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iFi ZEN DAC 3 Hi-resolution DAC/Amp

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Product SKU: Z DAC 3

 

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Product Details

Audio46's Opinion

The Zen DAC 3 is incredibly useful and versatile. It's relatively transparent, but the bass-boost setting really brings out a lot of clean low end. I wasn't very impressed with the height of the soundstage, but it undoubtedly keeps headphones wide quality. For $229, you'll be able to power relatively insensitive headphones at manageable levels. Since it only requires a USB-C to power, you'll be able to use it on the go or at home.


Our Full Review

↓ Details provided by iFi
(Specifications and appearance of this product are subject to change without notice)

Today the world is busy; fast and full of noise.

We know the power of music, and how it’s capable of taking you out of this world and someplace new. Somewhere tranquil, where melodies can uplift, and vocals can move you to tears. Our new DAC, with its sleek design and unparalleled performance, immerses you in a world of pure harmony. Rediscover your music, and be transported to purity, with the ZEN DAC 3.

iFi ZEN DAC 3 Hi-resolution DAC/Amp Introduction

Key Features

  • Ultra res audio: PCM 768kHz, DSD 512 and Full MQA Decoding
  • USB-C input for plug and play connectivity
  • Fixed or variable output gain for optional preamp functionality
  • Improved DC offset and USB-C input overvoltage protection
  • 4.4mm balanced headphone and line outputs
  • XBass+ and PowerMatch analogue processing modes

Hi-Res Heaven

ZEN DAC 3 supports all PCM formats up to 768kHz , DSD natively supports up to DSD 512, and even offers full MQA decoding.

iFi ZEN DAC 3 Hi-resolution DAC/Amp DSD and PCM Support

Your Way or the Hi-Way

Offering both fixed and variable output gain options, ZEN DAC 3 can seamlessly connect to headphones, an amplifier or active speakers.

iFi ZEN DAC 3 Hi-resolution DAC/Amp Inputs

Beautifully Balanced

ZEN DAC 3 features two 4.4mm balanced outputs , one for headphones and one for other amplifiers , effectively minimizing distortion and crosstalk.

DACtivate your Speakers

Variable or Fixed output switch, which enables/bypasses the volume knob.

  • Use Variable mode when plugging ZEN DAC 3 directly to active speakers.
  • Use Fixed mode when running line outputs to a receiver or main amplifier.
iFi ZEN DAC 3 Hi-resolution DAC/Amp Variable or Fixed Mode

PowerMatch and XBass+

ZEN DAC 3 adopts XBass+, the newest iteration of iFi's signature analogue EQ. 

  • XBass+ Add back the loss bass frequencies from open headphones
  • Power Match is a gain boost for hungrier headphones
iFi ZEN DAC 3 Hi-resolution DAC/Amp XBass+ and Power Match

Power Up, Protect On!

DC offset output voltage has been improved in the ZEN DAC 3. This means less audible clicks while switching functions. ZEN DAC 3 also benefits from input overvoltage protection via the all new USB C port.

iFi ZEN DAC 3 Hi-resolution DAC/Amp Back View

IN THE BOX

  • ZEN DAC 3
  • RCA Cable
  • USB-A to USB-C Cable
  • 3.5 to 6.3 mm Adapter
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Instruction Card

 

 

 

iFi ZEN DAC 3 Hi-resolution DAC/Amp In The Box

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Input: USB-C
  • Formats: PCM, DSD, MQA, 768kHz, 512, Full Decoder
  • DAC: Bit Perfect DSD & DXD DAC by Burr Brown
  • Headphone Output: BAL 4.4mm/ UnBAL 6.3mm
  • Output Power (RMS):
    • Balanced: 390mW@32Ω; 7.2 V@600 Ω
    • Unbalanced: 210mW@32 Ω; 3.8 V@600 Ω
  • Output Impedance: <1Ω (BAL/ UnBAL)
  • SNR: 109dB(A) (BAL/UnBAL)
  • DNR: 109dB(A) (BAL/UnBAL)
  • THD + N:
    • Balanced: <0.006% (2.0V @ 600 Ω)
    • Unbalanced: <0.0 06 % (1.27V @ 32 Ω)
  • Line Output: BAL 4.4mm/ UnBAL RCA
  • Output Power:
    • Balanced: 2V; 6.2V max. (variable); 4.2V fixed
    • Unbalanced: 1V; 3.3V max. (variable); 2.1V fixed
  • Output Impedance: <200 Ω BAL; <100 Ω UnBAL
  • Frequency Response: 5Hz - 90kHz (+/ 3dB)
  • Power Consumption: ~2.5W Max Signal
  • Dimensions: 158x115x35mm (6.2” x 4.6” x 1.4”)
  • Weight: 456g (1.0 lbs)
  • Warranty period: 12 months

Comparison

ZEN DAC 3 ZEN DAC V2 ZEN DAC
Retail Price $229 $199 $129
Hi-Res Support PCM 768 kHz
DSD 512
MQA Decoding
PCM 384 kHz
DSD 256
MQA Decoding
PCM 384 kHz
DSD 256
MQA Rendering
Headphone Outputs 4.4mm Balanced, 6.3mm SE 4.4mm Balanced, 6.3mm SE 4.4mm Balanced, 6.3mm SE
Line Outputs 4.4mm Balanced, RCA SE 4.4mm Balanced, RCA SE 4.4mm Balanced, RCA SE
Inputs USB-C USB-B 3.0 USB-B 3.0
USB Input Overvoltage Protection Yes No No
Clocking Upgraded GMT Upgraded GMT Standard Clock
Output DC offset Improved Standard Standard
XMOS Chip 16-Core 16-Core 8-Core
Other Features XBass+, PowerMatch, Fixed/Variable output TrueBass, PowerMatch, Fixed/Variable output TrueBass, PowerMatch, Fixed/Variable output
SNR (Headphone Section) >109 dBA (6.2V Bal/3.3V SE) >109 dBA (6.2V Bal/3.3V SE) >109 dBA (6.2V Bal/3.3V SE)
THD+N (Headphone Section) <0.005% (2V @ 600Ω) <0.005% (125mW @ 32Ω) <0.005% (125mW @ 32Ω)

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