iFi Audio – ZEN DAC

Designed inthe UK Ideal for Audiophiles Ideal for Indoor Use 1 Years ofWarranty Metal Build Burr-BrownDAC Chip 4.4mm BalancedOutput DESCRIPTION HI-RES SOUND AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE iFi Audio’s new ZEN DAC is definitely your companion when it comes to great music at an affordable price. With this super-compact Amp/DAC you can chill anywhere, whether be it your home or the office. Just plug in your favourite headphones and experience the hi-res audio with this USB DAC. SUPPORTS TRUE-TO-LIFE, HI-RES AUDIO The ZEN DAC supports up to 32-bit/384kHZ PCM and DXD files. It even supports DSD256 and MQA for true-to-life audio. The True Native Burr-Brown chip and advanced circuitry offer Hi-Res playback. HIGH-QUALITY COMPONENTS TO UNLOCK GREAT SOUND The ZEN DAC uses TDK C0G (Class 1 ceramic) capacitors that are highly stable and offer low losses for resonant circuit applications. It includes the GTO filter that has been used in the flagship Pro iDSD. Want to connect it with a Mac or Linux device? Simply download the ‘Limoncello’ 5.2A to unlock DoP256. CONVENIENT BALANCED CONNECTIONS The iFi Audio ZEN DAC has a Pentaconn 4.4mm balanced output at both the front and back. It also has a 6.3mm headphone socket that lets you choose both the headphones options very effortlessly. IT’S VARIABLE BUT NOT FROM THE MATHS! You can switch your ZEN DAC from Variable to Fixed in just a moment. Set it to variable and use it as a pre-amp for an active speaker or power amp. You can adjust the volume over the fixed mode and can use it as an external pre-amp or integrated amp. POWER IT. DRIVE IT. This headphone amp has Powermatch—A switch which adjusts the gain to match that of the headphone. Leave it at a lower setting for hiss-free audio with highly sensitive IEMs. Boost it for low impedance on/over-ears that need that extra oomph. EXPERIENCE BASS LIKE AN ACE The ZEN DAC gives you a TrueBass experience. It has a switchable ‘bass boost’ which operates in the analogue domain. It enhances the bass without muddying the mid-range. Perfect for use with IEMs or open-back headphones which often lose out on bass. It does not have DSP. SPECS AUDIO SPECIFICATIONS INPUT USB3.0 B Socket (USB2.0 compatible) FORMATS DSD256/128/64, Octa/Quad/Double/Single-Speed DSD DXD(384/352.8kHz), PCM(384/352.8/192/176.4/96/88.2/48/44.1kHz) MQA DAC Bit-Perfect DSD & DXD DAC by Burr Brown LINE SECTION OUTPUT Audio RCA (SE) — 2.1V fixed 1V / 3.3V max. (variable) 4.4mm Pentaconn (BAL) — 4.2V fixed 2V / 6.2V max. (variable) ZOUT <= 200 Ohm (BAL) <= 100 Ohm (SE) SNR < -116dB(A) @ 0dBFS (BAL/SE) DNR > 116dB(A) @ -60dBFS (BAL/SE) THD+N < 0.0015% @ 0dBFS (BAL/SE) HEADPHONE SECTION OUTPUT POWER (@1% THD) 4.4mm Pentaconn (BAL) 330mW@32 Ohm; 6.6V@600 Ohm; 16 Ohm – 600 Ohm Headphone 6.3mm S-BAL (SE) 230mW@32 Ohm; 3.3V@600 Ohm 16 Ohm – 600 Ohm Headphone Note: Using 5v power. If powered from USB, power output may vary. OUTPUT IMPEDANCE < 1 Ω (BAL/SE) THD & N < 0.005% (125mW @ 32R) SNR > 113dBA (6.2V BAL/3.3V SE) POWER CONSUMPTION < 1.5W via USB power OR 5v DC (power supply not included) DIMENSIONS 117(l) x 100(w) x 30(h)mm WEIGHT 0.8 kg (1.8 lbs) IN THE BOX BOX CONTENTS 1. IFi Audio – ZEN DAC 2. RCA cable 3. USB type A – USB 3.0 B cable 4. 