iFi ZEN Blue 3 Hi-Res Bluetooth Desktop DAC
Hi-Res Desktop Wireless / Wired DAC with aptX Lossless
Bluetooth
The ZEN Blue 3 desktop DAC from iFi Audio 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. 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, iFi has 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 and Wired Excellence
Leveraging the capabilities of the Qualcomm QCC518x chipset
paired with a dedicated ESS Sabre DAC and Hi-Fi circuitry, the ZEN Blue 3
outperforms most Bluetooth transmitters and receivers. It is also able to
function as a fully wired DAC, offering 96kHz/24Bit audio via USB-C or
192kHz/24Bit audio via the SPDIF coaxial / optical input, which can be output
via 4.4mm balanced or RCA analog outputs.
Audiophile Sound, Wireless Freedom
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 them great and then did more.
Adding aptX Lossless was iFi's 'small step'. The 'giant
leap' came when iFi added USB DAC capability and Bluetooth transmission. With
USB, optical, and even analog inputs available, there have never been more ways
to connect to the music you love, while enjoying the freedom of wireless Hi-Res
audio.
Forging New Connections
In this increasingly wireless world, high resolution
Bluetooth headphones and TWS (True Wireless Stereo) earbuds are an essential
for audio enthusiasts. However, the need for a Bluetooth connection can often
make them incompatible with your home audio setup.
The ZEN Blue 3 tears down this wall with Bluetooth
transmission in all supported codecs, including CD-quality aptX Lossless.
Connect your ZEN Blue 3 to audio sources such as laptops,
mobile phones or TVs, via USB-C, SPDIF, or even analog RCA, and introduce your
favorite Bluetooth headphones or earbuds to the rest of your audio world.
Whether it's a late-night vinyl session without the
speakers, enjoying your aptX Lossless earbuds while working on your laptop, or
marathoning your favorite streaming series on the TV via headphones, the ZEN
Blue 3 offers new opportunities for listening enjoyment.
Balanced Output, Too
With so many Hi-Res audio options available to the ZEN Blue
3, making balanced circuitry available to users is more important than ever.
By including a balanced line output, users with a balanced
audio setup can look forward to significantly reduced signal noise and
crosstalk between channels, bringing all the clarity with none of the audio
clutter.
Performance can be further enhanced with the SilentPower
iPower2 power supply (optional, sold separately), featuring proprietary Active
Noise Cancellation II technology.
Overview
Inputs
Outputs
Bluetooth Codecs Supported
Product Specs