iFi audio - Introducing the ZEN DAC Signature V2 and ZEN CAN Signature HFM, Perfectly Balanced As All Things Should Be!
Nov 6, 2021 at 2:41 AM Post #106 of 212
So, after listening to zen dac connected to zen stream and apple music i can definetly say it reminds me of ifi idad black which i sold a year ago. Kinda the same sound detail, punch. I m fairly sensible to treble and sharp sounds i can definetly say i really enjoyed Tchaikovsky’s violin concerto without fatigue. The dac feeds exposure amp and qacoustics concept 20 speakers.
Will try some DSD to judge better.
I am very happy although i haven t listen to the standard Zen dac to make a comparison.
 
Nov 7, 2021 at 3:03 AM Post #107 of 212
@iFi audio hello,
My zen dac signature started having noise after 4 months since my buying. The noise is not continuous but periodic. It sounds like the pop noise on old vinyl or damaged cd. The noise is loud and so often that I can’t use my Zen dag sig on my laptop anymore. It worked better on my PC but I still heard the noise (small though) when the music isn’t in bussy passages with many treble and bass notes. I changed many usb cables but it didn't help. Is my Zen dac sig broken? Tks
 
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Nov 10, 2021 at 5:41 PM Post #108 of 212
I am looking for a pure sedentary dac with RCA Line out and mqa full decode to put on a pc with roon on it.
The zen dac v2 signature could be the solution.
I will think about it.

I have few questions :
- i already own a zen Can V1. Can i connect the dac v2 signature to it, to listen to my iems or my headphones ?
- someone compare the zen dac v2 normal vs the signature ? The loss of the amplifier does make a purer sound on the signature ?
- there are no ON/off button ? Or is it the knob?
- the external power is it useful to connect to a computer ? Or USB IS enough ? The sound is better with the external power ?
- Can i use the external power of the zen Can and vice and versa ?



Thanks
 
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Nov 10, 2021 at 10:20 PM Post #109 of 212
I am looking for a pure sedentary dac with RCA Line out and mqa full decode to put on a pc with roon on it.
The zen dac v2 signature could be the solution.
I will think about it.

I have few questions :
- i already own a zen Can V1. Can i connect the dac v2 signature to it, to listen to my iems or my headphones ?
- someone compare the zen dac v2 normal vs the signature ? The loss of the amplifier does make a purer sound on the signature ?
- there are no ON/off button ? Or is it the knob?
- the external power is it useful to connect to a computer ? Or USB IS enough ? The sound is better with the external power ?
- Can i use the external power of the zen Can and vice and versa ?



Thanks
Many said the signature v1 dac is better than the normal v2 dac so the signature v2 dac would be certainly better
It is only the knob. Not using the knob brings a better sound quality to my ears
I am not sure about the power on my signature v1 dac, even after I unplug the power adapter the dac still works like nothing happens. And the led lights on the power adapter still sights (it draws the current from the dac now drawing current from the usb port). since I installed the 5.3c firmware I cannot detect any difference in term of sound quality between usb-powered mode and external-powered mode anymore
 
Nov 24, 2021 at 9:06 PM Post #111 of 212

https://ifi-audio.com/products/zen-dac-signature-v2/

https://ifi-audio.com/products/zen-can-signature-hfm/

Even purer DAC performance.


The ZEN DAC Signature V2 has been improved to offer an even greater, purer listening experience.

Just like the original, its sole purpose is to feed an external amp, be it a headphone amp, or an amp and speakers.

Unlike the original, it has a 16 core XMOS chip instead of 8. This new and improved digital engine is more powerful than ever. We’ve also upgraded the clock circuitry to enhance the purist, audiophile design even further.

Enjoy music without any distortion or colouration.

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Balanced. Blissfully quiet.

The ZEN DAC Signature V2 incorporates boutique parts and circuitry inspired by the £3,000 iFi Pro range.

It sports a fully-symmetrical, true differential balanced dual-mono signal stage with direct signal paths to ensure optimal signal purity.

The new low jitter crystal clock means >20dB better noise reduction. The ZEN DAC Signature V2 will remain quiet wherever it’s used.

Outstanding components including C0G capacitors from TDK, Panasonic OS-CON and ELNA Slimic II capacitors complete the design.

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A ‘Bit’ special…​

The ZEN DAC Signature V2’s digital stage retains its True Native DAC architecture. It delivers Bit-Perfect up to 32-bit/384kHz and native DSD up to DSD256 as well as DXD.

The iFi-programmed XMOS chip, which processes data received at the USB input, and jitter-eradicating, audiophile-grade oscillators, contribute to exemplary handling of digital audio signals as they are received, processed and converted to analogue form.

