iFi audio ZEN DAC

This is a very short review of my experience with iFi's Zen Dac V2 (Full MQA Hardware decoding). Box is very simple, not fancy at all. Inside it, we find no power adapter (sold separately), a data and power USB cable for PC and phones, RCA cables and a 6.3 to 3.5 adapter. The design has a retro look, not for all tastes (I don't find it ugly though). On the front, we have 2 output s(4.4 and 6.3 mm), a gain selector (low or high gain) and a bass boster (true bass) botton as well. On the back, we have the USB input and 2 analog outputs (RCA and 4.4 pentacon). We can choose if we want the Zen Dac to work as a preamp or just as a desktop DAC (fixed output voltage). Build quality is top notch.

Going in to the sound department, the Zen V2 has a very distinguished sound signature, a tad dark with a great level of warmth in all frequencies. Bass is just slightly accentuated but not in a bad way, it makes a more musical experience. Midrange is lush and treble is very soft. This results in a very enjoyable experience with headphones such as the HD 560s, that has a bright profile and its treble is a bit to hot for my taste. With iFi's Zen Dac V2, I can enjoy all my albums without worrying a piercing treble response. In addition, it preserves a very good technical level, so you don't loose any detail or relevant information, it's just presented in a different way.


In terms of power, this stays somewhere in the middle, has more power than almost any Dongle Dac in the market but it's not close to any entry level dedicated headphone amplifier such as Schiit's Magni 3 or JDS Atom Amp. For example, using HD 560s, low gain at 11 o'clock was perfect for me. My main criticism is that the balanced ouput hast just more power to it. I think entry level products such as this sould focus on developing the best SE output they can instead of offering a balanced output. Still the performance is good even my IEMS using low gain.

Final take

The truth is there is not a lot to complain here, it's a very solid product with some weird decisions regarding the design. The problem is that for a little more money, you can get a desktop DAC with multiple inputs and a headphone amplifier with more power for hungrier headphones. I think if you can get for around a 100 dollars it's pretty good but I wouldn't pay full price for it.

Hi Guys,

Today we are taking a look at the top of the Zen Range DAC from iFi. Anyone who reads this blog or my posts knows I’m a fan of iFi’s products, especially at the more affordable end of the product spectrum. I think they offer a lot of sound for the money, and usually strike a good balance between a very agreeable tonality and technical performance when compared to other options of the market in a similar price range.

The Zen range originally consisted of one product line, but has since become a three tier product range. You have the most affordable, single ended line, the Zen AIR. The original, now mid tier range, the plain Zen V2 line. Thirdly, you now have the Zen Signature line, which improves on some of the components and circuits used. I’m curious if the Zen AIR range was created to try and target the original price point and affordability of the the original Zen line, due to increased costs across the the board resulting in much higher MSRP of the original (now V2) line.


The Zen Signature lineup consists of the Zen One Signature, a bluetooth/USB combo DAC, the Zen Can Signature, which is a headphone amp/preamp, and the Zen DAC Signature, which is the subject of todays review.

The Zen DAC Signature is unlike the Zen AIR DAC, and the Zen DAC V2, as it is the only standalone DAC in the entire line up, in that it doesn’t feature a headphone amp. It can be used as a preamp as it does also have an analog volume control. The major differences from the Zen DAC V2, are the use of higher quality components, improved USB input, and some circuit changes. The look is entirely different, featuring a navy blue shell and black front panel. I actually really like the look of the Signature range, and think it looks much better than the other Zen lines. The back of the volume knob lights up in different colours according to the sample rate you are playing, and overall, makes the unit quite fetching in terms of aesthetics.

Of course, the most important thing isn’t how it looks, but how it sounds. In terms of overall tonal balance the Zen DAC Signature is very similar to the Zen DAC, with slight improvements in overall refinement and clarity. For the rest of the comparisons I will just refer to the Signature as the Sig.

The bass of the Sig is somewhat rounded off sounding, and there is a slight bloom to the low end (and lower mids) which does bring some slight warmth to the overall sound signature. The Sig is not a bass monster or very bass light either, but there does seem to be slight elevation of the low end. In terms of impact or slam, the somewhat rounded off nature takes away from the perceived speed of and impact of the lows, but I also wouldn’t say the bass is muddy or lacking definition.

The low mid range of the Sig does have the slight warmth and elevation mentioned previously. The upper mid range is not massively forward or recessed, and seems mostly neutral throughout that range. I found the Sig to work really well with acoustic music, and vocals in particular. The upper mids were never shouty or harsh and nasal. However, if you are looking for a very neutral DAC with a lot of slam and speed for electronica and a neutral tonal balance, you might be better with a different option.

The high end of the Sig was probably my favourite part of its overall response. Not sharp or sibilant, and not overly forward. At the same time, mostly neutral sounding, not recessed or too dark. If you prefer a darker sounding DAC, or perhaps are using very bright headphones/speakers, you might be better served with a different DAC, but for most users I think the treble of the Sig will be very agreeable.


The Sig retails for $300USD currently, which for the performance it provides is very fair I reckon. It does improve on the technical performance of the Zen DAC V2, and as such, also the Zen Air DAC I would assume (I have not yet heard the Air DAC.) The overall detail levels and clarity seem slightly increased. The sound staging is very similar, but the imaging does seem slightly sharper and well placed throughout the soundstage vs the V2. It’s not a massive difference in terms of overall technical improvement, but it is noticeable and does add up to a more refined and higher performing sound signature.

The build quality of the Sig is largely similar to the other Zen Lines, and simply has a different colour scheme. All of the Zen line feel well built, solid and sturdy in the hand, and entirely in line with their price point. You can choose to run the Sig off the USB input for its power and data, or buy a separate DC input power brick to provide the power, and use the USB for data. You can choose either balanced or SE output via RCA for SE, and 4.4mm pentaconn for balanced. This will require a pentaconn to XLR cable, which can be bought separately. I would recommend using the balanced output if possible, as it does improve on the SE output. With that being said, if your amplification only has SE inputs, you aren’t missing out on a ton, and I would still recommend the Sig even if it is only going to be used single ended. The volume control and pre amp function is achieved using an analog pot, which as long as you are above 9 o’clock has good channel matching. It’s a handy feature to have, and would work well either to a power amp directly, or to a pair of active speakers. I mostly just used the Sig with a headphone amplifier, but I did try the pre out function, and found that it worked well and as advertised. You can turn off the preamp function on the rear of the device by selecting “fixed” vs. “variable.”


Overall, the Zen DAC Signature is a great option in the $300USD range if you don’t need amplification built in, like the rest of the Zen DAC options. It is the highest performing DAC model in the range, and also works as a pre amp if you are a speaker user. I think that its overall tonal balance is very agreeable, and will likely work for the vast majority of users well. The colour scheme is attractive, and easy on the eyes, and an improvement over the grey of the Zen V2 line up. The technical performance is an improvement over the Zen DAC V2, and entirely acceptable for the price point. If you are looking for a colder sounding DAC, with a sharper leading edge, you may be better off with a different option, but for most people, I think that the Zen DAC V2, is a better choice than a lot of the other similar option on the market currently.

iFi Zen Signature Series DAC V2 & CAN HFM: Continuing what is loved from the series.


Pros: Affordable duo, typical iFi excellent sound, versatility, cool look to it


Cons: Shape while cool, is not conducive to stacking, maybe not as powerful as one would like, other options available now


While at T.H.E. Show, last summer, I struck up a conversation with one of the vendors present; Michael Giardina from BeachHiFi, which is an online shop specializing in portable gear. Michael brought some heavy hitters to the show, from the Audeze LCD-5, to the Meze Elite, to the Focal Utopia, and newly released Audeze MM500. Much time was spent at the booth by the patrons, and for good reason. But, in talking to Michael, he offered to send some quality offerings my way. I told him I already had the Zen Signature HFM in hand, from iFi and he determined the MZ99 would be quite complimentary. The iFi Zen Signature Series HFM here is from Lawrance and iFi. Two newly released options to the “standard” Signature Series are the HFM (HiFiMan) version and the MZ99 (Meze 99C). This review will be very similar to the MZ99 review, but a worthy comparison should come about easily. I thank Lawrance, and iFi for the loan of this excellent duo.

iFi is not new. The British company has been producing portable and home gear for a little over a decade, with fantastic success. I have several of their items and consider my iFi Pro iDSD/iCAN DAC/Amp to be the peak of what I personally own. Known for incredible power, but with equally good control over that power matched by wonderfully vibrant sound is a trademark or “house sound” to me. With the original Zen Series, iFi brought that superb power and sound control into the much more manageable price range. It is not surprise that the line is a success, especially following the excellent xDSD/xCAN combination. The Zen Series is also more affordable that the x-series as well. Early reviews called the Zen Series a winner at the affordable price and a true contender for those who want top class sound in an affordable package. While the HFM and MZ99 reviews will be separate, I will draw comparisons to the pair of duos, to compare equalization curves and general sound characteristics.

