The iFi Zen Can Headphone Amplifier Review!

[@woodstock480]

I love listening to my vinyl records through headphones. It's actually how I generally listen to vinyl, as I usually do so early in the morning before the kiddos wake up.

[@thevinylattack]

It's definitely a different experience.

[@kennethoransky4881]

I'm glad you enjoyed the can amp. I've been using one with the 6xx and just recently the Hifiman Sundara. But you should really try the amp with the ifi ipower x ultra 5v power supply. It's still a wall wart but with a longer cord. The sound of the amp is taken to a new level. Better focus, more detail and resolution. Much better sound overall.

[@thevinylattack]

I would, but my review sample will be heading back soon so I won't get the chance this go around.

[@FrameGame1]

I got the zen dac v2, but Im not sure if I should pair it with the can or the shiit magnius because of the outputs

[@ktermvanich]

I know this is off topic, but I can’t stop looking at your beard. Just majestic to behold.

[@quikspecv4d]

I recently picked up the Hip DAC 2 and I’m extremely happy with it.

[@thevinylattack]

If it's like the rest of their lineup, I'm not surprised.

[@jeremyr722]

Right on Chris, enjoy your time off!

[@thevinylattack]

Thanks, I'm pretty sure I can make that happen.

[@peterrech2307]

Happy new yeat, Hope the new one is better than the previous two.........Enjoy the music

[@Realloulow]

I have the exact same configuration phono and headphones. Yes, short cord sucks. I must say, you nailed the review. I like what I'm hearing so I subscribed 🙃

[@thevinylattack]

I appreciate that. Welcome aboard!

[@leonarddukessr775]

Best: Reviewer iv'e seen, thus far.

[@thevinylattack]

Thanks for that. I appreciate it.

[@harrysmusicroom]

I think I read that the bass boost works best with open back headphones. I've already ordered a zen phono based on your review, will probably end up with this zen also. Thanks....I think. 😄

[@thevinylattack]

Unfortunately I wasn't able to test that out, but it was still an excellent performer.

[@Kprawl291986]

Not going to lie, ever since I purchased my Zen Dac 2 with the combination of Zen Can AMP and using the 4.4 balance connection with my HD650 Listening to Apple Music lossless/HiFi lossless quality I’m very blown away with this budget combo.

[@thevinylattack]

They're really on to something over at iFi.

[@stevenp.sparks2953]

Right there with ya! The only other thing I'll say is that for my electrostat headphones, I actually prefer using the headphone amp in the DAC. In any case, though, lossless + iFi = great sound! Sparks in Daytona

[@Simon-fr4ts]

I thought of myself as a bit of an audiophile in the late 80's and early 90's, but ended up selling all my hifi in the early 2000's. I wish I could have it all back again is it was good kit back then (cost me around 6k UK at the time for pre-power amp, source and speakers). I had the room back then to have speakers, but in the early 2000's I had to move into smaller properties and could not have this setup. Several years later, I somehow ended up buying a pair of Sennheiser HD580 headphones and paired them to a Soundblaster Audigy soundcard on my pc to at least have some kind of audio experience without annoying the neighbours. I then later purchased a cheap USB DAC/Amp combo and replaced the 580's with the 650's. These 650's have been sat unused for several years as the DAC/amp failed after a year. I recently dug out my old 650's and on a crazy moment, ended up buying the IFi Zen DAC v2 and this Zen Can amp. I have to say, I really like it and I am back listening to music again more. I was looking at the balanced setup, but I was put off as many people said that it is not worth it when using it as a computer headphone amp. The DAC is currently USB powered, but the can amp is mains powered. I have my headphones plugged into the can amp.

[@paulwoaert]

Hello. Do you think that connecting the Zen CAN to the "ZEN DAC AIR" would improve this AIR version of the ZEN DAC? The Zen DAC AIR has, like the Zen CAN, the XBass+ function but also a function called Power Match. I don't know if this Power Match function is basically the same as the GAIN function on the Zen Can. I also don't know if the 3D function of the Zen CAN offers a better result than the Xspace function of the AIR version of the Zen Can. Last question : Does the iFi Audio Zen CAN amplifier include the wall power adapter and RCA cables in the box when purchased ?