6.3mm male to 3.5mm female adapter COMPARISONS iFi Audio – Zen DAC ₹ 11,999/- ₹ 13,999/- SEE MORE iFi Audio – Hip DAC ₹ 12,999/- ₹ 14,999/- SEE MORE iFi Audio – Nano iDSD BL ₹ 19,999/- SEE MORE Audioquest – Dragonfly Black ₹ 9,999/- ₹ 10,500/- SEE MORE Warranty Ideal For Desktop Smartphone Smartphone & Desktop Smartphone & Desktop Weight 800g 125g 139g 22g DAC Chip Burr Brown Burr Brown Burr Brown ESS Sabre ES9010 Sample Rate 32-bit/384kHz 32bit/384kHz 32/384 kHz 24-bit / 96kHz Inbuilt Battery Battery Life 12 Hours 10 Hours Balanced Outputs Outputs 4.4mm, 6.3mm, RCA 4.4mm & 3.5mm Lineout, SPDIF & 3.5mm 3.5mm Digital Inputs USB3.0 B USB 3.0 USB 2.0 Output level 4.4mm 330mW@32 Ohm S-BAL 230mW@32 Ohm; Unbalanced: 280mW@32 Ohm Balanced: 400mW@32 Ohm 285mW @ 30 Ohm 1.2 volts Signal to Noise Ratio 116dB MQA Support Volume Control Expert Verdict “The iFi Zen Dac is one of the best entry-level DACs you can buy. It sounds great, has a ton of features, and can grow with your system as your tastes evolve.” Tech Radar “I love its ability to drive full-size headphones with enthusiasm. If you’re looking for a lightweight DAC/Amp to improve the audio from your laptop or mobile this is a no-brainer.” Hifi Trends “A practical, portable, feature-full DAC with an happily open and balanced sound. Open, detailed and tonally balanced sound with good battery life, Versatile.” What Hi-Fi “The DragonFly Black continues this commitment to better sound quality on a budget, but in an even more impressive package. The look of it may be same, but this is easily the best DragonFly yet.” What Hi-Fi SEE MORE SEE MORE SEE MORE SEE MORE iFi Audio – Zen DAC ₹ 11,999/- ₹ 13,999/- SEE MORE iFi Audio – ZEN CAN ₹ 15,999/- ₹ 16,999/- SEE MORE iFi Audio – ZEN DAC Signature ₹ 24,999/- SEE MORE iFi Audio – ZEN CAN 6XX Signature ₹ 15,999/- SEE MORE Warranty Ideal For Desktop Desktop Desktop Desktop Weight 800g 515g 0.75kg 0.85kg DAC Chip Burr Brown Burr Brown Sample Rate 32-bit/384kHz 32-bit/384kHz Inbuilt Battery Battery Life Balanced Outputs Outputs 4.4mm, 6.3mm, RCA 4.4mm, 3.5mm & RCA 4.4mm & RCA 4.4mm, 3.5mm & RCA Digital Inputs USB3.0 B USB Output level 4.4mm 330mW@32 Ohm S-BAL 230mW@32 Ohm; Balanced : >15.1V/385 MW (@ 600 Ohm) >6.0V/1150 MW (@ 32 Ohm) S-E : >7.6V/98 MW (@ 600 Ohm) >7.2V/1600 MW (@ 32 Ohm) Balanced 4.4 Mm : 2V-6.2V Max RCA (SE) : 1V-3.3V Max (16 Ohms) : 3.0 V / 600 Mw (Bal) (300 Ohms) : 5.1 V / 756 Mw (Bal) (600 Ohms) : 15.2 V / 385 Mw (Bal) Signal to Noise Ratio 116dB 120dB 117dB 122dB Bluetooth Version Bluetooth Codecs MQA Support Volume Control Expert Verdict “The iFi Zen Dac is one of the best entry-level DACs you can buy. It sounds great, has a ton of features, and can grow with your system as your tastes evolve.” Tech Radar “The Zen Can looks smartly finished with a neatly-sized, sturdy aluminium enclosure. In the centre of the front panel is a rotary volume control, flanked by a range of sockets and buttons.”What Hi-Fi “This exclusive