ZEN DAC 3
- Free worldwide shipping
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Guaranteed 12 months warranty
Amid the rush of everyday life, the ZEN DAC 3 is your escape to pure harmony.
This multi award-winning desktop DAC delivers high-end, Hi-Fi performance to your headphones and speakers - all in a simple, plug-and-play design.
Key Features
MQA(Master Quality Authenticated) is supported through the USB with full decoding of MQA files up to 384kHz thanks to the processing power of the new 16-core XMOS chip. Check out how to set up your MQA decoder via Tidal, Roon and Audirvana here.
This means that the full ‘three unfold’ decoding process is performed internally, as opposed to only the final unfold in the manner of an MQA ‘renderer’.
Globally, MQA has become an important consideration for any comprehensively equipped DAC. It is available through for Tidal Masters, Audirvana and Roon.
Hi-res audio support is state-of-the-art with True Native® playback. It handles PCM data to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD up to DSD512 and single and double speed DXD. Thanks to the Burr-Brown DAC chip’s four-channel True Native design, PCM and DSD take separate pathways – this enables DSD, as well as PCM, to remain ‘bit-perfect’ in its native form right through to analogue conversion.
The XMOS 16-Core chip processes the audio data received via the USB* digital input. This new low-latency XMOS microcontroller has greatly enhanced processing power. Compared to the current generation of eight-core chips, this new 16-core IC delivers double the clock speed (2000MIPS) and four times the memory (512KB), as well as the latest SuperSpeed USB standard.
iFi’s in-house digital development team has programmed the XMOS firmware to optimise sound quality and ensure a perfect partnership with the Burr-Brown DAC.
Extensive jitter-eradication technologies are applied to the digital stage, including our GMT (Global Master Timing) femto-precision clock and the intelligent memory buffer.
The low-jitter crystal clock has been updated to provide >20dB better performance
Refined to Perfection
The award-winning ZEN DAC 3 doubles its high-resolution support to 768kHz, DSD512, and MQA decoding, continuing its legacy as WHAT Hi-Fi?’s Best DAC under £200 for four years. With USB-C connectivity, overvoltage protection, and reduced DC offset, it delivers superior performance and seamless usability.
Fresh New Look. Unleash Every Music Detail.
The ZEN DAC 3 supports sample rates up to 768kHz, ensuring compatibility with all high-resolution streaming formats for exceptional sound quality. With a built-in headphone amplifier and the ability to function as both a DAC and DAC/Pre, it’s your all-in-one solution for connecting headphones, amplifiers, or active speakers—perfect for home or office setups.
Powering Your Headphones
The ZEN DAC 3 is more than a USB DAC, it features a 390mW headphone amplifier with both balanced 4.4mm and SE 6.3mm outputs, compatible with a wide range of headphones.
Enhance bass with XBass+, a pure analogue mode perfect for IEMs or open-back headphones, while PowerMatch provides switchable gain for demanding headphones. For even more power, pair it with the ZEN CAN via a 4.4mm balanced cable to create a stacked ZEN system.
DACtivate your speakers and amplifier.
The ZEN DAC 3 features a Variable or Fixed output switch. In Variable mode, adjust volume using the knob when connecting directly to active speakers via our 4.4mm to XLR cable or RCA cables.
Use Fixed mode for connecting line outputs to a receiver or main amplifier. The ZEN DAC 3 is the most versatile USB DAC in its class, offering multiple usage options.
USB-C Powered, Upgradeable Performance.
The ZEN DAC 3, powered by USB-C, offers simple cable management with an upgrade option via its 5V power input. Pair it with the iFi iPower2, an ultra-quiet power supply featuring Active Noise Cancellation II, eliminating EMI and RFI noise for a cleaner, purer audio signal—over 10 times quieter than standard audiophile power supplies.
Beautifully Balanced
ZEN DAC 3 features two 4.4mm balanced outputs, one for headphones and one for other amplifiers, effectively minimising distortion and crosstalk.
ZEN DAC 3 also benefits from input overvoltage protection
via the all-new USB-C port
ZEN DAC 3 adopts XBass+, the newest iteration of iFi’s signature analogue EQ.
Specifications
| DAC | Bit-Perfect DSD & DXD DAC by Burr Brown |
| DIMENSIONS | 158 x 115 x 35mm (6.2” x 4.6” x 1.4”) |
| DNR | Line Section: ≥ 113dBA @ 0dBFS Headphone Section: ≥ 109dBA @ 0dBFS (6.2V 4.4mm / 3.3V 6.35mm) |
| FORMATS SUPPORTED | PCM (768/705.6/384/352.8/192/176.4/96/88.2/48/44.1kHz) DSD (512/256/128/64) DXD (768/705.6/384/352.8kHz) MQA (Decoder) |
| FREQUENCY RESPONSE | 5Hz – 90kHz (±3dB) |
| GAME CONSOLE COMPATIBILITY | SONY PS5 and Nintendo Switch
“SONY” is registered trademark or trademark of Sony Group Corporation. “PS5” is registered trademark or trademark of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. Nintendo Switch™ is trademark of Nintendo. |
| INPUT | USB Type-C |
What's in the Box
1x ZEN DAC 3
1x RCA Cable
1x 3.5 to 6.35mm Adapter
1x User Manual
