphones retained their analytical quality with detailed yet balanced sound and fantastic timbre, fully displaying what these headphones are known for.

The LCD-X headphones sounded assertively bassy but still detailed and smooth. The iFi ZEN Blue 3 DAC made listening to all these headphones a pleasure with minimal color added to the sound, preserving the headphones' natural characteristics while enhancing the overall audio experience.

Conclusion

The iFi ZEN Blue 3 stands out as a versatile and high-performing DAC. Its robust design, excellent Bluetooth performance, and impressive sound quality make it a must-have for any audiophile. Whether you are gaming, listening to music, or watching movies, the iFi ZEN Blue 3 elevates the audio experience, proving that good things do come in small packages.