Signature version elevates the ZEN DAC’s performance with upgraded circuitry from iFi’s flagship Pro Series. The ZEN DAC Signature is truly something special.”Headfonia SEE MORE SEE MORE SEE MORE SEE MORE FAQs What is the warranty period and how to claim warranty? iFI Audio comes with 1 year warranty. To claim warranty click here. Does iFi Audio Zen DAC support MQA? Yes, it does support MQA. How many outputs does Zen DAC come with? The iFi Audio ZEN DAC has a Pentaconn 4.4mm balanced output at both the front and back. It also has a 6.3mm headphone socket that lets you choose both the headphones options very effortlessly. What does the Fixed and Variable setting do? You can switch your ZEN DAC from Variable to Fixed in just a moment. Set it to variable and use it as a pre-amp for an active speaker or power amp. You can adjust the volume over the fixed mode and can use it as an external pre-amp or integrated amp. DOWNLOADS User Manual Product info Tech notes Buying Guide Best Amp/DACs for your Headphones for Beginner Audiophiles by Shanth Swaroop May 09, 2020 There are many kinds of DACs available at different price points. Take a look at a few of the options we have in store for you and decide for yourself. Read More Warranty & Media Reviews 1 Year Warranty Don’t sweat it, this iFi Audio ZEN DAC comes with a 1 year warranty from iFi Audio that covers manufacturing defects. All products featured on Headphone Zone are backed by an original manufacturer’s warranty. Read more about iFi Audio’s warranty in India. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Hifi PigApr, 2020 AUDIOREPUTATION AWARD Audio ReputationApr, 2020 WHAT HI-FI AWARD What Hi-FiMay, 2020 FWD AWARD Home Cinema MagazineMay, 2020 SERIOUS BANG FOR BUCK Pursuit Perfect SystemJune, 2020 Outstanding Product Hi-Fi NewsJune, 2020 Best DAC £100-£200 What HiFiJune, 2020 The Audiophile Man Award The Audiophile Man July, 2019 Best Value DAC/Amp AVTech MediaJuly, 2020 product of the year Headphone.Guru July, 2020 VGP 2020 Summer AWARD VGP Summer Aug, 2020 Applause Award StereonetAug, 2020 Best Buy Home Cinema ChoiceAug, 2020 Test winner Home Cinema ChoiceAug, 2020 BEST VALUE DAC 2020-2021 EISA Award Aug, 2020 Highly Recommended AV ForumsAug, 2020 Premium grade Custom PCAug, 2020 Highly Recommended Hi-Fi+Aug, 2020 HEADPHONE AMP WITH DAC PREMIOS ON OFFSep, 2020 Outstanding Product Hi-Fi PigSep, 2020 MAJOR HIFI GOLD AWARD Major HiFiOct, 2019 Best desktop Amp/DAC HeadfonicsDec, 2020 “Both can be switched between ‘variable’ and ‘fixed’ modes so the Zen DAC can be used as a preamp for volume control if needed.” Read More “The iFi Zen Dac is one of the best entry-level DACs you can buy. It sounds great, has a ton of features, and can grow with your system as your tastes evolve.” Read More “If you’re a fan of iFi’s house sound, or just want a simple, fatigue-free listen at your workplace or coffee-shop, the ZenDAC is a good option to investigate Read More “At the heart of the matter, that’s what the Zen DAC is – just really good audio, in a simple, economic package. You can’t get much sweeter than that.” Read More