[lambdastorm]

For the very first time, iFi is tapping into the sub-$150 market with the release of ZEN series. Zen DAC is more on the traditional side, a barebone DAC/AMP sporting a USB port, 2 RCA outputs and one 4.4mm balanced output. The front panel sports a 1/4'' jack, a 4.4mm balanced jack, a gain switch, a bass boost button and a potentiometer. There is an optional 5V DC input if you wish to kick its performance up a notch. Zen Blue on the other hand supports Bluetooth and optical inputs. The front panel design is more in line with iFi's more premium offerings and a 5V switching power supply is included with the unit.

I bought the ZEN DAC at Audio46 one day after its release, and the staff there told me their 10% off coupon code does not apply because of the thin margins.

Here I present to you my unboxing video!


Edit: Forget what I said about coaxial inputs in the video. Neither model takes coaxial.

 

[Fawzay]

They do release the ifi zen blue together with ifi zen dac do they meant to stack together?

 

[qsk78]

interesting. For this optional 5V DC power supply...any recommendations?
I'm looking for an affordable DAC for my violectric balanced amplifier. Could be a good option.

 

[Baten]

They do release the ifi zen blue together with ifi zen dac do they meant to stack together?

Don't think so. They're not meant as a stack.

 

[qsk78]

The Zen blue is a bluetooth streamer / DAC, the Zen DAC is a DAC/Amp with regular and balanced inputs / outputs (4.4 mm). So they are very different.

 

[dcime]

interesting. For this optional 5V DC power supply...any recommendations?
I'm looking for an affordable DAC for my violectric balanced amplifier. Could be a good option.

Amazon has many 5v ps with multi tips for about $10. Ifi should have included this as there is no battery/charging option. I mean, you literally have to buy a ps elsewhere then use your DAC. I find our friends from across the pond do many, many things backwards. Even a Range Rover is in many ways backwards!

 

[Fawzay]

i dunno what should i get tho, seems fiio btr5 seems as good as ifi zen blue the only upper hand for fiio Btr5 is that it can connect 2 output devices to achieve stereo 3d effect

 

[dcime]

i dunno what should i get tho, seems fiio btr5 seems as good as ifi zen blue the only upper hand for fiio Btr5 is that it can connect 2 output devices to achieve stereo 3d effect

I think you are comparing apples and oranges. The iFI uses better DAC and amps then Fiio. Fiio btr5 is a portable Bluetooth receiver. It has a battery. The Zen Blue requires a 5v power adapter for mainly home use. Not the sameas the iFI. Ifi also has more Bluetooth formats available.

 

[Fawzay]

i guess i gotta buy both then for home use and for portability. Btw how much does the zen blue cost?

 

[lambdastorm]

Not much point going for a regular $10 SMPS as it already sounds decent powered by the USB port,. The next logical upgrade would be ifi's ipower. But considering the wallet-friendly nature of such products I really don't see why someone wouldn't just go for a $200 DAC instead of throwing another $50.

Many entry-level DACs are just place-holders and will eventually get replaced. How long is eventually though is up to the user himself.

 

[dcime]

Not much point going for a regular $10 SMPS as it already sounds decent powered by the USB port,. The next logical upgrade would be ifi's ipower. But considering the wallet-friendly nature of such products I really don't see why someone wouldn't just go for a $200 DAC instead of throwing another $50.

Many entry-level DACs are just place-holders and will eventually get replaced. How long is eventually though is up to the user himself.

I agree. Didn’t know you could power the ZEN DAC by USB. Not the Blue, the DAC. I also agree that they become paperweights after a while but that’s with any entry level DAC. IFI wants to bring in a larger audience with entry level though specced well with BB DAC. I may buy the ZEN DAC as a knokaround portable DAC I can take with me everywhere.

 

[qsk78]

as there is no battery/charging option.

Are you sure? I think it shoud get the power from the PC via usb anyway, when connected..

 

[dcime]

i guess i gotta buy both then for home use and for portability. Btw how much does the zen blue cost?

I believe the ZEN BLUE is around $170.

 

[dcime]

Are you sure? I think it shoud get the power from the PC via usb anyway, when connected..

No battery in the ZEN BLUE which means it needs to be always tethered to pc or iPad/Tablet for constant power.

 

[dcime]

Are you sure? I think it shoud get the power from the PC via usb anyway, when connected..

Power: DC 5V From the Zen Blue tech specs.