Mike Foley
500+ Head-Fier
That’s a positive in my book!Multibit will likely result in bad measurements from ASR and the likes
iFi Audio Zen Dac 3... Plug In, World Out!
- Thread starter iFi audio
- Start date
KaiFi
500+ Head-Fier
I love the warm Burr Brown house sound. I’ll be looking forward to hearing that again.
BeowulfTheFoldin
New Head-Fier
kinda seems like sidegrade with some minor quality of life differences, wouldve hoped for abit mroe of a boost in stats or an upgraded chipset from the brown burr stuff especially if it costs more then the v2 does now, theres r2r and akm stuff once you break into the mid 200s
Plug In. World Out.
The Award-winning DAC/headphone amplifier for Home and Office.
Fresh New Look. Unleash Every Music Detail.
The ZEN DAC 3 serves as your gateway to the world of high-resolution music, offering support for sample rates of up to 768kHz. This future-proof feature ensures full compatibility with all music formats available on streaming platforms, bringing you the best in sound quality.
Equipped with a built-in headphone amplifier and the versatility to function both as a DAC and a DAC/Pre, this all-encompassing device is the only piece of equipment you’ll need on your desk. It seamlessly connects to headphones, preamplifiers, integrated amplifiers, or active speakers, offering a comprehensive audio solution for home and office.
Refined to Perfection.
The acclaimed ZEN DAC series has garnered numerous awards, including being named WHAT Hi-Fi?’s Best DAC under £200 for four consecutive years.
The ZEN DAC 3 continues its legendary status by doubling its high-resolution support up to 768kHz, DSD512, and MQA decoding capabilities.
The USB-C connectivity streamlines cable management and provides USB input overvoltage protection, safeguarding it against potential harm. Moreover, a significant reduction in DC offset minimises audio clicks when adjusting settings. These improvements propel the ZEN DAC 3 to new heights of audio excellence.
Powering Your Headphones
The ZEN DAC 3 goes beyond being just a USB DAC, boasting a built-in headphone amplifier equipped with both balanced 4.4mm and SE 6.3mm headphone outputs.
With its high-performance 390mW headphone output power, you can use it with a broad range of headphones.
XBass+ is a switchable pure analogue signal processing mode designed to enhance the bass without compromising the clarity of the mid-range. It is perfect for use with IEMs or open-back headphones, which may lack bass response.
The amplifier stage includes a switchable gain feature called PowerMatch, which provides a gain boost for more demanding headphones.If you have headphones that demand even more power, you can connect the ZEN DAC 3 to the ZEN CAN headphone amplifier using a 4.4mm to 4.4mm balanced cable, stacking them up as a ZEN system.
DACtivate your speakers and amplifier.
The ZEN DAC 3 features a Variable or Fixed output switch.
In Variable mode, adjust volume using the knob when connecting directly to active speakers via our 4.4mm to XLR cable or RCA cables.
Use Fixed mode for connecting line outputs to a receiver or main amplifier.
The ZEN DAC 3 is the most versatile USB DAC in its class, offering multiple usage options.
USB-C Powered, Upgradeable Performance.
The ZEN DAC 3, powered by USB-C, simplifying cable management. However, for audiophiles seeking to elevate their system, the 5V power input offers an upgrade path.
When an external power supply is connected, the USB-C port will only transmit data, ensuring a purer signal.
The iFi iPower2 is an ultra-quiet, ultra-clean audiophile-grade power supply, featuring Active Noise Cancellation II technology to cancel out all incoming EMI and RFI noise, you’ll never feel powerless against noise and graininess again.
It is more than 10 times quieter than most audiophile power supplies.
The XMOS 16-Core chip processes the audio data received via the USB* digital input.
This new low-latency XMOS microcontroller has greatly enhanced processing power. Compared to the current generation of eight-core chips, this new 16-core IC delivers double the clock speed (2000MIPS) and four times the memory (512KB), as well as the latest SuperSpeed USB standard.
iFi’s in-house digital development team has programmed the XMOS firmware to optimise sound quality and ensure a perfect partnership with the Burr-Brown DAC.
The Burr-Brown True Native® chipset means file formats remain unchanged or ‘bit-perfect’. This means you are listening to music as the artist intended in the format in which it was recorded.
At iFi we use Burr Brown extensively in our products having selected it for its natural-sounding ‘musicality’ and True Native architecture. Our experience with this IC means we know how to make the most of it.
MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is supported through the USB with full decoding of MQA files up to 384kHz thanks to the processing power of the new 16-core XMOS chip.
