Features

Overview: The iFi Audio ZEN Can is a fully-analog desktop headphone amplifier from the ZEN series that drives headphones far better than your smartphone, tablet, digital audio player, or laptop/desktop computer. It features both single-ended (unbalanced) and balanced inputs, plus 1/4" and 4.4mm headphone jacks. ZEN Can features the same Class A Discrete balanced circuitry that is found in iFi Audio's flagship Pro iCAN to deliver serious power to your headphones. The headphone amp comes with a 3.5mm-to-1/4" headphone plug adapter, a DC 5V power supply, and an RCA patch cable.

Inputs: The ZEN Can features three total inputs, including balanced and unbalanced (single-ended) inputs. The balanced input has a 4.4mm Pentacon connector. Two single-ended inputs are provided, with 3.5mm and stereo RCA jacks. On the front panel, you can select the input by cycling through the RCA, 3.5mm, and 4.4mm inputs.

Outputs: The ZEN Can has two headphone outputs on the front panel, with a 1/4" (6.3mm) single-ended jack, and a 4.4mm balanced jack. A 3.5mm-to-6.3mm adapter is included for connecting headphones with a 3.5mm plug. In addition, a 4.4mm balanced output on the rear panel lets you connect an active speaker with a 4.4mm-to-XLR or other balanced interconnects.

Gain Selection Switch: The headphone amplifier lets you adjust the gain in four steps of +6dB to match your headphones. Starting with the switch at 0dB, you should increase the gain level until the volume level is comfortable and enjoyable. The 0dB setting is desirable for sensitive in-ear monitors, while the higher gain settings are recommended for higher impedance headphones where you can expand the dynamic headroom. The push-button switch cycles through the gain settings: 0dB, +6dB, +12dB, and +18dB.

Sound Controls: The ZEN Can features two of iFi Audio's proprietary sound controls. A single button on the front panel lets you choose one or both settings. The sound controls include:

• XBass®: XBass adds a measure of low-frequency correction to make the headphones sound more natural. No DSP, with its loss of resolution, is used for XBass, so the adjustment stays in the analog domain, retaining the clarity and resolution of the original music. XBass is particularly effective with open-back headphones that suffer from a loss of deep bass response.
• 3D Matrix®: 3D Matrix recreates a holographic soundfield that simulates listening to a pair of speakers. It produces a deep soundstage with a more immersive sensation than typical headphone listening. 3D, like XBass, uses no digital processing.

Specifications:

• Frequency Response:
  • 20 Hz - 20kHz (+0dB / -0.03dB)
  • < 10 Hz - 200 kHz (-3dB)
• Gain: 0dB, 6dB (2x), 12dB (4x), 18dB (8x) (S-E out)
• Inputs:
  • 4.4mm Pentacon (balanced): 4.0V nominal @ 0dBFS, 24 kOhm Zin
  • RCA L/R socket SE: 2.0V nominal @ 0dBFS, 1 MegOhm Zin
  • 3.5mm jack SE: 1.0V nominal @ 0dBFS, 1 MegOhm Zin
• Max. Input:
  • Balanced: 7.4V RMS
  • RCA: 3.8V RMS
  • 3.5mm: 1.92V RMS
• Max Output:
  • Balanced:
    • > 15.1V / 385mW (@ 600 Ohm)
    • > 11.0V / 1890mW (@ 64 Ohm)
    • > 6.0V / 1150mW (@ 32 Ohm)
  • S-E:
    • > 7.6V / 196mW (@ 300 Ohm)
    • > 7.2V / 1600mW (@ 32 Ohm)
• THD+N:
  • Balanced: < 0.0007% (@ 4V out, 600 Ohm, 1kHz)
  • S-E: < 0.006% (@ 100mW/1.27V 16 Ohm)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio:
  • Balanced: >120 dBA (@ 15.2V)
  • S-E: > 118 dBA (@ 7.6V)
• Power Input: DC 5V/2.5A from included AC adapter (100-240V 50/60Hz )
• Power Consumption: ~13 watts (max signal); ~5 watts (no signal)
• Dimensions: Width 6.215", Height 1.373", Depth 4.63"
• Weight: 18.1 ounces