The Skinny

Retailing for $599 as a pair, you can also use the DAC V2 as a pre-amp for other amplifiers. Meant to be purchased as a pair here, you get everything you need to hook the pair up and get running quickly. A nice addition is the 4.4bal cable, which pairs the two; allowing for a balanced option through the whole system from source to headphone. I ran the MZ99 pair this way throughout the test, except for the 6.35mm jack, which was used by the Meze 99 Classics I had in on loan. For the HFM I used the HiFiMan Edition XS, through the 6.35mm jack with an adapter. I also threw on the excellent HiFiMan Arya for comparative purposes. What separates the two variations are the equalization curve, tailoring each to the specific headphones mentioned. The HFM curve is listed below.


HFM curve


With upgraded circuit components and short, direct signal paths for optimal signal purity, the duo delivers bit-perfect PCM (up to 32-bit/384kHz), native DSD (up to DSD256) and DXD. Using 16-core XMOS chip (the same as their Pro series), rather than the original 8-core, the DAC V2 is now a full MQA decoder rather than a renderer. Also offering a pair of RCA sockets for single-ended connection to an amp, you can run RCA connections as well as the balanced 4.4mm output mentioned. That XMOS 16-Core chip processes the audio data received via the USB digital input, with a new low-latency XMOS microcontroller, greatly enhanced processing power. Compared to the current generation of eight-core chips, this new 16-core IC delivers double the clock speed (2000MIPS) and four times the memory (512KB), as well as the latest SuperSpeed USB standard.

According to iFi, “The full benefit of the ZEN DAC Signature V2’s balanced circuit design comes to the fore when it is connected to an amp or active speakers equipped with a balanced input. This can either be a 4.4mm Balanced input or stereo XLR inputs via a 4.4mm-to-XLR cable.”

You can also switch between ‘variable’ and ‘fixed’ outputs. On Fixed, the volume is bypassed in the DAC V2, while on variable, you can use the volume knob. A light surrounding the DAC V2 volume knob also allows you to see the level being decoded by a changing color, format dependent. I kept the unit switched to fixed for the majority of time.

If you need more power from the ZEN CAN Signature HFM, which delivers 1600mW (7.2V) into 32 ohms from the single-ended output, and 15V+ available to loads of 600 ohms or more through the balanced output, you can use the PowerMatch feature boasting four gain settings in six dB steps – 0dB, 6dB, 12dB and 18db. The Zen also boasts symmetrical, dual-mono balanced circuitry. The XSpace button functions along with the HFM switch to vary sound signatures a bit. The XSpace functions to “modify” sound location within the soundstage, essentially enhancing the soundstage (in-head localizations) within limitations. To me this functions similarly to the 3D switches on the older iFi models I own, broadening soundstage from a bit to cavernous stadium-like sound.


The specialty of the HFM is its HiFiMan equalization tuning (pictured above), which helps “fill in” what others might do normally with equalizing on their own. While the Edition XS I used, is a fantastic headphone, I do find it a slightly bass shy for my tastes, and with a bit too much emphasis on the upper mids (similar to the Meze 99C, coincidentally). Pushing the HFM button brings forth control in iFi’s version of equalizing. Adding in lower sub bass, and a taming a bit of the upper mids allows me to thoroughly enjoy the sound. Rebelution’s Safe And Sound came forth with deep reaching, bass that was taut in control, but full of excellent rumble. The lowering of the upper mids did not tame the vocals, nor Ziggy Marley’s when played beforehand, coming across with vibrancy and a slight push forward. The HFM equalization curve, which is readily available shows exactly what iFi did to limit the “discrepancies” some find in HiFiMan models. Also listed is which headphones of HiFiMan will work the best, down to average help at best. This is a nice feature to have so you know which of your HiFiMan models work best. Nonetheless, the addition was very prevalent when turned off. Mids came forward more than I liked, and bass fell behind the scene as well. Mids seemed to become flatter in response without the EQ curve, and hence I left the HFM setting on for the vast majority of time. If I wanted more “verve,” I switched on the XSpace as well; giving me an added amount of space between notes. Note overly expansive, but one of those “just right” moments from the fabled fairy tale.


Michael Franti & Spearhead’s excellent The Sound Of Sunshine came across like I was sitting on the beach on a wonderful summers day. Vocals were excellent, and the extension of sound beyond my head was enhanced without using the XSpace button. I was really enjoying the sound. Mind you, I still have the PowerMatch on 0dB’s added. Running the volume at the 1000 positon was plenty vibrant for me, and loud enough. Switching to the earsonics Grace Platinum with a 4.4bal cable, 0900 was plenty loud to me. This shows the versatility of the Zen Sig Series as well. Running the Platinum without the HFM or XSpace EQ settings gave a rich, vibrant tone all itself. I did run both on for a thrill, and the bass was a bit overwhelming, but fantastic.



finale:

Beyond all of the great sound, which emanates from within the Zen duo, the looks promote a curvy sensuousness to your desktop as well. Mind you, I have nothing against plain black boxes, but the shapeliness of the iFi duo adds a certain Zen-like peace and order to your surroundings. Plus, controls are readable and quite handy as well. Yes, the volume knob is quite large, and could do with a better volume location “detent,” but in the overall scheme, it works. You work the volume knobs the most in my mind, so making them handy and prominent is quite fittings.

What do we end up with then? I am a fan of iFi, whether it be their affordable components or their expensive ones. But I have noticed that some of their products may not have hit the “correct” marks. By that I mean not only target audience, but price point. iFi never fails to innovate, though. From my first audition of the superb (and nuclear powerful) micro Black Label, to the tubey goodness of the Pro combo I own, the company has laid a path that many follow. All try and compete at a better price. When doing so, there certainly are some items, which come about as cheaper, but to me fail to completely impress like the equivalent iFi product. And here is where the Zen Signature Series excels in my mind. The “ordinary” Zen Signature Series was quite good for the price, but the V2 and subsequent HFM & MZ99 versions here exceeds that. It is powerful, poised, adaptable, and very good looking as well. It ticks all the right buttons in my mind, and that is all I can ask of it. Miles Davis On Green Dolphin Street sounds quite nice as I finish this, and I can highly recommend the iFi Zen Signature Series, no matter the tuning.

My unit arrived! I thought why not do a quick review, so here it is:



I wanted something for IEM's, because the Ferrum Oor is not that suitable for high sensitive IEM's (background hiss).
I bought the Zen DAC V2 for 199€ after researching the market.

I connected the Zen DAC V2 with a Forest USB C <-> B cable to my PC. I did not buy a power supply for it, but i tested it with the Ferrum Hypsos (it can do 5-30v) and noticed no difference in sound. That was a bit of a suprise, so for all the users out there, don't get a 1k€ Hypsos for your 200€ Zen Dac v2 (shocking i know, who would have thought). Maybe a power supply could make a difference on a laptop, but i have a beefy gaming machine that doesn't care if you suck a bit more juice out of it.

Very quick test with some headphones:
HD 6XX (balanced): It's good, i like the bass boost function with it, you definitely want high gain for this one. Unbalanced is probably a step down (not tested). Does it sound better on the Ferrum? Yeah, but it's best on the Echo MK II tube amp anyway, so who cares.

Denon AH-D9200 (balanced): Well this thing needs no power, so that's fine. I gets very V-shaped with the bass function haha. It sounds clean, but i prefer it on the Oor for the class A goodness (a bit less sharp).

Grado Hemp (unbalanced): This thing doesn't care, perfect! Nothing to criticise here.

DT1770 Pro (unbalanced): I thought it would be worse! It's good, and if you're the ultra basshead this might be an option, if you press that bass button you get overloaded with bass (and probably a headache). Of course this headphone stays on the tube for me for more soundstage and less peaky treble.

Utopia (balanced): Hmmm, it's better than i thought. I prefer it on a warmer source but it's not that bad. It still slaps hard, bass boost is a bit overkill but can be fun. It doesn't even need high gain. But the more i listen to it, the more i want to plug it into the Oor, but i think that's mostly because of the class A sound and not the power.

1266 Phi (balanced): 3/4 volume on high gain, it's sharp and hollow and i don't like it, voices are way worse than normal, it's real bad. Don't. But at least with electronic music with the bass boost activated your head shakes, so that's something. I won't try Susvara.