Check out how to set up your MQA decoder via Tidal, Roon and Audirvana here.
This means that the full ‘three unfold’ decoding process is performed internally, as opposed to only the final unfold in the manner of an MQA ‘renderer’.
Globally, MQA has become an important consideration for any comprehensively equipped DAC. It is available through for Tidal Masters, Audirvana and Roon.
It is a superior method to the traditional single-ended circuit approach. Balanced circuits reduce noise and crosstalk. Less Interference – clearer sound.
You normally find this set-up in products at the higher end of the price spectrum such as the Pro iCAN Signature but iFi is now using this across its range to produce the best quality audio for all our customers.
Sonically superior – richer, deeper.
The XBass® analogue bass correction system corrects for the missing headphone/speaker bass response.
Extensive jitter-eradication technologies are applied to the digital stage, including our GMT (Global Master Timing) femto-precision clock and the intelligent memory buffer.
The low-jitter crystal clock has been updated to provide >20dB better performance
For more info visit us here...
ZEN DAC 3
Cheers!!
BeowulfTheFoldin
New Head-Fier
Kinda wish theyd move away from it, its not all that resolving of a dac and for abit more you can get akm and even some r2r stuff that kinda just smacks the dac in it
BeowulfTheFoldin
New Head-Fier
also kinda wonder if its the xbass you find on the higher end ifi stuff or if its the stuff you find on zen cans that sounds worse then the trubass on zen dac v2s
Plug In. World Out.
The Award-winning DAC/headphone amplifier for Home and Office.
Fresh New Look. Unleash Every Music Detail.
The ZEN DAC 3 serves as your gateway to the world of high-resolution music, offering support for sample rates of up to 768kHz. This future-proof feature ensures full compatibility with all music formats available on streaming platforms, bringing you the best in sound quality.
Equipped with a built-in headphone amplifier and the versatility to function both as a DAC and a DAC/Pre, this all-encompassing device is the only piece of equipment you’ll need on your desk. It seamlessly connects to headphones, preamplifiers, integrated amplifiers, or active speakers, offering a comprehensive audio solution for home and office.
Refined to Perfection.
The acclaimed ZEN DAC series has garnered numerous awards, including being named WHAT Hi-Fi?’s Best DAC under £200 for four consecutive years.
The ZEN DAC 3 continues its legendary status by doubling its high-resolution support up to 768kHz, DSD512, and MQA decoding capabilities.
The USB-C connectivity streamlines cable management and provides USB input overvoltage protection, safeguarding it against potential harm. Moreover, a significant reduction in DC offset minimises audio clicks when adjusting settings. These improvements propel the ZEN DAC 3 to new heights of audio excellence.
Powering Your Headphones
The ZEN DAC 3 goes beyond being just a USB DAC, boasting a built-in headphone amplifier equipped with both balanced 4.4mm and SE 6.3mm headphone outputs.
With its high-performance 390mW headphone output power, you can use it with a broad range of headphones.
XBass+ is a switchable pure analogue signal processing mode designed to enhance the bass without compromising the clarity of the mid-range. It is perfect for use with IEMs or open-back headphones, which may lack bass response.
The amplifier stage includes a switchable gain feature called PowerMatch, which provides a gain boost for more demanding headphones.If you have headphones that demand even more power, you can connect the ZEN DAC 3 to the ZEN CAN headphone amplifier using a 4.4mm to 4.4mm balanced cable, stacking them up as a ZEN system.
DACtivate your speakers and amplifier.
The ZEN DAC 3 features a Variable or Fixed output switch.
In Variable mode, adjust volume using the knob when connecting directly to active speakers via our 4.4mm to XLR cable or RCA cables.
Use Fixed mode for connecting line outputs to a receiver or main amplifier.
The ZEN DAC 3 is the most versatile USB DAC in its class, offering multiple usage options.
USB-C Powered, Upgradeable Performance.
The ZEN DAC 3, powered by USB-C, simplifying cable management. However, for audiophiles seeking to elevate their system, the 5V power input offers an upgrade path.
When an external power supply is connected, the USB-C port will only transmit data, ensuring a purer signal.
The iFi iPower2 is an ultra-quiet, ultra-clean audiophile-grade power supply, featuring Active Noise Cancellation II technology to cancel out all incoming EMI and RFI noise, you’ll never feel powerless against noise and graininess again.
It is more than 10 times quieter than most audiophile power supplies.
The XMOS 16-Core chip processes the audio data received via the USB* digital input.
