ifi ZEN DAC 3 Review - Is it Still the Best DAC under 200

‪@whathifi‬ has given this DAC it's "Best Under £200" award for four years in a row. Will that streak continue?
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More info: www.ifi-audio.com
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#highendaudio #headphoneson #dac #desktopaudio #homeaudio #audiophile

[@dewittfiala5021]

would love to see you do the Hip-DAC !

[@AegisHyperon]

Fits my use case perfectly, USB DAC with 4.4mm balanced and volume independent RCA outputs for speakers. Will be upgrading my v1 this year.

[@williamcrawford6444]

Have the ZEN DAC V2 in use with integrated amp. Added Ifi IPowerX 5V and the Ifi 4.4 to XLR cable output and use ZEN STREAM as my source with IPowerX 15V. No distortion issues at all with volume control knob use when in variable mode. Sound is as clean as the volume selector is smooth. 2 years of ownership. Want Zen DAC 3 but waiting for the zen Stream to upgrade to DSD 512 first to take full advantage of DAC 3’s DSD 512 capability.

[@PKAPE004]

The first gen Zen Dac was my very first Dac/amp, and it opened the door for my audiophile journey.

[@DingleberrryDan]

Similar for me. My first dedicated desktop dac/amp. Still using mine and feel no reason to "upgrade". Anyone reading this, you will be just fine getting a used V1 or V2.

[@carminedesanto6746]

Greetings from Toronto 🍷 I’ve got 3 DAC’s sitting around here.. All at differing price points …but, the only IFI products I have are power supplies and an IFI Go Blue..for IEM’s . Their stuff is good and “unique.”

[@Maver1ck911]

You mean snake oil 80% of the time

[@GersonHM4]

I havent found many opinions on this device, thank you for your honest review, some details about the xbass I didnt know

[@scientificaudiophile]

My pleasure!

[@sussychachi]

I got the ifi hip dac 3. And I was so pleased with the xbass it's so fun! And way better then truebass. Night and day difference

[@GersonHM4]

@@sussychachi I think I might go with the hip dac 3 instead of the zen because I found a good deal

[@sussychachi]

@GersonHM4 use balanced input! Most amps these days on specific headphones sound way better on balanced! Ifi hip dac 3 comes with a balanced 4.4 mm input, So order a balanced cable if you want! If your headphones have a detachable cable, if not am sorry. The balanced input has 600 ohm so much more power. I could go on all day talking about how I love the sound lol but I won't. I think the best feature of the Hip Dac 3 is power and how it sounds for the price range of 200$ it is a good deal sounds a bit better them my ifi zen dac 2 desktop lol I think most audiophiles should have a desktop amp/dac and portable one as well. That's just me tho.

[@sussychachi]

@GersonHM4 the ifi zen dac 3 has xbass. I think the ifi zen 3 is good for people who don't own a zen dac but if you own the zen dac 2 or 1. I don't think it's worth upgrading. Might as well get a different better amp like the video says.

[@AdiMaco]

I own a ZEN DAC V2 and I am happy with it. I use it with a pair of AKG K273 Pro

[@middleearthltd]

I have a few DACs and in the end The Geshelli J2 seems to be the best value. If I am going just based on price, I will take the SU 1

[@scientificaudiophile]

Excellent choice!

[@Reuben100uk]

Current set up, Zen Dac V2, Hifiman Sundaras, bespoke 4.4mm cable. Listen to mostly WAV files and Apple Streaming. Would there be any value in upgrading the V3 Dac? Cost is not an issue in terms of value etc.

[@scientificaudiophile]

None. If you don’t have EQ software, I’d suggest that be your next upgrade.

[@omikurita]

thank you for the video. looking for dac to help drive my HD800s for gaming. will the dac 3 do the the job.

[@scientificaudiophile]

Depends on how loud you listen. Moderate and you’ll be fine. Might not be enough if you blast the volume.

[@FrameGame1]

From the dac, could I use the 4.4 output into a split trs and it will work balanced to my active speakers? Cheers

[@scientificaudiophile]

Yes, that will work. Though not a common cable.

[@FrameGame1]

@@scientificaudiophile thank you enjoyed your video

[@nino_kO1]

Would you be able to recommend me a good DAC for my bowers and wilkins px8 headphones?

[@scientificaudiophile]

Depends on what you need, but Atom 2 is as good as it gets, assuming it has the options you need.

