[iFi audio]

Sorry if this is a basic question but I’m new to this firmware thing.

I want to try the firmware with the GPO filter.

If I change the original firmware, can I revert it back to the one that came from the factory?

if so, how? What’s the original factory version (there’s any place where I can check the firmware my Zen came with?) and where can I download the original firmware to revert everything to the original?

Please go here: https://ifi-audio.com/firmware/unified-firmware-for-various-products/

Please download our driver, and it will display your current FW. Perhaps you already have a 5.3c version installed?

I wrote a quick review of the Zen DAC:
https://www.audiodiscourse.com/2020/07/ifi-zen-dac-review.html

Thanks!

 

[Joe Bloggs]

Thanks for the independent validation of this! I should just point out that, You could just as well connect the headphone out of the ZEN directly to your computer line in and be able to obtain a much cleaner comparison output. The part on the right are acoustic measurement artifacts and not part of the EQ.

Cheers,
Joe

 

[antdroid]

Thanks for the independent validation of this! I should just point out that, You could just as well connect the headphone out of the ZEN directly to your computer line in and be able to obtain a much cleaner comparison output. The part on the right are acoustic measurement artifacts and not part of the EQ.

Cheers,
Joe

Yes I definitely agree. My measurement rig is only accurate up to around 8-10KHz. Anything after can't be considered accurate, and also could be due to the inherent resonance noise in the system.

Connecting directly to mic input is a good idea. I should try that.

 

[chaotic_angel]

@iFi audio my zen dac is on the way, is it fine to power it using Linear Power Supply with out put detail output 5V - 1,5A ?

 

[Joe Bloggs]

@iFi audio my zen dac is on the way, is it fine to power it using Linear Power Supply with out put detail output 5V - 1,5A ?

Yes, that will be fine, as the specifications state, the ZEN DAC draws up to 5V, 1.5A. As long as you check to make sure that the LPS is well regulated to 5V.

 

[chaotic_angel]

Yes, that will be fine, as the specifications state, the ZEN DAC draws up to 5V, 1.5A. As long as you check to make sure that the LPS is well regulated to 5V.

thanks Joe!

 

[chaotic_angel]

The USB cable, will there make any differences in signal transfer? I found the black (from topping E30) is also working with ZenDac

 

[antdroid]

The USB cable, will there make any differences in signal transfer? I found the black (from topping E30) is also working with ZenDac

The blue one is usb 3.0 and the black one is usb 2.0.

 

[iFi audio]

The blue one is usb 3.0 and the black one is usb 2.0.

Correct.

The USB cable, will there make any differences in signal transfer? I found the black (from topping E30) is also working with ZenDac

No, it won't. You can use the one more convenient for you.

 

[chaotic_angel]

No, it won't. You can use the one more convenient for you.

Sweet, I have invested the 3 meters usb 2.0.

 

[chaotic_angel]

Any one else powering the ZenDac using power bank?
I am doing it and it is working. Cant afford the iPower X right now

 

[iFi audio]

I am doing it and it is working. Cant afford the iPower X right now

I see no reason why it shouldn't work if your power bank outputs enough juice, but adding iPower X often results in better sound

 

[ksteh1979]

How to know whether the ZEN DAC are actually powered from USB or 5V DC external power supply?

Without plug in 5V DC external power supply... The unit will turn on with lights on the front (Volume Knob)... Power Match and True Bass light up after press.... which is normal....

However, when I try plug in the 5V DC external power supply... only the External Power indicator at the back lights up (Green). The unit wouldn't turn on... No lights on the front (Volume Knob)... Power Match and True Bass wouldn't light after press... until i plug in to PC/Latop/HP...

If the ZEN DAC are powered by the 5V DC external power supply, why it drain the battery from phone... After about an hour listening with HFM Sundara (Power Match and True Bass both ON, Volume around 10-11 o'clock), the phone battery drops from 100% to 91%. With the HIP DAC... the phone battery only drops like 1-2%... Seems like ZEN DAC are drawing power from USB via instead of the 5V DC external power supply.... How do i make sure the ZEN DAC only draw power from the 5V DC external power supply instead from the phone....

 

[chaotic_angel]

Hi @iFi audio is there any report of channel imbalance on the volume pot of ZenDac? mine out of the box from 0 - 15% only left channel has sound and the right channel only has sound in 20% vol (08:30 position). Playing from Foobar using 4.4 Bal phone out.

 

[Baten]

Hi @iFi audio is there any report of channel imbalance on the volume pot of ZenDac? mine out of the box from 0 - 15% only left channel has sound and the right channel only has sound in 20% vol (08:30 position). Playing from Foobar using 4.4 Bal phone out.

Most volume pots have pretty bad balance at sub 25-30% volumes. That is very common.