iFi ZEN DAC 3 Review

[@soundgetcha]

I have Zen Dac Signature v2 + ipower x + Schiit Jotunheim 2. Enjoying the sound every day

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Nice rig!

[@BassDad8]

I have the v2 and it’s one of my favorite Dac/amp combos… I don’t need the v3, but I definitely want it!!! Great review again!

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Yeah, I think the v2 will be pretty close.

[@miroslavpaulovic17]

I have HD660S2 and when i used only Zen DAC 3, everything seems to be ok, but after joined Zen CAN 3, performance was little bit better, but when i returned back to only DAC without CAN, different was more noticeable - lack of bass, more mudded middles, soundstage was thinner and definitelly more compression. So, yes, CAN gives you more power, that actually needed, even if you think, its not necessary.

[@assaf3468]

Hi, i also have the 660s2,filo k7 Is this enough for them or is the iFi ZEN DAC 3 better? Is there anything you recommend because I'm new to this and I bought the fiio k7

[@classiccj2569]

what about using only CAN and no DAC? I can only buy one, so which one would be the best to have just on its own?

[@miroslavpaulovic17]

@@classiccj2569 DAC is definitely better choice for you. Its AMP too, but not so powerfull, like CAN, but many headphones can be drive easilly with DAC itself. Can is just amplifier, without digital to analog converter, so with only CAN you must using sound card from PC or what you playing from.

[@classiccj2569]

@@miroslavpaulovic17 I am using my sound card from my PC right now. I want to add bass to my headphones using Equalizer APO, but when I tried to lift the bass slider, it showed me that I did not have enough power to do that. So that's why I wanted to get the iFi because it has the XBass button. I got a FiiO K11, but it still did not work in Equalizer APO, and I am not sure why.

[@miroslavpaulovic17]

@ i dont use xbass, for me its enough bass in HD 660S2, but when i switch that button on, that gives me more bass definitely. I dont like that sound, but if you want more bass, you can with both DAC or CAN.

[@johanrr4]

I run the v2 and for my usecase and headphones I couldn't be happier

[@3ildcard]

Love the looks of it - classy and minimal. If i am unhappy with my first dac (Letshuoer DT03), i may gravitate to this one since i only use audio when on PC anyways. I was planing to get one when the first Zen Dac came out and there was hype around it everywhere but back then my interest in audio was very short lived, i got PC38X and kind of forget about audio until now. Now with quality stuff getting cheaper and IEM's prettier, i got the sparkle once again.

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

It's the perfect time to get back into it with the big 11.11 sale around the corner.

[@3ildcard]

@@PrimeAudioReviews Yep. I already ordered few sets from here and there (doubt there'd be better deals during 11.11 for these). Unfortunately, i have to deal with customs and patiently waiting for anything to arive at this point. Signed up for Linsouls 25-50$ off offers too, too cheap to pass on sweet discounts on top of other discounts. Funnily, i ordered bunch of tips (Dunu SS, Velvet + Velvet Wide, Z Render tips) and those arrived before any IEM did...so that is something.

[@rene_magritte]

Now you heard the 2 versions, what’s the difference between true-bass and X-bass?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

I haven't listened to my zen og for ages but from memory xbass+ sounds cleaner and more controlled.

[@noworrrnever]

​@@PrimeAudioReviewsWhat is your daily DAC and headphone amp?

[@landosazo7506]

great review....what is important is the type of sound it dishes out- full bodied with good soundstaging, details, etc...btw, can you use the 4.4mm balanced output in the back to connect a subwoofer or 2? thanks

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

I guess you could hook up a sub there. Not sure from memory if all outputs work together or if it's restricted to only 1 at a time.

[@nsivaraj777]

Can we use this to power and run a home theatre setup. Not sure if this is a thing to ask😅

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Nah, it's not designed for that.

[@nsivaraj777]

@@PrimeAudioReviews is there a dac available that could do that?

[@moxie_ST]

Thanks for good review but did you forgot to say/comment on whether there is still that pop sound when you change settings, like turning x-base on or off, etc. Thanks ❤

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

That's one of the things they improved with the V3.

[@nezukokamado5888]

How to use this DAC with WiiM streamer?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Just plug it in.

[@dateasy4438]

whats the differances between the fiio k11? would be really interesting to have a comparison because its close to its price and technically also good specs wise

[@znoozaros]

watch gadgetrytech review of iFi Zen DAC 3 he explains the differences there between the fiio k11 and k11 r2r and the ifi zen dac 3

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

This.

[@LOLA6ifyable]

SO it won't powerup headphones like hifiman Sundara / Ananda nano? Will topping dx3 pro+ ? Looking to build a nice and simple setup ( costs less then the ifif where I live actually )

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

DX3 Pro+ is more than enough for Sundara. If you want to got iFi, get the ZEN DAC + ZEN CAN system.

[@jasmeetsinghism]

What about zen signature dac

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Don't have it.

[@stiven_ph8656]

im planning to buy this dac is it worth it? is there a huge improvement in sound quality?

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Improvement compared to what? If you're talking about straight from phone or PC then yes it is.

[@stiven_ph8656]

@@PrimeAudioReviewscompared to straight from the phone with no dac?

[@miroslavpaulovic17]

@@stiven_ph8656ZEN DAC 3 is just different world in sound quality than any PC sound blaster or phone.

[@ReverendDr.Thomas]

FIRST! 🎉 David, thank you for another wonderful DAC review, although I am not a fan of iFi! 👌 Reverend Dr. Thomas, ✝️ The Vegan Vicar 🌱

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

Cheers mate!

[@ChipanJana]

Wow i’m the 5th viewer how privileged I am!

[@beehype46and2]

Comment for da algorithm Streak count: 411

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

WHAT! That was fast.

[@beehype46and2]

@@PrimeAudioReviews I am speed🐢

[@shakilmohammad9731]

Such a chunky unit without any battery. Secondly why so much less power output. Nowadays a dongle dacs have more power than this

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

More power = more noise, thus better and more expensive components. It's enough power for the average user (those without expensive planar cans). I think anyone spending more than HD6xx would spend more on a dac.

[@EARLandPEARL-c3i]

No on/off button...pass

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

It takes some getting used to!

[@simonzinc-trumpetharris852]

Those things are so ugly.

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

It's subjective. There are plenty of black rectangular box alternatives.