iFi ZEN One Signature: All-purpose Digital Audio Hub
Tech Lowdown
All-purpose Digital Audio Hub
The ZEN One Signature delivers exceptional sound from every digital device in a home audio environment. It serves as a single DAC for universal connectivity via Bluetooth, USB, and S/PDIF.
Purist Engineering and Signature-grade Circuitry
The ZEN One Signature is performance-tuned to deliver captivating sound with all forms of media, from hi-res music to movie and video game soundtracks. Key features include:
- Next-gen Bluetooth for superior sound from every source.
- True Native hi-res DAC with a powerful 16-core XMOS processor.
- Balanced circuit design with Signature-grade circuit components.
Hi-Res DAC Capabilities
- Hi-res PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz.
- Full native DSD playback.
- Full MQA decoding.
- Optical & coaxial S/PDIF supports 32-bit/192kHz PCM and MQA.
Hi-Res Bluetooth
- Advanced 96kHz Bluetooth 5.1 module with QCC5100 chipset.
- Supports HD Bluetooth formats including aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptXLL, LDAC and LHDC/HWA, AAC and SBC codecs.
- Bluetooth operates at 96kHz.
Supported Bluetooth formats include: Qualcomm® aptX™, Qualcomm® aptX™ Adaptive, Qualcomm® aptX™ HD, Qualcomm® aptX™ low latency, LDAC, AAC, HWA (Hi-Res Wireless Audio powered by LHDC™).
Display Audio Format LEDs
LED indicators display the current audio format and Bluetooth codec:
- PCM/HWA(LHDC)
- MQA Studio/aptX
- AAC
- MQA/aptX Adaptive
- DSD/LDAC
- Original Sample Rate*/aptX HD
- SBC
Input Audio Format LEDs
LED indicators for input audio formats:
- DSD 256
- PCM 44.1/48kHz
- DSD 64/128
- Bluetooth pairing and display ON/OFF
- PCM 88.2/96/176/192/352/384kHz
Upgraded GMT Circuitry
- Improved Global Master Timing (GMT) clock circuitry.
- Customized digital filter.
- Eradicates jitter and other forms of digital distortion.
- Offers >20dB better performance.
The circuitry features a clock symbol within a globe graphic, representing its global timing capabilities.
Balanced Signature-grade Circuit Design
- Balanced analogue circuitry design.
- Utilizes outstanding components, including C0G capacitors from TDL.
- Provides ultra-low distortion and exceptional sonic purity.
- SNR: -105dB(A) @ 0dBFS (BAL/UnBAL).
- THD + N: <0.002% @ 0dBFS (BAL/UnBAL).
The design is represented by a balanced amplifier symbol with '+' and '-' inputs.
Connections
The rear panel offers comprehensive connectivity:
- 4.4mm Output Balanced
- RCA Output Single-Ended
- S/PDIF Input/Output Digital
- Optical Input Digital
- USB Input for PC or Smart Device
- Antenna for Bluetooth
- Power DC 5V Input
Superior Design and Components
The ZEN One Signature employs high-quality components for optimal performance:
- XMOS 16-Core controller with iFi-optimized firmware for full MQA decoding.
- Qualcomm QCC5100 series Bluetooth chip supporting Bluetooth 5.0 with various HD codecs (aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX LL, LDAC, HWA/LHDC, AAC, SBC).
- TDJR (Time Domain Jitter Reduction) for an ultra-low jitter audio stage oscillator.
- Texas Instruments components for precision low-noise power supply.
- KEMET Tantalum Polymer Capacitors for ultra-low noise/distortion.
- Burr-Brown Products for balanced output stage and native DSD DAC.
- TDK C0G capacitors.
- Elna Silmic II capacitors.
- Panasonic OS-CON for excellent noise reduction and frequency characteristics.
The internal layout highlights these key components.
Specifications
General
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Power | DC 5V (centre pin +ve) |
| Dimensions | 158 x 100 x 35 mm (6.2" x 3.9" x 1.4") |
| Net weight | 485g (1.1 lbs) |
Digital Inputs
| Input Type | Details |
|---|---|
| USB | USB3.0 Type B (USB2.0 compatible) |
| S/PDIF | Coaxial, TOSLINK optical |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX LL, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC and SBC codec) |
Formats
| Format | Details |
|---|---|
| PCM | 44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192kHz |
| DSD | 2.8/3.1/5.6/6.1/11.3/12.3MHz |
| DXD | 352.8/384kHz |
| MQA | Decoder |
| Bluetooth | 96kHz |
Chipset
| Chipset | Details |
|---|---|
| DAC | Bit-Perfect DSD & DXD DAC by Burr Brown |
| Bluetooth | Qualcomm QCC 5100 Series |
Outputs
| Output Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Analogue outputs | Coaxial, Audio RCA L/R |
| 4.4mm Balanced Lineout | 4V / 2V max. (BAL/UnBAL) |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 80kHz ±3dB |
| Output Impedance | ≤72Ω/36Ω (BAL/UnBAL) |
| SNR | -105dB(A) @ 0dBFS (BAL/UnBAL) |
| THD + N | <0.002% @ 0dBFS (BAL/UnBAL) |
| Power consumption | No Signal ~0.7W/Max Signal ~1W |
Line Section Specifications
| Feature | Balanced | UnBAL |
|---|---|---|
| Outputs | 6.7V max. (variable) | 3.5V max. (variable) |
| Output Impedance | ≤200Ω | ≤100Ω |
| SNR | <110dB(A) @ 0dBFS | <110dB(A) @ 0dBFS |
| THD+N | <0.007% @ 0dBFS | <0.015% @ 0dBFS |
