[headpmaniac]

Hi all,

Like the title says, I have the iFi ZEN DAC that serves me very well to listen my HI-Res FLAC files on my computer.

I really like the sound but I've never had another dedicated DAC/AMP to compare

I understand that the ZEN DAC amp section is not it's strong point, so enter the ZEN CAN which I'm debating if it's worth, with my current and future setup getting.

Now, my problem... I don't have demanding high-end headphones (have the Sennheiser HD599, Momentum 2 over-ear and AKG K242MkII).

I might be getting in the future something like:
- Hifiman Sundara
- AKG K702 or 712
- Beyer Dynamic DT880 or 990 (250 ohm)
- Sennheiser HD600/650

Given the headphones I have and plan to have, do you think the ZEN CAN would make a HUGE difference in sound from the ZEN DAC alone? Like, night and day? Or subtle differences only heard on high-end headphones?

Shure, the 3D and the Bass boost are cool (but I already have a bass boos on the ZEN DAC), but seems a lot to spend just for this, if the sound improvement is not THAT significant.

I really don't need an amp to drive a 600 ohm headphone, as I don't plan buying one, but would the Sundara, HD600/650, K702/712 and/or DT880/990 (250 ohm) really benefit from the ZEN CAN?

Opinions?

Thanks in advance!

 

[iFi audio]

I understand that the ZEN DAC amp section is not it's strong point, so enter the ZEN CAN which I'm debating if it's worth, with my current and future setup getting.

If you'd like to push sound quality further, then ZEN DAC is the natural upgrade. And the tougher headphones you connect to it, the more beneficial and worth its asking price this purchase will be

As for cans, for example HD600/650 and/or DT880/990 would be very happy with ZEN CAN nearby

 

[headpmaniac]

If you'd like to push sound quality further, then ZEN DAC is the natural upgrade. And the tougher headphones you connect to it, the more beneficial and worth its asking price this purchase will be

As for cans, for example HD600/650 and/or DT880/990 would be very happy with ZEN CAN nearby

Thanks iFi!

Anyone else?

 

[headpmaniac]

Anyone who has the Zen Dac and the Can?

 

[MSA1133]

I do!

The Zen Can pushes the Zen Dac to another level, just make sure to connect the Can via iFi iPower wall wart and enjoy!

It's a fantastic combination for the price! Plus, the xbass and 3D buttons on the Zen Can are a guilty pleasure of mine

 

[iFi audio]

I do!

The Zen Can pushes the Zen Dac to another level, just make sure to connect the Can via iFi iPower wall wart and enjoy!

It's a fantastic combination for the price! Plus, the xbass and 3D buttons on the Zen Can are a guilty pleasure of mine

Thanks and enjoy

Thanks iFi!

Sure, anytime

 

[headpmaniac]

I do!

The Zen Can pushes the Zen Dac to another level, just make sure to connect the Can via iFi iPower wall wart and enjoy!

It's a fantastic combination for the price! Plus, the xbass and 3D buttons on the Zen Can are a guilty pleasure of mine

Thanks for the reply!

Is the Can iPower wall wart the standard one or the limited one bundled with the 1000 units (Special Edition, I think)?

Also, is the xbass on the Can the same as the bass boost on the Zen Dac?

 

[MSA1133]

Thanks for the reply!

Is the Can iPower wall wart the standard one or the limited one bundled with the 1000 units (Special Edition, I think)?

Also, is the xbass on the Can the same as the bass boost on the Zen Dac?

I ordered a combo Zen Dac and Can from headphones.com and it had the iPower inside the Can box

I honestly felt the xbass on the Can is better. It doesn't elevate the bass as much as it adds extra presence and rumble to the track. It's quite fun!

 

[iFi audio]

I honestly felt the xbass on the Can is better. It doesn't elevate the bass as much as it adds extra presence and rumble to the track. It's quite fun!

Yes, with headphones ZEN CAN is better than ZEN DAC, especially when they're connected via 4.4mm and used as balanced devices

 

[shampoosuicide]

I own both units, and my answer is a resounding yes.

I compared the balanced headphone out on both units with headphones and IEMs.

Even with IEMs, there are significant improvements in terms of soundstage, precision, resolution, separation, and bass control with the ZEN CAN versus the ZEN DAC.

 

[iFi audio]

I own both units, and my answer is a resounding yes.

I compared the balanced headphone out on both units with headphones and IEMs.

Even with IEMs, there are significant improvements in terms of soundstage, precision, resolution, separation, and bass control with the ZEN CAN versus the ZEN DAC.

Thanks

 

[227qed]

Not sure I’m in the right place, but since ifi is active here I’ll go ahead.
Has anyone compared the zen can to the micro ican? Are there any meaningful improvements to the circuitry?

 

[iFi audio]

Has anyone compared the zen can to the micro ican? Are there any meaningful improvements to the circuitry?

micro iDSD is one of our oldest products and ZEN CAN is fairly new and based on a fully balanced platform that's also new, so I'd say that differences between these two are quite substantial.

 

[WaveTheory]

Hi all,

Like the title says, I have the iFi ZEN DAC that serves me very well to listen my HI-Res FLAC files on my computer.

I really like the sound but I've never had another dedicated DAC/AMP to compare

I understand that the ZEN DAC amp section is not it's strong point, so enter the ZEN CAN which I'm debating if it's worth, with my current and future setup getting.

Now, my problem... I don't have demanding high-end headphones (have the Sennheiser HD599, Momentum 2 over-ear and AKG K242MkII).

I might be getting in the future something like:
- Hifiman Sundara
- AKG K702 or 712
- Beyer Dynamic DT880 or 990 (250 ohm)
- Sennheiser HD600/650

Given the headphones I have and plan to have, do you think the ZEN CAN would make a HUGE difference in sound from the ZEN DAC alone? Like, night and day? Or subtle differences only heard on high-end headphones?

Shure, the 3D and the Bass boost are cool (but I already have a bass boos on the ZEN DAC), but seems a lot to spend just for this, if the sound improvement is not THAT significant.

I really don't need an amp to drive a 600 ohm headphone, as I don't plan buying one, but would the Sundara, HD600/650, K702/712 and/or DT880/990 (250 ohm) really benefit from the ZEN CAN?

Opinions?

Thanks in advance!

The CAN will be a clear step up from the Zen Dac's internal amp, yes. Is it worth it? That I struggle with. If you're in a country where you can easily obtain Schiit products, I have a very difficult time recommending the CAN and would strongly recommend you spend $30 more for Asgard 3. I've written at length about why:

https://forum.hifiguides.com/t/ifi-zen-can-headphone-amplifier/19585/3

https://forum.hifiguides.com/t/get-amped-wavetheorys-roundup-of-most-200-head-amps/19690

Whatever you decide(ed) I hope you enjoy!

 

[iFi audio]

https://forum.hifiguides.com/t/ifi-zen-can-headphone-amplifier/19585/3

Thanks for the link, I'll take a look