This new low-latency XMOS microcontroller has greatly enhanced processing power. Compared to the current generation of eight-core chips, this new 16-core IC delivers double the clock speed (2000MIPS) and four times the memory (512KB), as well as the latest SuperSpeed USB standard.
iFi’s in-house digital development team has programmed the XMOS firmware to optimise sound quality and ensure a perfect partnership with the Burr-Brown DAC.
The Burr-Brown True Native® chipset means file formats remain unchanged or ‘bit-perfect’. This means you are listening to music as the artist intended in the format in which it was recorded.
At iFi we use Burr Brown extensively in our products having selected it for its natural-sounding ‘musicality’ and True Native architecture. Our experience with this IC means we know how to make the most of it.
MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is supported through the USB with full decoding of MQA files up to 384kHz thanks to the processing power of the new 16-core XMOS chip.
Check out how to set up your MQA decoder via Tidal, Roon and Audirvana here.
This means that the full ‘three unfold’ decoding process is performed internally, as opposed to only the final unfold in the manner of an MQA ‘renderer’.
Globally, MQA has become an important consideration for any comprehensively equipped DAC. It is available through for Tidal Masters, Audirvana and Roon.
It is a superior method to the traditional single-ended circuit approach. Balanced circuits reduce noise and crosstalk. Less Interference – clearer sound.
You normally find this set-up in products at the higher end of the price spectrum such as the Pro iCAN Signature but iFi is now using this across its range to produce the best quality audio for all our customers.
Sonically superior – richer, deeper.
The XBass® analogue bass correction system corrects for the missing headphone/speaker bass response.
Extensive jitter-eradication technologies are applied to the digital stage, including our GMT (Global Master Timing) femto-precision clock and the intelligent memory buffer.
The low-jitter crystal clock has been updated to provide >20dB better performance
For more info visit us here...
ZEN DAC 3
Cheers!!
Last edited:
The color scheme looks great, and XBASS and USB-C are welcome upgrades, but I had wished for a more powerful amplifier.
Last edited:
Finally a Zen DAC with USB-C. I’m sold !
OldRoadToad
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Jan 30, 2007
- Posts
- 2,855
- Likes
- 10,747
"The ZEN DAC 3 continues its legendary status by doubling its high-resolution support up to 768kHz, DSD512, and MQA decoding capabilities."
You have to be joking...legendary and MQA are incompatible in every way. Why would you continue to force the FARCE® upon your customers? I shall never kowtow to Emperor Blob Stufart and his FARCE® MQA.
FTN.
ORT
You have to be joking...legendary and MQA are incompatible in every way. Why would you continue to force the FARCE® upon your customers? I shall never kowtow to Emperor Blob Stufart and his FARCE® MQA.
FTN.
ORT
o0genesis0o
Headphoneus Supremus
What a nice colour scheme. I’ll wait for local stores here in Australia to have stock for an audition. I’m itching for upgrading my desktop gear. This might be the one. Have never tried any iFi product despite reviewing gears for a few years now.
Plug In. World Out.
The Award-winning DAC/headphone amplifier for Home and Office.
Fresh New Look. Unleash Every Music Detail.
The ZEN DAC 3 serves as your gateway to the world of high-resolution music, offering support for sample rates of up to 768kHz. This future-proof feature ensures full compatibility with all music formats available on streaming platforms, bringing you the best in sound quality.
Equipped with a built-in headphone amplifier and the versatility to function both as a DAC and a DAC/Pre, this all-encompassing device is the only piece of equipment you’ll need on your desk. It seamlessly connects to headphones, preamplifiers, integrated amplifiers, or active speakers, offering a comprehensive audio solution for home and office.
Refined to Perfection.
The acclaimed ZEN DAC series has garnered numerous awards, including being named WHAT Hi-Fi?’s Best DAC under £200 for four consecutive years.
The ZEN DAC 3 continues its legendary status by doubling its high-resolution support up to 768kHz, DSD512, and MQA decoding capabilities.
The USB-C connectivity streamlines cable management and provides USB input overvoltage protection, safeguarding it against potential harm. Moreover, a significant reduction in DC offset minimises audio clicks when adjusting settings. These improvements propel the ZEN DAC 3 to new heights of audio excellence.
Powering Your Headphones
The ZEN DAC 3 goes beyond being just a USB DAC, boasting a built-in headphone amplifier equipped with both balanced 4.4mm and SE 6.3mm headphone outputs.
With its high-performance 390mW headphone output power, you can use it with a broad range of headphones.
