[Ander]

The primary difference between them is that ZEN Air products are single-ended and ZEN devices are balanced.

If I just want to use with unbalanced outputs and easy-driving headphone (Grado SR225), mostly 16bit/44.1kHz pcm files, is the result between the two the same? I mean, is the implementation of the DSD1793 session dac chip the same?

 

[iFi audio]

If I just want to use with unbalanced outputs and easy-driving headphone (Grado SR225), mostly 16bit/44.1kHz pcm files, is the result between the two the same? I mean, is the implementation of the DSD1793 session dac chip the same?

The entire ZEN Air range is good sound wise, but not as good as ZEN products without 'Air' in their names. Hope this helps, thanks!

 

[Ander]

The entire ZEN Air range is good sound wise, but not as good as ZEN products without 'Air' in their names. Hope this helps, thanks!

No so much, I knew that already. Want more details of the implementation for me to make a decision, but OK. Thank you.

 

[iFi audio]

Want more details of the implementation

Let me just say that the entire ZEN range is balanced front to back, while ZEN Air devices are single-ended. That alone changes a lot and more than our implementations of the same DAC chip

 

[Ander]

Let me just say that the entire ZEN range is balanced front to back, while ZEN Air devices are single-ended. That alone changes a lot and more than our implementations of the same DAC chip

Nice, well, I don´t need balanced. I saw in specifications that the power consumption is "< 1.5W via USB power OR 5v DC", so a 5V/1A linear power supply is more than enought to power the Zen Dac v2, right?

 

[iFi audio]

a 5V/1A linear power supply is more than enought to power the Zen Dac v2, right?

That's correct

 

[superuser1]

@iFi audio I had a few questions about the Zen Air Can.

1) Can it run from an appropriately powered battery pack?
2) When the input is single ended how does it give a balanced 4.4mm output?
3) apart from the ifi power is there another recommended wall plug with usb out?
4) What is the output impedance of the 4.4mm port?

Many thanks

 

[iFi audio]

@iFi audio I had a few questions about the Zen Air Can.

1) Can it run from an appropriately powered battery pack?
2) When the input is single ended how does it give a balanced 4.4mm output?
3) apart from the ifi power is there another recommended wall plug with usb out?
4) What is the output impedance of the 4.4mm port?

Many thanks

1. As long as that battery pack provides 5V, it should work fine.
2. This output is S-Balanced: https://ifi-audio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/iFi-audio-xCAN-S_BAL-Tech-Note.pdf
3. There are many, but we don't recommend any other that isn't our own
4. It's <1Ω.

Thanks!

 

[danvr41]

1. As long as that battery pack provides 5V, it should work fine.
2. This output is S-Balanced: https://ifi-audio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/iFi-audio-xCAN-S_BAL-Tech-Note.pdf
3. There are many, but we don't recommend any other that isn't our own
4. It's <1Ω.

Thanks!

Hi Ifi
I really love my zen air dac
It sounds great with my hiby M 300 or ipad!
I already use a headphone amp after the dac (creek obh 11)
I now wish i’d bought the upgraded zen version (not air)
In my quest to improve:
My question is would an ifi psu make much improvement (ipower)

A power supply in similar price range as the air dac itself is quite an ask? but would dedicated psu improve lower grade dac significantly as there is “more to improve” than a high end dac?

Thanks

 

[jmwant]

105dB sensitivity @35ohms. I think the zen DAC would be more than enough.

 

[iFi audio]

Hi Ifi
I really love my zen air dac
It sounds great with my hiby M 300 or ipad!
I already use a headphone amp after the dac (creek obh 11)
I now wish i’d bought the upgraded zen version (not air)
In my quest to improve:
My question is would an ifi psu make much improvement (ipower)

A power supply in similar price range as the air dac itself is quite an ask? but would dedicated psu improve lower grade dac significantly as there is “more to improve” than a high end dac?

Thanks

There is always a possibility that any DAC or any piece of audio gear may benefit from cleaner power or cleaner signal.

In this situation, if you are going to do anything like that I always recommend buying from someplace with a fantastic "no questions asked" return policy, so you can hear for yourself whether any product in that arena is a benefit, or of no value to your own ears.

Cheers!!

 

[rael67]

I am planning to upgrade my Zen DAC V2 and buy the Zen Can and connect both by pentaconn. I will use them with the Meze Empyrean II, which is harder to drive than the Empyrean OG. I will receive the Empyrean II in the next weeks. I have the following questions:
Is the combination Zen DAC V2 / Zen Can good and powerful enough for the Empyrean II or does it make sense to chose another DAC/AMP, i.e. Topping DX7 pro+?
Another DAC/AMP makes only sense for me, when it is a real upgrade in sound and detail.
Do I set the Zen DAC V2 to fixed or variable, and why?
Where do I connect the Headphone? Zen DAC V2 or Zen Can? I will use them balanced.
The Zen DAC V2 is connected via USB with my iMac. Is it sufficient when only the Zen Can has DC 5V power supply?
thanks a lot