[@OnlyAcce]

bought zen dac v2 2-3 months ago and now they bring a v3 ( using a zen can + zen dac v2 stack ) also The Xbass on the zen dac v3, is it the same as the zen can Xbass?

[@scientificaudiophile]

I don’t think there’s a difference in xBASS on the two products.

[@chriscondict3104]

The banding during the product showcase is from incorrect lighting. A proper key light would do it. I have an elgato one, but you could save a few bucks going with most any other brand. I use the mini with it and controlling from one thing is ideal for my use case. Just a word of advice

[@scientificaudiophile]

Thanks. I fixed it prior to the video, my shutter speed and ISO were way off. I fixed it prior to making the main video, but the unboxing had already concluded.

[@WilliamVezina-zs5us]

I have a Elite Pioneer 140x7 Elac 2.0 Sony CD. sound really good, my speakers disappeared. 3d sound stage, imaging tight. CD Sony 07 model,high end in 07, Pioneer txh94 08 model, speakers 2021 I think. Will a DAC still improve my sound? Thanks

[@scientificaudiophile]

I like a DAC for computer/laptop setups. The chance of hearing a difference would only be if the built in DACs you have are terrible, or if you crave more power (e.g. Dac/AMP combo).

[@Panslapper]

Thanks. I’m looking to replace my Topping E50 with something alongside the sound signature of the iFi. Using PC/headphone/active speaker setup. I find the Topping ok but since installing a more accurate Studio Monitor the low end production of the Topping has been exposed and sadly lacking a more musical quality.

[@chriscondict3104]

Another thing to consider would be trying the linear power supply from topping. Honestly you're unlikely to hear a major difference unless you go way high end switching dacs. However if you're just trying to ditch topping as a brand obviously not the choice

[@Panslapper]

@@chriscondict3104 I will look into the Linear Power supply first. Thanks.

[@ricsim78]

Topping E50, even with an upgraded power supply, has a boomy low end, I still have mine sitting in my drawer. It's also too sterile for it's own good. I personally hate the way it sounds, proof that measurements mean nothing when it comes to sound with DACS. Khadas Tone 2 Pro and even the Khadas Toneboard sound better than it by far.

[@letalmike]

I have the original iFi Zen Dac V1 with Hifiman HE 400i ver. 2020 and a pair of pretty decent studio monitors Samson M50. Will my sound will get a big boost by upgrading to Zen Dac V3? I am more of a headphone guy so I also considering to get a pair of Sundara. I listen only Tidal hi-rez. So what is it going to be: new better headphones or Zen Dac V3? Thanks 🙏

[@niksdniksd7532]

Zen 3 has click and pops interrupts with Tidal. I returned it.

[@letalmike]

Thanks for sharing!

[@scientificaudiophile]

I can’t respond to the Tidal issue, but if you have EQ I would say you won’t notice a lot, but if you don’t and want proper bass then yes.

[@nyyppaeee]

I got Zen Dac V1 + Sundara. I love the sound.

[@chrislj2890]

I'd like to see the Zen Phono 3 reviewed if at all possible.

[@scientificaudiophile]

I'll see if they want to send me one. Hopefully I didn't trash on the this DAC too much.

[@chrislj2890]

@@scientificaudiophile I didn't get that impression, just constructive criticism.

[@iamamadman6542]

What rating does Diane Bish get? Is it even possible to cook so well, are there adequate drinks?

[@scientificaudiophile]

Bish gets my heart cooked medium rare, marinated for a year in an 1900 Château Margaux .

[@WilliamVezina-zs5us]

Using it as 2 channel mode, Pioneer txh94 08 model

[@scientificaudiophile]

AVRs are the unsung and unused 2 channel stereo use. I might review one specifically for 2 channel use. Good idea.

[@righteyeblink8996]

What headphones do you think would be a good match for listening to philharmonic orchestra.

[@scientificaudiophile]

Nothing less than Sennheiser HE-1 would be appropriate.

[@righteyeblink8996]

@@scientificaudiophile Thank you.

[@portugasanwa]

Sennheiser HD560S

[@tessie4204]

Can i make my music sound better with a seperated dac? My current system: "Windows 11 PC USB" -> "SMSL AO300" -> "Wharfedale speakers" + "SVS SB-1000 PRO".

