Customer Reviews

Worth More than the cost! Buy & dont Hesit8.

Love it! Way Better sound than the Zen 3

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W/ The Klipsch One Phono.

Very solid! Using it in a parts department office space. Paired with Klipsch The One phono, its bumps. The indicating light when using Tidal is nice. Let's you know what quality audio you're getting.

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iFi ZEN DAC V2

Awesome unit. Only, and biggest, complaint is 4.4mm inputs only. The only adapter provided is 6.3mm to 4.4mm. Since when did 4.4mm replace 3.5mm? And iFi does not provide a 4.4mm to 3.5mm adapter. The user has to order an adapter from them. The adapter costs $19.00 and shipping costs $21.00! This is price gouging, pure and simple. Cheaper work-around is RCA to 3.5mm female adapter to keep the signal balanced. Haven't noticed any loss of quality while gaming with spatial sound setting using this connection. Four stars not for product but for iFi.

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The Cherry on the Pie

It is like the cherry on the pie, to borrow a phrase. The included headphone amp makes up for what PCs lack. I would say this is a must have for those serious about headphone sound quality on PC.

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iFi ZEN DAC V2

I can't figure out how to use it. How do I connect my $500+ headphones to this unit and my ipod touch to listen to my music, and to my tv set and its audio? It is useless to me right now.

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Crutchfield response on 8/27/2024

Once we saw this review, our Tech Support team reached out to Michael to help him further. Whenever you encounter a problem with anything you purchase from Crutchfield, please contact our Tech Support team right away. Lifetime tech support comes with every Crutchfield purchase.

Good DAC for the money

I needed a DAC to play on-line streaming through my home stereo. This unit provides near CD sound quality. I looked at a lot of other units that we made in a country that I did not want to support.

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Sound Saviour

I thought my stereo system sounded good as is, but thanks to a glitch in my rollover to Windows 11 (my computer no longer recognizes the HDMI input from my computer) I had to purchase this DAC to send my digital music from my computer to my stereo. The quality of the sound has blossomed. Bass, Treble, you name it, it sounds considerably better. I fully recommend this product.

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Great gear, horrid manual

iFi appears to be the only provider of high fidelity standalone DAC with good basic controls but no ridiculously expensive extras. I have had excellent use from a Nano for some years on my main stereo system. At the price, I could afford to add a ZEN just to drive headphones on the other side of the room. It's larger and apparently without battery, so no longer suitable to carry in a pocket, but essentially the same audio and physical quality with room for slightly better connectors. Zero complaints about basic function. The instructions in the bookmark sized "manual" are almost worthless. The box is simple enough, and the possibility of damage very slight, so most or all configurations can be worked out easily by trial and error. Aside from the missing information, the manual mentions "4. Audio Format LED" which is missing on my model (not essential, but would be helpful to diagnose problems). The downloadable "manual" is just an image of the same bookmark.

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Great imaging separation for gaming

New to audio world, after a ton of research and a max budget of $ 200 I landed here, the zen dac sound great with my HD560s, the bass boost is nice but not necessary, imaging and soundstage for gaming (primary use) is way better than onboard audio. I tested the Topping DX1 which was a great unit and super crisp, in fact crispier than the zen dac for half the price, DX1 was more neutral sounding than zen dac which is a warmer in sound. Tested the Qudelix 5k which also great sounding and a lot of features, but I wanted something i can hook speakers in back via rca. Also tried the Soundblaster G6 which sounded really harsh with my HD 560s. In the end the zen dac has a creamier sound if that makes sense and even if I liked the sound of the DX1 a little bit better for gaming, the soundstage felt bigger and imaging is better on the zen dac.

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Zen DAC V2 paired with HD600

I have the Zen DAC V2 paired with my Sennheiser HD 600s and they sound incredible. Big difference from listening through my CD player and my Sansui AU-719 amp. This is due to low quality CD player(24 bit versus 32 bit Zen). Started ripping my CDs via FLAC format via Music Bee. However, my headphones did sound a bit fuller going from Zen through Sansui amp but I am happy with my desktop setup. Watch out on volume, as with such crisp sound you do not realize the level of sound.

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DAC amp

This product was easy to hook up and it makes my headphones sound very good well pleased with suggestion and buying process.Once again another great purchase from crutchfield .

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Nice Dac for lightning ipad

Worked right out of the box with ipad using the lightning to usb camera adapter. No power adapter was needed, it was powered by the usb connection from camera adapter. Sounds very nice too, I have it attached to Focal Shape monitors and the sound is crystal clear. Would have been nice to have a power switch.

