[OCC7N]

@iFi audio

I am curious about the 4.4mm output in the back. ZEN DAC Signature V1/2

Since the dac have the volumeknob Im wondering if it would be possible to connect headphone to it?

(The Arya Organic is 16Ohms Im wondering if it would be a good match for my gaming setup.)

 

[iFi audio]

Since the dac have the volumeknob Im wondering if it would be possible to connect headphone to it?

Technically it's possible, but this is a line-level output, so not something to use with your headphones. This output is to be used with standalone analog amplifiers in cases when you'd like to use your ZEN DAC only as a DAC device. Hope this helps, thanks!

 

[OCC7N]

Technically it's possible, but this is a line-level output, so not something to use with your headphones. This output is to be used with standalone analog amplifiers in cases when you'd like to use your ZEN DAC only as a DAC device. Hope this helps, thanks!

Ok Im wondering what the Zout impedance means vs the output impedance(headphone) on DAC V2

 

[iFi audio]

Ok Im wondering what the Zout impedance means vs the output impedance(headphone) on DAC V2

Line outs have output impedance way higher (200/100Ω for BAL/SE outputs) than headphone outs (<1Ω) because they're meant to work with amps. Hope this helps, thanks!

 

[tamleo]

@iFi audio

I am curious about the 4.4mm output in the back. ZEN DAC Signature V1/2

Since the dac have the volumeknob Im wondering if it would be possible to connect headphone to it?

(The Arya Organic is 16Ohms Im wondering if it would be a good match for my gaming setup.)

I have once tried plugged my Sennheiser 300ohm headphones into the 4.4mm lineout at the back of my Zen dac Signature. It sounded super clean and I quite liked it at first. After a few weeks I started to think something to be not right. It was like the sound being too light , sterile and unengaging so I unplugged my headphones from the dac and used it with my Zen can Signature amplifier again. The sound came back feeling normal to my ears with its weight and sweetness.
I think the reason is the dac’s lineout has not enough current for driving headphones. But I love how versatile and funny the Ifi products bring out.

 

[iFi audio]

It was like the sound being too light , sterile and unengaging so I unplugged my headphones from the dac and used it with my Zen can Signature amplifier again. The sound came back feeling normal to my ears with its weight and sweetness.
I think the reason is the dac’s lineout has not enough current for driving headphones.

Line and headphone outs have very different output impedances, which with connected loads (here I mean cans) with their own impedance results in different damping factors and that ratio can audibly change sound. That's the gist.

 

[Maxpain]

Hello,

I have a question for Ifi if someone can help me out...

Is there a way to verify what version of the firmware is installed on ZEN DAC singnature (V1) without a computer? From zen stream or something?

What firmware is installed on the dac when it comes with factory settings?

I also see that now there is new Xmos 5.5 update that adds ps5 support...is that a plus-download along the gto firmware or its the last firmware that includes gto with it?

Also are we talking about plugging the ZEN DAC on the ps5 usb ports? that is very good news! Is also there a way for ps5 to see zen stream as a bluetooth or airplay endpoint?

Sorry for the whole lot of questions and thanks in advance for your help...


Cheers

 

[Maxpain]

I am bumping it hoping for a response from ifi


Thanks in advance

 

[BS0D]

Hello,

I have a question for Ifi if someone can help me out...

Is there a way to verify what version of the firmware is installed on ZEN DAC singnature (V1) without a computer? From zen stream or something?

What firmware is installed on the dac when it comes with factory settings?

I also see that now there is new Xmos 5.5 update that adds ps5 support...is that a plus-download along the gto firmware or its the last firmware that includes gto with it?

Also are we talking about plugging the ZEN DAC on the ps5 usb ports? that is very good news! Is also there a way for ps5 to see zen stream as a bluetooth or airplay endpoint?

Sorry for the whole lot of questions and thanks in advance for your help...


Cheers

Mac icon>About This Mac>More Info>System Report...>USB>Zen Dac will tell you which firmware installed.

Windows similar way likely.

Factory Firmware anywhere from 5.0 - 7.0. I believe.

Changing Firmware is easy as downloading said Firmware 7.X version you want and flashing the unit. Confirming firmware successfull above steps.

 

[AcousticMatt]

I know it's been discussed already earlier in the thread, but can anyone compare this Zen setup to the iFi Diablo? I've got the Diablo and really love it. I'm wanting a similar sound but in a still small but stationary desktop setup.

I did see on CMA's CanJam London 2023 video that iFi is planning on releasing a new Zen Can and DAC with even better components? Maybe once they're released it'll be the time to buy for me.

 

[OCC7N]

-

 

[iFi audio]

I know it's been discussed already earlier in the thread, but can anyone compare this Zen setup to the iFi Diablo? I've got the Diablo and really love it. I'm wanting a similar sound but in a still small but stationary desktop setup.

I did see on CMA's CanJam London 2023 video that iFi is planning on releasing a new Zen Can and DAC with even better components? Maybe once they're released it'll be the time to buy for me.

New year and I am sure New products to come!

I haven't watched that so thanks for pointing it out! I will look for it to see what was said about it, hopefully, it wasn't confusion with the Pro Studio line.

Cheers!!

 

[AcousticMatt]

New year and I am sure New products to come!

I haven't watched that so thanks for pointing it out! I will look for it to see what was said about it, hopefully, it wasn't confusion with the Pro Studio line.

Cheers!!

I don't think so. He said the Zen bundles with the headphones like the Meze 99, etc. were kind of a "niche within a niche" so these new versions were going to be the same or similar, with better capacitors, etc. but without the attachment to need to use it with specific headphones.

 

[iFi audio]

I don't think so. He said the Zen bundles with the headphones like the Meze 99, etc. were kind of a "niche within a niche" so these new versions were going to be the same or similar, with better capacitors, etc. but without the attachment to need to use it with specific headphones.

Yes, Thanks for that I actually just watched it, I honestly forgot I had watched it.

I am not aware of any specifics at the moment, but if they were there they certainly should be this year!

Cheers!!

 

[tamleo]

I know it's been discussed already earlier in the thread, but can anyone compare this Zen setup to the iFi Diablo? I've got the Diablo and really love it. I'm wanting a similar sound but in a still small but stationary desktop setup.

I did see on CMA's CanJam London 2023 video that iFi is planning on releasing a new Zen Can and DAC with even better components? Maybe once they're released it'll be the time to buy for me.

Many of my friends said the original diablo sounded clean, powerful but dry, insipid and flat. The zen sig and the idsd sig (blue one) give a more substance and layer into the sound