Key Features

Native DSD512 and MQA Support
Advanced Low-Jitter Clock
Powered by 16-Core XMOS Chip
PowerMatch for Correct Headphone Gain
XBass Analog Bass Correction System
Analog Volume Control
768 kHz / 32-Bit PCM, DXD DAC, DSD512
USB-C for Power and Data
Upgradable Power Supply
Includes USB Cable and Dual RCA Cable

iFi audio Zen Dac 3 Overview

ZEN DAC 3 Features

ZEN DAC 3 Quick Set-Up Guide

Elevate your listening experience with the iFi Audio ZEN DAC 3, a portable USB headphone amp and digital audio converter built to accommodate a wide variety of headphones and in-ear monitors, delivering high-fidelity PCM, DSD, and DXD audio. It seamlessly connects to headphones, preamplifiers, integrated amplifiers, or active speakers, offering a comprehensive audio solution for home and office.

The ZEN DAC 3 delivers high-resolution music with support for sample rates of up to 768 kHz. This futureproof feature ensures full compatibility with all music formats available on streaming platforms, bringing you the best in sound quality. The ZEN DAC includes a USB-C cable, a dual RCA cable, and a 1/4" adapter.

At a Glance

Supports all high-res music formats up to PCM 768 kHz, DSD512, and MQA
Equipped with a USB-C input for plug-and-play connectivity
Offers both 6.3mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced headphone outputs, delivering up to 390mW of power for various headphones and earphones
Features RCA and 4.4mm balanced outputs with variable and fixed volume settings, allowing for seamless connection to your active speakers, preamplifiers, or power amplifiers
Includes XBass+ to restore lost bass frequencies from open headphones
Comes with PowerMatch, a switchable gain to ensure optimal power for the headphones you are using
Improved low-jitter GMT (Global Master Timing) clock provides >20dB better performance
Improved circuitry, including enhanced DC offset, ensures heightened signal purity and accuracy
Incorporates a 16-Core XMOS low-latency microcontroller for DSD512 and MQA full decoding

Refined to Perfection

The ZEN DAC 3 continues its legendary status by doubling its high-resolution support up to 768 kHz, DSD512, and MQA-decoding capabilities.
The USB-C connectivity streamlines cable management and provides USB input overvoltage protection, safeguarding it against potential harm. Moreover, a significant reduction in DC offset minimizes audio clicks when adjusting settings. These improvements propel the ZEN DAC 3 to new heights of audio excellence.

Powering Your Headphones

The ZEN DAC 3 goes beyond being just a USB DAC, boasting a built-in headphone amplifier equipped with both balanced 4.4mm and SE 6.3mm headphone outputs.
With its high-performance 390mW headphone output power, you can use it with a broad range of headphones.
XBass+ is a switchable pure analog signal processing mode designed to enhance the bass without compromising midrange clarity. It is perfect for use with IEMs or open-back headphones, which may lack bass response.
The amplifier stage includes a switchable gain feature 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 4.4 to 4.4mm balanced cable, stacking them up as a ZEN system.

Activate Your Speakers and Amplifier

The ZEN DAC 3 is the most versatile USB DAC in its class, offering multiple usage options.

The ZEN DAC 3 features a Variable or Fixed output switch.
In Variable mode, adjust volume using the knob when connecting directly to active speakers via iFi's 4.4mm to XLR cable or RCA cables.
Use Fixed mode for connecting line outputs to a receiver or main amplifier.

USB-C Powered, Upgradable Performance

The ZEN DAC 3 is powered by USB-C, simplifying cable management. However, for audiophiles seeking to elevate their system, the 5V power input offers an upgrade path.
When an external power supply is connected, the USB-C port will only transmit data, ensuring a purer signal.
The iFi iPower2 is an ultraquiet and ultraclean audiophile-grade power supply, featuring Active Noise Cancellation II technology to cancel out all incoming EMI and RFI noise, you’ll never feel powerless against noise and graininess again.

Premium Components

Hi-Res Audio

Hi-res audio support is state of the art with True Native playback. It handles PCM data to 32-bit / 768 kHz, DSD up to DSD512, and single and double speed DXD.
Thanks to the Burr-Brown DAC chip’s four-channel True Native design, PCM and DSD take separate pathways—this enables DSD and PCM to remain bit-perfect in native form right through to analog conversion. This is not the case with all DAC devices from other brands—even if DSD compatibility is stated, many such DACs convert DSD signals to PCM.

XMOS 16x

The XMOS 16-core chip processes the audio data received via the USB digital input.
This low-latency XMOS microcontroller has greatly enhanced processing power. Compared to the current generation of 8-core chips, this new 16-core IC delivers double the clock speed (2000 MIPS) and four times the memory (512KB), as well as the latest SuperSpeed USB standard.
iFi’s in-house digital development team has programmed the XMOS firmware to optimize sound quality and ensure a perfect partnership with the Burr-Brown DAC.