[@scientificaudiophile]

Probably not unless you get something with EQ built-in. Like the RME ADI-2 (and that's a DAC/amp, not a dedicated DAC)

[@ricsim78]

I can hear a difference with Polk Signature speakers and a Pioneer LX505 with Dirac Live. You would need a swappable OP AMP DAC (Aune X8, which I own), or a Ladder/R2R/Multibit DAC to hear a big difference. Most DACS will sound good, some better than others. Ladder/Multibit/R2R DACS send to sound the best and sound the most "different" from a decent DAC and sound better in general.

[@JokoJMC]

in term of design I like V2

[@MarshallZPie]

I still haven't found a amp/dac worth upgrading to. I have the original ifi zen dac, basically I'm looking for something with a little more and cleaner power, more neutral sounding, and a balanced 4.4 output under $300.

[@scientificaudiophile]

Then get the Zen 3.

[@MarshallZPie]

@@scientificaudiophile Doesn't it have a warm sound? I really don't think I'll be able to tell any difference from the original ifi Zen Dac to this one, or at least not enough of a improvement to justify the price, I am on a budget. Only thing that would get me to change is if there's something that meets all my conditions.

[@scientificaudiophile]

@@MarshallZPie You won’t hear a difference except from xBASS.

[@MarshallZPie]

@@scientificaudiophile I just found out about the Fiio k11, how would you compare it to the zen dac 3?

[@scientificaudiophile]

@@MarshallZPie K11 is $100 less, more power, can switch between line out on headphone out. Zen3 has xBASS. I’d go with K11.

[@wesleyruffin137]

What are the Speakers behind You?

[@scientificaudiophile]

That’s an AI generated room. When my room is messy I use a green screen.

[@desertscrub66]

Hello Mr. audiophile. Your video bitrate is poop. Otherwise keep up the good information. ❤

[@chungang7037]

but does this year's usb cable sound the same as last year? 😂

[@scientificaudiophile]

With the change to C type, it’s far too analytical.

[@chungang7037]

@@scientificaudiophile 😆

[@hartyewh1]

Who cares what WhatHifi says about anything?

[@scientificaudiophile]

This guy: WHAT HI-FI : How Stars Are Awarded kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqq6p52fhcmVrdE

[@Starch1b2c3d4a]

I tried out the new ifi hip-dac. The xbass feature was pure mud. Sound quality was mediocre overall...

[@scientificaudiophile]

Haven't tried that one. Thanks for the info.

[@5corecaraudio]

Hey , incredible video! We'd be interested in exploring a collaboration. Would you be open to connecting further?

[@scientificaudiophile]

I don't get into car audio, so not at this time. However, I would make the argument that you should seek the best audio where you listen the most - and for many people, that's the car. So if you put out an informative video titled "Don't Waste Your Money on Home Audio" I think that would be pretty informative.

[@IanKnight40]

Try the AKG k52.... You will bin your 812's.

[@Panslapper]

Looking at the Fiio K7 after watching this....more features and around the same price.

[@FilipinaVegana]

Likewise (or at least the K11, since it is selling at a bargain price in my city).

[@reburn1479]

What extra features does it have compared to the zen v3?

[@blorg8206]

​@@reburn147910x the power, it's an actual headphone amp which Zen DAC isn't really, it's only dongle level of power.

[@sussychachi]

The ifi zen dac 3 seems to be lack luster if you already own a zen dac 2. If you don't own any and are curious I say get the zen dac 2 or 3.

[@jayem1826]

Hello. It’s 3:33 am. I’ll get back to you in a couple of hours

[@sidesup8286]

Where is it a 12 hour time difference from US Eastern Time? Do you mean you're from another planet? What cable conductors do you guys use out there, and is there a cable controversy on Mars? I waved to UFOs many times. You guys never seem to wave back. Although from that high up, I realize a hand wave can be hard to distinguish from someone pointing. Still it would be nice to get an occasional wave back and acknowledgement. I remember years ago we thought we had zeroed in on one of you guys up in the air, looking through our telescope; but when we switched to a 450x power eyepiece it turned out to be just a distant lamp post light. The reason more people don't see UFOs is that they don't look up at the sky that much; like us amateur astronomers. If they did, they'd see quite a few unusual things up there at times. It's like, people who walk with their heads down, find a lot more money and loose change on the street than those who are Prouder, and walk more erect.

