[iFi audio]

So please hurry your firmware guys along because we all need the LDAC to work fully

It can't be rushed, but needs to work as intended. Worry not, we're on it. When we can get back to this community about any updates, we surely will!

 

[iFi audio]

We'll just leave it here...

 

[iFi audio]

First in the world with the very latest QC5100 series Bluetooth chipset. And we’ve maxed it out!

Bluetooth technology is advancing at such a rapid rate that all manufacturers are doing their utmost to keep pace.

Here at iFi audio, we are pleased to announce that we are the very FIRST in the world to use the QC5100 series chip in high-end audio equipment.



And there’s more. This Bluetooth chipset is so new, we have had to integrate the LDAC (Sony) and HWA (Huwai) coding ourselves in-house via our own software team.

So, enough of the unashamed trumpet blowing. Why is this important?

Firstly, the processing power of the Q5100 series chipset is TWICE as good as the previous 8675 series chipset launched back in 2015. This means improved sound quality over Bluetooth. Plus, with the aptX Adaptive codec too, it is at the very cutting-edge of Bluetooth technology.

Secondly, it means that you can get your hands on this very latest Bluetooth tech at an affordable price. Better tech equals better sound quality. Our ZEN Blue and Aurora are the first high-end audio products in the world to use the QC5100 Bluetooth system. It simply isn’t available in any other audio product.

And, as stated earlier, we added the highly sought after LDAC and HWA codecs. We’ve left no stone unturned to bring you the very latest and greatest in Bluetooth technology.

A bit more on the Qualcomm family

The very latest Qualcomm audio range of Bluetooth chipsets, the 5100 series launched in 2019. The older 8675 series launched back in 2015.

The table below outlines the main differences between them.



About iFi audio products

iFi make a range of portable and desktop DAC/amps and, whether you choose the entry-level but feature-packed ZEN Blue, or the stunning all-in-one bamboo-clad Aurora, both released very recently, you’ll be able to stream all the very latest hi-res Bluetooth formats.

This includes Qualcomm’s aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, Sony’s LDAC, Huawei’s HWA, Apple’s favoured format, AAC and SBC, the standard Bluetooth codec.

We’ve got your Bluetooth needs covered.

 

[heinz2003]

I have a beginner question, hope you can help me.
Have the following Setup:
PC (Win 10), which needs to be connected to my HiFi amplifier wirelessly.
I am looking for a transmitter to be used with my PC per USB and streaming to my amplifier, as said, not cable connected.
Is that possible with ifi Zen?

As I am looking for a new amplifier: Could I use one of the Zen products to act as a receiver?
With other words: One transmitter for my PC and a receiver for the - still not sold - amplifier.
Important for me: best possible sound......

Thanks a lot in advance for help and best regards
heinz

 

[guglia72]

As far as I know, the Zen blue is just a receiver, so you can connect it to your amp but you have to find a transmitter.

 

[dharmasteve]

I have a beginner question, hope you can help me.
Have the following Setup:
PC (Win 10), which needs to be connected to my HiFi amplifier wirelessly.
I am looking for a transmitter to be used with my PC per USB and streaming to my amplifier, as said, not cable connected.
Is that possible with ifi Zen?

As I am looking for a new amplifier: Could I use one of the Zen products to act as a receiver?
With other words: One transmitter for my PC and a receiver for the - still not sold - amplifier.
Important for me: best possible sound......

Thanks a lot in advance for help and best regards
heinz

The iFi Zen Blue is a receiver, so you can connect it to your amplifier. My amplifier is analogue so I use an RCA cable to connect the Zen Blue to my amp which is connected to my speakers. You can connect it digitally too to suit your equipment.
You can use a phone, a tablet, a laptop, a PC or a DAP to transmit a Bluetooth signal to the Zen Blue receiver. It sounds very good. I use LDAC codec which gives exceptional sound quality.

 

[heinz2003]

Thanks a lot for your answer.
Is my understanding correct, that none of these iFI Zen products can work as a transmitter (which would be a pitty...)
Or is there something else from ifi Zen, I should consider?
heinz

The iFi Zen Blue is a receiver, so you can connect it to your amplifier. My amplifier is analogue so I use an RCA cable to connect the Zen Blue to my amp which is connected to my speakers. You can connect it digitally too to suit your equipment.
You can use a phone, a tablet, a laptop, a PC or a DAP to transmit a Bluetooth signal to the Zen Blue receiver. It sounds very good. I use LDAC codec which gives exceptional sound quality.

 

[dharmasteve]

Thanks a lot for your answer.
Is my understanding correct, that none of these iFI Zen products can work as a transmitter (which would be a pitty...)
Or is there something else from ifi Zen, I should consider?
heinz

I'm not totally sure what you want to do?

 

[heinz2003]

I am looking for a transmitter, which transmits - connected with USB on my PC - datas / files to my HiFi amplifier.
heinz

 

[dharmasteve]

I am looking for a transmitter, which transmits - connected with USB on my PC - datas / files to my HiFi amplifier.
heinz

Has your PC not got bluetooth?

 

[dharmasteve]

I am looking for a transmitter, which transmits - connected with USB on my PC - datas / files to my HiFi amplifier.
heinz

You can buy many Bluetooth transmitter USB Dongles on Amazon. If you want to play music from your PC you will still need a receiver for your amplifier unless the amp has built in bluetooth.

 

[heinz2003]

Hhmm, I thought the Zen could also work as transmitter connected to my PC, which has no Bluetooth.
It seems not possible.

Are there any recommendations for a USB PC transmitter, working with aptx 5.0 in order to send the files with best audio quality to the Zen receiver connected with my HiFi amplifier?

 

[iFi audio]

Hhmm, I thought the Zen could also work as transmitter connected to my PC, which has no Bluetooth.
It seems not possible.

Are there any recommendations for a USB PC transmitter, working with aptx 5.0 in order to send the files with best audio quality to the Zen receiver connected with my HiFi amplifier?

Our iONE and ZEN Blue are receivers. They accept BT signal from i.e. your phone, tablet etc., but don't send BT signal to another BT device. The best way would be to connect ZEN Blue to your amp, and send signal to ZEN Blue from a BT transmitter connected to your PC/laptop. There's no other way.

 

[dharmasteve]

Hhmm, I thought the Zen could also work as transmitter connected to my PC, which has no Bluetooth.
It seems not possible.

Are there any recommendations for a USB PC transmitter, working with aptx 5.0 in order to send the files with best audio quality to the Zen receiver connected with my HiFi amplifier?

You can get a Bluetooth USB transmitter dongle for your PC from Amazon. If you view by ratings some are good and cheap. Then you could use a Zen Blue connected to your amp. Aptx is good, Aptx-HD is better, LDAC is even better and higher quality. What I do is stream from my phone using Amazon HD (or Tidal or Spotify) to the Zen Blue receiver connected to my amp. If you want to play your PC music you will need to get a transmitter for your PC, but you will need to be sure the transmitter has a strong enough signal.

 

[JM22681]

Wow - I just got one of these and installed it in my car. In case it helps anyone, I have confirmed it takes a 5.5mm x 2.1mm (aka barrel tip) DC power, and I found a cable on Amazon that adapts to USB type-A for my unique use case.

I was trying the FiiO BTR5 for the past few weeks and despite it being geared towards headphones, this thing blows it away and I’m amazed with the quality.

@iFi audio - is there any ETA on LDAC firmware, and can you elaborate on how it will be delivered to the unit? I’m assuming OTA via iOS/Droid phone and a new app yet to be published?