I actually got Zen DAC on a loan from iFi, for a review on my YT channel. I tried to follow the links but to no avail. iFi ZEN Blue Bluetooth DAC and app. Thread starter Ed Selley; Start date Aug 19, 2020; Tags audio dac review zen; Review Specs Discussion (45) 1; 2; Next. Share Facebook Twitter Google Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn £129.00 Item due on 25 February 2021. Incidentally, I have connected via analogue RCA using QED performance cables. I have been thinking of getting this unit ever since late last year as part of my quest for better wireless audio. Sound-wise, the ZEN CAN reflects iFi Audio’s house sound unsurprisingly, with a very clean presentation, a nice background, good resolution, and clarity. 1 of 2 Go to page. I assume the digital connections are there in case you are using an external DAC. The Zen … I can play everything from 24/96 files up to DSD without any problems, but they obviously do not reach the Zen in Hires Format or the display … You decide. It’s quite a spartan … The only time I've heard the 800s sound good is with setups costing over 1.5k USD. I have now purchased one and been using for the last 2 weeks. The iFi Zen Blue is a high-resolution Bluetooth streamer DAC, supporting all the major Bluetooth codecs available (Bluetooth 5.0TM with AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, HWA/LHDC Codec). I have some HD6xx and just got a Hifiman Sundara and I was thinking about getting a ifi Zen DAC. So if you want to enjoy your music on a backyard deck, bedroom, or home office and don’t want to run cables, the Zen … Been demoing the Zen DAC at the store and wow, with the 4.4mm, it brings out the best sound I've heard from the Senn 800s. These chips are a bit dated. Both the Ifi Zen Dac AND the Ifi had less detail and sharpness, while the RME Fireface is 'limited' to 192 kHz 24BIT and as I said, doesn't do MQA unfolding, but apparently the software unfolding (also tested on Tidal Master with same outcome) didn't do as much as just a better sound chip. Indeed these days its undoubted virtues of simplicity and ease of use … The iFi Zen DAC is a $129 Digital-to-Analog (DAC) converter and headphone amplifier that is bound to get some interest for entry-level audiophiles and people looking for a small unit to use at work or to take with them on the go. Questions? Nonetheless, the iFi Zen … You can of course choose a DAC of your own preference and at times get even better performance (more on this below). Go. zoom. It is priced at $129.99. The soundstage is amazing with real depth. While the previous ZEN DAC also doubled as a headphone amp, this new addition to the range is not simply a DAC-free iteration of that EISA Award-winning system add-on, as its slightly higher price tag of £149 implies. Disclaimer: The iFi Audio Zen DAC sent to us for the purposes of this review is a sample and does not have to be returned. I'm amazed at the improvement in sound quality. DAC & DAP Review Streaming & Digital Review Zen Blue Bluetooth DAC from iFi Posted on 25th June 2020. 07 March 2019. 1 of 24 Go to page. iFi Audio ZEN CAN Review. The iFi Zen Can is a super-affordable Class A desktop headphone amplifier. The tonal realism and three dimensionality of the Savoretti album takes another little step forward. I have switched my current digital preamplifier for a ifi zen dac, that simultaneously plays the role of preamplifier for my stereo office system (Apple laptop linked to the ifi via USB and then a rotel 1506 [6 channels], 2 Revox Shelf 02 (front), 2 Revox magic cube (rear) and 1 Revox sub … At first I just wanted to conclude it's a decent sounding, feature packed device and ship it back, but after flashing new firmware and then adding linear PS I decided to purchase it instead and sold off my Modi 3. the Mega reviews it has had? Maybe it's performing bad running through USB power? Sound. The ZEN DAC Signature’s outputs can be switched between ‘variable’ and ‘fixed’.. It’s just the perfect litter device for a laptop or desktop. Ed Selley AVF Reviewer . A stand-alone DAC devoted to the Bluetooth standard, Paul Rigby looks at iFi’s Zen Blue. It is priced at $169. In detail, it has the following features: The CAN has proven itself as the go-to machine for a computer to headphone amplification, even if it may not supply enough power for higher resistant models. I try to bring my brand new ifi Zen DAC to show my anything elso than green for standard bit rates (under Windows 10 1909 via USB 3.0). Previous Next. To me, it has a very neutral and linear response, good bass quality, and good transparency in mids & treble. Also tried the 800s on unbalanced and it … The ZEN DAC Signature is a still delta-sigma DAC, but iFi seems to go for a house sound that doesn't shear your ears of with digititus. The highs are plenty natural or as natural as can be. The contents are quite minimal: in addition to the ZEN DAC itself there are just a USB 3.0 cable and the manual. I absolutely loved my time with both the iFi Zen DAC and Zen Blue. ifi Zen DAC and Headphone Amp Review. Amir’s review+measurements of the ifi zen dac don’t look good: https: ... My current desktop is senn HD 599, ifi zen dac, and streaming on Tidal HiFi. MORE INFO . Scan code: LN102905 Manufacturer code: Zen DAC No customer review. Thank you to iFi Audio for giving us this opportunity. The iFi Audio ZEN CAN is a compact balanced-capable desktop headphone amplifier capable of up to 1.6W into a 32Ω load. Comments? iFi xDSD review A versatile and well-featured portable DAC Tested at £399 / $399. Fixed or variable. It's even better than plugging the Zen DAC to the Pro iCan. Pre Order. It might sell only burger and chips nowadays but back when I were a lad, Southport’s Bold Hotel was the height of … The