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Zen One Signature Desktop digital-to-analog converter and Bluetooth® receiver

Item # 246ZEN1SGN

The Zen One Signature brings a stellar DAC and Bluetooth chips to the table and produces beautiful high-fidelity sound.

The Zen One Signature brings a stellar DAC and Bluetooth chips to the table and produces beautiful high-fidelity sound.

5 questions - 6 answers

Item # 246ZEN1SGN

In stock
$349.00

About the Zen One Signature

Archer A.

The best of both worlds

The Zen DAC V2 and Zen Blue V2 are some of our most popular iFi offerings. Each provides great sound for headphone and two-channel speaker setups alike. The new Zen One Signature brings together the best of both for spectacular hi-fi sound and wireless convenience. In fact, this is the first Zen Series DAC to support all high-res formats — including PCM, MQA, and DSD audio from traditional wired sources, as well as wireless formats like aptX® HD and LDAC. 

The best of both worlds

The Zen DAC V2 and Zen Blue V2 are some of our most popular iFi offerings. Each provides great sound for headphone and two-channel speaker setups alike. The new Zen One Signature brings together the best of both for spectacular hi-fi sound and wireless convenience. In fact, this is the first Zen Series DAC to support all high-res formats — including PCM, MQA, and DSD audio from traditional wired sources, as well as wireless formats like aptX® HD and LDAC. 

A pure DAC with no headphone amp

It's important to note that this is a pure DAC — there's no onboard headphone amplifier. As such, it's a more focused piece where the DAC circuit really shines. There's a 32-bit Burr-Brown True Native® high-res DAC chip under the hood that takes care of the heavy lifting. It uses an upgraded high-precision crystal clock, an intelligent memory buffer, and a digital filter customized by iFi to keep jitter and other digital distortion to an absolute minimum.

A powerful 16-core processor handles the incoming USB data, ensuring all the digital signal's 1s and 0s are in the right spot before they hit the DAC. The processor has been carefully optimized by iFi to ensure it works in harmony with the Burr-Brown DAC chip.

Zen Blue V2

The Zen Blue V2 is a pure DAC with built-in Bluetooth, making it a perfect companion to your desktop headphone amplifier.

High-fidelity Bluetooth sound

The Bluetooth section uses Qualcomm's new high-performance QCC5100 chip paired with proprietary iFi circuits to provide superior wireless sound. On top of that, the included high-gain Bluetooth antenna nets you some extra range. The Zen One Signature supports all major wireless high-res formats, including LDAC, HWA/LHDC, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, and AAC.

Digital and analog connections

On the back panel, you'll find two S/PDIF inputs (optical and coaxial) and a USB type-B input for connecting digital sources. The digital inputs support up to 32-bit/192kHz PCM as well as MQA, so don't be afraid to hook up your computer, CD transport, or smartphone and stream away. There's also a pair of stereo RCA outputs and a 4.4mm balanced output for connecting the Zen One Signature to an integrated amp, preamp, headphone amp, or active speakers. Do not connect the 4.4mm output to headphones — the full signal could damage your headphones and/or hearing.

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Product highlights:

