ZEN DAC & HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER FROM IFI

[@dcime1]

Excellent with no "Fluff". Detailed and precise, you touch on every point. Thats how KZbin Video Reviews should be. I want the information, not the subjective opinion. Thats not so easy to do! I actually felt like I was in a classroom watching you teach us about the ZEN DAC. Worth every minute!

[@brunohebert1351]

Kudos for the Seefeel LP!

[@daburabu308]

Thanks for the video! Could you perhaps make one video on how and which drivers to install for the Zen Dac? Thank you!

[@TimothyKunau]

Thank you Paul! I really enjoyed this review and would be interested in learning how this compares to others at this price point.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Hi Timothy - many thanks and check out my review of the Soncoz for more on that. In that review, I compare it to the iFi and the Topping E30. All around the same price: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKqvkqmkoJiVnc0

[@letalmike]

@@TheAudiophileMan Zen Dac or Fiio K5 Pro for driving a pair of Samson powered monitors and Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro? Thank you!

[@cooloutac]

@@letalmike This is the question I have for my zundaras.

[@robertopistolesi2735]

Thank you very much for the lovely and helpful presentation. Would you recommend this unit for people who want to use it for mixing and critical listening?

[@josephanthony2865]

I’m stuck! Your review of the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo was the final word for my TT…. But more decisions! I’ve had my eye on this ifi for a bit. Your review is great as are a few others floating around… But I have an issue. I have a set of Sonos S1 gen 2 speakers ( don’t judge me, I live in the suburbs and have a Costco card). Sonos also makes a pretty decent 125w amp that can hook into my S1s and can be wired with passive speakers down the road… I don’t necessarily want to be pigeonholed into using all Sonos components. And, as I’m building my sound system I want to get the best sound for my money. That said, do you have sage advice about whether it’s wiser to buy the ifi/Sonos? I like the idea of using the speakers I have. I also like the idea of being patient, saving the money, and buying something down the road that will ultimately produce crystal-clear, audiophile sound. Penny for your thoughts.

[@chrisperrotta3686]

I know you’re not a fan of the TrueBass… but if you use this DAC as a preamp for another headphone amp, does the bass boost still work properly?

[@reddeathat416]

Hi Paul. What type of headphone amp would you recommend for an Audiotechnica LP120x? Working on a budget.

[@EDITSbyVELOCITY]

Fantastic review, very thorough and enjoyable

[@xxGSSDxx]

thanks for explaining the variable/fixed switch, now i'm totally sold on this product

[@latinochico]

how did you connect the zen dac to the kanto active speakers with RCA ? thanks

[@1697djh]

Thank you for the review, no mention of MQA or Roon comparable, but a balanced review. I am getting one mail order next week

[@1697djh]

@Garry Miller I wasn't impressed so returned it to the dealer for a refund

[@OrganNLou]

Trubass is done analog and is subtle on many headphones.

[@ahumblerequest5222]

Thank you for such a detailed review!! Cheers

[@M_Huzaifah]

I have a 12V DC PSU from my unused powered USB hub. Can I use it to feed the Zen DAC (5V DC)? I afraid I will blow the circuit inside because of overpowering (I am noob on electrical). Fantastic review, btw.

[@deadline7610]

Nicely Done. Quick question, as I move onward from my Zen Dac which I enjoy. I was hoping you might be able to suggest an upgrade -SE- Dac only -USB is all I need- I enjoy the warmth of the Burr Brown chip Thanks

[@TheAudiophileMan]

If you like the chip - check out other iFi designs for possible upgrades. I think Parasound uses them too (you might want to check that). You might also want to listen to DACs featuring AKM chips.

[@maxtighe8215]

Hey witch one is the dac at the back I am new to headphones I have the xb900n noise cancelling headphones and I have the 1000xm4 noise cancelling both by Sony I am buying another pair of head

[@AlexanderFedyunin]

Thank you very much for that detailed review!

