Equipped with a built-in headphone amplifier and the versatility to function as a DAC and DAC/Pre, this all-in-one device is the only piece of equipment you'll need on your desk. Seamlessly connects to headphones, preamplifiers, integrated amplifiers or active speakers, offering a comprehensive audio solution for home and office.
Refined to perfection.
The acclaimed ZEN DAC series has won numerous awards, including being named WHAT Hi-Fi's "Best DAC under £200" for four years running. The ZEN DAC 3 continues its legendary status by doubling down on its high-resolution support up to 768 kHz, DSD 512, and MQA decoding capabilities.
USB-C connectivity streamlines cable management and provides USB input surge protection, protecting them from potential damage. Additionally, a significant reduction in DC offset minimizes audio clicks when adjusting settings. These improvements propel the ZEN DAC 3 to new heights of audio excellence.
Turn on your headphones
The ZEN DAC 3 goes beyond just being a USB DAC as it features a built-in headphone amplifier equipped with 4.4mm balanced and 6.3mm SE headphone outputs. With its high-performance 390mW headphone output power, you can use it with a wide range of headphones.
XBass+ is a switchable pure analog signal processing mode designed to enhance bass without compromising midrange clarity. It's perfect for use with IEMs or open-back headphones, which may lack bass response.
The amplifier stage includes a switchable gain function 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 as a ZEN system.
DACtivate your speakers and amplifier.
The ZEN DAC 3 features a variable or fixed output switch. In Variable mode, adjust the volume using the knob when connecting directly to active speakers via our 4.4mm to XLR cable or RCA cables. Use fixed mode to connect line outputs to a receiver or head amplifier: The ZEN DAC 3 is the most versatile USB DAC in its class, offering multiple usage options.
Powered by USB-C, upgradeable performance.
The ZEN DAC 3, powered by USB-C, simplifies cable management. However, for audiophiles looking to upgrade their system, the 5V power input offers an upgrade option. When an external power source is connected, the USB-C port will only transmit data, ensuring a purer signal.
Silent Power iPower2 is an ultra-quiet and ultra-clean power supply for audiophiles, featuring Active Noise Cancellation II technology to cancel all incoming EMI and RFI noise, you will never feel powerless over noise and graininess again. It is more than 10 times quieter than most audiophile power supplies.
The 16-core XMOS chip
This new low-latency XMOS microcontroller has greatly improved processing power. Compared to the current generation of eight-core chips, this new 16-core IC offers twice the clock speed (2000 MIPS) and four times the memory (512 KB), as well as the latest USB SuperSpeed standard.
Hi-Res Audio
Hi-Res True Native ® playback of all music formats, from MP3 to DSD256, PCM384 and DXD384.
Burr-Brown Chipset
The Burr-Brown True Native® chipset means file formats remain unchanged or “bit-perfect.” This means you are hearing music as the artist intended in the format in which it was recorded. At iFi they use Burr Brown extensively in their products and select it for its natural sounding “musicality” and True Native architecture. Their experience with this IC means they know how to get the most out of it.
MQA
MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is supported over USB with full decoding of MQA files up to 384 kHz thanks to the processing power of the new 16-core XMOS chip.
Balanced Circuitry
It is a superior method to the traditional single-ended circuit approach. Balanced circuitry reduces noise and crosstalk. Less interference: clearer sound. You'll typically find this setup on products at the higher end of the price spectrum, such as the Pro iCAN Signature, but iFi now uses it across its range to produce top-quality audio.
XBass
Sonically superior: richer, deeper. Analog bass correction system corrects missing bass response from headphones/speakers.
Digital clock
Extensive jitter-eradication technologies are applied to the digital stage, including our GMT (Global Master Timing) femtoprecision clock and intelligent memory buffer. Low-jitter crystal clock has been updated to provide >20 dB better performance
Characteristics:
- High resolution support: PCM 768 kHz / DSD 512 / MQA Decoding
- Headphone output: No
- Line outputs: No
- Inputs: USB-C
- USB input surge protection: Yes
- ClocKing: Upgraded GMT
- Output DC Compensation: Improved
- XMOS Chips: 16-Core
- Other features: XBass+, PowerMatch, Fixed/Variable Output
- SNR (Headphone Section): >109 dBA (6.2VBal/ V SE)
- THD+N (Headphone Section):= 0.005% (2V @600O)
