[cobrabucket]

@iFi audio, I saw it asked earlier, but don't think it was answered. Can this unit output to both the rear RCAs and 4.4 simultaneously? And how about the headphone outputs? Thanks!

 

[iFi audio]

@iFi audio, I saw it asked earlier, but don't think it was answered. Can this unit output to both the rear RCAs and 4.4 simultaneously? And how about the headphone outputs? Thanks!

Good question, we'll check this.

On a side note, we have an AMA thread with our key designer Thoresten. If anyone of you good people would like to know more about how he makes things happen (and ask him about anything!), please see here:

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ifi-audio’s-ask-me-anything-thread-thorsten-loesch.923910/

 

[iFi audio]

And one cool review we just leave in here: https://www.audioreputation.com/ifi-zen-dac/

Enjoy!

 

[cobrabucket]

Ok. Mine arrived today. I think it sounds pretty good! Really smooth sound. I'm guessing this is the Burr-Browns @ work? Will test the DAC out when my 4.4 to XLR cables come in. Anyways, I have a question regarding MQA. I tried to play MQA files through Tidal. It says MASTER in the app, but the ZEN DAC lights up yellow, not magenta as the manual says is for MQA? Also, I have nicknamed this "The Koala" as it absolutely looks like a koala bear from the front profile. Definitely the shape of the chassis but the volume knob as the "nose" is what really cements it.

EDIT: I got MQA working by enabling Exclusive mode through Tidal.

 

[cobrabucket]

BTW, with variable out, TrueBass and Power Match both work. I particularly like the TrueBass through my monitors.

 

[Lalerfy]

You can get the iFi (5v)power supply for $20 if you buy them together on Amazon.
► www.Amazon.com/dp/B082L5358P

 

[KaiFi]

I've been using this amp more lately. I finally got a balanced cable for my AudioQuest NightOwl. The balanced output sounds much better to my ears, the problem is it's very, very loud with these low impedance headphones. I have to turn PowerMatch off. But I guess that's not a problem. Turning PowerMatch off won't negatively affect sound quality, will it? It's just a gain switch?

 

[keithmarsh]

@iFi audio is there any difference between the version with the screw in the volume knob, and the newer one without? (Aside from the knob and slightly different colour). Thanks

 

[iFi audio]

Turning PowerMatch off won't negatively affect sound quality, will it? It's just a gain switch?

Something like that, yes. It was designed to not impact sound quality in any way.

@iFi audio is there any difference between the version with the screw in the volume knob, and the newer one without? (Aside from the knob and slightly different colour). Thanks

None we're aware of.

Linear

It's not linear, but VERY silent still.

 

[revand]

EDIT: I got MQA working by enabling Exclusive mode through Tidal.[/QUOTE]

Do you mean Passtrough MQA? If this option is used can I see the magenta (MQA) colour behind the volume knob, or with the GTO filter installed I can see only the yellow colour?

Is the ZEN DAC a full MQA decoder or a renderer like the AQ Dragonflys?
If I order a ZEN DAC today (this is my intention) is the GTO filter installed or in any cases I have to download it and install it after purchase?

Is there any way back if I like the original sound of the device compared with the GTO filter? If yes how to do it?

 

[hag6]

Can two pairs of headphones be connected to the two headphone outputs (balanced 4.4mm & unbalanced 6.3mm) at the same time? If so, will the sound quality be affected? Thanks

 

[iFi audio]

Is the ZEN DAC a full MQA decoder or a renderer like the AQ Dragonflys?

ZEN DAC is a MQA renderer. Of all our products, only Pro iDSD fully decodes MQA.

is the GTO filter installed

Yes, our products are shipped with the latest firmware already installed.

Is there any way back if I like the original sound of the device compared with the GTO filter? If yes how to do it?

Here you'll find a handy manual how to install a firmware of your choice: https://ifi-audio.com/downloads/

 

[iFi audio]

Can two pairs of headphones be connected to the two headphone outputs (balanced 4.4mm & unbalanced 6.3mm) at the same time? If so, will the sound quality be affected? Thanks

Two should work, but that's not advised due to different power output for balanced and single-ended outs, plus different headphone sensitivities.

I'd strongly suggest to use the 4.4mm headphone out to exploit ZEN DAC's balanced circuit. It does work awesome!

 

[Zachik]

@iFi audio can you please list differences between the Zen DAC and the Drop version?
Also, can you provide target price and availability date for the Drop version? (I like the blue color for sure!!!)

 

[iFi audio]

@iFi audio can you please list differences between the Zen DAC and the Drop version?
Also, can you provide target price and availability date for the Drop version? (I like the blue color for sure!!!)

Please stay tuned, as soon as we possibly can, we will reveal all info, including differences between the two. Truth be told, we can't wait!