[@evowhite777]

Once again an excellent review Paul your "closer look" feature/s really make your videos worth watching,I`m not even a big dac/digital media fan but you`re a good watch sir,cheers have this thumbs-up on me for showing people that,good quality hifi DOESN`T have to break the bank! #hifi4ever

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Appreciate your post, ev - many thanks.

[@numefals234]

Zen or xcan ,which is better for HD660S and Sundara. Thank you in advance.

[@6643bear]

II bought a zen dac just a few weeks ago but don’t have 4.4mm socket or switch for fixed or variable, mine cost £99.00 , I wonder why one I have is different than your abs other reviews. Regards mark

[@jarlathmurphy5419]

Maybe you have the iFi ZEN Air DAC instead? Think it may be a plastic construction rather than metal. Also, it just has a headphone socket on the front & RCA outputs on the rear.

[@6643bear]

@@jarlathmurphy5419 , hi it is thanks I realised after a bit of research, thanks for the reply regards mark

[@adamhickey1251]

Is anyone able to tell me if I can get the "enhancments" tab in the properties of your playback device in the sound control panel with the iFi Zen DAC V2? This is the tab with loudness equalization for footsteps in fps games like mw2/warzone. TIA

[@maxtighe8215]

Phones I am buying the focal elgia is it usb in for dac at the back for your phone then plug your headphones into the amp I am new to these type of headphones

[@TheAudiophileMan]

You can connect the USB to a source like a laptop or other musical storage option. The RCAs then run to your hifi so you can hear the music itself. Your headphones will connect to a chosen socket on the front fascia.

[@АрчиБальт-ъ7э]

Hi from Belarus.Can i use it without power supply without loss of sound quality.(With PC).Thank you.

[@cernus2279]

Thanks a lot for your video! I was looking for a nice and not expensive DAC to use on my computer and Zen DAC seems to be the one. Not sure if I should add the "IFI Audio iPower 5V" to budget... 🤔

[@TheAudiophileMan]

The add-on power supply? Absolutely, yes.

[@cernus2279]

@@TheAudiophileMan Thanks a lot!

[@PakoPnF]

Did you get the power supply? Can you ear the differences? Have you try any other 5v charger like a cellphone?

[@cernus2279]

@@PakoPnF Hi Christophe! I have added it to my letter to Santa. So I have to wait a few more days for it. Let's see if I get it (looking at my wife right now).

[@brianres]

@@TheAudiophileMan I have a five dollar power supply and there is literally no difference in sound quality then they are $60 offering. Pretty outrageous that they charge so much for their power supply. Have you tried a cheap power supply and o the two?

[@TheGarandGuy]

Hi. Nice review. If you're using the RCA as a fixed output for speakers, is this output muted when headphones are inserted? I switch between my speakers and headphones a lot so don't want to constantly be unplugging the headphones to use the speakers. Many thanks.

[@peterpipe9015]

Hi if you use speakers you gotta unplug the headphones or it plays through both

[@TheGarandGuy]

@@peterpipe9015 Hi Peter. I have the unit now. You don't need to unplug the headphones, simply turn down the volume knob as that unaffected the speaker volume

[@peterpipe9015]

@@TheGarandGuy ah cheers bro i just unplugged every time ,thanks for the tip

[@TheGarandGuy]

@@peterpipe9015 As long as the output is set to fixed! If it's on variable, then the volume will still affect both. Foxed will supply constant output regardless of what the volume knob does

[@peterpipe9015]

@@TheGarandGuy have you tried the other firmware updates ?

[@RUMBLEGO1]

Great review! Looks like i will be investing in the 5V power supply down the road. I just received my unit a few days ago (October 2020) and i can not believe how good it has made everything sound. Headphones sound incredible now and so do my powered studio monitors. One thing to point out though is that i believe you do not have the latest Firmware. Mine just stays yellow all of the time and from what i have read from IFI that is the latest (5.3c). It sounds so good i don't really want to muck about with trying other Firmwares. Question i have is what balanced cable are you using for your Sennheiser's? The availability of such 4.4mm balanced cables that will work with Sennheiser's is very limited. The ones that i have seen are being reviewed as being very noisy when brushing up against clothing ...etc. Thanks and keep up the good work! :)

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Hi Craig - I used the 600 S headphones which arrived with the cable in the box.

