iFi ZEN DAC

Front Panel Layout: The front panel features controls and outputs. From left to right: PowerMatch switch (1), TrueBass switch (2), Volume control knob (3), Audio Format LED indicator (4), Single-ended 6.3mm headphone output (5), and Balanced 4.4mm headphone output (6).

Rear Panel Layout: The rear panel contains input and output connections. From left to right: Balanced 4.4mm analogue output (7), Variable/Fixed switch (8), RCA analogue output (9), USB-audio and power input (10), and DC 5V power input (11).

1. PowerMatch® (high/low)

PowerMatch® setting should be on low for IEMs and on high for on/over headphones.

Warning: Due to the high power of ZEN DAC, before changing the PowerMatch setting, always start at a low volume level to prevent damage to headphones, speakers, or hearing. iFi audio is not responsible for any hearing or equipment damage from misuse.

2. TrueBass® (high/low)

Many headphones lack the correct bass response. TrueBass® is an analogue circuit designed to 'add back' the lost bass response for the most accurate playback.

[Tip] Open-back headphones and some IEMs usually sound better with TrueBass set high. Adjust to suit.

3. Analogue Volume Control

The analogue volume control in ZEN DAC is superior to any digital volume control. It can be used to control the headphone volume or the pre-amplifier volume (when set to 'Variable'). If the output at the rear is set to 'Fixed', the volume control is bypassed.

4. Audio Format LED (kHz)

The LED colour scheme indicates the audio format and sampling frequency received by ZEN DAC from the music source.

5. Single-ended 6.3mm Output

Connect single-ended 6.3mm headphones. With single-ended 3.5mm headphones, connect with a 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter.

6. Balanced 4.4mm Analogue Output

Connect balanced 4.4mm headphones.

[Tip] As ZEN DAC is balanced, the 4.4mm output is recommended.

7. Balanced 4.4mm Analogue Output

This is an analogue output via 4.4mm > XLR or other balanced interconnects. It can be used for an active speaker or an amplifier.

[Tip] As ZEN DAC is balanced, this is the recommended output.

8. Variable/Fixed Switch

When the rear UnBAL/BAL analogue outputs are used, this switch determines whether or not ZEN DAC analogue volume control is used.

9. RCA Analogue Output

This is an analogue output.

10. USB-Audio and Power Input

This is a USB input. It connects ZEN DAC to the computer audio source and provides the power supply.

11. DC 5V Power

ZEN DAC is powered by 5 volts, either via the enclosed USB cable (for connection to laptop or PC) or DC power supply (not included).

[Tip] For best performance, upgrade the USB power supply to a super-low noise power adapter such as iFi iPower or iPower X.

[Note] For use with PC, it is necessary to download drivers.

[Tip] It is pre-installed with firmware v5.30, which has been optimized for MQA. This version also handles up to PCM384/DSD256.

[Tip] For firmware optimized to run PCM768/DSD512 (non-MQA), please install firmware v5.20.

[Tip] For all downloads: www.ifi-audio.com

Specifications

General

• Input: USB3.0 B Socket (USB2.0 compatible)
• Formats: 44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192kHz PCM, 2.8/3.1/5.6/6.2/11.2/12.4MHz DSD, 353/384KHz DXD, MQA
• DAC: Bit-Perfect DSD & DXD DAC by Burr Brown

Line Section Output

Headphone Section Output

Other Specifications

• Power consumption: No Signal ~0.5W, Max Signal ~2.5W
• Dimensions: 158 x 117 x 35 mm (6.2" x 4.6" x 1.4")
• Weight: 491 g (1.08 lbs)
• Warranty period: 12 months

[Note] Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Website: ifi-audio.com

Version: Ver1.4