[Effigy]

Thanks mate

I was able to help @Cricket4life247 - he will be posting an update later. While a sample size of two is not the entire audience, it appears that the firmware update routine actually RESETS the firmware to version 1.5, and then demands that you remove the DAC (detach it from USB, kill the ifi Audio Control Panel) and then run the update (restart the ifi Panel, reconnect the device) again to get to 7.2. I had the exact same experience. (See above)

 

[Cricket4life247]

I was able to help @Cricket4life247 - he will be posting an update later. While a sample size of two is not the entire audience, it appears that the firmware routine actually RESETS the firmware to version 1.5, and then demands that you remove the DAC, and then run the update again to get to 7.2. I had the exact same experience. (See above)

Yes 100%. Just like @Effigy explained. When I first plugged in the Zen Dac V2 I got an error message that showed that the drivers didn't install correctly and that I had to go to the Ifi website and download it from there. I proceeded to download the drivers and it did install correctly, but to my surprise the firmware version got reset to 1.5 I then really struggled to fix until @Effigy helped me fix it After you download the drivers and install it, you MUST FIRST reboot your PC or laptop. After that disconnect the DAC and then reconnect it. Lastly download the firmware and then install it. It should work then. Hope this helps for anyone else struggling @iFi audio please fix this problem. It is really frustrating.

 

[Effigy]

I don't know about wisdom, but I have mastered CRUEL TUTELAGE!!!!

For those interested in flexing the best Apple Music has to offer through their DAC, apparently Apple and the estate of Prince went wild on making tracks available at high bit rates. I was looking for tracks streaming at 192 kHz... much of Apples catalogue remains in the 44.1 - 92 kHz range.

 

[wakokokoyz]

lucky, i installed 7.2c without hiccup

 

[wakokokoyz]

i was thinking of using ipad as my source. is it do-able?

 

[Effigy]

Yes @wakokokoyz, BUT, I do not recommend doing so with the Zen DAC (V1 or V2)

To do so:

1) You would need a USB C to USB B cable - example:
https://www.amazon.ca/AkoaDa-Printer-Compatible-Pro，iPad-Pro，HP，Canon，Epson，Dell，Lexmark，Brother，Xerox/dp/B07VCCSX5K/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=USB+C+to+USB+b&qid=1623608577&sr=8-2-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzMExLSTBYWUVRVzg2JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUExMDA4MTg3TTNDVEk5SUkxRDYyJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAwMzkwMjMyTFBXSTQzU1RKSjQ0JndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1
2) You would need a USB C to lightning adapter if your iPad isn't recent gen (See link to ddHiFi TC28i below)
3) You would be best to power the DAC using a low noise 5V power supply (Doesn't HAVE to be low noise - I just don't take chances.) Otherwise, the DAC will suck the life from your iPad, which cannot charge unless plugged in.
https://ifi-audio.com/products/ipower/

Setup would look like:
ZEN DAC (powered on 5v) <----(USB B <-----> USB C)----> ddHifi TC28i <----> ipad

I believe you are better to buy a USB C dongle DAC and get a proper USB C to lightning converter (Depending on which generation iPad you have.) At the moment I use the Helm BOLT DAC/AMP with the ddHiFi TC28i Lightning Male to Type-C Female OTG Adapter:

Helm Bot DAC:
https://helmaudio.com/products/boltdac

ddHiFi TC28i:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002275865070.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.1f694c4dNMPMFN

There are lots of options in the category, all of which have benefits and limitations. The combo listed above draws power from the device (iPad, iPhone), so it is not optimal for extended listening. It also does not offer balanced out. This is where products like the ifi Hip Dac are excellent. They still need adapters, but they produce awesome sound and have dedicated battery power for amplification. That said, way chonkier.

if hip dac:
https://ifi-audio.com/products/hip-dac/

Other alternatives for good mobility:

THX's first branded product = the THX Onyx:
It would also need a USB C to lightning converter, like the ddHiFi TC28i
https://www.razer.com/ca-en/mobile-...kck-FQxXcuzoJaCVT_8Vpkor2zAJg2pBoCFscQAvD_BwE

Audirect Atom2:
Apparently awesome - NO ADAPTERS REQUIRED - Lightning to 3.5 headphone jack (Also no battery and no balanced out.)
https://drop.com/buy/audirect-atom2-mqa-portable-dac-amp?utm_placement=0&referer=7WCPBJ&mode=guest_open&utm_campaign=Automated Daily Promotional 2021-06-12&utm_source=SparkPost&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Daily Promotional&utm_content=1623499335103.155398457046952214227258

Separate mobile amp

Helm DB12 AAAMP:
I plan on buying this as a complement to the BOLT, although it extends the dongle mess. Adds THX amplification and battery power

https://helmaudio.com/products/db12

 

[iFi audio]

I don't know about wisdom, but I have mastered CRUEL TUTELAGE!!!!

