In this article, we review iFi’s new DAC & AMP, the ZEN DAC 3. It retails for $229,99 USD.
Disclaimer: iFi provided the Zen Dac 3 for this review at no cost. As always, the article reflects my unbiased opinion.
iFi Company
I first discovered iFi Audio back in 2013, a year after their market debut in 2012, when they introduced the iDSD series. It was a game-changer at a time when powerful, portable DAC/AMPs were rare. Since then, iFi has expanded not only its product range but also its presence, establishing a vast distribution network worldwide. They are now known for their diverse product portfolio, including desktop and portable DAC/AMPs, sound quality filters, enhancers, Bluetooth gear, and more. iFi states that they utilize high-quality components sourced from Germany, USA, and Japan.
The Zen Dac 3 is the latest addition to iFi’s well-known ZEN series, which has received multiple accolades, including awards from EISA and several recognitions from media outlets worldwide. Built on this legacy, the ZEN DAC 3 features iFi’s long-standing commitment to using Burr-Brown chips, providing a distinctive house sound that fans of the brand have come to love. Additionally, the Zen Dac 3 integrates well-established technologies like XBass and IEMatch, which have been perfected through years of research and development, enhancing the device’s sound personalization.
Over the years, we have reviewed and awarded a lot of iFi equipment on Headfonia. You can access those reviews through this link: Headfonia iFi Reviews.
iFi ZEN DAC 3 Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier
Building on the success of its predecessors, the iFi Zen DAC 3 arrives as a polished update to the ZEN range. Priced at $229, this desktop DAC/AMP features a new Type-C USB input and improves supported formats up to 768 kHz PCM and DSD512. It also improves the ZEN DAC V2’s TrueBass to XBass+. You can check this table chart to see what has changed between generations. In addition to these changes, iFi has revamped the aesthetics with a blueish gunmetal aluminum finish, bronze accents, and leather detailing. It looks much better than before! Here are the specs & highlights of the ZEN DAC 3.
Specs & Highlights
- Burr-Brown True Native® DAC Chipset
- XMOS USB Controller with 768kHz & DSD512 + MQA Support
- USB-C Data+Power Input
- 4.4mm HPO, 6.35mm HPO & 4.4mm Rear Out
- 390mW @32Ω
- XBass+ Analogue Signal Processing Mode
- Variable or Fixed Output Switch
- DC 5V Power Input (to use with iPower2 or similar)
- GMT (Global Master Timing) Femto-Precision Clock
- Supports Sony PS5 and Nintendo Switch
Packaging & Accessories
Unpacking the iFi Zen DAC 3 is a great experience right from the start. The unit is elegantly packaged in iFi’s signature white box, reminiscent of Apple’s design philosophy, simple yet elegant. Inside the box, the Zen DAC 3 is securely nestled in a white-coated cardboard layout, which I believe is made from some sort of recycled material, to ensure DAC’s safety during transport.
Alongside the DAC, in a separate white box, you’ll find a set of accessories. These include a USB-C to USB-A cable, a high-quality 6.35mm to 3.5mm gold-plated adapter, and iFi brand RCA cables, all of which add to the value you’re getting. I especially like that they included the RCA cables, which are good for those who already have a headphone amplifier. For those with active monitors, no luck, as the cable length must be longer for active speakers. A quick start guide, iFi stickers, and the brand’s signature smiley mascot are also included to add a retro touch. The included accessory kit lets users enjoy their DAC/AMP immediately.
Design & Build Quality
iFi showcases its meticulous craftsmanship with the ZEN DAC 3 in a compact aluminum chassis measuring 158 x 115 x 35 mm and weighing 456 grams. Its durable construction features a bluish gunmetal finish, accented with bronze and leather elements, creating a premium aesthetic normally found in more expensive devices. With its modern and elegant design, the device integrates seamlessly into any desktop setup.
The front panel is designed with functionality in mind, with a milled metal volume knob in the center, accompanied by the XBass and Power Match buttons on the left and 6.35mm and 4.4mm headphone outputs on the right. The rear panel houses RCA outputs, a USB-C input for power and data, a DC5V external power input, and a 4.4mm output along with a FIXED/VARIABLE output switch. The variable mode allows for volume control when connected to active speakers, while the fixed mode is ideal for line output to an amplifier. However, the 4.4mm Pentaconn output can be somewhat limiting, as these IC cables are less common and can be costly. iFi charges up to a hundred bucks for its own 4.4 cable line-up. Similar to Topping’s use of TRRS connectors, this could be a potential inconvenience.
The unit also features LED indicators for audio format and sampling frequency. It’s worth mentioning that the Zen DAC 3 simultaneously outputs to all connected headphones and line outputs, which may require manual switching or unplugging if used with multiple devices. While the unit can be powered via the included USB-C cable, iFi also offers an optional iPower2 adapter for improved noise performance at an additional cost, but in my opinion, spending an extra 70 bucks on a power adapter makes it hard for me to praise the units price/performance ratio. I don’t have this adapter, so my review focuses on the device’s performance straight out of the box.
The exceptional build quality of the iFi Zen DAC 3 illustrates iFi’s mastery of aluminum construction and showcases over a decade of experience in precision engineering, in my opinion. Kudos to the iFi team, as I love the feeling of touching cold aluminum in the summer!
The article continues with the part on sound on the next page. Click here or use the buttons below.
Page 1: iFi, Zen DAC 3, Packaging & Accessories, Design & Build Quality,
Page 2: Comparative Sound Impressions, iFi Filters, Last Words