[@sidesup8286]

If you would ever consider waving back, or maybe even taking me for a ride, to see Saturn's rings close up; I am the guy at 41.6384 degrees latitude, and -78.136527 degrees longitude everyTuesday at 8:55 pm. I am the one with orange Nike Air Sneakers with lights that flash in the dark, and I'm usually wearing either a tuxedo or a signed T-shirt by the music artist formerly known as Prince. I know, purple and orange don't go together that well, but it's usually dark out at that time

[@jayem1826]

@@sidesup8286 It's the Philippines and many times people (my kids) hear me say it's like living on Mars. Mail takes over two months to get here. Thanks for your time. Great Sense of Humor

[@sidesup8286]

Oh...the Phillipines...I guess looking at album covers by the group Boston, is the closest I'll ever come to riding in a real space ship then. Can't blame me for trying. The Cassini division in Saturn's rings are named after an Italian guy like our host. The rings are closing up. For a few years when the rings close their tilt and become edge on to Earth; you can't see the rings through any telescope on Earth for a ling while. One of the planets farther out than Saturn, has rings too; but that would mean spending cable upgrade money on a more powerful telescope. I don't know if I want to do that. It rains diamonds on Neptune I might just view the Moon for a few years, and I can use the old telescope to view land objects too. Like I can see the Vaseline building from here, if the air pollution isn't too bad. Pluto is no longer considered a planet, due to the definition of a planet red tape. That happened around the same time that they changed the classification of tomatoes from vegetable to a fruit. Technically, Campbells Vegetarian Vegetable soup should have it's name changed too, for the sake of accuracy. When we eat a pineapple pizza we are eating a pizza with two fruit toppings. Those round white plastic things the classier puzza places put on the pizza so the cheese doesn't get stuck to the top of the box; they make great cable risers, to keep your speaker cables from touching the floor.

[@Mizar-XED]

Great, now to get a cat so it can benefit from those frequencies.

[@goodsound4756]

More of a headphone amp than DAC for the Hifi rack.

[@JordanPhegley]

Our Queen Bish should never be listened to with a DAC costing less than $12k, that isnt hooked up to an external clock, with pure silver interconnects. You know this!

[@scientificaudiophile]

You are right, but in the off chance someone creates the perfect low cost (e.g. sub $10k) I have to listen to Bish for my subscribers.

[@jd2plus2]

Ifi have zero support , make a ticket then take a hike

[@strangelyrepulsive77]

looks alone justify 30 extra

[@tikilord66]

Too much for not having spdif input.

[@scientificaudiophile]

or any other input besides C.

[@georgeweah9717]

Zenny is not worth the asking penny. 120 dollars should be max with the power supply included. 690 mW😂😂😂

[@gdemirjian]

MQA files will be around for quite a while, so some folks won't buy a DAC without it. It is included on many current chipsets so no extra cost to implement it. It's not nice to try to make folks feel bad or stupid because this is something they like. What do you gain from your negative comments about the technology???

[@blorg8206]

MQA is pointless and there is a licensing fee on top of the chip cost, plenty of examples of stuff with a chip that supports MQA but not enabled.

[@scientificaudiophile]

Yes, the issue is the licensing fee, plus when a product, like the Zen DAC3 implements MQA, but has only one filter it degrades PCM sound quality.

[@sussychachi]

I never cared for MQA. Iistend to some file of it and wasn't impressed at all. Overhyped

[@gdemirjian]

@@sussychachi It wasn't designed to be any better than lossless. I was the best way available to compress/decompress files for easier transfer over systems with limited bandwidth. It's really not needed anymore but was great tech for its purpose.

[@kurt120032002]

Isn't it funny when a reviewer disqualifies himself in literally second? Zen dac 1 was so bad it was nearly unusable. Low resolution yet very sharp. For context SMSL7, a similar unit at a similar price 5 years older, has same resolution or slightly better but no sharpness. I did try zen 1 with a rebel amp and WA6se but there is no saving it. I gave it away for free while SMSL M7 is still in use at the office. All they had to do is to make a hip-dac without battery but they fucked it up. I don't know zen3 is, I am Zen-out but when I hear how good zen 1 was I know I can't trust that reviewer. It was literally 2nd worse dac I ever had, including dacs in the phones, and first one is Zen-Blue, but that unit is still useful as Bluetooth to Optical convertor, but there is no useful feature to zen1 and zen 2 I was told was very similar to 1

[@scientificaudiophile]

And I thought I was so harsh on it that iFi will never send me another product again.