iFi Audio ZEN DAC 3 High-Res Headphone Amplifier + USB DAC

ZEN DAC 3, by iFi Audio.

The ZEN DAC 3 serves as your gateway to the world of high-resolution music, offering support for sample rates of up to 768kHz. This future-proof feature ensures full compatibility with all music formats available on streaming platforms, bringing you the best in sound quality.

Equipped with a built-in headphone amplifier and the versatility to function both as a DAC and a DAC/Pre, this all-encompassing device is the only piece of equipment you’ll need on your desk. It seamlessly connects to headphones, preamplifiers, integrated amplifiers, or active speakers, offering a comprehensive audio solution for home and office.

The acclaimed ZEN DAC series has garnered numerous awards, including being named WHAT Hi-Fi?’s Best DAC under £200 for four consecutive years.

The ZEN DAC 3 continues its legendary status by doubling its high-resolution support up to 768kHz, DSD512, and MQA decoding capabilities.

The USB-C connectivity streamlines cable management and provides USB input overvoltage protection, safeguarding it against potential harm. Moreover, a significant reduction in DC offset minimises audio clicks when adjusting settings. These improvements propel the ZEN DAC 3 to new heights of audio excellence.

ZEN DAC 3 goes beyond being just a USB DAC, boasting a built-in headphone amplifier equipped with both balanced 4.4 mm and SE 6.3 mm headphone outputs.

With its high-performance 390 mW headphone output power, you can use it with a broad range of headphones.

XBass+ is a switchable pure analogue signal processing mode designed to enhance the bass without compromising the clarity of the mid-range. It is perfect for use with IEMs or open-back headphones, which may lack bass response.

The amplifier stage includes a switchable gain feature called PowerMatch, which provides a gain boost for more demanding headphones.If you have headphones that demand even more power, you can connect the ZEN DAC 3 to the ZEN CAN headphone amplifier using a 4.4 mm to 4.4 mm balanced cable, stacking them up as a ZEN system.

The ZEN DAC 3 features a Variable or Fixed output switch. In Variable mode, adjust volume using the knob when connecting directly to active speakers via our 4.4 mm to XLR cable or RCA cables. Use Fixed mode for connecting line outputs to a receiver or main amplifier.

The ZEN DAC 3 is the most versatile USB DAC in its class, offering multiple usage options.

Features

• Supports all high-res music formats up to PCM 768kHz, DSD512, and MQA.
• Improved DC offset and USB-C input over-voltage protection.
• USB-C input for plug and-play connectivity.
• 4.4 mm balanced headphone and line outputs.
• Fixed / variable output gain options for optional preamp functionality.
• XBass+ and PowerMatch analogue processing modes.
• Improved low-jitter clock provides >20 dB increase in performance.
• Improved circuitry ensures heightened signal purity and accuracy.

Specifications

• Headphone Output Connections (front): 6.35 mm Single-Ended Headphone Output; 4.4 mm Balanced Headphone Output.
• Line Output Connections (rear): 4.4 mm Balanced Line Output; RCA Single-Ended Output.
• Inputs: USB-C (Phone / PC); Power 5 V DC Centre +ve.
• Formats: PCM 768 kHz, DSD 512, MQA Full Decoder.
• DAC: Bit-Perfect DSD + DXD DAC by Burr Brown.
• Headphone Output Power (RMS) Balanced 4.4 mm: 390 mW @ 32 Ω; 7.2 V @ 600 Ω
• Headphone Output Power (RMS) Unbalanced 6.3 mm: 210 mW @ 32 Ω; 3.8 V @ 600 Ω
• Output Impedance: <1 Ω (BAL/UnBAL)
• SNR: 109 dB(A) (BAL/UnBAL)
• DNR: 109 dB(A) (BAL/UnBAL)
• THD + N Balanced: <0.006 % (2.0 V @ 600 Ω)
• THD + N UnBAL: <0.006 % (1.27 V @ 32 Ω)
• Line Output Power Balanced 4.4 mm: 2 - 6.2 V max. (variable); 4.2 V fixed.
• Line Output Power UnBAL RCA: 1 - 3.3 V max. (variable); 2.1 V fixed.
• Output Impedance: <200 Ω BAL; <100 Ω UnBAL.
• Frequency Response: 5 Hz - 90 kHz ±3 dB
• Power Consumption: 2.5 W Max.
• Dimensions: 158 x 115 x 35 mm
• Weight: 456 g

Included

• 1 x iFi Audio ZEN DAC 3.
• 1 x USB 3.0 Cable.
• 1 x RCA Cable.
• 1 x 3.5 mm - 6.35 mm adapter.
• 1 x User Manual.
• 1 x Instruction Card.

More Information

• ZEN DAC 3, by iFi Audio