The iFi Audio ZEN DAC 3 combines a Burr-Brown DAC, USB-C, PCM 768kHz, DSD512, 4.4mm balanced and 6.35mm headphone outputs with XBass+ and PowerMatch. It also works as a preamplifier for active speakers. Read more.
The iFi Audio ZEN DAC 3 is a compact USB-C DAC, headphone amplifier and preamplifier for high-quality desktop audio. Connect it to a computer, laptop, smartphone or tablet and use it with headphones, active speakers or an existing hi-fi amplifier.
Its Burr-Brown DAC supports PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD512, DXD and full MQA decoding. The front panel provides 4.4mm balanced and 6.35mm single-ended headphone outputs. RCA and 4.4mm balanced line outputs with fixed or variable level control are located on the rear panel.
The four-channel Burr-Brown DAC architecture processes PCM and DSD through separate signal paths. This allows both formats to remain in their native form through to digital-to-analogue conversion. The ZEN DAC 3 supports PCM up to 768kHz, DSD up to DSD512, DXD and full MQA decoding.
The modern USB-C connection provides a straightforward interface for a wide range of digital sources. The USB input also includes overvoltage protection, while reduced DC offset further refines the third-generation design.
The iFi Audio ZEN DAC 3 offers two headphone connections. Its balanced 4.4mm output delivers the highest available power and, when used with a fully balanced headphone cable, can help reduce channel crosstalk. A conventional 6.35mm single-ended output is provided for standard headphone cables.
The balanced 4.4mm output delivers more than 390mW at 64 ohms and more than 300mW at 32 ohms. The 6.35mm output delivers more than 210mW at 32 ohms. This makes the ZEN DAC 3 suitable for a broad selection of dynamic and planar-magnetic headphones. For particularly demanding models, it can be paired with the more powerful iFi Audio ZEN CAN 3 headphone amplifier.
PowerMatch adjusts the gain to suit the connected headphones. Use the lower setting with sensitive headphones and in-ear monitors, or select the higher gain setting when more output level is required.
XBass+ is an entirely analogue bass correction function for headphones or recordings that benefit from additional low-frequency support. It can be switched on or off as required and is particularly useful with open-back headphones and compact speaker systems.
In addition to its headphone connections, the ZEN DAC 3 provides RCA and 4.4mm balanced line outputs. A rear-panel switch selects a fixed or variable output level.
Active speakers with balanced XLR inputs can be connected through the 4.4mm line output and a suitable cable, such as the iFi Audio 4.4mm to XLR cable.
The ZEN DAC 3 can receive power through its USB-C connection, so a separate power supply is not required for normal desktop use. A dedicated 5V DC input allows an optional low-noise external power supply to be added when a separate power source is preferred.
The third-generation model builds on the ZEN DAC V2 by adding USB-C, higher maximum audio resolutions, USB input overvoltage protection and the updated XBass+ function.
| Feature | ZEN DAC 3 | ZEN DAC V2 |
| Digital connection | USB-C | USB-B 3.0 |
| Maximum PCM resolution | 32-bit/768kHz | 32-bit/384kHz |
| Maximum DSD resolution | DSD512 | DSD256 |
| USB overvoltage protection | Yes | No |
| Analogue bass correction | XBass+ | TrueBass |
| Product type | USB DAC, headphone amplifier and preamplifier |
| DAC | Burr-Brown True Native DSD and DXD DAC |
| Digital input | USB-C |
| PCM | Up to 32-bit/768kHz |
| DSD | DSD64, DSD128, DSD256 and DSD512 |
| DXD | Up to 768kHz |
| MQA | Full MQA decoder |
| Headphone outputs | 4.4mm balanced and 6.35mm single-ended |
| Line outputs | 4.4mm balanced and stereo RCA |
| Output mode | Fixed or Variable |
| 4.4mm balanced power | More than 390mW at 64 ohms; more than 300mW at 32 ohms; more than 70mW at 600 ohms |
| 6.35mm power | More than 210mW at 32 ohms; more than 18mW at 600 ohms |
| Headphone output impedance | 1 ohm or lower |
| Dynamic range | Line section at least 113dBA; headphone section at least 109dBA |
| Frequency response | 5Hz – 90kHz, ±3dB |
| Sound functions | PowerMatch and analogue XBass+ |
| Power requirement | USB-C or external DC 5V/0.5A, centre-positive |
| Power consumption | Approximately 0.5W without signal; approximately 2.5W maximum |
| Console compatibility | Sony PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch |
| Dimensions | 158 × 115 × 35mm |
| Weight | 456g |
No. The ZEN DAC 3 can be powered through its USB-C connection. The separate 5V input provides the option of adding a low-noise external power supply later.
Yes. Use the RCA outputs or balanced 4.4mm line output and select Variable mode. Volume can then be controlled with the ZEN DAC 3 volume knob.
The 4.4mm connection is balanced and provides the highest output power. The 6.35mm connection is intended for conventional single-ended headphone cables. Only use the 4.4mm output when both the headphones and cable support a balanced connection.
No. USB-C is the only digital audio input. Sources that provide only optical or coaxial output require a different DAC or a separate digital converter.
The USB-C interface is designed for computers and compatible mobile devices. Confirm that the source supports USB Audio and follow iFi Audio's current firmware or driver instructions where required.
The ZEN CAN 3 is a useful addition when your headphones require more power or additional gain headroom. The two units can be connected through their balanced 4.4mm connections to create a compact ZEN stack.
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