fixed option bypasses the volume control, fixing the output … iFi has outdone themselves with the ZEN CAN. The open-back HD 599 is definitely my favorite in terms of sound stage and comfort, but wanted to upgrade my listening experience. IFI Audio - Zen DAC Desktop PC/MAC - DAC with balanced outputs . The best £129 I've ever spent on hifi. MORE INFO . The digital switch turns … The iFi ZEN DAC’s packaging is different from iFi’s usual one: the box is still predominantly white, but it has much more colour than usual and a picture of the device on the cardboard sleeve. The iFi Audio Zen DAC is an entry-level desktop integrated DAC and balanced headphone amplifier with MQA support. I prefer … The iFi Zen Can is part of the recently released Zen stack and is meant to be paired with the iFi Zen DAC. Our Verdict. I'm assuming iFi is still going with the BB PCM179x series chips for this listenable quality. iFi Zen Blue : Read more Nice review. That Good Good I hope you enjoyed this iFi Zen DAC/Amp Review & Discussion, and came away with some valuable insight. The small unit takes on a new look than previous industrial looking iFi small DAC/Amp setups, with a smooth round boat/pagoda look and dark blue metal finish. iFi Audio ZEN Blue Bluetooth Streaming DAC. When I choose ASIO (iFi device driver 3.2 installed) DSD, up to 256 PCM, up to 384 MQA stream play fine, *but* shows 24/96 from the same The Carpenters album from above. About iFi ZEN Can. This review is slightly confusing since there are so many positive reviews out there (lots of them). Once the poor relation of network streamed audio, Bluetooth is now coming of age. Very Poor . Go. The iFi hip-dac is a great choice if you’re looking for a portable DAC that looks as good as it will make your music sound. I'm disappointed, however, that you only tested this unit with Apple hardware (iPhone X and Mac). DACs/AMPs: Chord Mojo, Ifi DSD BL, SMSL M8a, NobSound MS-10D Hybrid Tube, Topping NX4 DSD, Fiio A3, Fiio A5, Fiio Q5, Ifi xDSD, AM3D, JDS Labs Atom, SMSL sAp-12, Topping D50, APPJ PA1501A Pure Tubes, Ifi Zen Blue, Ifi Zen Dac, Shanling M0, Fiio BTR5, ifi Hip Dac, Ifi Zen Can, Topping A5s, Reiyin DAC, … I previously had ath-m50x and QC15. My full review of the ifi Zen Dac. And it wasn't just a little bit, it was … Thread starter amirm; Start date Nov 14, 2019; 1; 2; 3 … Go to page. And if you have an LDAC source, there is a little more to be had from the iFi. 24; Next. I have plugged in and paired up to the Ifi Zen. They are not … So I spent $60 on a Fosi Audio DAC Q5, and I think Fosi, (Chinese) is just like the FX Audio, so probably the same guts. Headgear - Philips Fidelio X2, Sony MDRA1 , Audio Technica ATH-M50X Pro, AKG … zoom . Would be really really nice with an updated review running the Zen Dac through a good power supply and running the 5.3c firmware using the GTO filter. Staff Member. amirm Founder/Admin. Joined Feb 13, 2016 Messages 30,612 Likes 92,556 Location Seattle Area. Read the review… Due 25th Feb. FREE … I'm looking forward to getting Modi Multibit next time and see how it fares against Zen… Aug 19, 2020 #1 iFi sets out to make their most affordable DAC yet - is the Zen DAC a true bargain or have they bitten off more than they can chew? Who knows? Its latest 5.0 incarnation takes it ever further from its early years of poor sound quality, dropouts and general fussiness. A Headphone amp/dac combo that is very hard to beat at $129.99. Next Last. Some (very) bold claims are made about LDAC and some of them don’t seem to be borne out in reality but I will say that with the Essential sending the signal to the iFi … Sources - Pioneer XDP-100R (slightly faulty), LG V30, Oneplus 8 Pro, Acer Swift 3 Laptop, Macbook 13" Amps - Fiio K5 Pro, Bravo Audio MK2, iFi Zen DAC,iFi Hip DAC, Sabaj Valve Desktop. It is a … Thank you to iFi Audio for giving us … I'm … Dear Paul, I fully agree with your review. Next Last. Instead, it borrows from the pure analogue design of iFi Audio's Pro iCAN headphone amp, which the company proudly reminds potential ZEN … With 15.1v @300 Ohms on tap, it has serious power that will make even difficult-to-drive headphones. Nov 14, 2019 #1. THe Chipset for the DAC is a ESS9018K2M . Go. #iFiZenDac #ZenCan #ZenBlueWelcome to my review of the iFi ZEN DAC and comparison with the ZEN Blue/ZEN Can combo.iFi ZEN DAC more info & … MQA stream all play fine, The Carpenters with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is MQA 24/192 and output shows 24/192. CFO (Chief Fun Officer) Nov 14, 2019 #1. Both the DAC and amp have practically the same chassis and looks rather retro when stacked. Requests? The ability to move my music to anywhere in the house with the Zen Blue was a great benefit and the DAC performance of the Zen Blue was almost identical to the Zen DAC. However, combining the CAN with the ZEN DAC is a … This is a review and detailed measurements of the ifi Zen balanced DAC … Zen DAC … The variable setting applies volume control to the audio signal, enabling the ZEN DAC Signature to act as a preamp to connect directly to a power amp.. iFi Audio Zen DAC Review & Comments. It can also play your music as a DAC in analog mode (like a line-out), which you can switch from the back of the device. Disclaimer: The iFi Audio ZEN CAN sent to us for the purposes of this review is a sample in exchange for our honest opinion. The iFi xDSD has everything a portable DAC should have, but its sound isn’t class leading. For Vast file support Decent battery life Clean, well-balanced sound Against Needs greater rhythmic precision Lacks class-leading insight iFi … It has the discrete balanced circuitry from iFi audio’s US$1,699 flagship Pro iCAN. These impressions are from the … By What Hi-Fi? Zen DAC light is Magenta. £130.