Features

Overview: The iFi-Audio ZEN DAC 3 is a compact desktop DAC (digital-to-analog converter) and headphone amplifier that matches other ZEN-series items like ZEN Phono and ZEN Can. It has a new two-tone design with "Sunlit Bronze" front panel buttons and knobs. It has a single USB-C input with balanced and single-ended (unbalanced) headphone outputs on the front and balanced and single-ended line outputs on the back. The DAC can be powered from your laptop or PC via the USB-C input, or by an optional 5V DC power supply.

XMOS Chip: Like its predecessor, ZEN DAC 3 utilizes a low-latency XMOS 16-core microcontroller chip for processing audio data from the USB input. A 16-core chip delivers double the clock speed (2000 MIPS) and four times the memory (512KB) as the 8-core chips used in many DACs in this price range. It also supports the latest SuperSpeed USB standard.

Digital-to-Analog Conversion: ZEN DAC 3 plays Hi-Res audio in the 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" 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 DAC 3 is compatible with the following audio formats:

• DSD: 512, 256, 128, 64
• DXD: 768, 705.6, 384, 352.8
• PCM: 768, 705.6, 384, 352.8, 192, 176.4, 96, 88.2, 48, 44.1 kHz
• MQA (Decoder)

MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) Decoder: The ZEN DAC 3, 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. You can listen to MQA audio files on Tidal Masters, Audirvana, and Roon.

LED Indicator: The ZEN DAC 3's analog volume control is backlit by an LED that indicates the sampling frequency received from the source. The LED color scheme is as follows:

• Yellow: PCM 44.1 / 48 kHz
• White: PCM 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192 / 352.8 / 384 / 768 kHz
• Cyan: DSD 64 / DSD 128
• Red: DSD 256 / DSD 512
• Green: MQA
• Blue: MQA Studio
• Magenta: Original Sample Rate (MQB)

Headphone Amplifier: The iFi ZEN DAC 3's headphone amplifier can drive most headphones and in-ear monitors rated at 32 to 600 ohms. The balanced 4.4mm Pentaconn headphone output uses inverse positive/negative electrical paths to deliver equal and opposite audio signals to each side of the headphone driver voice coil. The balanced output offers double the voltage output for driving bigger and more difficult-to-drive headphones. It also produces reduced THD distortion and crosstalk, compared to unbalanced, single-ended outputs. The ZEN DAC 3 also features a single-ended 1/4" (6.3mm) unbalanced headphone output. For headphones with a 3.5mm plug, you can use the included 3.5mm-to-1/4" plug adapter.

PowerMatch: The headphone output is equipped with iFi's PowerMatch technology. You can turn PowerMatch on or off as needed to match the level of the drive to the load presented by the headphones. When switched to High, PowerMatch adjusts the input sensitivity and signal strength, which works best for less sensitive large headphones. Leaving PowerMatch on Low works best for the more sensitive IEMs.

USB Input: The ZEN DAC 3 has a USB-C input that connects to your computer audio source and provides power to the unit. It is also compatible with Sony PS5 and Nintendo Switch game consoles. A USB-A to USB-C cable is included.

Analog Line 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.

Variable/Fixed Output: ZEN DAC 3 offers switchable variable or fixed line outputs. If you wish to use the unit's analog rotary volume control on the front panel, you should set the Variable-Fixed switch to the "Variable" position. This is recommended for connecting ZEN DAC 3 to a power amplifier or active speakers. If you are connecting ZEN DAC 3 to a receiver, integrated amplifier, or other device with a volume control, setting the switch to "Fixed" will provide the best results. This switch does not affect the front panel headphone outputs.

5.0V DC Power Input: If you do not power the ZEN DAC 3 via USB-C, you can connect an optional DC power supply into the 5-volt DC input on the rear panel. For optimal performance, iFi-Audio recommends using an ultra-low noise power adapter, such as the iPower 2.5V or iPower X 5V, available directly from the manufacturer.

Specifications:

• Input: USB-C
• Formats:
  • PCM: 768, 705.6, 384, 352.8, 192, 176.4, 96, 88.2, 48, 44.1 kHz
  • DSD: 512, 256, 128, 64
  • DXD: 768, 705.6, 384, 352.8 kHz
  • MQA (Decoder)
• DAC: Bit-perfect DSD & DXD DAC by Burr Brown
• Frequency Response: 5Hz - 90kHz (±3dB)
• Line Section:
  • Output:
    • Balanced (4.4mm): 4.2V fixed; 2V - 6.2V max variable
    • Single-ended (RCA): 2.1V fixed; 1V - 3.3V max variable
  • Output Impedance: <= 200 Ω (Bal); <= 100Ω (SE)
  • SNR: >/= 113dBA @ 0 dBFS
  • DNR: >/= 113dBA @ 0 dBFS
  • THD+N: < 0.0015% @ 0 dBFS (Bal 4.4mm); < 0.003% @ 0 dBFS (SE RCA)
• Headphone Section:
  • Max. Output:
    • Balanced (4.4mm): 300mW @ 32 Ω; 70mW @ 600 Ω
    • Single-Ended (1/4"/6.35mm): 210mW @ 32 Ω; 18mW @ 600 Ω
  • Output Impedance: < 1 Ω (Bal/SE)
  • THD+N: Balanced 4.4mm: < 0.005% (2V @ 600Ω); Single-Ended 1/4"/6.35mm: <0.013% (1.27V @ 32Ω)
  • SNR: >109dBA (6.2V Bal / 3.3V SE)
• Power Requirement: USB-C or DC 5V/0.5A (center +)
• Power Consumption: ~ 2.5W max signal; ~ 0.5W no signal
• Dimensions: Width 6.215", Height 1.373", Depth 4.576" (5.25" w/cables)
• Weight: 16.3 ounces