[@PakoPnF]

Hello, did you buy the power supply or did you use an hanphone charger? Do you think we need that 50dollars charger? Have you tried with and without the power? Can you ear the differences?

[@RUMBLEGO1]

@@PakoPnF Wow....i don't log on here very often and see you just asked today. Nice! Anyway i actually hear an improvement in sound. I was satisfied with the upgrade but some may find it not there...? I could hear it and feel it. Not huge but it is there for me. I had only used the USB to power from a Mac Mini. Then the Ifi Power supply. Would i buy it again? YES. Also. i have a wireless keyboard and mouse twenty feet away that i was having trouble connecting with. When i added the Ifi power supply i now have had great connectivity with these devices. What's going on there?? Don't know but i like it! :) If you have the cash and you have the ability to possibly return it if you feel it is meh...i say....give it a try

[@PakoPnF]

@@RUMBLEGO1 thanks. I will buy it for site. Chears

[@RUMBLEGO1]

@@user-mj4ye7cw8n Not familiar with those speakers but pulled up a rear photo of the one where you plug in. It looks like those speakers already have a built in DAC so you could connect directly from your computer to them via USB. Also, it looks like you could come out of the Zen Dac via RCA outs and into the RCA inputs of the Audioengine's. Will bypassing the speakers internal DAC and using the Zen Dac provide superior sound? That i can't say. Then it just looks like you run a speaker wire from the one speaker over to the other and you should be good to go. I would recommend getting a small powered subwoofer and running into them via the Zen Dac (RCA's) and then from the subwoofer RCA outs to the speaker RCA inputs. Will cost you more for the subwoofer but the end result will be so much more satisfying! Good luck

[@Bob-us9di]

I bought one of these a year ago - I'd agree with all that you say about it. I power mine from the tablet - which runs a transport app that allows for external DACs (by-passing the awful DAC/amp in the tablet) - in theory the power supply should be cleaner than a laptop but I've not the wall-wart to test the two. I'm not convinced that my headphones (Audio Technica AT-700s) pair all that well with it - or maybe they are just a tad too 'tizzy' anyway - either way I'm thinking of better headphones that will do it justice.

[@blxzing1201]

how did you do this

[@HoangDucNuyen]

Can I get more loudness when adding another preamp device on top of zen dac v2?

[@G-O-A-M]

i think you could use the ifi Zen CAN with it then - should be louder

[@njb6714]

Why don't iFi have a DAC with a "Coaxil Digital Input" so a "CD player" digital output can be hooked to the DAC and get the full value from MQA - CD,? this would be a great added feature

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Agreed. I suppose it's all part of the 'grand plan' as the company plans it overall digital product range.

[@xevus2959]

does the sound quality improve withe the amp? becuase i find some of the details in my music to be recessed or too low. i have hd660s as well which is where i have this problem :(

[@thiscorrosion900]

Those headphones tend to require a lot of power to drive, firstly. I would invest in something even better than this amp for the HD660s, you want as much power and detail as possible. The Zen DAC might be ok too, I dunno. You might though want to go a bit more upscale, even. I wouldn't bother either, trying to drive the 660s'from any small portable headphone amp, it's a total waste of time I think. The 660s are designed mainly for home listening or studio with a good powerful amp or receiver.

[@final0222]

Hi, if it sounds that good, does it mean WE DON'T NEED AN AMP? Rather THIS DAC for headphones than an amp? Thanks

[@TheAudiophileMan]

You can certainly use it as a pre-amp, as long as its connection limitations don't cramp your style. Ideal for a pair of powered speakers, for example.