  • desktop USB DAC with Bluetooth
  • DAC only — no built-in headphone amplifier
  • improves sound from your PC, laptop, digital music player, and iPhone® or Android™ phone
  • compact design with sturdy metal chassis
  • four rubber feet with no-slip grip
Digital-to-analog converter specs:
  • Burr-Brown "True Native" digital-to-analog converter chip for high-quality sound
  • supported audio files: PCM and DXD up to 32-bit/384kHz; DSD up to DSD256 ( up to 11.2 MHz); MQA384kHz
  • offers full decoding for MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) audio files
  • GMT (Global Master Timing) femto-precision clock and intelligent memory buffer to eliminate jitter
  • 16-core XMOS processor programmed by iFi's development team for optimized sound and perfect cooperation with digital-to-analog converter chip
Bluetooth specs:
  • Qualcomm 5100-series processing chip for advanced wireless streaming
  • built-in Bluetooth 5.1
    • supported codecs: aptX®, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX LL, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC and SBC
  • high-gain antenna included for extended Bluetooth signal range
  • supports Bluetooth audio up to 96kHz resolution
Rear panel connections:
  • USB Type-B input for connecting PC, smartphone, and other mobile devices
    • USB cable included (Type-A to Type-B)
  • optical digital (Toslink) audio input
  • coaxial digital audio input/output
  • balanced 4.4mm output for connecting a compatible powered speaker or amp
    • Note: do NOT connect balanced headphones to this output - the full signal could damage your headphones and/or hearing.
  • stereo unbalanced RCA output
    • pair of stereo RCA cables included
  • output voltage: 4V (balanced); 2V (unbalanced)
Other info:
  • fully balanced internal circuitry to avoid distortion and cross-talk between channels
  • class 1 ceramic capacitors for stable audio signal path
  • Texas Instruments low-noise ICs (microcontrollers) for high output and low distortion
  • power supply uses ELNA Japan Silmic II capacitors for superior audio quality and characteristics
  • frequency response: 5-80,000 Hz (± 3dB)
  • signal-to-noise ratio: 105 dB
  • total harmonic distortion: 0.002%
  • dimensions (measured by Crutchfield): 6-1/4"W x 1-3/8"H x 4-3/16"D
  • weight: 1.1 lbs.
  • warranty: 1 year
  • MFR # 0311011

What's in the box:

  • D/A converter
  • 19" USB cable (Type A USB 3.0 on one end and Type B USB 3.0 on other end)
  • 19" Audio cable (stereo RCA plugs on each end)
  • 3.5" Bluetooth antenna
  • iPower2 AC adapter with attached 79" DC output cord (DC output: 5V 2.5A)
  • US 2-pronged AC plug adapter
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Warranty card

Customer reviews for Zen One Signature

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More details on the Zen One Signature

Mark G.

Features & specs

Design
Type Desktop/Component
Built-in Rechargable Battery No
Built-in Headphone Amplifier
Output Power N/A
Output Impedance (Unbalanced) N/A
Output Impedance (Balanced) N/A
Audio Specs
Bit Depth (USB) 32
Max Sampling Rate (USB) 384 kHz
Bit Depth (S/PDIF) 32
Max Sampling Rate S/PDIF 192 kHz
S/N Ratio (Unbalanced, in dB) 105
S/N Ratio (Balanced, in dB) 105
THD (Unbalanced) 0.002%
THD (Balanced) 0.002%
Supported File Types
PCM Up to 384kHz
DSD Up to DSD256
DXD Up to 384kHz
MQA MQA 384
Inputs
Total Inputs 3
USB Type B
Optical Digital 1
Coaxial Digital 1
3.5mm Digital None
Stereo RCA Analog None
Stereo 3.5mm Analog None
Stereo XLR Analog None
Headphone Outputs
3.5mm Unbalanced None
1/4-inch Unbalanced None
4.4mm Balanced None
XLR4 Balanced None
Other Headphone Outs ---
Line Level & Digital Outs
RCA Line Out 1
3.5mm Line Out None
XLR Line Out None
Subwoofer Out None
Optical Digital Out None
Coaxial Digital Out 1
Wireless Connectivity
Bluetooth Yes
Wi-Fi No
Apple-compatible Yes
Android-compatible Yes
General Info
Width (inches) 6-1/4
Height (inches) 1-3/8
Depth (inches) 4-3/16
Weight 1.1 lbs.
Parts Warranty 1 Year
Labor Warranty 1 Year

Product Research

Features

Overview: The ZEN One Signature is a stylish, compact desktop DAC (digital-to-analog converter) and Bluetooth adapter. It is housed in a charcoal gray aluminum enclosure with brushed aluminum front and rear panels. It has S/PDIF (coaxial and optical) and USB 3.0 Type B inputs, with balanced and unbalanced analog outputs. ZEN One Signature includes both USB (3.0) and RCA cables, and the super-quiet iPower 2 power supply.

