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 equipment you'll ever need on your desk. It connects seamlessly to headphones, preamplifiers, integrated amplifiers or active speakers, providing an all-in-one 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 consecutive years. The ZEN DAC 3 continues its legendary status by doubling 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 against potential damage. In addition, a significant reduction in DC offset minimises audio clicks when adjusting settings. These enhancements propel the ZEN DAC 3 to new heights of audio excellence.
Turning on your headphones
The ZEN DAC 3 goes beyond just being a USB DAC, as it features a built-in headphone amplifier equipped with both 4.4mm and 6.3mm SE balanced headphone outputs. With its high-performance 390 mW headphone output power, you can use it with a wide range of headphones.
XBass+ is a switchable pure analogue signal processing mode designed to enhance bass without compromising midrange clarity. It is perfect for use with IEMs or open headphones, which can 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 connector, stacking them as a ZEN system.
DAC 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 powered speakers via our 4.4mm to XLR cable or RCA cables. Use Fixed mode to connect line outputs to a main amplifier or receiver: The ZEN DAC 3 is the most versatile USB DAC in its class and offers multiple usage options.
USB-C powered, upgradeable performance.
The USB-C powered ZEN DAC 3 simplifies cable management. However, for audiophiles looking to upgrade their system, the 5V power input offers an upgrade option. When an external power supply is connected, the USB-C port will only transmit data, ensuring a purer signal.
Silent Power iPower2 is an ultra-quiet, ultra-clean audiophile power supply, featuring Active Noise Cancellation II technology to cancel all incoming EMI and RFI noise, you'll never feel powerless against noise and graininess again. It's more than 10 times quieter than most audiophile power supplies.
The 16-core XMOS chip
This new low-latency XMOS microcontroller has vastly 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 that file formats remain unchanged or "bit-perfect". This means you are listening to music as the artist intended it 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 via 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
This is a superior method to the traditional single-ended circuit approach. Balanced circuitry reduces noise and crosstalk. Less crosstalk: clearer sound. You'll normally find this configuration in products at the higher end of the price spectrum, such as Pro iCAN Signature, but iFi now uses it across its entire range to produce the best quality audio.
XBass
Sonically superior: richer, deeper. The analogue bass correction system corrects the missing bass response of the headphones/speakers.
Digital Clock
Extensive jitter eradication technologies are applied to the digital stage, including our femto-precision GMT (Global Master Timing) clock and intelligent memory buffer. The low jitter crystal clock has been upgraded to provide better performance >20dB
Features:
- 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 Offset: Upgraded
- 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)
