iFi Audio ZEN DAC 3 USB-C DAC Headphone Amp

iFi Audio ZEN DAC 3 USB-C DAC & Amplifier

The iFi Audio ZEN DAC 3 USB-C DAC & Amplifier 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.

View User Manual

View Tech Lowdown

View iFi Audio Products

Refined to Perfection.

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.

Features

• Hi-res audio support is state-of-the-art with True Native® playback. It handles PCM data to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD up to DSD512 and single and double speed DXD. Thanks to the Burr-Brown DAC chip’s four-channel True Native design, 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 optimise sound quality and ensure a perfect partnership with the Burr-Brown DAC. (* Also on S/PDIF on the NEO iDSD/Diablo)
• The 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. At iFi we use Burr Brown extensively in our products having selected it for its natural-sounding ‘musicality’ and True Native architecture. Our experience with this IC means we know how to make the most of it.
• MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is supported through the USB with full decoding of MQA files up to 384kHz thanks to the processing power of the new 16-core XMOS chip. This means that the full ‘three unfold’ decoding process is performed internally, as opposed to only the final unfold in the manner of an MQA ‘renderer’. Globally, MQA has become an important consideration for any comprehensively equipped DAC. It is available through for Tidal Masters, Audirvana and Roon.
• It is a superior method to the traditional single-ended circuit approach. Balanced circuits reduce noise and crosstalk. Less Interference – clearer sound. You normally find this set-up in products at the higher end of the price spectrum such as the Pro iCAN Signature but iFi is now using this across its range to produce the best quality audio for all our customers.
• Sonically superior – richer, deeper. The XBass® analogue bass correction system corrects for the missing headphone/speaker bass response.
• Extensive jitter-eradication technologies are applied to the digital stage, including our GMT (Global Master Timing) femto-precision clock and the intelligent memory buffer. The low-jitter crystal clock has been updated to provide >20dB better performance

Powering Your Headphones

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.

DACtivate your speakers and amplifier.

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.

USB-C Powered, Upgradeable Performance.

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.

The iFi iPower2 is an ultra-quiet, ultra-clean audiophile-grade power supply, featuring Active Noise Cancellation II technology to cancel out all incoming EMI and RFI noise, you’ll never feel powerless against noise and graininess again.

It is more than 10 times quieter than most audiophile power supplies.

Specifications