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iFi Audio ZEN DAC 3 Hi-Res Audio certified USB-C audio DAC with MQA decoding and headphone amp
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iFi Audio ZEN DAC 3

Hi-Res Audio certified USB-C audio DAC with MQA decoding and headphone amp

One customer review
249€00
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Overview

Even better for even greater pleasure

IFi Audio's acclaimed ZEN DAC series has won numerous awards over the last four years. The ZEN DAC 3 continues the legend. Still equipped with the 16-core XMOS chip, MQA decoding and a high-quality clock, the ZEN DAC 3 ensures premium audiophile listening every day. It features a superb symmetrical architecture, offers Hi-Res Audio certification, and provides excellent high-resolution conversion up to 768 kHz as well as DSD512 and MQA decoding capabilities. To compensate for the limitations of some Hi-Fi headphones, it features an amplifier with XBass+ technology that delivers even deeper, more realistic bass.

Its USB-C connectivity streamlines cable management and offers USB input surge protection, protecting it from potential damage. In addition, a significant reduction in DC offset minimises audio clicks when adjusting parameters. These improvements propel the ZEN DAC 3 to new heights of audio excellence.

Hi-Res Audio DAC

Hi-Res Audio certified, the ZEN DAC 3 ensures a high-quality audio experience by supporting PCM, DSD, DXD and MQA formats. The on-board Burr-Brown True Native chip delivers its full potential to perfectly accompany your everyday audiophile listening. The symmetrical design delivers superior performance while minimising background noise for quiet operation.

This iFi Audio model has a USB 3.0 type C audio input and a stereo RCA analogue output. Finally, the 4.4 mm jack output on the rear will come in handy for connecting your iFi Audio DAC to an amp or active speakers.

Headphone amplifier still performing

The ZEN DAC 3 is still a formidable headphone amplifier, with an unbalanced 6.35 mm jack and balanced 4.4 mm mini-jack output. It can give you access to 300 mW of power on its balanced output and 210 mW on its unbalanced output. This power means you can power a wide range of headphones with impedances between 16 and 600 ohms, and XBass+ technology compensates for the low-frequency limitations of some hi-fi headphones. With this DAC, you'll always be transported on the most enjoyable musical journey!

Main features :

  • DAC with Burr-Brown True Native chipset
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
  • 16-core XMOS USB controller
  • 32-bit / 768 kHz, MQA, DXD and DSD 512 compatible
  • Audiophile design with symmetrical architecture
  • High-precision clock
  • Dual headphone output: balanced 4.4 mm jack and unbalanced 6.35 mm jack
  • Headphone amplifier withXBass+ function
  • USB 3.0 type C audio input
Specifications
Select your criteria

General information

Product name

 iFi Audio ZEN DAC 3

Brand

 iFi Audio

Model

 ZEN DAC 3

Specifications

USB

 Yes

D/A converter

 32 bits / 768 kHz

Headphone amplifier

 Yes

Signal-to-noise ratio

 113 dB

Autonomous

 No

Connectivity

Audio input

 USB Type C

Audio outputs

 2 X Balanced 4.4 mm jack
1 X Headphone (6.35mm Jack)
1 X Audio stereo (2x RCA Female)

Physical characteristics

Width

 158 mm

Height

 35 mm

Depth

 115 mm

Weight

 456 g

Warranties

Commercial warranty
Seller 2 years

Legal warranty
See terms & conditions

Safety Information

Responsible person

 AMR Audio GmbH

Postal address

 Rudolf-Diesel-Straße 47 48157 Münster, Allemagne

Electronic Address

 support@ifi-audio.com

See all iFi Audio products

See iFi Audio DAC section

Product referenced on 29 May 2024

Customer review
Global rating
6/10
based on 1 review Editorial and moderation guide
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  • by GeorgesL
    Posted on 8 Jan 2025
    Bought on 1 Dec 2024 from LDLC
    Number of reviews: 3 Average rating: 8

    An excellent DAC but a poor headphone pre-amp

    I connected it via the chinch sockets to my Yamaha amp, the first price in the range. The result was excellent on my speakers and on my headphones connected to the amp. But if I connect the headphones directly to the DAC, it's a big disappointment. (Yamaha A-S201 amp, Klipsch R-51M speakers, Sennheiser HD 599 open wired headphones without noise reduction). The connectivity supplied includes a USB 3.0 cable to plug into a USB A 3.0 socket on the computer side, a double chinch cable that's really short but sufficient to place it next to the amp, and a 3.5 to 6.5 gold-plated jack adapter. As far as buying advice is concerned, it all depends on what you want to do with it. I connected it to a Mac mini late 2014 running MacOs Monterey via a USB 3.0 hub with USB-A socket and external power supply. No problems whatsoever.

    Review automatically translated
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