[@N3ukenInD3K3uken]

I think you were the last audio channel I wasn't already subscribed to

[@TheAudiophileMan]

And I'm honoured to join your list :)

[@adrianmorrish8494]

With power supplies these are really 40% more expensive though as the power supplies are around 50 each for these two units or does the amp come with a power supply Nd it's just the dac/AMP that doesn't?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

The iPower offered by iFi is a separate item and is offered as a sonic upgrade by the company. In place, it certainly provides the promised upgrade.

[@adrianmorrish8494]

@@TheAudiophileMan ok thanks if a clean supply noticeably enhances the audio quality that’s ok, although it now pushes them into a higher category of amp, so up one level in the case is Schitt from the magni to the magius, so I wonder how it actually compares to these as they come with a power supply etc.

[@Diggerless]

Nice review. I may buy this exact DAC but struggling to work out how to connect it to a pair of balanced TRS inputs on my Presonus Eris 3.5 active monitors. Any thoughts?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

You could go unbalanced, of course. I'm not familiar with a 4.4mm Pentaconn-to-6.35mm balanced cable, I have to say. Unless you can find a studio gear website that stocks such a beast.

[@TitoMariategui]

Do you recommend using the iPower with the HD 660s balanced or you think that's not necessary and the USB cable is enough power to drive those headphones properly?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I recommend the external power to improve the sound and get the best from the 660 S phones, especially in balanced mode.

[@numefals234]

660s needs good amount of power, no dongle will drive them properly

[@TitoMariategui]

@@numefals234 That's true. I'm using the dac-amp Ifi Zen Dac to drive them.

[@greaterbayareahero1401]

Can it drive a Sennheiser HD 800s?

[@heythere6983]

Have you colored this ifi zen vs the ifi hip dac/amp? I just got it and realized this was out aswell and wonder how the sound compares

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I'm afraid not although I've heard good things about it in sound quality terms.

[@newkid7]

Zen DAC more open and creamy, Hip DAC is more dense and has more power.

[@deviechristian7690]

Have you tried use handphone wall charger for this DAC instead using laptop usb for input power?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Yes, the sound from the separate power supply is superior than the laptop-soured supply.

[@PakoPnF]

Hello, did you use the an hanphone charger? Do you think we need that 50dollars charger? Have you tried with and without the power? Can you ear the differences?

[@nikplay69]

would this be able to drive a pair of HiFiMAN HE400i Ver.2020?

[@AegisHyperon]

Yes, it's what I use.

[@hemanthkrishna5343]

@@AegisHyperon how's the pairing? Have you tried the 400i with any other dac/amp?

[@PakoPnF]

Hello. Do you really think that we need the power supply from iFi Can't we just use any other 5v Power Supply? This one is so expensive...

[@TheAudiophileMan]

The iFi power supply is not an off the shelf model. There's more work involved with the design, so I hear so yep, I'd go with the in-house model.

[@PakoPnF]

@@TheAudiophileMan thanks for your help. I will buy it then as you recommend. Do you think that this DAC has a good soundstage and imaging? I whant to use it for gaming so those 2 are key

[@EspadaMK]

@@PakoPnF like in the review I usually run hd660s on my unit, I have also used hd599s both in balanced mode (getting a 599 balanced cable is something of a challenge), once you do run balanced the soundstage does open up quite a lot and sounds become cleaner, less muddy. I can’t speak for other types of headphones. I don’t game really but partnered with the 660s the bass is tight but rich, so songs like why so serious from the dark knight sound fantastic, listen to the sub bass around 3:25.

[@PakoPnF]

@@EspadaMK Hello i need you help on these one. For running a balanced cable for my sph9500 this adapter will do or i need a special cable? www.amazon.es/Geekria-Balanced-Conversion-Aluminum-Yarn-Braided/dp/B081CHRPHT/ref=sr_1_5?__mk_es_ES=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&dchild=1&keywords=balanced+cable+3.5+mm&qid=1608626480&sr=8-5

[@PakoPnF]

@@TheAudiophileMan Did you ever try the Zen Can?