Burr-Brown MultiBit

The Burr-Brown True Native chipset means file formats remain unchanged or bit-perfect. This means you are listening to music as the artist intended, in the format in which it was recorded.
iFi uses Burr-Brown extensively in their products, having selected it for natural-sounding musicality and True Native architecture.

MQA

MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is supported through the USB with full decoding of MQA files up to 384 kHz thanks to the processing power of the new 16-core XMOS chip.
This means that the full unfold decoding process is performed internally, as opposed to only the final unfold in the manner of an MQA renderer.
Globally, MQA has become an important consideration for any comprehensively equipped DAC. It is available through for Tidal Masters, Audirvana, and Roon.

Balanced

It is a superior method to the traditional single-ended circuit approach. Balanced circuits reduce noise and crosstalk. Less Interference—clearer sound.
You normally find this setup in products at the higher end of the price spectrum such as the Pro iCAN Signature, but iFi is now using this across its range to produce the best quality audio.

XBass

The XBass analog bass correction system corrects for the missing headphone/speaker bass response.

Low-Jitter Crystal Clock

Extensive jitter-eradication technologies are applied to the digital stage, including iFi'sGMT (Global Master Timing) femtoprecision clock and intelligent memory buffer.
The low-jitter crystal clock has been updated to provide >20 dB better performance

iFi audio Zen Dac 3Specs

Key Specs

Form Factor	Desktop
Converter Type	D/A Converter
Number of Channels	2x D/A
Maximum Sampling Rate	768 kHz / 32-Bit (DoD/DSD over PCM)
Number of Microphone Inputs	No
Analog Audio I/O	1x Stereo RCA Unbalanced Line Output 1x 4.4 mm TRRRS Balanced Headphone Output 1x 1/4" TRS Unbalanced Headphone Output
Digital Audio I/O	No

Converter Type	D/A Converter
Number of Channels	2x D/A
Converter Circuitry	D/A Chipset: Burr-Brown
Display	No
Maximum Sampling Rate	768 kHz / 32-Bit (DoD/DSD over PCM)
Number of Microphone Inputs	No

Connectivity

Analog Audio I/O	1x Stereo RCA Unbalanced Line Output 1x 4.4 mm TRRRS Balanced Headphone Output 1x 1/4" TRS Unbalanced Headphone Output
Digital Audio I/O	No
Host Connection	1x USB-C
Host Connection Protocol	USB 2.0, USB 3.0 / 3.1/3.2 Gen 1
USB (Non-Host)	No
Sync I/O	No
Network I/O	No
MIDI I/O	No
Expansion Slots	No
Wireless	No

Performance

Frequency Response	5 Hz to 90 kHz ±3 dB
Maximum Output Level	RCA Line Outputs: +3.3 V (Switchable) 4.4 mm Headphone Outputs: +6.2 V (Switchable)
Headphone Output Power	1/4": 300 mW into 32 Ohms 70 mW into 600 Ohms 4.4 mm: 210 mW into 32 Ohms 18 mW into 600 Ohms
Impedance	Headphone Outputs: < 1 Ohm Line Outputs: ≤ 200 Ohms (Balanced) ≤ 100 Ohms (Unbalanced)
Dynamic Range	Headphone: ≥ 109 dBA (at 0 dBFS) Line: ≥ 113 dBA (at 0 dBFS)
SNR	Headphone Outputs: > -109 dBA (at 0 dBFS) Line Outputs: > -113 dBA (at 0 dBFS)
THD+N	4.4 mm Headphone Outputs: < 0.0005% (Balanced) 1/4" Headphone Outputs: < 0.013% 4.4 mm Line Outputs: < 0.0015% (Balanced) RCA Line Outputs: 0.003%

Digital Audio

Sample Rates	768 kHz (PCM)
Bit Depths	Up to 32-Bit
Digital Audio Decoding	DSD
Sync Sources	Internal

Compatibility

OS Compatibility	No
Mobile App Compatible	No

Power

Power Requirements	AC/DC Power Adapter (Not Included), USB Bus Power
DC Input Power	5 VDC at 0.5A
Power Consumption	2.5 W (Maximum) 0.5 W (Idle)

Physical

Dimensions	6.2 x 4.6 x 1.4" / 15.7 x 11.7 x 3.6 cm
Weight	1.0 lb / 454.0 g

Packaging Info

Package Weight	1.7 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)	11.5 x 6.4 x 2.1"

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iFi audio Zen DAC 3 USB DAC and Headphone Amp