[Baten]

Is there sonic upgrade if i connect RCA in to 4.4mm headphone out, as opposed to unbalanced out?

4.4mm will be able to go a lot louder, because balanced can use an amplifier per channel, unbalanced won't be able to achieve same volume.
So, it all depends on power requirement of your headphones. If unbalanced out gives enough juice you're fine, otherwise 4.4mm is worth looking into.

 

[vonbonds]

4.4mm will be able to go a lot louder, because balanced can use an amplifier per channel, unbalanced won't be able to achieve same volume.
So, it all depends on power requirement of your headphones. If unbalanced out gives enough juice you're fine, otherwise 4.4mm is worth looking into.

Why would it matter? The RCA and 4.4mm inputs are just receiving an analogue signal from the DAC or DAP.

 

[starence]

@iFi audio, do you guys make a dual XLR to 4.4mm cable? If not, you’re missing an opportunity.

 

[brendancws]

Why would it matter? The RCA and 4.4mm inputs are just receiving an analogue signal from the DAC or DAP.

So there is no difference between the RCA and 4.4mm for input wise? In that case RCA seems better option since 4.4mm to 4.4mm is not common at this point.

 

[vonbonds]

So there is no difference between the RCA and 4.4mm for input wise? In that case RCA seems better option since 4.4mm to 4.4mm is not common at this point.

I honestly don’t know as I certainly don’t have a 4.4mm interconnect but I can’t imagine it’ll be anything audible if you have quality RCA cables feeding the Zen CAN. I’m no expert by any means and just theorizing.

 

[muscular]

I am expecting difference between RCA and balanced input. Otherwise what's setting a balanced AMP apart? I'm still awaiting my local maker for a custom 4.4mm to 4.4mm interconnect, it certainly is a niche cable at this time.

 

[Bazaar]

I am expecting difference between RCA and balanced input. Otherwise what's setting a balanced AMP apart? I'm still awaiting my local maker for a custom 4.4mm to 4.4mm interconnect, it certainly is a niche cable at this time.

Mind sharing what you're paying for the custom interconnect?

 

[muscular]

Mind sharing what you're paying for the custom interconnect?

I bought from here https://sgaudiohive.com/collections/allegro/products/allegro-interconnects?variant=28066173485136
There are few variations of the cable material, i option for a basic one because i feel its just a short IC.

 

[Bazaar]

thanks...be curious to see how you like it/works...I included the $89 one in my Drop order, but....

 

[Racheski]

I am expecting difference between RCA and balanced input. Otherwise what's setting a balanced AMP apart? I'm still awaiting my local maker for a custom 4.4mm to 4.4mm interconnect, it certainly is a niche cable at this time.

The most significant benefit of a balanced connection between DAC and Amp is the removal of noise/interference due to ground loops.
https://web.mit.edu/jhawk/tmp/p/EST016_Ground_Loops_handout.pdf

 

[ultraman31]

@iFi audio, do you guys make a dual XLR to 4.4mm cable? If not, you’re missing an opportunity.

there's already one on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08BZHX6H7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

 

[KaiFi]

So if I have the Zen DAC would it be worth it to use it as a DAC only and get the Zen CAN for the amp part? Wonder if it would sound noticeably improved...

 

[BWythani]

How can I get this in the US?

 

[muscular]

So if I have the Zen DAC would it be worth it to use it as a DAC only and get the Zen CAN for the amp part? Wonder if it would sound noticeably improved...

I tried both outputs and can hardly hear differences on my hd650 and hd800s. But im using RCA in to my CAN, i'll need to try 4.4mm input to see if there's more improvements.

 

[EdgeOfSound]

How can I get this in the US?

Drop will be selling the Signature version of this. I think they've sold out their first drop. Lots of places like https://bloomaudio.com/collections/desktop/products/ifi-zen-can-desktop-headphone-amplifier. THere's a long list of stockist here in the US https://ifi-audio.com/stockists/americas/