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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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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) |