[@paulwoaert]

For use exclusively with headphones (in my MacBook Air M2), is the Zen AIR Can less efficient than the Zen CAN ? For example, is the XSpace function of the AIR equivalent to the 3D function of the more expensive Zen CAN ? The problem with the AIR version is that it does not include the RCA cables or the electrical adapter block (the 2 are included in the Zen CAN box). My intention is to connect the Can or Can AIR in my Zen DAC Air.

[@thevinylattack]

I haven't used the Zen Can so I'm afraid I wouldn't know.

[@petery2878]

Great review keep up the good work really loving it

[@thevinylattack]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@LS-ti6jo]

Speaking of the iFi Zen ecosystem, I wish iFi would produce a matching Zen external power supply unit to power its other Zen products. That would get rid of all those friggin wall warts (hate wall warts).

[@thevinylattack]

If they'd just make the cord longer I'd be happy for now.

[@Kbaum752]

They make an amazing 5v plug. $100 and worth every penny.

[@MJEvermore853]

My parents bought me my first pair of over-the-ear headphones when I was 6 years old. I was not kind to my ears from that moment on, and have always fully enjoyed my music at very high volume. I'm in my early 50's now. The word used most frequently in my vocabulary is WHAAAAT?! My ears have been toast for decades. To me, there is no better experience then listening to music with good quality headphones. Just be careful of that volume knob! 😁 Chris, a little off the topic, but do you have a preference between the Schmitt Mani and the Ifi Audio Zen phono preamp? I have the Schitt, but am not afraid of spending a little more $ for better sound. Thanks! Happy Holidays, Chris!

[@thevinylattack]

I prefer the Zen. I did a comparison video about those two that you might find helpful.

[@MJEvermore853]

@@thevinylattack...I'll look for that one and watch it again. Thanks Chris👍

[@markallan9528]

Thanks for the review. I have been using headphones that sound okay, are good enough. But now I'm looking for quality sound and connect ability. I like the ifi products. By the way, what are the titles to the background music you were playing. Thanks, Mark

[@thevinylattack]

Unfortunately, I don't remember what music I used. It was sourced from a royalty-free music site.

[@FormulaProg]

Do you need a pre amp to use this or can you just use this on a line input integrated amp?

[@thevinylattack]

An integrated amp has a pre-amp built in, so you’re good to go.

[@FormulaProg]

@@thevinylattack But when I plug my Headphones into the half inch jack on the front of my amp I don't get the full stereo sound in both ears, I can adjust the balance on the amp with a dial but it just doesn't give me the full stereo range, it's hard to explain over a message which is why I've struggled to know what to buy (if anything) for a long time. Hope some of that makes sense and if so, any idea what the issue is? My amp is a technics su v500. Thanks again

[@thevinylattack]

@@FormulaProg It's either a connection issue or a headphone issue as far as I can tell. It's hard to diagnose without being there.

[@SpirallingOut]

I rent a semi-detached next to a nice elderly couple, so the 2.1 system I want is out of the question. Just one Electric Wizard album might ruin my chances of lease renewal and get open bibles placed on my doorstep daily (highlighted/bookmarked passages & all) till I get booted out. 😂 A decent headphone setup was definitely the answer, with plenty of opportunity to upgrade later.

[@thevinylattack]

For every problem, there's a solution.

[@EclecticMusicMan]

I just wish iFi would do a Zen power amplifier, I would definitely buy it if it was anything as good as the Zen Phono.

[@thevinylattack]

I wouldn't be surprised if we see one down the line.

[@ThinkingBetter]

“Adding in an optical port will also be ideal”…yes, but that makes the product a DAC and headphone amp in one.

[@thevinylattack]

No, it's just adding an option for an additional connection.

[@mford9029]

Dont need the life story…….

[@thevinylattack]

Didn't need the lame comment, but here we are...