That concludes the headphones, i won't use it for them anyway 99% of the time. There are limits with higher demanding headphones one way or the other. On some of them you want a warmer source and on certain flagships more power.

The main reason why i bought this unit: IEM's.
Since the Gustard X26 Pro has only 2 outputs (which i use for the Oor and Echo), i also wanted an integrated DAC, alongside the small form factor. The Shanling UA5 was fine in terms of clean power, but a nuisance to use in a desktop setup.

All IEM's tested on low gain (Power Match off).

Celest Gumiho (unbalanced): Dead silent background, bass boost is too much, perfect!
Aria Snow (unbalanced): Dead silent background, bass boost is fun but sometimes too much (is that like a normal Aria?), perfect!
7Hz Timeless AE (unbalanced): Dead silent background, bass boost is too much, perfect!
7Hz Timeless AE (balanced): With the 4.4 connector: Now it's too sensitive! Slight audible hiss. So i use the 3.5mm permanently, got it.
AAW AXH (unbalanced): My most sensitive IEM. 9 o'clock is loud. Dead silent background, bass boost makes it very V-shaped and fun, perfect!
AAW AXH (balanced): Now i'm a b*tch and swap to the 4.4 connector. Audible hiss, no more silence at zero volume. I really should use this IEM unbalanced only.
Kinera Nanna 2.0 (balanced): Dead silent background, i LOVE the bass boost with this, it's a delight, perfect!
Elysian Acoustic Gaea (balanced): Goddamnit, audible hiss, this thing is too sensitive.
Elysian Acoustic Gaea (unbalanced): Thankfully i have a very nice 4.4mm -> 3.5mm adapter (came with the Nanna). Hiss is gone. Bass boost sometimes too much, perfect!

Other observations:
Volume knob feels awesome, i love it.
With my first entry level amp, a JDS Labs El Amp 2 i had a static noise while turning the volume button, no noise with this unit, wohoo, good job iFi!
Audible channel imbalance with almost every IEM at very low volume. For me it doesn't matter. Turn it up a little bit and it's gone. Fun fact: The same happened on the Oor, the right channel was louder on very low volume.
The bass boost is awesome, it doesn't make your midbass bloaty, it adds a nice shelf with solid low-end.
The 4.4mm balanced connection is very hard to insert and pull out with some connectors (not all), the worst case was with the Gaea (that's why i'm actually glad i'll only use it with the unbalanced adapter)
The added 6.3mm -> 3.5mm adapter is short, beautiful and sweet, it matches the whole unit nicely.
The added USB cable is very short, you probably want a longer one.
Since this thing has no power button, it will power off with my PC or maybe i will unplug the USB on a non-IEM day.

Final Thoughts:
I really like it, and and the use case is perfect for me. I can absolutely see it as an easy, entry level first unit for not that hard to drive headphones. I have no medium to drive planar here like the Arya v2, so without testing, i would say that if you use something in that ballpark (more demanding), you get to its limits (Arya v3 Stealth should be totally fine, way easier to drive). It sounds clean and doesn't colour the sound. That's good for some headphones, but for others you may want to take the edges off. If you want to upgrade from it / spend more money, i would 100% go for a bit of a more coloured sound (either a clean tube amp (something like the Echo), or an entry level class A amp (like the rebel amp) ), a lot of headphones really benefit a lot from a warmer source.
The price to performance ratio is very good, and it's nice to see that for 199€ you get such a sweet little all in one unit! Highly recommended!


P.s.: Things that i've not mentioned like the RCA output etc were not tested, this was just done within a few hours listening session.

EuphonicReview.com


My background is in music. Yes, a bland and generic statement, yet it indeed is true. Though I have no poetic inspiration that inspires great prose to roll off my tongue like a Greek master, nonetheless, it is true that I studied Classical Music on the dollar of University of Tennessee. One of the things you get to do as a 'music major' is Ear Training. What a beautiful course, and I wish all college courses were the same. If you master the material early, you get your 'A' and never go back to that class again. In fact, you may enroll into the higher levels, and before you know it, you have 2 years of credit in a month.

Yeah, I was one of those kids. I passed first semester Ear Training in a single week. I have always had the ear for the subtleties in music. One of the more basic exercises is a simple tuning test. The subject must listen to a series of pitches all within a few 'cents' of each other, and must match them exactly with no assistance. Only your ear can be your tool.

No problem.

How that helps me as an audio technology critic, I am not sure. My hope however is my ear is just as attuned in this task as it was there many years ago in the Ear Training Lab. Readers can be the judge of that. But for now, let me be the judge of the subject of this entry. The iFi ZEN DAC V2.

iFi Audio, a part of AMR Audio, has offered budget but excellent sounding technology since 2012. The first product to the market was the semi-portable iDAC. It was based on ESS technology, and received decent reviews in the audio press. iFi continued to build on their early success, finding a popular niche in the portable and 'head-fi' scenes. Interest in what this company was doing is how I became interested and involved in the 'head-fi' scene.

iFi, at that time under the technical leadership of Thorsten Loesch of DIY fame, left behind the ESS 'ready made' reference standard, in favor of the Burr-Brown/Texas Instruments DSD1793 chip, which would become the backbone of iFi tech. iFi pushed the limits and continues to push the DSD1793 beyond what its original Japanese engineers ever considered possible.

One of the more appealing aspects of the chipset is it has a separate logic that processes DSD in its native format, bypassing the onboard Delta-Sigma Modulator. Many would consider this 'pure' or 'native' DSD processing, as the DAC output 'switches' groups of resistors to act as a Moving Average FIR filter with only 8 clock cycles/bits of delay for the taps. It is an excellent choice for DSD playback, as well as PCM via its own unique process. Click here for my in depth explanation why this chip was chosen by iFi.

Internal to the ZEN DAC V2, the DSD1793 shines, although in this case it has limited features as compared to some other iFi products. In higher end iFi hardware, the chip can process Double DXD over 700khz, and DSD up to 1024fs. NOT HERE though. This ZEN V2 is limited to 1x DXD at 352.4 and 384khz, and DSD at 256fs. (click here for more info on the venerable chipset)

So how does the iFi ZEN DAC V2 stack up to its peers? After a thorough review, it acquits itself quite well.

Compared to other iFi offerings, this is quite a simple DAC to operate. Install the necessary software if you have a PC, plug in the DAC, and voila! Macintosh is simply plug-in-play, however DSD must be transmitted via DoP. Although Roon doesn't recognize the iFi ZEN DAC V2 as ROON READY, Roon spots the DAC and you can configure it as a USB device via the Roon control panel very easily. (Want true ROON READY ethernet/wifi connectivity? The iFi Stream is easily added and is the subject of an upcoming review)

Once you have decided how you will deliver sound to the DAC, it is easy pickin's. Every software I have thrown at it from Roon to Jriver and Audirvana to Foobar, comes accross without a hitch.

The ZEN DAC V2 can be used as a standalone DAC with analog volume control. In this case, there is a switch on the back that toggles the output from 'VARIABLE' to 'FIXED'. Variable mode with volume control at maximum will produce a higher voltage output than fixed mode, and can allow one to bypass any extra preamplifier in favor of a direct amplifier connection. None of my tests were conducted this way. All were conducted in fixed mode.

The front headphone output is always variable regardless of the switch on back. Also, iFi is kind enough to take any guesswork on what the gain need be via headphone output. It has a 'POWER MATCH' button on the far left of the front panel. This is a necessity for allowing compatibility with different headphones. My test reference Sennheiser HD650 were underpowered with the power match turned off. A push of the switch and all was well. No longer did volume need to be at 100 percent for average listening levels. Now I can listen at average to high levels with the volume dial around 40 to 50 percent.

Headphone outputs come in two forms. The 1/4 inch single ended headphone output, as well as a 4.4mm fully balanced Pentaconn output. Pentaconn output is also available on the back, allowing a short jumper cable to attach to other Pentaconn devices such as the ZEN CAN headphone amplifier. Standard RCA stereo terminations are included if you do not have a Pentaconn device, although there are several aftermarket solutions that breakout standard XLR pin L/R terminations from a single Pentaconn connector.

One final feature found on the front panel is a 'TRUEBASS' button. True to its word, it gives a noteworthy boost in bass frequencies, however, this boost is only applicable to the headphone outputs. The amount of boost offered is visible in our MEASUREMENTS SECTION, below article.

Power for the iFi ZEN DAC V2 comes from the 5v bus on the USB input. However, also supplied is an external switching supply that is said to provide better performance. I noted no measurable difference; however it is admitted that measurements only tell part of the story. The human auditory system is very complex and not completely understood. It is possible one may find a subjective listening advantage. For disclosure all my tests were conducted using a iFi iPower 5v external switching supply.

