[iFi audio]

@iFi audio no comment on the 4.4's? The jack not securing some connectors is an issue.

You could open up a ticket at our support platform ( https://support.ifi-audio.com ) and let us know about the problem there. Our support staff will advise you what to do next and possibly replace your ZEN.

There is a USB B to A cable included, and that connects the hub to the PC from the side with the barrel connector for the power brick. The ports on the top are for your devices.

Yes, it seems that this would work.

 

[GlenAppleton]

@iFi audio | @Sebastien Chiu - I have a question about the power supply path in the circuitry.

Given that the Zen DAC can use either USB power or a 5v DC power supply, how is the power path handled internally? Specifically, if I use a 5v power supply, is the power coming over the USB connection then completely removed from the circuit? Please let me know, thanks!

 

[iFi audio]

@iFi audio | @Sebastien Chiu - I have a question about the power supply path in the circuitry.

Given that the Zen DAC can use either USB power or a 5v DC power supply, how is the power path handled internally? Specifically, if I use a 5v power supply, is the power coming over the USB connection then completely removed from the circuit? Please let me know, thanks!

ZEN DAC is auto-sensing in this regard, it disengages power feed via USB upon detecting an external 5V DC PSU connected.

 

[CTR640]

ZEN DAC is auto-sensing in this regard, it disengages power feed via USB upon detecting an external 5V DC PSU connected.

Safe to use 15V DC? I'm very lucky as I already have this:
https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/81...bs-pd9000-4-poorts-dual-usb-c-power-deliv.jpg
because I'm planning to upgrade to OLED tv as monitor next year when LG releases the 42" versions. This pd device is behind my monitor in case I ever need it and all I need is a simple solution like this: https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61ygzPAYuAL._AC_SL1500_.jpg But, please consider a power switch whenever you release ZEN DAC V3 or something because I can not comprehend this design choice to not have power switch, wether be it button or volume knob.

 

[iFi audio]

Safe to use 15V DC?

5V is our strong recommendation so 15V is way too much, sorry!

 

[CTR640]

5V is our strong recommendation so 15V is way too much, sorry!

I'll keep that in mind because I'll plan on ordering some.

 

[iFi audio]

I'll keep that in mind because I'll plan on ordering some.

Please do. The product wouldn't get damaged right away, but its voltage regulation stage would eventually protest

 

[CTR640]

Please do. The product wouldn't get damaged right away, but its voltage regulation stage would eventually protest

Okay thanks for the warning.

Are there any differences in audio quality between USB and DC mode?

 

[iFi audio]

Are there any differences in audio quality between USB and DC mode?

USB power is usually very noisy and we got feedback that ZEN series devices sound better if powered by quiet external PSUs. Here our iPower is recommended.

As for suitable voltage, our R&D just confirmed that it shouldn't be higher than 5.5V. Thanks!

 

[Selbi]

Is there a way to narrow down whether my Zen DAC's headphone out (jack, not the 4.4) is causing trouble or if it's my headphones themselves? I haven't really used my X2's in a while, the Zen mostly acts as a pre-amp for my speakers, but as I was listening to music late at night recently and didn't want to wake my neighbors, I plugged in headphones again. And dear lord, I do not recall the sound being that terrible.

Firstly, the sound seemed incredibly sibilant. Every single S would pierce into my ears. I know the X2's are infamous for this problem, but I don't recall it being that apparent. Secondly though, it never felt like there was enough sound. I would progressively turn up the volume and yet it still didn't feel like I heard the full spectrum.

Really, I'm just trying to isolate and narrow down the issue. On my old Schiit Fulla 2 (which I've since sold) I could never complain about the sound. I'm going crazy here, wondering if my ears got worse or if it's really a technical issue.

 

[iFi audio]

Is there a way to narrow down whether my Zen DAC's headphone out (jack, not the 4.4) is causing trouble or if it's my headphones themselves? I haven't really used my X2's in a while, the Zen mostly acts as a pre-amp for my speakers, but as I was listening to music late at night recently and didn't want to wake my neighbors, I plugged in headphones again. And dear lord, I do not recall the sound being that terrible.

Firstly, the sound seemed incredibly sibilant. Every single S would pierce into my ears. I know the X2's are infamous for this problem, but I don't recall it being that apparent. Secondly though, it never felt like there was enough sound. I would progressively turn up the volume and yet it still didn't feel like I heard the full spectrum.

Really, I'm just trying to isolate and narrow down the issue. On my old Schiit Fulla 2 (which I've since sold) I could never complain about the sound. I'm going crazy here, wondering if my ears got worse or if it's really a technical issue.

The best way to know whaether it's one or the other would be to try your cans with a different DAC/amp if possible, or some other audio device. If I were you I'd start there

 

[iFi audio]

iFi does Black Friday. Grab a bargain or an old favourite.

Check out our new 'refurbished store' at https://refurbished.ifi-audio.com/
(UK, EU and USA only)

Grab a 'as good as new' ZEN DAC or Blue V1 for £99, an original hip-dac for £139, or a iSilencer3.0 for £39 plus lots more.

Check out some old favourites in our legacy bundles - iLink & SPDIF iPurifier, micro iUSB +Gemini USB cable plus other 'oldies but goodies'.

All with an extra 10% off from Friday to Monday to join in with the Black Friday fun.

https://refurbished.ifi-audio.com/

 

[CTR640]

iFi does Black Friday. Grab a bargain or an old favourite.

Check out our new 'refurbished store' at https://refurbished.ifi-audio.com/
(UK, EU and USA only)

Grab a 'as good as new' ZEN DAC or Blue V1 for £99, an original hip-dac for £139, or a iSilencer3.0 for £39 plus lots more.

Check out some old favourites in our legacy bundles - iLink & SPDIF iPurifier, micro iUSB +Gemini USB cable plus other 'oldies but goodies'.

All with an extra 10% off from Friday to Monday to join in with the Black Friday fun.

https://refurbished.ifi-audio.com/

EU can't be selected at checkout.

 

[iFi audio]

EU can't be selected at checkout.

Our stock levels vary between US and EU, so some goods might not be available at your location.

 

[GlenAppleton]

For now please use the firmware 7.3 as it's not available at our site just yet, so upon going to 7.2/7.2c you won't be able to return to the 7.3 version. We'll shortly publish it with all included changes, so please stay tuned!

@iFi audio : Any updates on the new version of the firmware?

Edit - Never mind. I see the updates in the Download hub!