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iFi ZEN DAC V2

Excelente producto con muy buena calidad de audio

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Best affordable DAC

Great lil DAC, first one I purchased. I didn't know the difference it would make but am pleased to say the least.

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Solid DAC, delivers nice sound for price

Solid desktop DAC that worked right out of the box. No drivers, no power supply needed with my laptop setup (Win 11, Dell XPS15). It's compact but feels solidly built. Buttons and knob feel is good. I'm using it to play Qobuz streams and FLAC files with MusicBee to Sennheiser HD600's and and external stereo. Both sound great and it is a nice step up from my previous portable DAC's.

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iFi ZEN DAC V2

Very good purchase. Tidal sounds as good as or better than vinyl using this DAC with Microsoft Surface

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Accessible Audiophilia

What I like - Running my Grado SR80e's The treble range feels smoother than usual. Tested the Zen out on Shure SE215s, Nuraphones (the original), and Sennheiser HD 280 Pros as well. Generally, the stereo imaging, detail, and dynamic range were enhanced. I put on one of my favorite records - Opeth's Watershed - and I heard details I've never heard before, even after hundreds of listens (this was on Qobuz). - Plug n play on Windows 10, which is nice. - The aluminum build quality is phenomenal, and the unit runs cool even after hours of use. The volume pot is super smooth as well. - I like the indicator light that shows the bandwidth / codec of the audio that is currently streaming. - This thing is tiny in a desktop context, while still being dense enough to not be pulled around if you adjust your headphone cable. - I felt that the stereo imaging was improved enough for me to pick out the location of monsters while gaming in Elden Ring. And due to there being more clarity and instrumental separationl, I felt I had better situational awareness. What I don't like - The usb-b cable is heckin short. I have a pretty "power user oriented" home PC setup, with a media tower set up next to my desk. I wish the cable was long enough for me to place the Zen DAC on the tower, while still connected to my PC Verdict For people who really want to get lost in a sonic experience, this thing is awesome.

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Nice sounding and a looker!

I paired the iFi ZEN DAC V2 with my iMac and old Sennheiser HD580 headphones. The iFi is a nice upgrade over my Audio Engine DAC/headphone amp: better sound, comely appearance, additional connections and more controls. The volume knob is silky smooth and finely calibrated, allowing tiny volume adjustments. There's plenty of power for the HD580: I use the high gain setting and volume is comfortable from 10 to 12:00 o'clock. The responsive rendering of dynamics is excellent but for classical music, I hear a greater range of dynamics than my prior headphone amps. The ZEN is smooth and musical, and I can listen for a long time without fatigue. The HD580 sounds good with the bass boost engaged for classical music, albeit for bass heavy funk and jazz I prefer it off. The DAC V2 lacks the spatial expansion feature found on the iFi ZEN CAN. Build quality is solid and attractive. Love the brushed aluminum face plate-much easier to see than typical generic black boxes. The volume knob is great but smaller buttons feel a little loose. The RCA inputs are spaced far enough apart that interconnects with fat plug cases can be used. The DAC V2 lacks an on/off switch but runs cool as a cumber. I have it plugged straight into a USB 3 port on my iMac-no dropouts or restarts needed after using the iFi ZEN DAC V2 for a couple weeks (unlike my prior DAC). My only complaint is the included USB cable is way too short for desktop computers-probably okay with a MacBook-and

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iFi ZEN DAC V2

Another great iFi product. Downloading and then installing the drivers was easy, the unit plays and functions in my setup exactly as I had hoped. The one item I need to look further into is the balanced 4.4mm analogue output. I am not familiar with this type of a connection. It says it is a balanced connection and recommended to connect to powered speakers or an amplifier??? There is only one connection so I am not sure how this creates a stereo channel if I am to go into my amplifier with this. All the literature uses an extremely small font, I need a magnifier to read most of it. The box includes a USB cable and an RCA stereo cable but why not the 4.4mm analogue output cable if this is what they recommend?

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Overall an excellent value.

Very pleased with this. I use Sennheiser HD 650 headphones with my PC and this has really made them come alive. I was impressed with the ease of setup - trully plug-and-play. The only minor nit to pick was the very short length of the cable. Overall an excellent value.

