iFi Audio ZEN Blue 3 Balanced Hi-Res Bluetooth DAC

ZEN Blue 3 Balanced Hi-Res Wireless / Wired Bluetooth DAC, by iFi Audio.

The wired world is changing. Where once cables were king, Bluetooth audio is now carving out a place for itself, and with the advent of Lossless Bluetooth audio, the gap between wired and wireless audiophile options is narrower than ever.

The ZEN Blue 3 brings these two worlds together in spectacular fashion. Building on the resounding success of the ZEN Blue range, iFi Audio took everything that made those models great and dared to do more.

Adding aptX Lossless was a small step. The giant leap came when iFi added USB DAC capability, and Bluetooth transmission. With USB, optical and even analogue inputs available, there have never been more ways to connect to the music you love, while enjoying the freedom of wireless Hi-Res audio.

ZEN Blue 3 offers wireless audio that is free of compromise by incorporating Lossless Bluetooth audio, courtesy of Qualcomm’s Flagship QCC518x Bluetooth audio chip and the aptX Lossless codec.

TX / RX / DAC Modes

New to the ZEN Blue 3 is three new operation modes including Bluetooth RX, TX, and DAC, while also featuring aptX Lossless Bluetooth codec to receive or transmit Lossless CD-quality and Hi-Res audio over Bluetooth and a switchable low-latency mode. ZEN Blue 3 allows you to stream lossless CD-quality music from your mobile phone to your Hi-Fi system. Home cinema lovers can also enjoy high-quality audio with Hi-Res Bluetooth headphones while watching movies at home, and much more.

aptX Lossloss

ZEN Blue 3 has true audiophile-grade, Hi-Fi circuitry and is not just a System on a Chip solution by using separate Bluetooth, DAC and Op-Amp chips for superior sound.

Offering a maximum bitrate of 1,200kbps aptX Lossless is the first and only Bluetooth codec currently capable of wirelessly sending and receiving CD-quality audio without losing data during compression. For instance, if your phone supports aptX Lossless, you can stream high-quality lossless music from your phone to your hi-fi system.

Not ready to join the Lossless party just yet? Not to worry, we’ve got you covered. The ZEN Blue 3’s extensive backwards compatibility ensures that all current major Bluetooth codecs are supported: aptX Lossless, LDAC™, LHDC/HWA, aptX Adaptive, aptX, AAC and SBC.

Wireless or Wired

Connect your ZEN Blue 3 to audio sources such as laptops, mobile phones or TVs, via USB-C, SPDIF or even analogue RCA, and introduce your favourite Bluetooth headphones or earbuds to the rest of your audio world.

The ZEN Blue 3 is also able to function as a fully wired DAC, offering 96 kHz / 24-Bit audio via USB-C, or 192vkHz / 24-Bit audio via SPDIF, which can be output via 4.4 balanced or RCA analogue outputs.

Low Latency

When using ZEN Blue 3’s Low Latency mode with a device receiver that supports aptX Low Latency, the time taken to send and receive audio is drastically reduced. When your eyes see it, your ears hear it – putting you right back in the moment, where you belong.

Features

• Wireless connectivity with Hi-Res lossless CD-quality audio.
• Three Operation Modes - Bluetooth RX (receive), TX (transmit), and DAC.
• aptX Lossless Codec two-way lossless CD-quality and Hi-Res audio over Bluetooth.
• Switchable Low Latency Mode ensures audio syncs with video for gaming and movies.
• Wired DAC Functionality can act as a traditional DAC via USB-C or S/PDIF inputs.
• Balanced Line Output reduces signal noise and crosstalk, enhancing audio clarity.
• Two-tone front panel and smile-like button layout.
• High-quality parts from TDK and Texas Instruments.
• Manufacturer warranty of 12 months.

Specifications

• Digital In RX Mode: Bluetooth 5.4
• Digital In TX Mode / DAC mode: USB, Optical, Coaxial
• Analogue In RX Mode: -
• Analogue In TX Mode / DAC Mode: RCA
• Digital Out RX Mode: Optical, Coaxial
• Digital Out TX Mode: Bluetooth 5.4
• Digital Out DAC Mode: Optical, Coaxial
• Analogue Out RX Mode: RCA, 4.4 mm Balanced
• Analogue Out TX Mode: -
• Analogue Out DAC Mode: RCA, 4.4 mm Balanced
• Maximum Sampling Rates: 192 kHz / 24-Bit
• SNR: 109 dB
• DNR: 109 dBA (0 dBFS @ 1 kHz)
• THD+N: <0.005% (10 K load @ 20-20 kHz)
• Dimensions: 158 x 115 x 35 mm
• Net Weight: 447 g

Included

• iFi Audio ZEN Blue 3.
• Power Adapter.
• USB-A to USB-C Cable (1.2 m).
• Instruction Card.
• Quick Start Guide.
• RCA Cable.

More Information

• ZEN Blue 3, by iFi Audio