Now came the time for some listening. The listening notes you read below come via a HP all-in-one PC running Roon. I am evaluating the DAC with its own headamp, while Sennheiser HD650 headphones are the listening transducer of choice.

I opened Roon and queued up a few of my reference tracks to see what this budget powerhouse can do. First up was the Allegro from Sibelius Violin Concerto in D minor op. 71. Performed by Akiko Suwanai in 2002 with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Sakari Oramo, it is recorded in native DSD64 by the impeccable Polyhymnia team and is part of the Philips Classics Decca library. A good DAC can transport one into another world with this recording. It can be a transcendent experience that defies the mundane daily routine.

What strikes first is the excellent tonality. The violin sounds like a violin. The overtones send shivers down the spine, and there is nothing that sounds clinical here. It 'rings' and I mean ring in a good way. I call it 'ear candy', and I could get lost in this beautifully musical presentation for hours on end. It is not the most detailed presentation of this recording, yet nothing seems missing while you are in another world of musical bliss. Criticisms are small, and considering the price of this kit, more nitpicky than anything. The overall orchestral soundstage is slightly congested with tones that can sometimes be a bit wooly. The brass section on the other hand, is powerfully dynamic and beautiful. Brass comes across as powerful and low distortion, and the tight intonation of the BSO players is done no injustice. Rather the effect sends goosebumps running down my arms. Backgrounds are quite black, and there is aways a good sense of the recording space. We are off to a great start with this little DAC that can.

Next up on my listening chart was "Ballads for Audiophiles" performed by Aldo Zunino, Alfred Kramer, Paolo Birro, and Scott Hamilton. The album was recorded at the Hotel II Castello – Palazzo di Scoto di Semifonte in Stereo DSD64 on the Pyramix Recorder using a DCS ADC for the Fone label. I cued up the track "Everything Happens to Me". As a concert pianist, I appreciate when the recording engineer gets the piano just right, and it is very right here. The sonority and the decay is captured perfectly, and the ZEN DAC V2 doesn't shortchange anything. The placement of the piano in the mix is slightly behind and to the left, and once again the ZEN is powerful enough to call attention to the small details that can fool us into thinking we are right there in the room with the players. It makes all the difference in the listening experience. Lesser DACs can make a saxophone sound 'honky' and somewhat indistinguishable from a few other reed instruments, but here, the ZEN DAC V2 nails the tone and sonority. Fine detail is present to complete the illusion. Every breath and keypress is there to help create the 'live' illusion. The drums present with no unnatural distortion or harshness. Cymbals have a natural tonality. The bass line is very good, but can get a bit wooly and indistinct at times. Overall, the presentation of this piece is very, very nice and quite frankly for the money, may be hard to beat.

No review is complete of this DAC without mentioning it is a full MQA decoder and renderer. The next demo I queued up was from Tidal Masters. "Blues from Before" on the album "Four" performed by Bill Frisell. WOW what a sound. I know the arguments about MQA, and it has its lovers and haters. All I know is, it sounds GREAT. I don't know why, (actually I have my reasonable suspicions) but it is just good listening! The iFi ZEN DAC V2 brings outstanding MQA playback to this entry level price bracket. Guitar is captured with outstanding tone and nuance, while drums sound realistic and live, with excellent depth and layering. The distinct 'bell like' tone of the clarinet is captured and reproduced commendably here. Things sound just right, and there is excellent 'space' for all instruments to 'breath' and interact.

Having heard quite a few DAC/headamps in this price range, I have yet to hear anything exceed the iFi ZEN DAC V2 for under $200. Of course I have not heard every DAC in this price range, but I am confident that if you are looking for an entry into real hi-fi and have a smaller budget, or just don't think the incremental improvements that come with higher priced kit are worth it, the ZEN DAC V2 is a DAC for you. How it might compare to the newer Signature edition I do not know. What I do know is you cannot go wrong with this excellent DAC/headphone amp. However, if your primary use is with headphones, stick with phones that are reasonably powered. Some of the more power hungry cans out there will need a separate, more powerful headamp, such as the matching ZEN CAN, currently under review.

CLICK here for factory specs.

our lab measurements: (please note that graphs are at bottom of article)

DAC measurements:

Frequency response (from 40 Hz to 15 kHz), dB+0.02, -0.18
Noise level, dB (A)-114.1
Dynamic range, dB (A)114.2
THD, %0.00205
THD + Noise, dB (A)-90.9
IMD + Noise, %0.0024
Stereo crosstalk, dB-95.5
IMD at 10 kHz, %0.00226

Headphone amp measurements:

Frequency response (from 40 Hz to 15 kHz), dB+0.03, -0.32
Noise level, dB (A)-94.9
Dynamic range, dB (A)94.8
THD, %0.01807
THD + Noise, dB (A)-71.7
IMD + Noise, %0.015
Stereo crosstalk, dB-78.1
IMD at 10 kHz, %0.010

The iFi ZEN DAC V2 has right at 19 bits of resolution.

All PCM rates below 352.8 khz are oversampled with a FIR Linear Phase filter with sharp rolloff.

**Of interest is the original ZEN DAC could receive a firmware update that enabled the iFi 'GTO' filter. The GTO filter is a very short linear phase FIR filter with small amounts of pre and post ringing, slow rolloff and less image rejection above Nyquist. As far as the iFi ZEN DAC V2 is concerned, I cannot find any confirming data saying it can be updated to use the GTO filter.**

The iFi ZEN DAC V2 frequency response is flat impressively flat.

Channel Balance is absolutely superb via both single ended RCA and balanced Pentaconn outputs. Via headphone output, Left and Right channels have a slight imbalance of less that half a decibel across entire frequency range. In practice this should not be of any notable detriment.

BASS BOOST, an analog process that preserves bit-perfect integrity of the digital signal, provides a healthy if not hefty boost to frequencies from approximate 200 hz extending downward into the infrasonic, with what appears to be about a 10db gain at 20hz.

Jitter is well controlled here. iFi/AMR has always used a buffer system and a reclocker to reduce jitter, and that process has seen considerable improvement as their products have evolved. LSB harmonics at 16 bit are very close to expected levels, and the noise floor at both 16 and 24 bit is very clean, free of PSU sidebands, hash, or idle tones.

In the graphs shown below is the filter response curve at 44.1 khz and 96khz.

Not shown is the imaging test conducted at 44.1 khz. A single 19khz tone at 0db intensity will image a tone at 25.1 khz, above the Nyquist cutoff. The 25.1 khz aliased image was suppressed by over 90db.

The iFi ZEN DAC V2 measures well. All our tests came back close to the specifications advertised by iFi. Jitter rejection is especially impressive here.

Again, highly recommended DAC/headamp at this price, and should be making a few more expensive DAC/headamps sweat it out.

OUR RATING: (0-10 scale. 8 or higher numbers represent best of industry. For the final score calculation, each category is given a (undisclosed) weighting and is tallied for final score. Although perfect 'fairness' is unlikely, our system tries to be as unbiased as possible.

sound quality: 8.0
build quality: 9.0
ease of use: 9.5
measurements: 8.0
value: 10.0

TOTAL RATING: 86.5/ 100

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BASS BOOST w/ZOOM


Spectrum of 1 khz at 0db 20bit dither


44.1 khz Impulse Response Linear Phase Filter


J-TEST 16 bit 44.1 khz harmonics correct level


J-TEST 24 bit 44.1 khz


44.1 khz filter response


96 khz filter response

June 25, 2021


iFi has come back to improve the popular Zen DAC in the form of the new upgraded Zen DAC V2. The first Zen DAC was released at a compelling price point for a compact desktop “all-in-one” audio unit in its class, offering good resolution, overall sound quality, and the ability to power most headphones & iems. The new Zen DAC V2 shares the same build, but there’s an “invisible” upgraded new feature with the Zen DAC V2!



Features:

At first glance, both the original and V2 Zen DACs seem identical aside from the “V2” on the serial number label. Both the original and this version share a matte black metal housing and both share a relatively small desktop footprint and lightweight. Both models share identical inputs and outputs by way of a 6.3mm S-Balanced output, two 4.4mm balanced Pentaconn outputs, (One in front and one in back.), and analog RCA jacks in back. The inputs are a USB Type B, (Power over USB) and a 5V DC power input.

On the front, you find a “PowerMatch” button, (HIGH for harder-to-drive headphones, and LOW for IEMs and easy-to-drive headphones.) There is also a slightly larger “TrueBass” button and A NICE “Volume” dial. Now on the back, you find a “Variable/Fixed” switch, used for the rear balanced 4.4mm and unbalanced RCA outputs, to either enable or disable volume control.