XBass+ is a switchable pure analogue signal processing mode designed to enhance the bass without compromising the clarity of the mid-range. It is perfect for use with IEMs or open-back headphones, which may lack bass response.
The amplifier stage includes a switchable gain feature called PowerMatch, which provides a gain boost for more demanding headphones.If you have headphones that demand even more power, you can connect the ZEN DAC 3 to the ZEN CAN headphone amplifier using a 4.4mm to 4.4mm balanced cable, stacking them up as a ZEN system.
DACtivate your speakers and amplifier.
The ZEN DAC 3 features a Variable or Fixed output switch.
In Variable mode, adjust volume using the knob when connecting directly to active speakers via our 4.4mm to XLR cable or RCA cables.
Use Fixed mode for connecting line outputs to a receiver or main amplifier.
The ZEN DAC 3 is the most versatile USB DAC in its class, offering multiple usage options.
USB-C Powered, Upgradeable Performance.
The ZEN DAC 3, powered by USB-C, simplifying cable management. However, for audiophiles seeking to elevate their system, the 5V power input offers an upgrade path.
When an external power supply is connected, the USB-C port will only transmit data, ensuring a purer signal.
The iFi iPower2 is an ultra-quiet, ultra-clean audiophile-grade power supply, featuring Active Noise Cancellation II technology to cancel out all incoming EMI and RFI noise, you’ll never feel powerless against noise and graininess again.
It is more than 10 times quieter than most audiophile power supplies.
The XMOS 16-Core chip processes the audio data received via the USB* digital input.
This new low-latency XMOS microcontroller has greatly enhanced processing power. Compared to the current generation of eight-core chips, this new 16-core IC delivers double the clock speed (2000MIPS) and four times the memory (512KB), as well as the latest SuperSpeed USB standard.
iFi’s in-house digital development team has programmed the XMOS firmware to optimise sound quality and ensure a perfect partnership with the Burr-Brown DAC.
The Burr-Brown True Native® chipset means file formats remain unchanged or ‘bit-perfect’. This means you are listening to music as the artist intended in the format in which it was recorded.
At iFi we use Burr Brown extensively in our products having selected it for its natural-sounding ‘musicality’ and True Native architecture. Our experience with this IC means we know how to make the most of it.
MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is supported through the USB with full decoding of MQA files up to 384kHz thanks to the processing power of the new 16-core XMOS chip.
Check out how to set up your MQA decoder via Tidal, Roon and Audirvana here.
This means that the full ‘three unfold’ decoding process is performed internally, as opposed to only the final unfold in the manner of an MQA ‘renderer’.
Globally, MQA has become an important consideration for any comprehensively equipped DAC. It is available through for Tidal Masters, Audirvana and Roon.
It is a superior method to the traditional single-ended circuit approach. Balanced circuits reduce noise and crosstalk. Less Interference – clearer sound.
You normally find this set-up in products at the higher end of the price spectrum such as the Pro iCAN Signature but iFi is now using this across its range to produce the best quality audio for all our customers.
Sonically superior – richer, deeper.
The XBass® analogue bass correction system corrects for the missing headphone/speaker bass response.
Extensive jitter-eradication technologies are applied to the digital stage, including our GMT (Global Master Timing) femto-precision clock and the intelligent memory buffer.
The low-jitter crystal clock has been updated to provide >20dB better performance
For more info visit us here...
ZEN DAC 3
Cheers!!
Does it hiss with sensitivity IEM?
OhmsClaw
500+ Head-Fier
So we can expect the Zen can/dac signature 2 all in one next quarter?
RONJA MESCO
1000+ Head-Fier
this is a very beautiful piece of kit! Good to see the USB-C power so you can take this places!
Plug In. World Out.
The Award-winning DAC/headphone amplifier for Home and Office.
Fresh New Look. Unleash Every Music Detail.
The ZEN DAC 3 serves as your gateway to the world of high-resolution music, offering support for sample rates of up to 768kHz. This future-proof feature ensures full compatibility with all music formats available on streaming platforms, bringing you the best in sound quality.
Equipped with a built-in headphone amplifier and the versatility to function both as a DAC and a DAC/Pre, this all-encompassing device is the only piece of equipment you’ll need on your desk. It seamlessly connects to headphones, preamplifiers, integrated amplifiers, or active speakers, offering a comprehensive audio solution for home and office.
Refined to Perfection.
The acclaimed ZEN DAC series has garnered numerous awards, including being named WHAT Hi-Fi?’s Best DAC under £200 for four consecutive years.