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iFi ZEN DAC V2

I've had DAC's from $3000, to $149, so far this 32 bit is amazing, not the best, but #2 is great

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iFi ZEN DAC V2

Plug and play with win 7. Sounds and fuctions great. Sounds better than the Bur Brown DAC in my Yamaha CD player.

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Equipment pairing makes a difference

What equipment you pair a DAC with matters, just like the music source matters. As I explore hi res music here's what I'v found: Using Apple Music as the source supplied by M1 Mac Mini's which can be limited to 24/48 via HDMI and 24/96 via headphone jack, connected to receivers I prefer the sound via HDMI. Since the HDMI is a digital connection from the Mac to a receiver I understand I am using the DAC of the receiver (24/192 capable, but in this case just a better sounding DAC), whereas the headphone jack on the Mac mini goes to RCA jacks on the receiver, so analog to the receiver using Mac mini's DAC. When you insert the iFi ZEN DAC V2 into the mix (USB from Mac, RCA to receiver) it fleshes out more detailed high and mid as well as boomier base. If you have (larger) speakers that can handle that extra base, no problem. It really took my flat/reference sounding Denon X2400h receiver and floor standing, passive 2-way speakers and added better definition of the reference sound at both ends. Fun to listen to again. Conversely, the ZEN was too base boomy with my small Edifier R1280T powered speakers (whereas the Project Head Box S2 Digital works really well with the Edifiers). I wish somebody could come up with a relative classification system for the different sounds, and DACS etc., but fun experimenting for now.

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"Must Have" additional to any decent pair of headphones

This is my first experience with DAC/Amp. I am using it connected directly to the PC and power to drive this unit is derived through the USB connection. My hearing experience has been elevated significantly through Senheiser HD660S. As I have read in other reviews, I am hearing things that I have not heard before. For a small investment, this makes a serious impact. The size is a bit larger than I expected, however, the finish is beautiful. The volume control is the icing on the cake! Just get it!

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iFi ZEN DAC V2

I'm using the Zen DACv2 with additional 5v external power and paired to AudioTechnica MSR7b headphones. First impressions are that it is slightly larger and more substantial mass than I expected, which is a good thing. It seems like a well-designed mini amp and it won't be sliding around on the desk - it stays put. After a couple hours of listening time, I'm very pleased with the output of the device, very clean sound even at high level. I can keep pushing the volume to extreme, and there's still more to be had. The control knob is smooth and solid feel. It's driving the headphones as hard as I would ever need. It would be rattling the windows out of the walls if it was filling the room. But it also has very precise low vol level as well. I have never heard any serious headphones thru an external DAC but I could not be more impressed.

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Amazing improvement in sound

I bought the iFi ZEN DAC V2 based on Crutchfield's recommendation to use it with the Sennheiser 560S headphones to listen to my music library in my iMac desktop. I was a bit apprehensive that I would have connection problems because my iMac is from 2016, but it was an easy set up, plug in and ready to go. With the Sennheiser headphones it is an amazing improvement in sound. I listen to classic rock , jazz and classical. Music sounds very textured, bass is warm and detailed, you can hear instruments that you never heard before. it is like the band or orchestra is right there in front of you.

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iFi ZEN DAC V2

It was like a curtain was opened. I heard things I never heard in the 50 + years I've been listening to some records. WAY better than my previous DAC, Way better than the original LP. Using with Spotify and Tidal. Volume pot is super buttery.

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iFi ZEN DAC V2

Great little desktop headphone AMP\DAC. No complaints and am pleased with the quality of the build and sound.

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Mac desktop users beware

Sales said this Zen Dac v2 and Sennheiser 660s headphones would be a "great" combination. However, this iFi product does not play well at all with my primary connection, to a 2017 iMac running Mac OS Monterey (12.6.1). As received from Crutchfield, the Zen Dac had two bugs: the colored volume knob only displayed "green" signifying MQA, which I do not have; and periodically the Zen Dac stopped working and needed to be unplugged/replugged into the USB port on the Mac. Solution? Firmware upgrade, potentially -- but unfortunately, iFi had neglected to become a "verified developer" of software with Apple (at least for this product) and thus Monterey prevented their firmware -- iFi_XMOS_V7.4b_XU216 -- from being installed ("cannot be opened because the developer cannot be verified.") Tech support at iFi appeared surprised at these issues (which I have documented). Apple tech support confirmed the impossibility of installing this Zen Dac firmware through "Security & Privacy" in System Preferences on Monterey. So, despite great expectations I'm returning the unit and sharing this experience. Other users may have different outcomes (and even with different Apple devices), but that's my experience and caution.

