Description

 

iFi ZEN DAC 3 Balanced Decoder Headphone Amplifier USB-C Desktop PC Hi-Res HiFi DAC Support DSD512 PCM768kHz Decoding

Description:
- 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 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.

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

- With its high-performance 390mW 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 4.4mm to 4.4mm 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 4.4mm 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.

- The ZEN DAC 3, powered by USB-C,simplifying cable management. However, for audiophiles seeking to elevate their
system, the 5V power input offers an upgrade path.

- When an external power supply is connected, the USB-C port will only transmit data, ensuring a purer signal.

- Thanks to the Burr-Brown DAC chip’s four-channel design for True Native, PCM and DSD take separate pathways - this enables DSD, as well as PCM, to remain ‘bit-perfect’ in its native form right through to analogue conversion. This is not the case with all DAC devices from other brands - even if DSD compatibility is stated, many such DACs convert DSD signals to PCM.

- The XMOS 16-Core chip processes the audio data received via the USB digital input.

- This new low-latency XMOS microcontroller has greatly enhanced processing power. Compared to the current generation of eight-core chips, this new 16-core IC delivers double the clock speed (2000MIPS) and four times the memory (512KB), as well as the latest SuperSpeed USB standard.

- iFi’s in-house digital development team has programmed the XMOS firmware to optimize sound quality and ensure a perfect partnership for Burr-Brown DAC.

- For Burr-Brown True Native chipset means file formats remain unchanged or ‘bit-perfect’. This means you are listening to music as the artist intended in the format in which it was recorded.

- MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is supported through the USB with full decoding for MQA files up to 384kHz thanks to the processing power of the new 16-core chip for XMOS.

- This means that the full ‘three unfold’ decoding process is performed internally, as opposed to only the final unfold in the manner of an ‘renderer’ for MQA.

Specification:
- Digital input: USB-C
- Supported format: DSD512/22.6MHz, PCM 768kHz, full MQA decoder (complete decoding)
- DAC: Bit-Perfect lossless decoding DSD, DXD, Burr-Brown chipset
- Line output: 4.4mm (balanced), RCA (non-balanced)
- Output level:
  Balanced: 2V/6.2V max. (adjustable), 4.2V (fixed)
  Non-balanced: 1V/3.3V max. (adjustable), 2.1V (fixed)
- Output impedance: ≤200ohms (balanced), ≤100ohms (non-balanced)
- SNR: ≥113dB at 0dBFS (balanced/non-balanced)
- Dynamic range: ≥113dB a 0dBFS (balanced/non-balanced)
- THD+N:
  Balanced: ≤0.0015% at 0dBFS
  Non-balanced: ≤0.003% at 0dBFS

Headphone Output (4.4mm balanced, 6.35mm non-balanced):
- Output level:
  Balanced: 2V/6.2V max. 12ohms - 600ohms
  Non-balanced: 1V/3.3V max. 12ohms - 300ohms
- Maximum output power:
  Balanced: > 300mW at 32ohms; > 70mW at 600ohms
  Non-balanced: > 210mW at 32ohms; > 18mW at 300ohms
- RMS output power:
  Balanced: > 390mW at 64ohms
  Non-balanced: > 210mW at 32ohms
- Output impedance: ≤1ohms (balanced/non-balanced)
- SNR:
  Balanced: ≥109dB(A) (6.2V)
  Non-balanced: ≥109dB(A) (3.3V)
- THD+N:
  Balanced: ≤0.005% (2V at 600ohms)
  Non-balanced: ≤0.013% (1.27V at 32ohms)
- Frequency response: 5Hz - 90kHz (±3dB)
- Power requirement: USB-C or DC 5V/0.5A (central positive)
- Power consumption: 0.5W for no signal; 2.5W for maximum signal
- Product size: 158 x 115 x 35mm
- Net weight: 456g

Package Included:
- 1 x ZEN DAC 3
- 1 x 3.5mm to 6.3mm Adapter
- 1 x RCA Signal Cable
- 1 x USB-A to C Signal Transmission Cable
- 1 x User Manual