Now inside the Zen DAC V2 is similar to the original, but that are a few key differences:

• The Zen DAC V2 now features a new XMOS 16-Core chip as opposed to the 8-Core XMOS chip of the original Zen DAC. By doubling the number of cores, audio processing power is increased, as well as enhancing clock speed, and memory performance.
• V2 has an updated low-jitter crystal clock, providing >20dB better performance than the original Zen DAC.
• The Zen DAC V2 is now an MQA Decoder device, instead of just being an MQA Renderer like the original Zen DAC.

Sound

What makes a “good amp” can be different to many people. For me, the measure of an amp is how evenly the unit amplifies the source material, how cleanly it amplifies, and how well it maintains the original “integrity” of the dynamics, spacing, and separation within a soundscape. (Staging, or whatever term you wish to use.) The original and new Zen V2 DACs both seem to be competitive for their price points for all of the aforementioned characteristics. I wouldn’t call either Zen DAC exactly “reference”, but they aren’t that far off. I’m going to say that I hear a little added coloring, (Slightly on the warm side) but both offer high quality and I consider a “fun” sound.

In terms of detail, imaging, and overall agility the Zen DAC V2 was obviously better compared to laptop/PC onboard audio or phone/tablet jacks.

The headphones used:

HiFiMan Sundara | Audio Technica ATH-AD900X | Beyerdynamic T1(v2) | Sennheiser HD650 | Gold Planar GL850 | Heddphone

Sundara - While listening to “Mountains” by Hanz Zimmer, there’s a lot of the detail retrieval you’d expect from the Sundara when using the Zen DAC V2. The clocks felt even and vivid.

ATH-AD900X - Listening to “My Immortal” by Evanescence on the ATH-AD900X, I loved not only how clean and nuanced Amy Lee’s vocals felt, but not edgy or shouty. On the same song, the T1(v2) felt like some of the rougher edges of its treble were cleaned up a bit.

HD650 – In “Mountains” the organ was lush, while the runs in the background were clean. A relaxed sound, but not sloppy or loose. Well-controlled and ready in all 3 regions (Lows, Mids, & Highs), but not TRYING to be speedy in terms of response.

GL-850 – Moving up a step, the GL-850 was especially nuanced. (But it took more of the volume overhead than I was comfortable with.) Listening to “My Immortal” again, the song’s soundstage felt dynamic and had very good left-right soundstage size. The treble felt slightly forward, but this could also have been due to better detail retrieval and imaging. Detail and clarity were clearly the best so far.

Heddphone – The Heddphone was one of the harder-to-drive headphones I tested this All-in-one with. YES the PowerMatch button was needed to live at “HIGH”, and after pressing that there was noticeably more volume available for the headphones. But while it was sufficiently loud for a QUIET room, I never felt that the unit was able to properly drive the Heddphone. (But to be fair, it’s not really a headphone meant for amps in this class of power ratings.)



The IEMs I used:

Tin Audio T5 | Mangird Tea

T5 – In the entry-level arena, the T5 seems to be a polarizing iem. With the Zen DAC V2, I found that the top end was never grating or sibilant, and mids never felt “scooped” or thin. In “My Immortal” by Evanescence, I felt that Amy Lee’s vocals were silky yet still ethereal. The piano strikes were crisp and even and the decay never felt smeared or lost. Surprising soundstage width and fullness towards slightly forward. The drum hits were full and authoritative and the guitar solo was gritty and overdriven – never lacking for impact.

Mangird Tea - Keeping it comparable with “My Immortal” by Evanescence again; The sub-bass was more present, Amy Lee’s vocals were brought to the edge of ALMOST too much in the mix, but perfect for focusing on her technique. Not an equal emphasis on the mids, but there is just so much more detail there that I won’t ever feel like I’m missing anything. While this isn’t the most balanced iem, the Zen DAC V2 controls, and powers things so confidently that it maintains dynamic range without allowing the music to stop feeling cohesive.


True Bass

Sorry, but True Bass deserves its own section. This is not a “gimmick” or “snake oil”. The True Bass function adds a substantial and satisfying boost to the low end. In my mind, iFi executed this the RIGHT way. Analog, and not via DSP. It shows as it feels balanced and didn’t come across as distracting. I’m also glad that it is a simple “easy button”, saving you from needing to dig through menus or the like to adjust. If your iem or headphone can use a bit more low end, “PING” you punch the button and you’re good. Don’t need it? Just as simple and quick to defeat the feature without taking you out of music enjoyment mode.

Summary

The ZenDAC V2 offers transparency with some light treble sculpting and just a smidgen of color. I believe that the Zen DAC V2 competes with units well above its price point, and has a more “desktop-friendly” design than many other devices I use at similar price points like the (PORTABLES) Radsone ES100, Qudelix 5K, or Fiio BTR5. All battery-powered, and pocketable, but clumsy to access the controls when compared with the Zen DAC V2s BIG and easy to turn Volume knob, and satisfying buttons on a desk or nightstand. Do I have “better sounding” gear”? Yes, but in order to CLEARLY hear performance improvements over the Zen DAC V2 I have to move up to at least my Denafrips Pontus DAC and Artemis amp costing many times over the ZenDAC V2s cost.

The Zen can as well as Zen DAC come in a attractive box with most of the accessories you might need.
The build quality is exceptional, all metal construction and a very cool shape to mimic a Zen stone pile, inputs and outputs are plentiful and far more than anything else in its price range. Inside the box one finds a warranty card, a quick start guide, purple RCA cable, 5V wall power supply adapter and a slim line 6.3mm adapter.

The volume knob is perhaps the best one I've used so so far, very smooth and not cheap feeling. The usual lower volume imbalance on most Amps is so minimal it not noticeable. The four step gain is a welcome feature Xbass is well implemented and ads a tasteful amount of bass, details without over doing it. The 3D effect gives a little more openness to the sounds boost the mids and treble slightly as well, it should be noted that these are not filters but an analog circuit.


The sound in general is balanced/neutral with some warmth mostly its true to its source without adverse coloration.
Bass: presents itself well defined with good texture and control, the both Sub-Bass and Mid-Bass are respectively clean, nothing is emphasized until you hit that Xbass button.
Mids: are clear with a pleasant hint of warmth, nothing is added here just well done clean and detailed mids.
Treble: is neutral and has a good extension , more so with a balanced connection. Still its has good clean highs without harshness I found on some other amps.

The device has a enough power to bring life to the HD650 and Fostex T50RP without distortion or having to run max power, indeed it should run most headphones without an issue. IEMs are great but while the Zen has a low ground noise it is not recommended for very sensitive low power IEMs, I would recommend DD IEMs over the 12 Ohm rating and hybrid and BA IEMs 32 Ohms and up.

Conclusion: ifi has made some iconic audio products and the Zen Can is no exception.
Great build quality, sound and performance with a very usual design I personally like. It worked well everything from headphones to IEMs. The Zen Can and Dac offer a great performance to price ratio, together the work so well complimenting each other.

About me:
Music lover and earphone enthusiast, most of my previous reviews are in spanish.

Disclaimer: iFi graciously lent me the Zen Can in exchance of my opinion

Gear used:
Fidelio X2HR, Sennheiser HD560s, Final Sonorous II, final a4000, zen stream.

About iFi:
iFi audio is a company with headquarters in the UK that since 2012 has launched more than 30 high quality audio products with one aim in mind "to improve your music enjoyment." You can find more in https://ifi-audio.com/about-ifi/

This review is divided in 2 sections, the fist one (Zen dac V1) was written long time ago meanwhile the second part (Zen dac V2 + comparisons) is an updated version.

