[Bill Galactic Hero]

Just wondering did you always power your Zen DAC with USB? If yes, I'd suggest you can try the dedicated 5V regulated LPS for your Zen DAC

Yes USB only for now and I want to try a power supply exactly because of mentioned difference in using USB ports which can't differ much except higher current on type-C. And test Zen Air in that mode as well.

 

[ikaruga24]

So, for those who have been able to do a bit more testing. For someone like me that uses the Zen DAC V. 1 only through USB and running balanced Audeze LCD2C is the 3 a worthwhile upgrade?

If so how does it compare to the Fiio k7 which has everything in the box, cheaper and it simply has more features and being much more powerful?

I must admit that the bass boost function of the Zen DAC is a true asset but i can live without it if the K7 is just superior.

 

[nioh]

So, for those who have been able to do a bit more testing. For someone like me that uses the Zen DAC V. 1 only through USB and running balanced Audeze LCD2C is the 3 a worthwhile upgrade?

If so how does it compare to the Fiio k7 which has everything in the box, cheaper and it simply has more features and being much more powerful?

I must admit that the bass boost function of the Zen DAC is a true asset but i can live without it if the K7 is just superior.

I would say it depends on what sound signature you like. FiiO is usually more reference like. IFI is on the warmer, more musical side. Zen DAC 3 for me is not overly warm compared to the previous Zen DACs and adds more soundstage and details in the high-end too.

You said you only use the USB input. Then you shouldn’t worry about extra “features” (aka inputs) on the FiiO. The Zen DAC 3 is also much more compact and comes with USB-C.

Also I don’t see UAC 1.0 mentioned anywhere on the K7 website. IFI supports it and hence can be used with consoles too.