iFi Audio Zen Can 3 - Loaded Class A Desktop Amplifier

[@bigbuckoramma]

Would have been nice to see you throw a pair of IEMs on there for a baseline, and graph the response with the various sound modes on, to see how they color/alter the sound.

[@PaulWasabii]

Yeah that would be interesting and I bet iFi might have that info too and might share it. It was also a loaner so can't do it now.

[@bigbuckoramma]

@@PaulWasabii #NextTime 😉

[@nainiwulan8961]

Joss❤

[@m_yy_m]

Great review as usual. 👍👍 Can all Zen Cans models be used even with very sensitive items? I don't need the power (have iems and low impedance headphones), but am interested in the coloring/features. Thanks

[@PaulWasabii]

I tend to use very low OI devices so rarely notice it. Zen CAN 3 says

[@m_yy_m]

Thanks 👍

[@victorkangnz]

​@@m_yy_m I wouldn't recommend it - I have the OG CAN, and it doesn't have negative gain output, so it's too powerful on sensitive IEMs. I have to lower the audio player or computer volume to tolerate

[@m_yy_m]

​@@victorkangnz Thanks 👍 Is there background noise/hiss? Have you tried using a dongle/DAC instead of the computer's 3.5mm out? Altos made a video about how he uses dongles + portable amps, and I have been curious about trying that but with a desktop amp like the Zen which has several extra features...

[@victorkangnz]

@@m_yy_m on the zen CAN there is no background hiss but it's just very loud on sensitive low impedance sets. I use a Zen stack (DAC + CAN combo). Not sure I'd recommend hooking up the CAN directly to a lousy computer sound card. You can, in theory, use a dongle with a 4.4 output to feed into the CAN.

[@cesarecountry]

hi, which are differences among this model, previous IFI ZEN CAN (same inputs and outputs) and IFI ZEN AIR (supporting only unbalanced inputs) in terms of amplifier quality? I am looking for best performing amplifier in IFI catalogue for my Grado SR80 headphones. Thanks in advance fior your opinion

[@PaulWasabii]

I have tried a few models but I'd say you need someone who has tried more. I'd ask that question on head-fi, probably the Zen Can 3 release thread.

[@LeftRightTest]

Hello ! Between this and fiio k7 which one do you recommend for more neutral uncolored sound for studio like applications, mixing ,mastering, to use as a headphone amp only with an external sound card? Thanks!

[@PaulWasabii]

iFi in general has a color to it, more for pleasure than mastering. I'd go Fiio K7, that has the THX AAA.

[@LeftRightTest]

@@PaulWasabii Thanks !

[@all4rains967]

What is the difference between this and the Zen Can Signature?

[@PaulWasabii]

I'd ask iFi on Head-fi. The thing on Signature was the power. I briefly punted on this, you would need to compare Signature and Can 3 using their spec on output power. Or ask them

[@spamcan9208]

I still don't know why they didn't design the Zen series to look more coherent when stacked. For a product line meant to work together, it seems weird. That being said, it seems like a compelling option.

[@PaulWasabii]

I think people do stack them but I agree, not as cohesive as it could be. Nice amp though and think this one has some fans who have been using a flavor of CAN for a while

[@alexanderm.9566]

I have ZenCan 2 for a couple of years but it has a channel imbalance at low volume, so I can't really use it optimally with earphones. Did they use better volume hardware with this one?

[@PaulWasabii]

I don't do low volume often but I am not sure the design is radically different. I have an SMSL amp and that is one of their marketing points. I do think some brands specifically talk about that issue as it has been around forever.

[@alexanderm.9566]

@@PaulWasabii Thanks a lot. I think I’ll try to demo this first.

[@LyuboA]

really Zen Can 2 as far i as i know there's Only Zen Can plus several Signature version and one Studio version but no v2

[@alexanderm.9566]

@@LyuboA My bad. You’re right, it’s the OG with brushed metal panel and army top.