[@Percival1919]

Pls anyone... Is this better than the Cambridge Audio Dac magic 100?

[@shawnpwatsons1]

ZEN DAC V2 is now here!

[@rderubeis]

I really cant decide what to do. I have the 6xx. Should i get zen dac , k5 pro, or schiit stack. Is the schiit stack that much better than the zen ?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I haven't reviewed the K5 Pro, I'm afraid Ricky. And none of my colleagues have had one in for review either. The Stack is something more than a simple DAC in terms of facilities and also price so I'm not sure about the 'like vs like' comparison on that one. I do like Schiit's DACs though. I've reviewed a few in the past. I'm a fan of the brand as a whole. The Zen remains excellent. What's your budget?

[@rderubeis]

@@TheAudiophileMan i mean i can get the zen dac for 130 or the schiit stack for 240. i dont mind getting or spending 240, but if its not gonna be a huge difference over the zen i rasther save my money. Im getting the amp/dac mainly for gaming and movies, and some music

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Hi Ricky - if the Zen provides all the connections you need then stick with the Zen. It offers superb sound.

[@rderubeis]

@@TheAudiophileMan I was told the dac on the zen is good, but i was told the amp on it sucks. Is this true ? thats why i was considering the Schiit stack magni/modi

[@TheAudiophileMan]

You can find my opinions of that amp in the video review.

[@varun110291]

I already have the zen dac. My mode of use is via USB input and RCA output. Will purchasing an E30 be a lateral purchase since I already have the zen dac? To be used with Q Acoustics 3050i and Rega Brio 2017 amp.

[@varun110291]

Btw did you upgrade your firmware to 5.3c?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I prefer the Zen in USB mode over the E30.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

The Zen was supplied with the latest firmware installed.

[@varun110291]

@@TheAudiophileMan Just check once again cos that green light (at 7:00) in the indicator comes only with 5.3. Check the ifi firmware window (ifi-audio.com/firmware/windows-usb-2-0-drivers/). It should show 5.3c The 5.3c firmware has the GTO filter and there is a difference in audio quality. No green indicator light. Only yellow (all files except mqa and dsd), purple(mqa), cyan and blue (dsd) ifi-audio.com/firmware/unified-firmware-for-various-products/

[@hemanthkrishna5343]

@@varun110291 Did you find any audiable difference with GTO?

[@tsanket2564]

Is ifi Zen DAC V2 capable enough to properly drive DT990 Pro (250 ohm)? I was told by a seller that it wont drive to the full potential

[@G-O-A-M]

yes its good enough - using it right now with this headphones - really loud enough (around 1 o-clock wheel)

[@tsanket2564]

@@G-O-A-M Thanks, I have purchased this setup and am happy with the performance so far.

[@ians_big_fat_cock5913]

It's very poor.. The Zen dac measures 13mW of power @ 300ohm.. Relatively speaking, a low end dongle like SXFI/X1 from creative has more power.. @ 19mW. (300ohm).. It may sound good, but be aware, its quite "weak"

[@dieseldust27]

This? Or the iFi Nano iDSD?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Hopefully my website review may help a bit: theaudiophileman.com/nano-idsd-black-label-ifi-review/

[@aenigmatistaentertainment2441]

@@TheAudiophileMan thanks, what would be your current preferred setup for driving IEMs up to 300$ for desktop use? I can't find any such list of combos on your site.

[@Markinpuff]

How does this compare to the hip dac?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I haven't done an A-B so don't know, to be honest. That said, the features on offer from both do differ quite a bit so I would study those before you make any level of final decision.

[@xmetalkingx]

Can I connect it to an LG smart Tv via Usb?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I would say no - HDMI and optical, sure. I'd look at a similar iFi DAC with an optical connection.