Bluetooth 5.1: The ZEN One Signature borrows Bluetooth technology from the ZEN Blue v2 for wireless streaming of your favorite music. With Qualcomm's QCC5100 Bluetooth processing chip, ZEN One Signature supports the current high-definition Bluetooth formats, including Qualcomm's 24-bit/48kHz aptX HD and aptX Adaptive, Sony's LDAC (24-bit/96kHz), and HWA's LHDC (24-bit/96kHz). It also supports regular codecs aptX, aptX Low Latency, AAC (for Apple devices), and SBC as well. ZEN One Signature's Bluetooth processor can be updated over-the-air to keep the unit up to date when new codecs are released. The ZEN One Signature can store up to 8 paired Bluetooth devices. When the 9th device is paired, the oldest device in memory is deleted. A hinged high-gain Bluetooth antenna is included for maximum Bluetooth range.

Digital-to-Analog Conversion: ZEN One Signature is a pure Digital-to-Analog Converter that has no headphone amplifier or volume control. It converts your Hi-Res audio files in their original format, including PCM, DSD, and DXD. It can also fully decode MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) audio files. It uses a Burr-Brown "True Native" multi-bit chipset which sends PCM and DSD signals down separate pathways so each format remains "bit-perfect" all the way to its conversion to analog. The ZEN One Signature is compatible with the following audio formats:

  • PCM: 384, 352.8, 192, 176.4, 96, 88.2, 48, 44.1 kHz
  • DSD: 256, 128, 64 MHz
  • DXD: 384, 352.8 kHz
  • MQA (Decoder)

MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) Decoder: The ZEN One Signature, like all iFi MQA-compatible DACs, can fully unfold MQA master tracks. MQA delivers the sound of the original master recording, so you'll hear the music exactly the way the artist intended. Using the 16 Core 2000MIPS XMOS low latency microcontroller the unit performs full MQA decoding (up to 384 kHz). You can listen to MQA audio files and streams on Tidal Masters, Audirvana, and Roon.

Front Display: The ZEN One Signature's front display with the iFi logo is backlit by an LED that indicates the sampling frequency received from the source. The LED color scheme is as follows:

LED Color Wired Format Wireless Format
White PCM HWA LHDC
Cyan DSD Sony LDAC
Green MQA Qualcomm aptX Adaptive
Blue MQA Studio Qualcomm aptX
Magenta Original Sample Rate Qualcomm aptX HD
Yellow --- AAC
OFF --- SBC

Audio Format/Input LED: Beside the front display is a smaller LED that indicates the audio format and the sampling frequency being received from the music source:

LED Color Mode / Frequency
Yellow PCM 44.1, 48kHz
White PCM 88.2, 96, 176, 192, 352, 384 kHz
Cyan DSD 64, DSD 128
Red DSD 256
Flashing Blue Searching for registered Bluetooth device
Flashing Blue/Red Searching for new Bluetooth device (Pairing Mode)

Input Selector: On the front panel is a push-button Input Selector which cycles through the three inputs:

  • Bluetooth: Receives wireless Bluetooth signals, up to 96kHz, from your digital audio player, smartphone, tablet, or computer.
  • S/PDIF: Receives digital signals from a wide variety of digital sources, including TVs, CD/DVD/Blu-ray players, game consoles, and audio servers. Has optical (Toslink) and coaxial (RCA) inputs, and supports 32-bit/192kHz PCM and MQA.
  • USB: Type B USB 3.0 port receives digital signals from your PC or Mac. Compatible with the "SuperSpeed" USB 3.0 standard, and backwards-compatible with USB 2.0. Supports 32-bit/384kHz PCM, fully native DSD, and full MQA decoding (to 384kHz).

Digital Output: The digital coaxial connector is both a digital input and a digital output. When the Input Selector is set to S/PDIF, the digital coaxial connection is an input. When it is set to Bluetooth or USB, the digital coax is an output.

Analog Outputs: The rear panel offers both balanced and unbalanced analog outputs. The balanced output has a 4.4mm Pentaconn jack, which can be used with 4.4mm-to-XLR or other balanced interconnects. This output can be used for an active speaker or amplifier. The unbalanced output is an RCA stereo pair.

