iFi 0311018 ZEN DAC 3 High-End DAC and Headphone Amplifier

iFi 0311018 ZEN DAC 3 High-End DAC and Headphone Amplifier

The multi award-winning iFi ZEN DAC 3 is a desktop USB DAC and headphone amplifier that delivers high-end, Hi‑Fi performance to headphones and speakers with simple, plug‑and‑play USB‑C connectivity. Its True Native playback preserves the original format of PCM and DSD right through to analogue conversion—and it’s also compatible with gaming consoles like PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch via USB audio.

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Hi‑res, True Native playback

iFi ZEN DAC 3 supports advanced digital audio formats and maintains bit‑perfect integrity from input to output using its Burr‑Brown DAC chip’s four‑channel True Native design.

• PCM up to 32‑bit/768kHz, DSD up to DSD512, and single/double‑speed DXD
• True Native: PCM and DSD take separate pathways to remain bit‑perfect through analogue conversion
• MQA decoding

Seamless USB‑C plug‑and‑play

Modern USB‑C connectivity enables quick, driver‑free setup across common devices and adds robust protection for everyday use.

• USB‑C plug‑and‑play with laptops, smartphones, and tablets, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch without additional drivers
• Input overvoltage protection via the all‑new USB‑C port
• Reduced DC offset for smoother operation

Balanced design for less interference, clearer sound

Balanced circuits reduce noise and crosstalk for cleaner audio—an approach typically found at higher price points and now applied across the ZEN range.

• Two 4.4mm balanced outputs: one for headphones, one for other amplifiers
• Single‑ended 6.35mm headphone output and RCA line outputs
• Balanced topology reduces noise and crosstalk for clearer sound

Powering your headphones

Beyond conversion, iFi ZEN DAC 3 includes a capable headphone amplifier and useful analogue features to tailor drive and bass response.

• 390mW headphone amplifier with balanced 4.4mm and single‑ended 6.3mm outputs
• PowerMatch provides switchable gain for demanding headphones
• XBass+ is a pure analogue bass enhancement, suitable for IEMs or open‑back headphones
• Option to pair with ZEN CAN via 4.4mm balanced cable for additional power

Connect to active speakers or your system

Flexible output modes simplify integration with powered speakers or existing amplifiers.

• Variable mode: control volume from iFi ZEN DAC 3 when feeding active speakers via 4.4mm to XLR or RCA
• Fixed mode: send a line‑level signal to a receiver or main amplifier

USB‑C powered with an upgrade path

Simple power from USB‑C can be enhanced via the dedicated 5V input for a cleaner signal chain.

• USB‑C powered for tidy cable management
• 5V power input supports upgrade with iFi iPower2 featuring Active Noise Cancellation II to eliminate EMI and RFI noise—over 10 times quieter than standard audiophile power supplies

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FAQs

1. What hi‑res formats does iFi ZEN DAC 3 support? It handles PCM up to 32‑bit/768kHz, DSD up to DSD512, single and double‑speed DXD, and includes MQA decoding. Thanks to its four‑channel True Native design, PCM and DSD remain bit‑perfect through to analogue conversion.
2. What headphone outputs and power are available? It offers balanced 4.4mm and single‑ended 6.35mm headphone outputs. The amplifier delivers 390mW, with RMS figures of >390mW @ 64Ω (balanced) and >210mW @ 32Ω (single‑ended).
3. Can iFi ZEN DAC 3 connect directly to active speakers? Yes. Use Variable mode to adjust volume when connecting to active speakers via 4.4mm to XLR or RCA. Use Fixed mode to feed a receiver or main amplifier.
4. Is setup truly plug‑and‑play? Yes. The USB‑C interface connects to laptops, smartphones, and tablets without additional drivers, and adds input overvoltage protection with reduced DC offset.
5. What are the benefits of the balanced design? Balanced circuits reduce noise and crosstalk. iFi ZEN DAC 3 includes two 4.4mm balanced outputs (headphone and line to other amplifiers) plus RCA line outputs.
6. Can the power supply be upgraded? ZEN DAC 3 is USB‑C powered and includes a 5V input for upgrades. Pairing with iFi iPower2 adds Active Noise Cancellation II to eliminate EMI/RFI noise and is over 10 times quieter than standard audiophile power supplies.
7. Is it compatible with game consoles? Yes. It is compatible with Sony PS5 and Nintendo Switch.

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