Need help?Do you have a question about the ifi ZEN DAC and is the answer not in the manual?
Supports high-resolution music formats up to PCM 768kHz, DSD512, and MQA.
Offers 6.3mm Single-Ended and 4.4mm Balanced headphone outputs with up to 390mW power.
Includes XBass+ for bass restoration and PowerMatch for adjustable headphone gain.
Utilizes a 16-Core XMOS microcontroller for DSD512 and MQA full decoding.
Rotary dial for adjusting analogue volume for headphones or pre-amplification.
Specifies USB-C digital input and supported audio formats like DSD512 and MQA.
Specifies RMS output power for balanced and single-ended headphone connections at different impedances.
The ZEN DAC 3 is a balanced USB-audio DAC amplifier designed to enhance your audio experience by supporting a wide range of high-resolution music formats and offering versatile connectivity options for various audio setups. It serves as a central hub for your digital audio, converting digital signals into high-quality analog sound for headphones, active speakers, preamplifiers, or power amplifiers.
One of the primary functions of the ZEN DAC 3 is its ability to support all high-res music formats, including PCM up to 768kHz, DSD512, and MQA full decoding. This ensures that you can enjoy your music with exceptional clarity and detail, regardless of the format. The device is equipped with a 16-Core XMOS low-latency microcontroller, which is crucial for handling DSD512 and MQA full decoding, contributing to its high-fidelity audio output.
For connectivity, the ZEN DAC 3 features a USB-C input, allowing for plug-and-play operation with your computer or other digital audio sources. This USB-C connection also provides power to the device, although for optimal performance, it is recommended to upgrade to an ultra-low noise power adapter like the iFi iPower 2 5V or iPower X 5V. The device can also be powered via a DC 5V power supply (not included).
The ZEN DAC 3 offers flexible output options to suit different listening preferences and setups. For headphones, it provides both 6.3mm Single-Ended and 4.4mm Balanced headphone outputs. The balanced output is particularly recommended due to the DAC 3's balanced design, delivering up to 390mW of power, which is sufficient for driving a wide range of headphones and earphones. For 3.5mm Single-Ended headphones, a 3.5 to 6.35mm adaptor can be used.
Beyond headphones, the device includes RCA and 4.4mm balanced outputs with both variable and fixed volume settings. This allows for seamless connection to active speakers, preamplifiers, or power amplifiers. The variable/fixed switch on the rear panel determines whether the ZEN DAC 3's analogue volume control is active for these line outputs. When set to 'Fixed', the volume control is bypassed, making it ideal for connecting to components with their own volume control.
A key usage feature of the ZEN DAC 3 is its analogue volume control. This is considered superior to digital volume controls as it preserves the clarity and resolution of the original music. The volume dial controls the headphone volume or the pre-amplifier volume when the rear output is set to 'Variable'. It is advised to start at a low volume level, especially when using new headphones or changing the PowerMatch setting, to prevent damage to your hearing or equipment. The recommended normal use position for the volume is around the 12 o'clock mark, with adjustments made as needed.
The ZEN DAC 3 incorporates several audio enhancement features. One such feature is XBass+, an analogue circuit designed to restore lost bass frequencies, particularly beneficial for open headphones or certain earbuds that inherently lack bass due to their design. Unlike digital signal processing (DSP), XBass+ operates purely in the analogue domain using high-quality discrete components, ensuring that the original music's clarity and resolution are retained. This feature can be toggled on or off to suit personal preference or the characteristics of your headphones.
Another important feature is PowerMatch, a switchable gain setting that ensures optimal power delivery for the headphones you are using. The PowerMatch setting should be set to 'Low' for In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) and 'High' for on/over-ear headphones. Similar to volume control, it is crucial to start at a low volume when adjusting PowerMatch to avoid potential damage.
The device also boasts an improved low-jitter GMT (Global Master Timing) clock, which provides >20dB better performance, contributing to a cleaner and more accurate audio signal. The improved circuitry, including enhanced DC offset, further ensures heightened signal purity and accuracy.
For monitoring the audio format and sampling frequency, the ZEN DAC 3 features an Audio Format LED. This LED changes color to indicate the current audio format being received from the music source. For example, Yellow indicates PCM 44.1/48kHz, White indicates PCM 88.2/96/176.4/192/352.8/384/768kHz, Cyan indicates DSD 64/128, Red indicates DSD 256/512, Green indicates MQA, Blue indicates MQA Studio, and Magenta indicates Original Sample Rate*.
In terms of maintenance, while the manual does not explicitly detail cleaning or physical upkeep, it does emphasize the importance of software maintenance. For PC users, it is necessary to download drivers for the ZEN DAC 3 to function correctly. The manual advises users to visit the iFi audio website's download hub for the required drivers and all the latest firmware updates. Keeping the drivers and firmware up-to-date ensures optimal performance and compatibility with evolving audio technologies and operating systems.
The ZEN DAC 3 is designed to be user-friendly, with clearly labeled controls and outputs. The front panel features the PowerMatch switch, XBass+ switch, and the analogue volume control, along with the headphone outputs. The rear panel houses the balanced and RCA analogue line outputs, the variable/fixed switch, the USB-C input, and the DC 5V power supply connection. This intuitive layout makes it easy to integrate the DAC into any audio setup.
Overall, the ZEN DAC 3 is a versatile and high-performance DAC amplifier that caters to audiophiles seeking a balanced, high-resolution audio experience with flexible connectivity and advanced sound enhancement features. Its robust design and commitment to analogue purity make it a valuable addition to any personal audio system.
General| Category | Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) |
|---|---|
| Inputs | USB 3.0 |
| Outputs | 4.4mm Balanced |
| Supported Formats | PCM |
| Bit Depth | Up to 32-bit |
| THD+N | < 0.0015% |
| Power Supply | USB Bus Power |
To Next Page