[@pan-slapper6846]

I cannot disagree with 99% of the reviews of this DAC. Coming from an Topping E30 to the IFI ZD V2 in my opinion the ifi is a better balanced dac. By balanced I don't mean actual balanced output I mean the sound. The sound is balanced right across the spectrum, no particular area is over emphasized and that's is very pleasing to my ears at least. The Topping E30 drew back the vocals a little imo which was the first thing I noticed without critically listening. Nevertheless the Topping E30 did do an excellent job on tightening up my Denon DM41 and when listening to Electro those beats and basslines were much more defined when I added the E30 to that system. Since then I have acquired the Cambridge Audio AXA35 and I did not like the E30 with that amp at all. The AXA35 is already a dynamically accurate amplifier and does not play on the looser side like the Denon did and do in general so with the E30 it made next to no improvements when using iTunes, APO EQ via the PC. The iFi Zen Dac v2 is a different kettle of fish, especially for the Cambridge Audio AXA35, it's a good match! Both the amp and Dac have a very similar sound which is a little odd as they both have different dac chips i.e the axa35 has a pair of NE3352s under the hood. Nevertheless they marry very well together and produce a very detailed smooth, precise and balanced sound. Anyone looking for bang for buck entry level HiFi that is a fairly big cut above the average then you wont go wrong with the Cambridge Audio AXA35 and iFi Zen Dac v2 combination at all, or the Denon DM41 with the Topping E30 for that matter.

[@samdavenport6604]

Does anyone know if it has enough power for the beyerdynamic dt770 pro 250ohm?

[@brianres]

Yes. I have those. Plenty of volume.

[@bighit3352]

will this do good on the hd600?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Yep.

[@MaximDupliy]

Hi. Did anyone listen to smsl m100 and IFI zen and how they compare ? Thanks

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Hi Maxim - I have yet to grab a SMSL, I'm afraid. I have heard good things about it, though.

[@rahulsan24]

Is it better than e30 as dac? Please try to answer.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

It depends, Rahul - definitely when comparing the two as USB DACs. That said, the E30 has coax and optical which the Zen does not, so the E30 scores on the features list. The Zen instead features headphone sockets.

[@rahulsan24]

@@TheAudiophileMan Thank you for the quick reply. I want to use it between Raspberry pi 3 model b and Cambridge audio integrated amp. Will zen dac fit in this setup?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

May I ask, what do you use the Pi for in this hi-fi chain? Or are the hi-fi components merely a sound system for your computer? Is it that way around?

[@rahulsan24]

@@TheAudiophileMan Sure Paul, I am using volumio on Raspberry Pi 3 and also have attached a digi plus hat which gives clean output on it's optical out. Because zen dac has only usb in, I can't determine how it will perform on usb out of Raspberry PI3. I have heard people saying that the Pi usb crackles for audio out. Thank you for such a great review sir.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Any computer injects high frequency noise into an audio stream which is why I wouldn't recommend a computer as part of any chain. If you do use the Pi though, then a Zen DAC would work well via USB.

[@sorasory_8881]

Lovely review ty🖤 Quick Q plz.. fixed & virberbal does it make any change for sound. And what's better for basic. And does power cable make that big change or not noticeable😋🖤?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Variable and Fixed modes are more of a neutral tool that will be used depending on the demands of your own set up. And yes, it's best to use a power cable than run the DAC off a laptop, for example.

[@kevinz8953]

it is better then modi3 dac?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Good question and one I can't answer right now because I haven't done an A-B. I love the products from Schiit so would expect it to perform well. I would go for the Modi if you need an optical or coax connection, though.

[@HerbertGoodman]

No Power ON/OFF switch?

[@lukenuked]

No

[@CaptBadLad]

Made this product cheap so that you would love it and then spend 400 euro on the ZenStream

[@sayhellotovin]

Ahh Seefeel!

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Indeed! :)

[@AntPDC]

"Truebass" with a dedicated button? What a silly idea in a product such as this.