The ZEN DAC 3 continues its legendary status by doubling its high-resolution support up to 768kHz, DSD512, and MQA decoding capabilities.
The USB-C connectivity streamlines cable management and provides USB input overvoltage protection, safeguarding it against potential harm. Moreover, a significant reduction in DC offset minimises audio clicks when adjusting settings. These improvements propel the ZEN DAC 3 to new heights of audio excellence.
Powering Your Headphones
The ZEN DAC 3 goes beyond being just a USB DAC, boasting a built-in headphone amplifier equipped with both balanced 4.4mm and SE 6.3mm headphone outputs.
With its high-performance 390mW headphone output power, you can use it with a broad range of headphones.
XBass+ is a switchable pure analogue signal processing mode designed to enhance the bass without compromising the clarity of the mid-range. It is perfect for use with IEMs or open-back headphones, which may lack bass response.
The amplifier stage includes a switchable gain feature called PowerMatch, which provides a gain boost for more demanding headphones.If you have headphones that demand even more power, you can connect the ZEN DAC 3 to the ZEN CAN headphone amplifier using a 4.4mm to 4.4mm balanced cable, stacking them up as a ZEN system.
DACtivate your speakers and amplifier.
The ZEN DAC 3 features a Variable or Fixed output switch.
In Variable mode, adjust volume using the knob when connecting directly to active speakers via our 4.4mm to XLR cable or RCA cables.
Use Fixed mode for connecting line outputs to a receiver or main amplifier.
The ZEN DAC 3 is the most versatile USB DAC in its class, offering multiple usage options.
USB-C Powered, Upgradeable Performance.
The ZEN DAC 3, powered by USB-C, simplifying cable management. However, for audiophiles seeking to elevate their system, the 5V power input offers an upgrade path.
When an external power supply is connected, the USB-C port will only transmit data, ensuring a purer signal.
The iFi iPower2 is an ultra-quiet, ultra-clean audiophile-grade power supply, featuring Active Noise Cancellation II technology to cancel out all incoming EMI and RFI noise, you’ll never feel powerless against noise and graininess again.
It is more than 10 times quieter than most audiophile power supplies.
The XMOS 16-Core chip processes the audio data received via the USB* digital input.
This new low-latency XMOS microcontroller has greatly enhanced processing power. Compared to the current generation of eight-core chips, this new 16-core IC delivers double the clock speed (2000MIPS) and four times the memory (512KB), as well as the latest SuperSpeed USB standard.
iFi’s in-house digital development team has programmed the XMOS firmware to optimise sound quality and ensure a perfect partnership with the Burr-Brown DAC.
The Burr-Brown True Native® chipset means file formats remain unchanged or ‘bit-perfect’. This means you are listening to music as the artist intended in the format in which it was recorded.
At iFi we use Burr Brown extensively in our products having selected it for its natural-sounding ‘musicality’ and True Native architecture. Our experience with this IC means we know how to make the most of it.
MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is supported through the USB with full decoding of MQA files up to 384kHz thanks to the processing power of the new 16-core XMOS chip.
Check out how to set up your MQA decoder via Tidal, Roon and Audirvana here.
This means that the full ‘three unfold’ decoding process is performed internally, as opposed to only the final unfold in the manner of an MQA ‘renderer’.
Globally, MQA has become an important consideration for any comprehensively equipped DAC. It is available through for Tidal Masters, Audirvana and Roon.
It is a superior method to the traditional single-ended circuit approach. Balanced circuits reduce noise and crosstalk. Less Interference – clearer sound.
You normally find this set-up in products at the higher end of the price spectrum such as the Pro iCAN Signature but iFi is now using this across its range to produce the best quality audio for all our customers.
Sonically superior – richer, deeper.
The XBass® analogue bass correction system corrects for the missing headphone/speaker bass response.
Extensive jitter-eradication technologies are applied to the digital stage, including our GMT (Global Master Timing) femto-precision clock and the intelligent memory buffer.
The low-jitter crystal clock has been updated to provide >20dB better performance
For more info visit us here...
ZEN DAC 3
Cheers!!
Last edited:
sunjam
Head-Fier
Seems the new USB interface bring a bit more noise when compared with V2.
When will we finally lose this unnessecary and cost-adding MQA support?
ArchDragoon
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Mar 20, 2013
- Posts
- 162
- Likes
- 32
This new model make me interest in it due to the new look and USB C. Can anyone tell me if the XBass+ also work for speaker?
When the entire world stops using MQA. They already said, as long as there are people using MQA they have to support it in order to not leave anyone out, which is a noble thing to do
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