iFi ZEN Blue Wireless Bluetooth DAC

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the ZEN Blue from the iFi ZEN series. The ZEN Blue is a wireless Bluetooth DAC featuring digital and analogue outputs.

Device Layout and Features

The ZEN Blue features a front panel with controls and indicators, and a rear panel with various connection ports.

Front Panel

The front panel includes the 'iFi' logo, which serves as a color indicator for Bluetooth codecs. It also features three main elements:

• 1. Bluetooth Pairing Button: Used for initiating Bluetooth pairing. The ZEN Blue supports aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX LL, LDAC, HWA, AAC, and SBC codecs.
• 2. Bluetooth Codec Display: The 'iFi' logo's color indicates the received Bluetooth file format. The table below shows the mapping:

  Codec Format	LED Colour
  SBC	Off
  AAC	Yellow
  aptX	Blue
  aptX HD	Magenta
  aptX Adaptive	Green
  aptX LL	Red
  LDAC	Cyan
  HWA	White

• 3. Bluetooth Pairing Display: Indicates the pairing status. When powered on, the ZEN Blue blinks blue, searching for a paired device. If none is found, it enters pairing mode (blinking blue/red). To manually enter pairing mode, press and hold the front leftmost button until the 'Bluetooth mode LED' blinks blue/red. The device can store up to 8 paired Bluetooth devices. The LED also indicates sample rate:

  kHz	LED Colour
  44/48	Blue
  88/96	White

Rear Panel Connections

The rear panel provides the following connection ports:

• 4. Balanced 4.4mm Outputs: For connecting 4.4mm to XLR or similarly balanced interconnects. Warning: Do not connect 4.4mm balanced headphones directly to the ZEN Blue, as the full signal may damage your headphones and hearing. iFi audio is not responsible for any hearing or equipment damage arising from misuse.
• 5. Single-Ended RCA Outputs: Connect standard analogue RCA interconnects to an amplifier.
• 6. Digital/Analogue Switch: Select between digital or analogue signal output.
• 7. Digital Outputs: For connecting a coaxial or optical cable to a DAC.
• 8. Antenna: Please attach the enclosed antenna for maximum reception quality. ?
• 9. DC 5V Power: Connect the enclosed 5V power supply. ⚡ Tip: The ZEN Blue must be powered by 5 volts only. For improved performance, the enclosed 5V power supply can be upgraded using a super low-noise supply such as the iFi iPower or iPower2.

Specifications

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Visit: ifi-audio.com

Version: Ver1.3

FCC Compliance Statement

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Warning: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

FCC Radiation Exposure Statement: This equipment complied with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm between the radiator & your body.