[nioh]

I can’t say for Mac but on most PCs there is an option in the BIOS to power down completely when shutdown. This is normally not enabled because people usually expect the USB ports to be powered even while shutdown for charging etc.

On my desktop PC with an MSI motherboard, this feature is called “ERP Ready”. I have enabled this and so my system completely shuts down. All USB ports and Ethernet are powered down.

It’s not the IFI Zen DAC. It’s your Desktop PC/Laptop that is keeping it by supplying power to the USB ports even after shutting down. There’s no way for the Zen DAC to know this unless IFI’s driver for the PC can send a command to the device to shutdown when the PC is shutting down.

Here’s how you can test this easily.

1. Try connecting your phone to the same USB port after shutting down and see if it still charges.
2. If you have an Ethernet port on the PC, connect your router’s Ethernet via cable to the PC and you’ll see that the Ethernet light stays on even after shutting down.

 

[Azurik]

I can’t say for Mac but on most PCs there is an option in the BIOS to power down completely when shutdown. This is normally not enabled because people usually expect the USB ports to be powered even while shutdown for charging etc.

On my desktop PC with an MSI motherboard, this feature is called “ERP Ready”. I have enabled this and so my system completely shuts down. All USB ports and Ethernet are powered down.

It’s not the IFI Zen DAC. It’s your Desktop PC/Laptop that is keeping it by supplying power to the USB ports even after shutting down. There’s no way for the Zen DAC to know this unless IFI’s driver for the PC can send a command to the device to shutdown when the PC is shutting down.

Here’s how you can test this easily.

1. Try connecting your phone to the same USB port after shutting down and see if it still charges.
2. If you have an Ethernet port on the PC, connect your router’s Ethernet via cable to the PC and you’ll see that the Ethernet light stays on even after shutting down.

As mentioned, the usb c connection to Mac/ pc is disconnected and cable removed. This should be classed as "fully powered down" I think it's only 5v power cable that's left connected and the zen dac stays on. The firmware should tell the dac that there is no signal coming from the usb c and to ignore the power from the external brick and to shut down (apart from the small rear ext. Power led)

 

[faustus67]

Correct. Front light illuminated despite no usb c connection. Should be just s simple firmware fix where it cuts off the power when no signal incoming via usb c

Yeah, that's the same as the issue I have. I might pick up a smart plug for it then I can turn it off that way.

 

[iFi audio]

Yeah, that's the same as the issue I have. I might pick up a smart plug for it then I can turn it off that way.

Mine will be here today (Fingers crossed so we may compare)

The smart plug idea is not a bad one, I have wyze plugs all over the place here, and with all the equipment it does save some money.

Cheers!!

 

[faustus67]

Mine will be here today (Fingers crossed so we may compare)

The smart plug idea is not a bad one, I have wyze plugs all over the place here, and with all the equipment it does save some money.

Cheers!!

I use smart plugs for my main system and my TV. Useful to just have to say "Vinyl On" and be good to go.

 

[iFi audio]

I use smart plugs for my main system and my TV. Useful to just have to say "Vinyl On" and be good to go.

Agreed!

Cheers!!

 

[MarkParity]

I use smart plugs for my main system and my TV. Useful to just have to say "Vinyl On" and be good to go.

I use Home Assistant with my smart plugs. Opens up a whole world of possibilities. Just sit down on the listening chair the gramophone switches on.

 

[iFi audio]

I use smart plugs for my main system and my TV. Useful to just have to say "Vinyl On" and be good to go.

Just got word on this and this will be dealt with in a firmware update.

Our apologies for not recognizing this "out of the box" so to speak.

Cheers!!

 

[faustus67]

Just got word on this and this will be dealt with in a firmware update.

Our apologies for not recognizing this "out of the box" so to speak.

Cheers!!

That’s cool. Be glad when it’s fixed though, as I said before, it’s not a big deal. The sound quality is the important thing and, now that it’s broken in a bit more, it really as an impressive piece of kit.

 

[Azurik]

Just got word on this and this will be dealt with in a firmware update.

Our apologies for not recognizing this "out of the box" so to speak.

Cheers!!

Glad to hear and thanks for being on this so quickly!

 

[sunjam]

@iFi audio FYI, I took one of the picture of Zen DAC 3 for my blog as I really like it's look. Please let me know if you have any concerns.

 

[nioh]

As mentioned, the usb c connection to Mac/ pc is disconnected and cable removed. This should be classed as "fully powered down" I think it's only 5v power cable that's left connected and the zen dac stays on. The firmware should tell the dac that there is no signal coming from the usb c and to ignore the power from the external brick and to shut down (apart from the small rear ext. Power led)

In this case I agree, it would be nice to have all the status lights off except the power led when there is no input connected.

Still waiting for mine, not yet shipped. I really need this for my PS5 as none of my other DACs support UAC1. I don’t want to use my Go Blu always plugged in and I gave away my old Zen DAC 1.

 

[Azurik]

In this case I agree, it would be nice to have all the status lights off except the power led when there is no input connected.

Still waiting for mine, not yet shipped. I really need this for my PS5 as none of my other DACs support UAC1. I don’t want to use my Go Blu always plugged in and I gave away my old Zen DAC 1.

I use mine with 490 hd pro (custom 4.4mm balanced cable) on PC and PS5. The Dac 3 does not disappoint with it's gaming performance

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Hey all!

Finally getting a chance to hear the new ZD3!

Recovery for a few days, so a good chance to gather my thoughts on it!

Cheers!!

 

[nioh]

Hey all!

Finally getting a chance to hear the new ZD3!

Recovery for a few days, so a good chance to gather my thoughts on it!

Cheers!!

Get well soon !