Warning: The 4.4mm output should NOT be used for headphones, as the full volume output will likely damage your headphones or your hearing.

GMT Clock: To eliminate jitter and other digital distortion by more than 20dB, ZEN One Signature features a GMT (Global Master Timing) femto-precision clock and customized digital filter.

iPower2 AC Adapter: Bundled with the ZEN One Signature is the iFi-Audio iPower2 ultra-low noise power supply which has superior components and a thicker gauge of wire, compared to most AC adapters. iPower2 features Active Noise Cancellation II to cancel incoming EMI (electromagnetic interference) and RFI (radio frequency interference). Input: 100-240 VAC, 50/60Hz, 0.5A; Output: 5V DC, 2.5A

Specifications:

  • Digital Inputs:
    • USB 3.0 Type B (USB 2.0 compatible)
    • S/PIDF [coaxial, optical (Toslink)]
    • Bluetooth 5.1
  • Formats:
    • PCM: 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 /192 / 352.8 / 384 kHz
    • DSD: 2.8 / 3.1 / 5.6 / 6.1 / 11.3 / 12.3 MHz
    • DXD: 352.8 / 384 kHz
    • MQA Decoder
    • Bluetooth: 96 kHz
  • Chipsets:
    • DAC: Bit-perfect DSD & DXD DAC by Burr Brown
    • Bluetooth: Qualcomm QCC 5100 Series
  • Frequency Response: 5 Hz - 80 kHz (± 3dB)
  • Outputs:
    • Balanced (4.4mm Pentaconn): 4.0 Volts
    • Unbalanced (RCA): 2.0 Volts
  • Output Impedance:
    • Balanced (4.4mm Pentaconn): </= 72Ω
    • Unbalanced (RCA): </= 36Ω
  • SNR: < -105dB (A) @ 0 dBFS (Bal/Unbal)
  • THD+N: < 0.002% @ 0 dBFS (Bal/Unbal)
  • Power Consumption:
    • No Signal: ~0.7W
    • Max Signal: ~1W
  • Dimensions: Width 6.22", Height 1.371", Depth 4.178" (5.18" w/USB cable)
  • Weight: 17.8 ounces

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Customer Q&A

5 questions already asked

Q
Will the Zen One Signature fully unfold Tidal MQA tracks streamed to it over bluetooth?
benjamin  Dec 11, 2022
1 answer
A
This will not support MQA via Bluetooth. MQA decoding is only supported via wired connection. It will support full MQA decoding when wired.
zachary  Dec 12, 2022 (Staff)
Q
Can I use the balanced and RCA output at the same time? In other words, could I connect my Zen Can via the balanced output and my M20 speakers with the RCA output at the same time?
kishan  Aug 12, 2022
2 answers
A
Yes both active simultaneously..
brian t  Aug 23, 2022
A
We reached out to iFi but have no gotten a confirm yet, Shawn. I wanted to get back to you to let you know that I took a close look and it does look like both outputs are connected on the board, so I can see no reason why you could not output both to an amp/receiver and a headphone amp at the same time. We will reach out when we do hear a confirm, and of course if ANY gear you get from us that does not perform as expected you've got a full 60 days for any returns, so you're always covered!
bo  Aug 16, 2022 (Staff)
Q
How big of a sound quality gap is there between this product and the IfI flagship dac , the Pro iDSD Signature?
ron  Jun 16, 2022
1 answer
A
This is a complex question. Both items are good DACS, the iFi Pro has double the capabilities of the sampling frequency. It also has upsampling, a built in tube pre-amp section, and a headphone amplifier. The Zen One Signature is a a DAC with bluetooth capabilities, the the Pro iDSD is a TON more than that. The "sound quality gap" will depend heavily on you source, your files, and you other components. The price differences is due to the superior performance as a DAC but also a myriad of other capabilities.
thomas  Jun 16, 2022 (Staff)
Q
Is MQA supported via SPDIF/COAX or only with USB?
joseph  Apr 06, 2022
1 answer
A
This supportrs MQA format through its S/PDIF input as well as the USB!
jason  Apr 09, 2022 (Staff)
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