ZEN Blue 3
-
Guaranteed 12 months warranty
Bring lossless Bluetooth to your Hi-Fi or headphones.
The ZEN Blue 3 is the world’s first Bluetooth DAC to send and receive CD-quality audio via aptX Lossless – and comes complete with a Hi-Res USB mode for desktop use.
Key Features
The ZEN Blue 3 is equipped with the latest Bluetooth 5.4 technology, powered by a Qualcomm QCC518x series chipset. It’s the world’s first device capable of both sending and receiving lossless audio over Bluetooth using the aptX Lossless codec.
With aptX Lossless, you can enjoy CD-quality audio (44.1kHz, 16-bit) delivered with zero data loss. Additionally, the ZEN Blue 3 supports Hi-Res audio up to 96kHz, thanks to compatibility with LDAC and LDHC/HWA codecs.
We take inspiration from Hi-Fi architecture in our approach to Bluetooth implementation. Unlike the standard SOC (System On a Chip) used elsewhere, we combine high-quality components to optimise performance at every stage.
A Qualcomm chip handles the raw digital Bluetooth signal, passing it to a dedicated DAC chip for precise digital-to-analogue conversion. From there, the signal flows to our amp stage, featuring our custom OV series op amps. To ensure ultimate accuracy, our GMT femto-precision clock system eliminates jitter, delivering Bluetooth performance that stands above the rest.
All the current high-definition Bluetooth audio formats are supported – Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive and aptX HD, Sony’s LDACTM and HWA’s LHDC, regular aptX and aptX Low Latency, AAC (Apple iOS devices) and SBC (the ‘plain vanilla’ Bluetooth codec).
Among the 24-bit-capable codecs, aptX HD supports up to 48kHz, whereas aptX Adaptive, LDACTM, and LHDC can reach 96kHz.
iFi’s ‘Bluetooth engine’ can also be updated over-the-air, so future codecs may be added.
*LDAC and LDAC logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation.
The ZEN Blue 3 is packed with versatile features. Not only can it send and receive lossless Bluetooth, but it also offers a dedicated DAC mode, allowing it to function as a traditional wired DAC in a desktop setup. With both USB and S/PDIF inputs, it delivers ultimate flexibility for all your audio needs.
Cut the Cord. Keep the Quality.
The ZEN Blue 3 offers wireless audio that is free of compromise by incorporating Lossless Bluetooth audio, courtesy of Qualcomm’s Flagship QCC518x Bluetooth audio chip and the aptX Lossless codec. Offering a maximum bitrate of 1,200kbps, aptX Lossless is the first and only Bluetooth codec currently capable of wirelessly sending and receiving CD-quality audio without losing data during compression.
Forging New Connections.
Whether it’s a late-night vinyl session without the speakers, enjoying your aptX Lossless earbuds while working on your laptop, or marathoning your favourite Netflix series on the TV via headphones, the ZEN Blue 3 offers new opportunities for listening enjoyment.
Versatility Breeds Possibility.
Even with all this innovation on show, the ZEN Blue 3 has even more tricks up its sleeve. Leveraging the capabilities of the Qualcomm QCC518x chipset paired with a dedicated ESS Sabre DAC and Hi-Fi circuitry, it outperforms most Bluetooth transmitters and receivers.
The ZEN Blue 3 is also able to function as a fully wired DAC, offering 96kHz/24Bit audio via USB-C, or 192kHz/24Bit audio via SPDIF, which can be output via 4.4 balanced or RCA analogue outputs.
Bluetooth codec maximum bitrates compared
Let That Sync In...
Whether you’re getting lost in a great movie or immersing yourself in your favourite video game, few things take you out of the moment quite like a delay in the audio. This is a notorious issue with other Bluetooth products, but for the ZEN Blue 3 this is simply another place to excel.
When using ZEN Blue 3’s Low Latency mode with a device receiver that supports aptX Low Latency, the time taken to send and receive audio is drastically reduced. When your eyes see it, your ears hear it – putting you right back in the moment, where you belong.
Balance in All Things.
Even with all this innovation on show, the ZEN Blue 3 has even more tricks up its sleeve. Leveraging the capabilities of the Qualcomm QCC518x chipset paired with a dedicated ESS Sabre DAC and Hi-Fi circuitry, it outperforms most Bluetooth transmitters and receivers.
The ZEN Blue 3 is also able to function as a fully wired DAC, offering 96kHz/24Bit audio via USB-C, or 192kHz/24Bit audio via SPDIF, which can be output via 4.4 balanced or RCA analogue outputs.
Audiophile Sound. Wireless Freedom.
Not ready to join the Lossless party just yet? Not to worry, we’ve got you covered. The ZEN Blue 3’s extensive backwards compatibility ensures that all current major Bluetooth codecs
Bluetooth codecs are supported: aptX Lossless, LDAC™, LHDC/HWA, aptX Adaptive, aptX, AAC and SBC.
The ZEN Blue 3 Hi-res Bluetooth DAC is the World’s First Lossless
Audio Receiver & Transmitter
Specifications
| CHIPSET | Bluetooth: Qualcomm QCC518x Series. DSP: CT5302 DAC: ES9023 Amp: MAX97220 |
| DNR | 109dB (0dBFS @ 1kHz) +A |
| INPUT | RX Mode: Bluetooth 5.4 (aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC, SBC) TX Mode: USB, Optical, Coaxial, RCA L/R (Analogue) DAC Mode: USB, Optical, Coaxial, RCA L/R (Analogue) |
| LIMITED WARRANTY | 12 Months* |
| MAXIMUM SUPPORTED SAMPLE RATE | RX Mode: 96kHz/24Bit TX Mode: 96kHz/24Bit DAC Mode: 96kHz/24Bit (USB), 192kHz/24Bit (Optical/Coaxial) |
| NET WEIGHT | 447 g (0.99 lbs) |
| OUTPUT IMPEDANCE | Balanced 4.4mm: ≤102Ω Single-Ended RCA: ≤51Ω |
What's in the Box
1x Zen Blue 3
1x RCA Cable
1x USB-A to USB-C Cable
1x Power Adapter