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Improves the sound from your device

This device is very solidly built, looks great and was easy to set up. Once connected, it elevated the sound from my laptop to MQA quality. There is a power match control which can be turned on or off to improve the sound from your headphones. Then Truebass control I turned on and noticed an improved sound from the bass on my headphones. You can connect either balanced or unbalanced headphones and there is a connection on the back for hooking up (via RCA connectors) an external device. The iFi gets its power from your computer (via usb connection) or there is a separate power supply available, but not included. The device is compact and looks great on the desktop. And the sound is great and very clear!

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Awesome DAC!

Sounds amazing. Excellent build quality. Using it with TIDAL streaming.

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iFi ZEN DAC V2

It's cool product

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Exactly What I needed

This my first DAV device and exactly what I needed to check out the capabilities re streaming my iPhone 12 music. I should point out that the power demand for the iFi Zen DAC V2 is greater than the power provided through the iPhone 12. There's a separate power port but the 5V 2A AC Adapter is not included and also not sold by Crutchfield. No problem for me as I had one but the site info should describe the need as I'm sure other mobile device owners would be using the Zen in this fashion.

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iFi ZEN DAC V2

Excellent DAC with really nice, silky smooth volume control and very fine and adjustment.

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Great buy

Great sound from a small package. It is well constructed and a great value. Would recommend to anyone getting started in HiFi audio.

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iFi ZEN DAC V2

Great product from iFi! Thanks Crutchfield for excellent service!

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Punches Way Above its Price Point

Punches way above its modest price point. Now add the fact its MQA decoder to! It's built like a tank, milled dial, LED around dial changes color to show what source is playing. Chassis is metal. Sound quality is way above what I was expecting for its cost. Might get another one for the wife to put on her desk!

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Sounds fine.

Seems like a well built unit. Sounds great. I'm tempted to knock off a star for only having USB, but it does work fine without an external power supply , so it's a wash. If you need an optical or coax input, however, go elsewhere.

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iFi ZEN DAC V2

I couldn't ask for more at this price. It cleaned up the sound from my desktop computer which was what I was looking for. Don't hesitate to purchase.

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iFi ZEN DAC V2

excellent build quality, the sound quality will please most people for a product in this price range.

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iFi ZEN DAC V2

Sounds amazing. Plenty of power. Using with Meze Audio 99 Classics and very happy.

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Awesome little DAC!

The iFi Zen DAC V2 was the perfect solution for streaming Apple's new Lossless and High Resolution Lossless content on Apple Music. I connected a 2021 iPad Pro to the USB input of the ifi Zen DAC plugged the DAC into an Marantz integrated amplifier's analog inputs and was instantly streaming high resolution lossless goodness. Dynamic range is what you'd expect from hi-res lossless sources. This DAC seems to disappear, meaning it doesn't color or add noise/distortion to the music in any way- just as a good DAC should. I'm completely satisfied with the iFi DAC V2. I'll grab another one for a 2nd system, for the price why not?

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zen dac v2

Purchased originally to use with phone, and headphones. just not enough power from phone to headphones. then switched to desktop computer, using same headphones. now streaming amazon hd, and tidal thru computer. not only did sound quality improve having plenty power for headphones, but DAC built in also made a major improvement in sound quality. streaming FLAC and MQA with bass boost on. Sound quality is so much improved my home system has a hard time matching it. good luck finding a headphone amp with a better sounding DAC at a price anywhere the quality for under $500. just upgraded headphones to new hd 660s, sound and satisfaction just getting better. if your like me, only way to compare equipment, use no risk Crutchfield advisors and return if not happy policy.

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iFi ZEN DAC V2

Great sound and value. I bought this to give some extra oomf to a pair of planar magnetic headphones. The headphones sounded a little dull with not enough power from my sound card; this fixes that with plenty of power to spare. The bass button really adds a nice amount of low end to open back reference headphones that I also have. I am using the RCA out set to fixed to send sound to my powered desktop monitors. I have used this on Window and Mac. Works great with no drivers needed. The only flaw is the windows drivers are actually worse than not using them. I installed the driver to see if it would add any functionality, and the driver offered less bit rates and broke the sound output of the desktop media player app I was using. One thing that doesn't bother me that might others is that volume must be controlled from the knob on the front. Windows volume doesn't affect the volume coming out of the Zen DAC.

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