16 core means more…​

MQA an award-winning British technology that delivers the sound of the original master recording.

Thanks to the processing power of the new 16 core XMOS chip, the ZEN DAC Signature V2 is now a full MQA decoder.

The ZEN DAC Signature V2 includes MQA technology, which enables you to play back MQA audio files and streams, delivering the sound of the original master recording. The LED glows green or blue to indicate that the unit is decoding and playing an MQA stream or file, and denotes provenance to ensure that the sound is identical to that of the source material. It glows blue to indicate it is playing an MQA Studio file, which has either been approved in the studio by the artist/producer or has been verified by the copyright owner.


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Confident connections​

You can trust in accurate, jitter free data transfer from your source device. The USB Type B input is asynchronous, meaning that the data rate is regulated solely by the ZEN DAC Signature V2’s specialised, and now upgraded, audio clock circuitry.

A pair of RCA sockets provide a single-ended connection to an amp and a Pentaconn 4.4mm output enables balanced signal transfer between compact products that cannot accommodate traditional, bulky XLR connections.

The full benefit of the ZEN DAC Signature V2’s balanced circuit design can be heard when connected to an amp or active speakers equipped with a balanced input. This can be

Crucial combo.​

The ZEN DAC Signature V2 works well with both the ZEN CAN Signature 6XX and the new ZEN CAN Signature HFM model.

These products can be bought separately or as special ZEN Signature Sets, either 6XX or HFM. The sets include a high-performance 4.4mm Pentaconn cable to connect the units together.

When used together, the two ZEN Signatures make a fantastic, desktop-sized headphone system for both digital and analogue sources, further extending the reputation of iFi’s ZEN Signature Series for delivering exceptional performance and versatility at remarkable prices.

https://ifi-audio.com/products/zen-can-signature-hfm/

Your own personal Signature

Love your HIFIMAN headphones? Then the ZEN CAN Signature HFM analogue headphone amplifier with ActivEQ is for you

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Finely tuned.​


The original ZEN CAN, our all-analogue headphone amplifier, had the ability to drive tough headphone loads with a balanced circuit design, vanishingly low levels of distortion and exceptional sonics. The ZEN CAN Signature 6XX pushed this design even further with sonic tailoring specific to the ‘MassDrop x Sennheiser HD 6XX headphone’.
Now, we’ve finely tuned a brand new ZEN CAN Signature to work with HIFIMANheadphones – the ZEN CAN Signature HFM.

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iFi’s ActivEQ​

Our ActivEQ feature combines active and passive components to create a specific EQ curve to suit a particular pair of headphones. This is performed in the analogue domain without adding any additional noise or distortion.

The ZEN CAN Signature HFM features an ActivEQ finely tuned towards HIFIMAN’s planar headphones.

HIFIMAN headphones offer remarkable transparency and present wide-open sound staging. The ZEN CAN Signature HFM enhances the texture of the deep bass and injects more immediacy into the upper mid-range.

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One EQ. Many models.​

Pressing the HFM button on the ZEN CAN Signature HFM calibrates its signal to complement the headphone’s response characteristics right across the frequency range. This then tunes its performance to work with HIFIMAN headphones.

Excellent results are found with the Sundara, HE-4XX, HE-400S, Edition X, HE-5 headphones to name but a few. Take a look at our HIFIMAN Curve and Compatibility chart.
As with our previous ZEN CAN Signature model, this feature can be switched on or off. Without ActivEQ engaged, the ZEN CAN Signature HFM’s performance is cleverly balanced to bring out the best in all other headphones and in-ear monitors.

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Nothing beats Balanced​

The ZEN CAN Signature HFM’s circuitry is a balanced, symmetrical dual-mono design – a topology usually reserved for high-end headphone amps – with a number of key elements trickled down from the discrete Class A circuitry developed for iFi’s flagship headphone amplifier, the Pro iCAN.

Key components have been upgraded to enhance performance in line with the improvements made to the ZEN CAN Signature HFM, including the use of Panasonic OS-CON and Elna Silmic II capacitors.

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Cracking combo​

The ZEN CAN Signature HFM can be combined with the new ZEN DAC Signature V2.

You can buy each unit separately and a ‘ZEN Signature HFM Set’ is also available. This includes both ZEN Signature units plus a high-performance 4.4mm Pentaconn cable(worth £69 when purchased separately) to connect them together.

When used together, the two ZEN Signatures make an unbeatable, desktop-sized headphone system for both digital and analogue listening.