Zen dac V1

Specifications:


Packaging and accessories:

Zen dac

Mqa purple light = master
Green = hifi
True bass gives a sub bass boost
Power match always dramatically increases volume as it matches iems to amp
Warm relaxed laid back sound ( zen ) slightly less details and rolled back treble than some other amps and dacs.
Pairs well with bright iems and headphones

Fully powers p1 in balanced mode , more than the hip dac

When using additional power supply there is a slight bass boost , maybe 1-2 db at max, very slight to hear

Excellent sounding from usb power ( awesome design )

One of a few desktop amp dac to offer balanced output less than 200$

Amazing value for money. Drives 95% of iems fully and most full size to moderate volume levels

Burr Browb Dac chips

Only usb input is a slight negative
No on off switch can be annoying


Specification
Input
USB3.0 B Socket (USB2.0 compatible)
Formats
44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192/384kHz PCM 2.8/3.1/5.6/6.2/11.2/12.4MHz DSD 353/384KHz DXD
DAC
Bit-Perfect DSD & DXD DAC by Burr Brown
Line Section

Output
Audio RCA (UnBAL) — 2.1V fixed
1V / 3.3V max. (variable)
4.4mm Pentaconn (BAL) — 4.2V fixed
2V / 6.2V max. (variable)
Zout
<= 100 Ohm (UnBAL)
<= 200 Ohm (BAL)
SNR
< -116dB(A) @ 0dBFS (UnBAL/BAL)
DNR
> 116dB(A) @ -60dBFS (UnBAL/BAL)
THD+N
< 0.0015% @ 0dBFS (UnBAL/BAL)
Headphone Section

Output Power (@1% THD)
4.4mm Pentaconn (BAL)
330mW@32 Ohm; 6.6V@600 Ohm;
16 Ohm – 600 Ohm Headphone6.3mm S-BAL (SE)
230mW@32 Ohm; 3.3V@600 Ohm
16 Ohm – 600 Ohm HeadphoneNote: Using 5v power. If powered from USB, power output may vary.
Output Impedance
< 1 Ω (UnBAL/BAL)
THD & N
< 0.005% (125mW @ 32R)
SNR
> 113dBA (3.3V UnBAL / 6.2V BAL)
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
491g (1.08 lbs)
Warranty period
12 months

Redacted.

Prologue:

I have been in this hobby for more than ten years. I have owned a lot of different gears from entry level to TOTL (top of the line). Value for price was always a huge factor to me and iFi’s Zen Dac does not disappoint in this regard. This Dac offers a lot of good quality sound for only £129.

My main testing headphone with the Zen Dac was the LCD-X, and I have to say they were driven decently. The LCD-X is advertised as easy to drive (20 ohm, 103db/1mw), but like all big planar headphones they like a bit of juice and current. The Zen Dac made them sound loud enough and quite enjoyable.



Package, build quality:

The build quality of the Zen Dac is nothing less than impressive. All parts are quality and sturdy aluminium, buttons have great tactile feedback and the volume knob feels great too. I also like the little colourful led lights. It is not over the top, but enough to put on a little one person show in your bedroom.



It is hard to find better build quality even for 2-3 times of the asking price. The package is simple, but that is expected with a lower priced DAC that performs well. While the Zen Dac works from USB power by default, the absence of a wall plug somewhat limits the usage scenario. Also, in my opinion the included USB cable is too short for most buyers.

I do not fully understand the absence of the wall plug and the shortness of the USB cable as cost saving factors. The Zen Dac would still be an exceptional deal for £139 with all these accessories, as it is for £129 without them. Of course, this is obviously just some serious nit-picking on my behalf. You do get an RCA cable.



Sound:

Having a small Dac like this, aimed for computers, is pretty much the next step from USB stick DACs. Paying the same amount of money for a memory stick sized Dac gives you more convenience but lesser sound quality and power. It is the same with Bluetooth headphones: £200 buys you wireless convenience on the plane or train, but won’t sound near as good as a proper £200 opened back headphone from a decent home system.

That said the Zen Dac is still very small, easily transportable and USB powered! It is a Dac that you can just shove in your briefcase when you go on your holiday or keep it next to your laptop at work. The sound quality is levels above any laptop, MacBook or USB stick DAC. The Zen DAC is the audio enthusiast’s surviving device when they are derived from their home system of audio nirvana. This level of transportable sound quality has never been more affordable.

Let me be a bit more specific:

Bass

The Zen Dac has surprisingly good bass extension. Similarly priced Dacs often weak out under 100Hz, but the Zen Dac keeps going. The bass is nicely balanced and relatively flat in its price range with an option to give it a tasteful boost (‘truebass’ button).
It is also surprisingly clear sounding for the price. The audio thermometer shows a little warmth from what is considered neutral, but this is what most consumers like these days. I think at £129, iFi is trying to reach a wider audience which is never a bad idea.
Mid bass is plenty, but also not blown up which to me is often a shortcoming of other similarly priced equipment.
The transmission to mids is smooth without bumps.

Mids:

Mids are also warmish, and the balance of the overall sound seamlessly continues here. It is a smooth and slightly thicker sound. Great level of vocal and instrument realism for the price.

Treble:

Smooth treble, but as equally detailed as the bass and the mids are. It is never bright or harsh, but very easy and comfortable. My kind of treble I should say.

Technicalities:

The Zen Dac is as technical as you can expect at this price. It is classes above any laptop or phone audio, levels above USB stick Dacs. In fact, it quite easily beats some other Dacs for twice the price, especially if those Dacs are a few years old. What I found the most impressive is the bass and treble extension, overall balance and coherence of the sound.

The Zen Dac delivers a decent amount of space and details for the price, but I think these are also the main areas where higher-quality Dacs (£500+) overshadow the Zen Dac without breaking much sweat. Also, the higher you climb the imaginary audio ladder the sound also becomes more and more realistic.



Additional thoughts:

My daily driver these days is the RME-ADI2 DAC (RRP £840, another relative ‘bargain’ for the price). Comparing these two devices of course would be unfair.
Whether something like the RME is worth six times more than the Zen Dac is a personal question that only you can answer to yourself.

Where higher quality DACs like the RME really crush the Zen Dac is clarity, details, spaciousness and lifelikeness. This little Zen Dac is impressively coherent though, with great balance, texture and tuning. What the Zen Dac puts on the table for £129 is nothing less than exceptional.



Having owned or reviewed most of iFi’s DAC line, I would like to reflect on these in a nutshell.
iFi Nano BL (£199). In my opinion the Nano BL and the Zen DAC sound very similar (mind that I am talking from memory here), yet the Nano cost £70 more. In my opinion it is only worth buying the Nano over the Zen if you need a battery powered DAC.
The Micro BL (£599) is a significant step up from both. More details, more space, more power, more everything but with the same smooth and slightly warm style.
The ‘Pro’ line is another big leap (Pro IDSD £2749). Levels above the Micro BL, but also 4.5 times more expensive.



Conclusion:

iFi’s entry level Dac has been quite a hit, and after testing it myself I have to say it is well deserved. If you care about your music just a little more than most people do, you simply owe it to yourself to buy an iFi Zen as your first DAC. The experience you get is a dimension above any phone or computer audio.
The Zen Dac is also easily transportable, USB powered, an ideal companion on holidays when you are away from your higher-end gear. I think it is also a great option for many audio enthusiasts as a secondary headphone system at your workplace or bedside cabinet.
For £129 in 2020 you will have hard time finding anything better sounding than the Zen DAC. Well done iFi.

disclaimer: The Zen is a loaner provided by iFi Audio for review and must be returned when the review is complete. I have no financial interest in iFi or its parent AMR. I have previously reviewed the Zen Blue and this is the other model in the Zen line and is a desktop DAC/Amp. A big thanks of iFi-Audio. If you are interested in the Zen series or other iFi products, check their website.

Unboxing / Packaging:
The Zen ships in a lift top style box with the main unit housed in an egg-crate surround with the USB cable and RCA cables in a small box to the right of the unit. An instruction card and warranty card round out the package. While the Zen does have a barrel jack for an external power supply, none is provided so if you wish to power it off something other than USB (which I recommend) you will need to purchase the power supply separately. I think knowing this is a stand alone unit, I would have been inclined to skip the RCA cables and include the power supply if only providing one or the other. I guess those using the Zen to feed powered monitors will disagree here. The cable I most wish was included or at least offered via iFi’s website as an add on is the 4.4 balanced to dual XLR adapters for use with balanced gear. As of this writing, the iFi website does not list any such option. For those interested, I purchased a 4.4 balanced to dual XLR for testing from LQi Cables (I have no affiliation).





Build:
The Zen is well made with an aluminum shell and face-plates. Four screws run the entire depth of the unit and connect the front and rear face-plates making disassembly straight forward if ever required. The board is slotted into the case so has no play in any direction when the screws are tightened down. The front face has two buttons on the left, a large central volume knob with the LED indicator behind it, and two outputs to the right. The outputs are a 6.3mm TRS single-ended output and a 4.4mm TRRS jack for balanced output. The rear face, from left to right, starts with a 4.4mm TRRS balanced line-out connector followed by a fixed/Variable switch, then the RCA connectors, a USB 3.0 input, and a barrel connector for external power supply. It should be noted that the rear 4.4mm TRRS is intended for use as a pre-out and not as a headphone jack. It can be used as a headphone output with the switch in variable position (although with a proper jack on front there is little reason to) but when switched to fixed line-level output it is entirely too loud and will damage your hearing if not your gear.




