Hi-Fi component brand iFi Audio has been busy developing two new products for music lovers who want the best in digital sound. The iFi ZEN DAC 3 is a refreshed take on its predecessor and includes updated features.
This consumer DAC has been designed for gaming, casual listening as well as audiophile use. The second new product is the iFi ZEN Phono 3 DAC which is launching just in time for the annual Record Store Day which takes place on April 20.
The ZEN DAC 3 is an affordable DAC that will appeal to anyone looking to elevate the sound from their computer whether they are gaming, watching movies or streaming from hi-res music services like TIDAL or Qobuz.
Like all the ZEN products, the DAC 3 has the classic and sleek design that iFi is known for. With both fixed and variable output gain options, the ZEN DAC 3 works with headphones, amplifiers or even active speakers.
With two 4.4mm balanced outputs – one dedicated to headphones and the other to all other Hi-Fi equipment – the ZEN DAC 3 promises to minimize distortion, crosstalk and noise, delivering excellent sound quality.
Handling digital audio files up to PCM 768kHz and DSD 512, the ZEN DAC 3 also has full MQA decoding for listening to TIDAL’s higher-tier offering. MQA offers excellent resolution in a relatively compact file size without sacrificing clarity or detail.
Enhancements on this latest version include an improved DC offset and USB-C input overvoltage protection. There are also additional features on the ZEN DAC 3 such as XBass+ and PowerMatch analogue processing modes so users can customize their listening experience.
The second product announced today by iFi is the Zen Phono 3. This accessible turntable preamp comes just in time for Record Store Day; a time when vinyl lovers will be wallowing in the nostalgia and authenticity of their favorite artists on vinyl.
The ZEN Phono 3 offers the rich and warm sound that only comes with vinyl. With enhanced features and an intelligent warp filter, iFi says the ZEN Phono 3 lets music lovers dive deeper into their vinyl collection, uncovering hidden nuances and rediscovering old classics with new levels of clarity.
Traditional subsonic filters can often compromise music by filtering out both the rumble created by warped records and the essential bass frequencies. The ZEN Phono 3 has an intelligent subsonic filter that iFi claims sets a new standard by selectively removing imperfections while still preserving the integrity of the music.
Thanks to a precision RIAA equalization circuit, the ZEN Phono 3 has a consistent frequency response with the original sonic characteristics of vinyl record preserved. With a low Equivalent Input Noise level of -151dBV, the ZEN Phono 3 can exceed even Stereophile Class A+ models.
The inclusion of balanced and RCA line outputs makes the ZEN Phono 3 even more versatile when it comes to the kind of audio equipment it can connect with. A high-precision power supply controller and adjustable gain range—plus load impedance—boost the ZEN Phono 3’s performance and compatibility.
Pricing & Availability: The iFi ZEN DAC 3 is available to purchase from ifi-audio.com and selected retailers for $229 / £229 / €229 while the iFi ZEN Phono 3 sells for $249 / £249 / €249.
More info: www.ifi-audio.com
Tech Specs:
iFi ZEN DAC 3
- Ultra-res audio: PCM 768kHz, DSD 512 and Full MQA decoding.
- Improved DC offset and USB-C input overvoltage protection.
- USB-C input for plug-and-play connectivity.
- 4.4mm balanced headphone and line outputs.
- Fixed or variable output gain for optional preamp functionality.
- XBass+ and PowerMatch analog processing modes.
iFi ZEN Phono 3
- Intelligent subsonic filter for removing LP warp without removing low end.
- Precise RIAA EQ with +/- 0.15dB tolerance from 20Hz-20kHz.
- Equivalent Input Noise: 151dBV.
- Outputs: 4.4mm balanced and RCA line.
- High precision, (1.2MHz) high-current power supply controller.
- Gain range: 36 – 72dB and load impedance adjustment button for a range of cartridges.
- Loading options: MM and MC-High (100 & 200pF capacitance) and three options for MC-Low and MC-V Low (100, 400 & 1kΩ).