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Nov 24, 2021 at 9:08 PM Post #112 of 212
Excellent review!
 
Nov 26, 2021 at 12:23 PM Post #113 of 212
My zen dac signature started having noise 4 months since I bought it. The noise sounds like the popping noise on old vinyl or scratched CD. I tried the dac on both my laptop and my PC and the noise was still there (though it was smaller on my PC). My dongle and Schiit dac work flawlessly so I don’t think the USB ports on my laptop and my PC are broken. What should I do? I found IFI has been selling some noise-cancellation products such as Idefender, Isilencer..but I don’t know if they works on my case. Anyone here has that noise problem with Zen dac sig? Thanks
 
Nov 26, 2021 at 12:58 PM Post #114 of 212
My zen dac signature started having noise 4 months since I bought it. The noise sounds like the popping noise on old vinyl or scratched CD. I tried the dac on both my laptop and my PC and the noise was still there (though it was smaller on my PC). My dongle and Schiit dac work flawlessly so I don’t think the USB ports on my laptop and my PC are broken. What should I do? I found IFI has been selling some noise-cancellation products such as Idefender, Isilencer..but I don’t know if they works on my case. Anyone here has that noise problem with Zen dac sig? Thanks

My Zen Dac Signature version 1 and Zen Can Signature HD6XX work fine. Have been using them via a 4.4 mm balanced cable,
and I really like how they synergize with my Sennheiser HD6XX headphones. I'd call iFi Audio and ask for their advice. Especially if
your system is still under warranty. Best of luck!
 
Nov 29, 2021 at 1:56 PM Post #115 of 212
My Zen Dac Signature version 1 and Zen Can Signature HD6XX work fine. Have been using them via a 4.4 mm balanced cable,
and I really like how they synergize with my Sennheiser HD6XX headphones. I'd call iFi Audio and ask for their advice. Especially if
your system is still under warranty. Best of luck!
Tks for your rep. After many hours trying many change (cable, software settings..) I found out a solution for the problem. That is lowering the latency's value on Buffer setting tab in Ifi HD usb control app to "standard" or lesser value :frowning2:( I had set it to minimum latency so that the popping noise occurred
 
Dec 9, 2021 at 12:54 PM Post #116 of 212
@iFi audio : For clarity sake's please:

1) SIGNATURE ZEN CAN comes with improved caps and design over widely available older vanilla ZEN CAN?

2) 6XX & HFM SIGNATURE ZEN CAN's are perfectly identical apart from the built-EQ that's activated if you turn it on? So w/o the 6XX/HFM feature turned on, they will both sound perfectly identical on whatever headphone?

Thank you,
 
Dec 12, 2021 at 5:14 AM Post #117 of 212
Got the ZEN Signature Hfm Set recently. Of my 3 Hifimans HE-500, HE-560 and Edition X I think the Zen Can Signature Hfm has the best synergy with Edition X, I am really enjoying this pairing.

Been using both the Zen DAC Signature V2 and SMSL VMV D1se. Both work well in this pairing but are different sounding. The iFi DAC seems to have their BurrBrown house sound to my ears, i have the iFi Micro iDSD silver and plan to do some comparisons later. While the SMSL DAC sounds smoother, bit more buttery and relaxed. Havent decided which I prefer with the ZEN Can Hfm and Edition X. And maybe I never will, cant always pick a winner
:thinking:


Not running balanced yet throughout the chain, need some new cables and adapters.

D1SE_ZEN_Can_EditionX.jpeg
 
Dec 12, 2021 at 8:11 AM Post #118 of 212
Got the ZEN Signature Hfm Set recently. Of my 3 Hifimans HE-500, HE-560 and Edition X I think the Zen Can Signature Hfm has the best synergy with Edition X, I am really enjoying this pairing.

Been using both the Zen DAC Signature V2 and SMSL VMV D1se. Both work well in this pairing but are different sounding. The iFi DAC seems to have their BurrBrown house sound to my ears, i have the iFi Micro iDSD silver and plan to do some comparisons later. While the SMSL DAC sounds smoother, bit more buttery and relaxed. Havent decided which I prefer with the ZEN Can Hfm and Edition X. And maybe I never will, cant always pick a winner
:thinking:


Not running balanced yet throughout the chain, need some new cables and adapters.

D1SE_ZEN_Can_EditionX.jpeg
Glad to hear it's working out well for you! I use my Zen Can Signature 6XX with my Sennheiser HD6XX and they are a great pairing.
The Zen Can Signature 6XX also works very well with my Hifiman HE4XX.
 
Dec 12, 2021 at 11:40 AM Post #120 of 212

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