iFi ZEN DAC 3

Product highlights:

• desktop USB DAC with built-in high-performance headphone amp
• improves sound from your PC or laptop
• compact design with sturdy metal chassis
• four rubber feet with no-slip grip
• 16-core XMOS processor/microcontroller programmed by iFi's development team for optimized sound and perfect cooperation with digital-to-analog converter chip

Digital-to-analog converter

• Burr-Brown "True Native" digital-to-analog converter chip for high-quality sound
• supported audio files: PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz; DSD up to DSD512 (up to 22.6 MHz)
• offers full decoding for MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) audio files
• GMT (Global Master Timing) femto-precision clock and intelligent memory buffer to eliminate jitter

Balanced headphone amplifier:

• two front-panel headphone outputs: balanced 4.4mm and unbalanced 1/4"
  • balanced 4.4mm and unbalanced 1/4" (3.5mm to 1/4" adapter included)
• low noise floor for clear audio reproduction
• output power (4.4mm):
  • >300mW @ 32 ohms
  • 70mW @ 600Ω
• output power (1/4"):
  • >210mW @ 32 ohms
  • 18mW @ 600Ω
• THD+N:
  • Balanced 4.4mm <0.005% (2V @ 600 ohms;)
  • Unbalanced 1/4" <0.013% (1.27V @ 32 ohms)
• Signal to noise ratio:
  • ≥109dB @ 0dBFS

Front panel controls:

• XBass+ sound control processing for boosting bass
• PowerMatch switchable gain
• high-precision volume control dial
• color-coded LED indicator denotes audio format and sampling frequency
  • yellow - PCM 44.1/48kHz
  • white- PCM 88.2/96/176.4/192/352.8/384/768kHz
  • cyan- DSD 64/128
  • red- DSD 256/512
  • green- MQA
  • blue- MQA studio
  • magenta- MQB (original sampling rate)

Back-panel DAC/preamp connections and controls:

• dual-function USB-C connection serves as both a charging port and a wired USB audio input (note: driver download required)
  • USB-C to USB-A type cable included.
• one balanced 4.4mm output for connecting a compatible powered speaker or amp
• Note: do NOT connect balanced headphones to this output - the full signal could damage your headphones and/or hearing.
• line direct/preamp selection switch (fixed or variable)
• stereo unbalanced RCA preamp output with selectable fixed/variable level
  • RCA cables included

Line output section:

• RCA output power: 1V-3.3V max. (variable); 2.1V fixed
• rear 4.4mm output power: 2V-6.2V max. (variable); 4.2V fixed

General info and specs:

• frequency response: 5Hz - 90kHz (+/-3dB)
• 5-volt DC power input (DC power supply not included)
• draws power from your laptop or PC when connected via USB
  • For optimal performance, it is recommended to upgrade from being powered by USB-C to being powered by an ultra-low noise power adapter
• headphone output impedance:
  • balanced <200 ohms
  • unbalanced <100 ohms
• dimensions: 6-1/4"W x 1-3/8"H x 4-5/8"D
• weight: 1 lb
• warranty: 1 year
• 60-day returns
• MFR # ZENDAC3
• Item # 246ZENDAC3