Whatever you say, sifu

 

[DeepTread]

When about the house or commuting (train), I run iPhone -> Amazon HD -> L&P W2 -> EE ValksMKII. I like the booming bass when I power through the commute.

I was looking for a better setup for my at home workstation for my more refined audio collection. I landed on the LCD-XC 2021 and I just received the Zen DAC V2. This is an exceptional pair up-- the bass is stepped up and I'm finding the listening experience more enjoyable with the XCs. I wasn't 100% sure about these cans until I started running them though the Zen, -- I'm keeping this setup in place.

 

[Effigy]

When about the house or commuting (train), I run iPhone -> Amazon HD -> L&P W2 -> EE ValksMKII. I like the booming bass when I power through the commute.

I was looking for a better setup for my at home workstation for my more refined audio collection. I landed on the LCD-XC 2021 and I just received the Zen DAC V2. This is an exceptional pair up-- the bass is stepped up and I'm finding the listening experience more enjoyable with the XCs. I wasn't 100% sure about these cans until I started running them though the Zen, -- I'm keeping this setup in place.

I do enjoy me some bass… there are some days I absolutely want to liquify my organs with sweet, sweet bass. I was JUST killing Headlines by Drake for that exact reason.

Check out "Headlines (Explicit Version) [Explicit]" by Drake on Amazon Music. https://music.amazon.ca/albums/B006...0065GG3C2&ref=dm_sh_mNaT2NFESgvKUGx5qyroxPATq

The answer was the Zen CAN for me - true bass on the DAC was and is decent, but I find xbass on the CAN is both smoother and harder hitting. For all the DAC AMPs that I have bought, the Zen DAC v2 and Tone2 pro are absolutely neck and neck - that said, I would let go of either one, but never my Zen CAN.

 

[iFi audio]

true bass on the DAC was and is decent, but I find xbass on the CAN is both smoother and harder hitting

Yup. xBass filters don't vary much (if at all), but ZEN CAN being a headphone amp has this effect audibly better with some cans.

I was looking for a better setup for my at home workstation for my more refined audio collection. I landed on the LCD-XC 2021 and I just received the Zen DAC V2. This is an exceptional pair up-- the bass is stepped up and I'm finding the listening experience more enjoyable with the XCs. I wasn't 100% sure about these cans until I started running them though the Zen, -- I'm keeping this setup in place.

Thanks a lot and enjoy!

 

[DeepTread]

I do enjoy me some bass… there are some days I absolutely want to liquify my organs with sweet, sweet bass. I was JUST killing Headlines by Drake for that exact reason.

Check out "Headlines (Explicit Version) [Explicit]" by Drake on Amazon Music. https://music.amazon.ca/albums/B006...0065GG3C2&ref=dm_sh_mNaT2NFESgvKUGx5qyroxPATq

The answer was the Zen CAN for me - true bass on the DAC was and is decent, but I find xbass on the CAN is both smoother and harder hitting. For all the DAC AMPs that I have bought, the Zen DAC v2 and Tone2 pro are absolutely neck and neck - that said, I would let go of either one, but never my Zen CAN.

I'm going to have to pick-up the Zen CAN next and give it try. Headlines delivered nice head bobbing bass. Check this one out-- this buzzes my cerebellum.

 

[iFi audio]

I'm going to have to pick-up the Zen CAN next and give it try. Headlines delivered nice head bobbing bass. Check this one out-- this buzzes my cerebellum.

Let me contribute with A.Cortini:



At around 3:00 mark wierd bass things happen

 

[Cricket4life247]

I'm going to have to pick-up the Zen CAN next and give it try. Headlines delivered nice head bobbing bass. Check this one out-- this buzzes my cerebellum.

Get the Zen Can. You won't go back after that I also have the Zen Dac V2 with the Zen Can powering the Sundaras balanced AMAZEBALLZZ

 

[DeepTread]

Get the Zen Can. You won't go back after that I also have the Zen Dac V2 with the Zen Can powering the Sundaras balanced AMAZEBALLZZ

Do you run RCA or balanced between the two? I did move to balanced IEM/phone cables earlier this year.

 

[Effigy]

Do you run RCA or balanced between the two? I did move to balanced IEM/phone cables earlier this year.

Both

At the moment, I have the Zen DAC v2 hooked up to my windows box, and the Tone2 Pro to my MAC. The reason is that Apple does not yet offer a Apple Music client for windows that will stream lossless. Otherwise I would have no need for the tone 2 pro at home, and it would be in my office at work.

1) There is no noticeable difference sonically running RCA or balanced, especially when all paths lead to the CAN.
2) Balanced is running from the Zen DAC to the CAN. RCA from Tone2 Pro to the CAN.
3) The benefit of this setup is that if I can switch with the press of a button from the balanced input (Zen DAC v2) on the CAN to the RCA input on the CAN (Tone 2 Pro), and leave everything else connected without getting messy or complicated. If I want to listen to Apple lossless, hit a button, start listening, and vice versa back to Windows.