iFi Audio ZEN DAC 3 USB-C DAC with PCM 768kHz, DSD512, MQA support and powerful headphone amplification for desktop listening. Read more.
The iFi Audio ZEN DAC 3 is a compact yet capable USB DAC and headphone amplifier designed for music enthusiasts who want to experience high-resolution audio from modern streaming platforms and digital libraries. Positioned within the ZEN range as an all-round desktop solution, it fits effortlessly into home and office setups where space, simplicity and sound quality all matter. Its balanced feature set makes it suitable for both dedicated headphone listening and integration into small active speaker systems.
Support for high-resolution formats up to PCM 768kHz, DSD512 and full MQA decoding ensures compatibility with virtually all contemporary music sources. Connection via USB-C enables true plug-and-play operation with computers, while the internal 16-core XMOS controller delivers low-latency processing and stable data handling. With a maximum output power of up to 390mW, the ZEN DAC 3 offers significantly more drive than typical laptop outputs, allowing premium headphones to perform closer to their intended potential. Enhanced GMT clocking and refined circuitry help maintain timing accuracy and signal clarity.
In daily use, the ZEN DAC 3 stands out for its connectivity and adjustability. It provides both 6.3mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced headphone outputs, along with RCA and 4.4mm balanced line outputs that can be set to fixed or variable level. This makes switching between headphones, active speakers and external amplifiers straightforward. Features such as PowerMatch gain selection and XBass+ allow subtle tailoring of the sound to different headphones and listening preferences. For listeners seeking a reliable, future-proof desktop DAC/amp, the ZEN DAC 3 is a compelling choice.