Internals:
Removing the 4 screws from the rear of the unit will allow the board to be removed via the front without having to remove the volume knob or disconnect the LED as is required to remove the board to the rear of the unit. Once removed the board is a bit empty looking until you flip it as most of the chips are mounted to the underside of the board. USB input is handled by the large Xmos chip at the rear edge of the board (blue/green dot in the photo). This appears to be a 2nd generation XMOS208 series chip and supports inputs up to 384kHz for PCM, DSD256, DXD 384, and MQA. Input is then handed off to the Burr Brown DSD1793 DAC chip immediately above it. It may seem odd to some that I list the bit rates on the USB rather than on the DAC chip but I do so as the USB is the limiting factor here. Still looking at the bottom of the board, the upper right area is the amplifier so after passing the 1793, output goes to that area for further amplification. Note the twin rows of chips in the amp for balanced outputs. Output power is listed as 280mW @ 32Ω or 36mW @ 300Ω for the 6.3mm single ended output and 380mW @ 50Ω or 70mW @ 600Ω via the 4.4mm balanced output.






Controls/Features:
The biggest selling point of the Zen is probably the balanced output at the modest price point, but iFi did pack in a few other features as well. On the front panel, we have power-match and true-bass buttons and on the rear we have fixed/variable output switching. The Front also has an LED partially hiding behind the volume knob that indicates state and file format in use.

The Power-match is a gain switch with settings for low impedance/ high sensitivity in ears, and for higher impedance or Lower sensitivity over-ear models. Most other vendors refer to this same option as a gain switch and it is not uncommon for Amplifiers to support 2 or more levels of gain to allow for better matching of output to headphone type. I will say that with sensitive headphones I found it best to leave this in the lower position as some hiss sneaks in when put into the higher gain mode.

True-bass is one of the more useful bass boost circuits I have heard as it doesn’t try and over-do the boost like so many do and it focuses a bit lower on the spectrum with most all of the effect coming below 200Hz and the biggest bump closer to 100Hz. It lifts the sub-bass about +2dB and will indeed give a bass-light headphone a bit more bass presence without a huge sacrifice in quality in the process. Far too many bass boost circuits turn the low end into a big boomy mess so it is nice to see a design that attempts to boost a bit without doing so. Kudos to iFi for that.

The variable /fixed output switch allows setting the output to fixed line level for use with an external amplifier or to volume adjustable output for use with powered monitors lacking their own volume control mechanism. For this I found it worked quite well when pairing with a couple of pairs of near-field monitors as would be typical for a work desk.

The LED indicator uses iFi’s standard color scheme with green representing PCM from 44-96kHz, yellow for PCM above 96kHz, cyan for DSD 64/128, blue for DSD 256, and magenta for MQA.




Sound
The Zen does a fairly good job of being transparent and not coloring the sound but the first thing that one will notice is that the Zen is slightly laid-back and smooth rather than being super detailed and analytical. I don’t see this as a fault in an entry level product, but one needs to know that smoothing is present. The next thing one will notice is noise which is unfortunate. The Zen is extremely dependent on clean USB power, that said, I have yet to find a PC that does an adequate job of supplying clean power. I quickly switched to using an external regulated power supply and found good improvement as the noise was gone and the background became black instead of the previous shade of light gray. Bass has good weight without the boost circuit so unless you are a basshead, you wont need the little button. Vocals are well voiced and mids in general share that same slightly forward presentation. Top end has good air and some sparkle as well. All in all, I enjoyed the presentation with the exception of being slightly too smoothed over for me.

I read about a new firmware that replaced the Linear Phase filter with the GTO filter from the Pro iDSD so decided to load it and see if I could hear a difference. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much as I have spent countless hours trying to be able to pick out changes made by some of the dac filters and still can’t reliably do so. Well, I was surprised here and suggest if you have or get a Zen – Load this firmware. It definitely cleans up the sound and that smoothness that I previously mentioned was replaced with a much more articulate sound that was both thicker and cleaner if that is even possible. The Zen retains some fluidity with this new firmware but doesn’t sound like someone tried to round off all the sharp edges anymore. Much improved.

The only other thing to mention here is output power which is lacking the grunt to power heavy duty cans like my He6se and even the 600Ω Beyers place enough demand on the Zen that it has less headroom than optimal. I found it best used with 150Ω or lower cans with the HD650 being about the limit of what it can reasonably be expected to push well.

Comparisons
AudioEngine D1 – The D1 represents a previous generation of device with 96kHz limit when used with USB input and a 192kHz limit with Optical input. Still for most this will not be a limit as the vast majority of users will be most 44.1, 48, or 96kHz files anyway. Power is roughly the same between these two units as well. The Zen adds balanced output, and the gain/bass features, but loses optical input. Honestly, if I already had the D1, I’d probably skip getting the Zen unless I just had to have the balanced output. If I were buying today, the Zen is the more versatile option of the two.

Topping DX3 Pro – The DX3 Pro is quite a bit more pricey ($220 vs $129 retail) than the Zen, so we expect more from it, but with topping representing perhaps the best Chi-fi budget option right now, it seems remiss not to do the comparison. The DX3 Pro lacks the balanced output of the Zen but gains dual 4493 DACs that give it an advantage of support 32/768 PCM and DSD512 although it does not have MQA support. Both have dual gain options for different headphones, but the DX3 has considerably higher output power at 700mW@32Ω and 125mW@300Ω. The drawback to the DX3 pro is the 3.5mm jack instead of the larger 6.3 which would make it more compatible with typical full-sized cans. The DX3 also sports bluetooth, optical. and coaxial inputs for those who need them. What this shows is how much $100 extra can buy in today’s market as the DX3 packs a ton of features for a modest price. Still the Zen offers balanced output, and MQA support which the DX3 can’t match.

Thoughts / Conclusion:
Well, I have to admit, the Zen was on its way to being the 1st iFi product that I couldn’t honestly recommend. It has limited output power, limited input options, has a fair amount of noise and even a bit of hiss on high gain, and lacked a bit of detail to the signature that I would have preferred. Based on that, I was going to have to say pass on this one until they do a bit more work, but then two things happened. First they did a bit more work and the new firmware with the GTO replacement for the linear filter is a big improvement. So much for my too smoothed over argument. Then I plugged in a linear power supply and my other major argument about noise went away too. I was left with a good little dac / pre-amp once those two issues are cured. Sure, I’d love for iFi to have included the power supply in the box, and they likely could have if they’d charged me $179 instead of $129 too. One shouldn’t expect miracles from an entry level product and within that framework I can say the Zen does a good job of hitting the marks they were aiming for (with the caveat of loading the new firmware and getting a power supply for it). At this point, the Zen is a guarded recommendation in that it can perform well, but you’ll need to spend on a power supply for it to realize its full potential.

Hi Guys,

Today we are having a look at the iFi Audio ZenDAC, their new entry level DAC/Amp combo unit.


It really is amazing what you can purchase at the entry level nowadays, even compared to 5 years ago. This unit would have been unthinkable back then. The ZenDAC provides pretty much everything a beginner could ever need or want, at an MSRP of $129.99USD. Thats right. You heard me. $129.99USD. Thats crazy. 5 years ago this would have cost $500USD I would guess. It really is a testament to how far we have come as a hobby in such a short time span.

The ZenDAC provides less options than the usual iFi Audio fare, but for the asking price, that is expected. It still has everything you need as a beginner. It does have an update to iFi XBASS to what they now call TRUBASS. This provides a 6(ish) decibel boost to the low end, which is welcome on some headphones, and low and high gain settings (what iFi calls “Power Match.”) What I found really quite interesting was that the ZenDAC is a balanced piece of gear. This is unusual at this price point. Now, balanced doesn’t really matter to me, I would prefer a good single ended design over a poor balanced design, but it is something to take note of. Thankfully, iFi has gone with the 4.4mm Pentaconn sockets for both balanced headphone output and line out. This is a much better connector choice than 2.5mm jacks, which are not as durable.


Now, the ZenDAC is not the most powerful of amplifiers. The specs say 280mw at 32ohms single ended, and 380mw at 50ohms from the balanced output. With the high gain option, this will be enough for most headphones, especially as this piece of gear will likely be used by beginners, and entry level headphones tend to be easier to drive. Its not powerful enough to drive something like the HE6, but to be honest, I really don’t think that matters, its not what the ZenDAC was designed for. This is a piece of gear that will work great with something like the Drop/Sennheiser HD6XX, or similar. I mean, think of it like this. You purchase a pair of HD6XX for $200USD (or less if you buy them used) and the ZenDAC for $129.99USD, combine it with your laptop, and you are set. That is a system that would outdo a lot of more expensive set ups, especially from years past.

The ZenDAC can also be used as a system DAC in combination with an external amplifier. It has RCA outputs, as well as a 4.4mm Pentaconn balanced output. This would need a special cable to be made (4.4mm to dual 3pin XLR) for use with a balanced external amplifier, but the option is there, and that is pretty neat. You can also choose either variable output, for use with a power amplifier, or fixed, for use with a preamp or integrated amplifier.

As you can see, the ZenDAC may not have all the typical iFi features, but it has everything you need, and even some stuff you don’t. Two thumbs up.


Now, the most important question. How does it sound? Perfectly acceptable. Is it a giant killer? Of course not. But the tonal balance seems fairly neutral, and detail is certainly acceptable. You have to keep in mind, this is $129.99USD! Its not meant to be a giant killer, its meant to get you started as a first option beyond the built in output to your laptop, or as a secondary set up beside your bed. That sort of thing, and honestly? I think it excels at those jobs.


The obvious thing to compare the ZenDAC to was my iFi Audio Micro iDSD Black Label, their top of the line transportable option. As you might expect, the iDSD is more capable, in every aspect. From features, to power, to sound quality, it is better. However, the iDSD retails for $600USD. That is almost 6 times more than the ZenDAC. It is more detailed, has better timbre and tonality, but the ZenDAC isn’t as far off as you might think.

If someone had just purchased their first pair of headphones that are something beyond a gaming headset, the HD58X or HD6XX, something like that, and asked me the fabled question of “do I need an amp or DAC?” I’d say, well, listen to your headphones from your computers built in output for a while, but after that, if the itch is there, give the iFi ZenDAC a try.


The ZenDAC is not the most sonically competent piece of gear ever made, it’s not the most powerful, it’s not the most detailed, but its not designed to be. It is a simple, beginner level, $129.99USD MSRP, piece of gear, and I think it lives up to that mark very well. I would totally recommend the ZenDAC to a beginner, or someone needing an affordable back up piece of source equipment. Thank you iFi for letting me give the ZenDAC a try

At the Tokyo FUJIAAVIC Headphone festival in late 2019, as tends to happen throughout the two days, I ran into the owner of FUJIYAAVIC in the iFi room just after he had tried the Zen DAC. He mentioned that it sounded pretty good. As recent curiosity had had me review a number of sub-$500 components, and I’d had good experiences with iFi products, I contacted them and asked if I could review one.


The DAC itself is slightly wider than one of Schiit Audio’s smallest components, primarily the result of the fancy case. Buttons on the left and headphone sockets on the right form a symmetric pattern on the front panel, which is sloped slightly back. iFi has chosen more creative names for their features — “Power Match” for the gain control and “Truebass” for the bass boost.


For the headphone outputs, the unbalanced one is a standard 6.3mm (1/4”) jack, and the balanced the new 4.4mm Pentaconn. The latter will hopefully become the standard, for balanced at least, in the future. The volume control is a standard potentiometer. On the back, a pair of RCA sockets allow either DAC or pre-amp connectivity, selectable via a switch. A 4.4mm socket is also available for the same purpose as a balanced output, but given how uncommon a 4.4mm to XLR cable is, it’s not particularly helpful.

No doubt helping keep the cost down is that the Zen DAC is USB powered. Uniquely, a USB 3 jack is used on the rear, I gather since USB 3 cables have better noise isolation. One such USB A to B cable is provided. The unique features continue with support for very high-res input of up to both 384 kHz PCM and DSD256 (DSD128 if you own a Mac). MQA is also supported.

At its $130 price point, the features are, in my opinion, considerable overkill. The price is offset, at least for the average consumer, by having to buy an aftermarket cable for one’s headphones to get the most out of the Zen DAC. High-res music, likewise, cannot benefit something this far down in price.

That being said, performance was pleasant to say the least. Unlike some more “digital-sounding” DACs out there, the Zen DAC gave a pleasant rendition of everything I put through it while connected to one of my Macs. Where connection to a device, such as a smart phone, that cannot power the Zen DAC is required, a separate 5V power socket is available for that purpose. Experimentally, I tried comparing it using a 5V linear power supply, but it didn’t seem to improve in performance. Likewise if I powered it through iFi’s own iUSB 3.0 instead of direct from my computer.


With the Drop Sennheiser HD6XX headphones out of the balanced port, the soundstage was somewhat narrow, pushing the already mid-focussed sound with these headphones forward. It was pleasant to listen with, but a far cry from what these headphones are capable of. Connecting the Zen DAC via RCA to a Schiit Magni 3+, the soundstage opened up and the bass became stronger, no doubt a result of the larger amount of power and subsequently more powerful amp.


It was a similar story with other headphones such as the Drop AKG K7XX and HiFiMan Sundara, though less so with the Campfire Audio Cascade, the result of them already having a strong bass output. The limited power of the amp, a result of being USB bus-powered were some countered by the Truebass boost function, which filled in the lower end a bit more.


Ultimately, the Zen DAC is a pretty neat, simple and decent-sounding DAC/amp. While I think at this price point a balanced headphone output is unnecessary, and that a more powerful single-ended output would have been more sensible, performance was sufficient all-round to make it a nice unit for people who want something simple for casual listening to put on their desk, or a basic DAC and pre-amp for something like powered speakers.

Zen DAC is one of the latest iFi products and it's their most affordable desktop DAC to date. It's actually a DAC/headphone amp combo with an USB input and several outputs: single-ended line out, balanced line out, single-ended headphone out and balanced headphone out. Quite a bit for a device costing $129/149€.

It's built like a tank with thick aluminium shell, it's reassuringly weighty too. It lights up when it's connected to PC, it turns down automatically with it even if external power supply is connected. No signal, no need to be powered - smart.

Regarding formats it can handle basically anything you throw at it: Hi-Res PCM, DSD, MQA...



SOUND QUALITY

When I took it out of the box I firstly hooked it up to my room setup which is Cyrus 8v2 integrated amp and AE Aegis Evo 3 speakers. The sound was fluid and kind of laid back. Bass was weighty and pleasantly warm but not as fast and precise as the best in class. Mids were clean and vocals were too, spatially they were laid back - this is not your typical "in your face" Sabre-like sound. Highs were extended and slightly pronounced so Zen sounds positively sparkly and recreates air from the recordings very nicely. All in all I found sound to be fluid and pleasant but not really as precise and engaging as some other DACs (Schiit Modi 3 for example).

GTO to the save

But then I was browsing the official web page and I saw that there's a possibility of installing new firmware on the device, and with it comes a new GTO filter in place of Linear Phase one that comes as a factory default. A minute later my Zen was flashed with latest 5.3c firmware and that's when I really started to like this unit. Everything just came into focus. Bass was still deep but now moved faster and created cleaner, more precise notes. Vocals became better defined and sounded fuller, not as laid back as before, very present. Highs essentially kept their liveliness and airiness. Things that were already very good, like fluidity, were still good. So to my ears, GTO filter is clearly superior and it's addition elevated this DACs sound from good to great.

Now, let's dance

Finally, I decided to try out the Zen's ability to use external power supply. I hooked it up to my self-made SuperTeddyReg based PS and was surprised by the result. Why surprised you ask - well because I try it with every DAC I test but usually it makes very little difference so I usually don't mention it. This time around it was clearly different. Zen reacted to it very nicely, background became darker and notes gained in body and energy making everything sound more realistic and lifelike, putting smile on my face. I liked this newly unleashed fidelity, I liked it very much. Unfortunately I didn't have a chance to try iFi's own low noise wall wart called iPower, but if those can provide similar result as my linear power supply, that would make a great bundle buy.

Headphones

I'm currently not in possession of any demanding headphones but I tried it with what I have: AKG K92, Takstar Pro 82, Tin Audio T2, BLON BL-03... Everything said for sound character on line-out stands here too. Fluid and clean sound with lush bass and sparkly highs. I never felt that I'm lacking power but I do like power match (basically low gain mode) so I can use IEMs more comfortably. Bass boost of course elevates bass and mid bass but is not really my cup of tea so I preferred it on off - Zen has quite enough bass as it is in my opinion.

CONCLUISON

Zen was really interesting experience, great build and functionality, with several layers to it regarding sound quality. Directly from the box it's already very good sounding, but you should definitely spend few minutes to install new firmware with GTO filter which will peel its first layer and get sonud quality to a class leading level. At this moment Zen is already a great buy and very easy recommendation. But if you feel adventures, there is yet another layer to be peeled if you add a low noise power supply to it.

Lastly, I'll share what is probably the best testimony of my impressions about Zen - this unit was loaned to me by iFi for a review but I decided to purchase it and keep it in my system. Is there a better recommendation to give?

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You can check out my website for more reviews - iiwireviews.com
I made a video review too: