How LOW can you GO? \\ ifi Zen AIR

[@ZReviews]

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[@David-bb7mt]

I have the Zen Air DAC. For something with a plastic case it looks surprisingly nice and feels solid. I'm going laptop>DAC>old JVC amp to speakers and I don't really use headphones with my computer so the headphone amp was mostly a non-factor for me so I'm perfectly happy. Also the analog knob (which is anodized aluminum) feels SUPER smooth on mine

[@ianmcsherry5254]

Had the Zen DAC V2 for around eight months now. Very happy with it, alongside my Sennheiser 560s. Wouldn't think about replacing it until I can afford a really serious upgrade, like several £100s more.

[@ConnorHammond]

Agreed. Pairs perfectly with a CAN if you want some more versatillity in bass and 3D imaging.

[@zacstrip6172]

I'm in the same boat, although I can't really find others that Would be an improvement on the balance and functions for my headphones and monitors. Do you have anything in mind on what that might be for you?

[@ianmcsherry5254]

@@zacstrip6172 only a couple of vague ideas, much further up the expense ladder. Not a personal priority at present, but as I say, quite happy with what I have, and just enjoying the music. 👍

[@spandel100]

@@zacstrip6172 Don't do it,stay with what you have.This is the rabbit hole...

[@sedraniM]

Same. Incredible setup for this price!

[@Octocoupler]

I just got the air can for my 20+ year old sennheiser 535 headphones, and they are now turbo charged, excellent quality, sound, and value.

[@jimtekkit]

Well I'm certainly glad I got both of my Ifi Zen DAC V2's before the price increase. Was AU$229, now AU$299.

[@The1rust]

Can't say that I am crazy impressed with my Air. The only firmware that works via USB is 7.4c which has a "warmer" feature and eliminates the audio delay when you scrub through media. The sound will even cut out when it gets quiet and won't come back on for about a second after the sound starts again which makes it almost impossible to listen to KZbin videos. iFi seems pretty mum on the issue in spite of it being pretty wide spread issue which is discouraging and I have half a mind to go back to my cheapo Fosi Q5 in the closet which just works out of the box.

[@ThePhxRises]

Also have a Fosi Q5 here, surprisingly good for what it is

[@adaml.5355]

Tried a Fosi K5 Pro and it had the absolute shittiest sounding digital inputs I've ever heard on the optical and coaxial inputs. It was as if all of the music was folded inside my head and distorted. What a shame! Now I'm just going to get an Ifi Air Can for my Apple USB C to Headphone adapter and order a coaxial and optical interface with a CS8416 interface and CS4398 DAC. I've been looking forever but I think the current DAC/AMP market is a complete shit show and I'm just going to get a good amplifier and call it a day. The Chi-Fi stuff on Amazon seems to be sold with random revisions and random chipsets you can't even find the data sheet for and it's impossible to determine quality. Fosi lied to me about the chipsets in the K5 Pro. Can't say I'm a fan of most of the overpriced USB DACs either, because they are ONLY USB. If I'm buying a DAC for $100 or $200 I want it to convert all my digital sources, not just a PC.

[@jimtekkit]

I have a love-hate relationship with Ifi Audio. They make excellent products BUT their letdown is the niggling issues that customer support refuse to address. My Zen DAC V2 has the occasional dropout issue (maybe once every few days) on my AMD Ryzen computer and support told me it's a known issue and they're working on it. That was a blatant lie because that was 8 months ago and it's still not fixed. I followed up a second time and was told that it is "standard behavior of that device" by the same guy, i.e. fuck off and leave me alone to sip coffee and browse Facebook. To think that they actually PAY those bums a salary!

[@redace4821]

For half the price but roughly 92% performance for 6.5mm connection, Air Can is pretty good for people on low budget.

[@larrykozlowski6305]

"It looks like someone fucked up an oreo cookie" I can't stop laughing

[@hvskyline1368]

I have the ifi zen blue with the digital outs running into my E30 and it’s great I love it

[@masterxyr]

16:23 this is it everyone, we have now witnessed the beginning of the demise of Z's sanity. You saw it here first!!

[@danieljohnson6370]

Lol!

[@donalddeorio2237]

I have the Ifi Zen Blue Dac hooked up to my Marantz av7005 pre-processor and it sounds great. Had it for almost 2 years very satisfied

[@shakenbake2k479]

"Looks like you fucked up an oreo cookie" this guy's effing hilarious.

[@renzrulzz]

I bought Zen Signature Set 6XX last year because of your review. Now, ifi released a newer and cheaper version. I hope ifi would also release a cheaper version of the their Pro IDSD Signature DAC and Pro ICAN Signature.

[@alexlazenby]

Have the Pro-ject Pre Box S2 Digital. While the DAC is excellent - it acks power as a headphone amp. Added the Zen Aid CAN and boom! It's great for $100

[@praszu]

The only thing I would really like to change on my iFi zen is to have a bass control knob instead of a bass boost button.

[@ZReviews]

Its an analog circuit. Their more expensive models have a knot with like 4 settings. But it isn't a Bass boost like you think it is.

[@praszu]

@@ZReviews I know it is not a bass boost just I found it easier to say it this way because I forgot what was it called.

[@dunderaw]

That was me that left the bad review on the Can Air. Maybe I got a bad unit, but I really found it unlistenable.

[@adribarcelona1492]

Thank you for doing this

[@alejandrorenderos]

Will the zen can air work fine connected to a USB 5v 2.1a?

[@michaelthomas366]

I love ifi products but now there are almost too many possibilities and it's getting confusing.

[@traaaaan]

i have the ifi zen can signature hfm...I think that's the correct name. love it. i have a mixing board where my pc, xbox, xlr mic and dj controller all output via control room outs via TRS to RCA to the zen amp.

[@BryanRichardRoberts]

Question, would you rather have the zen air can & the liquid spark or just the zen can? :)

[@NickyNicest]

The placebo effect is real

[@iknowyounot88]

First I guess. I bought the OG Zen Phono for the balanced output.

[@joeb2405]

Love the way the Zen line looks but I've had nothing but bad luck with these products. For some reason my homes electrical system does not get along with IFI. No problem with other amps but all kinds of grounding issues with IFI. Still don't understand. Great review as always Z.

[@BobMarley-zu5sc]

You're probably lacking a ground in your eletrical sockets. I have the same problem at home (no ground) but not at the hifi store (grounded socket)

[@joeb2405]

@@BobMarley-zu5sc You are correct. What confuses me is why this is not a problem with my other amps.

[@BobMarley-zu5sc]

@@joeb2405 The metal construction probably plays a part

[@amartinez97]

This is why they make the Idefender

[@NFStopsnuf]

@@amartinez97 trust a company when they take advantage of you, yes!

[@UmarAbid]

So which one has usb as i need USB dac for my PC I'm bit confused in what one has this my PC?Whats the best USB amp?

[@JACKnJESUS]

The Aiyima T8 dac/head amp has 2 line outs as well...referring back to the Aune X8 comment.

[@TigraZ]

amazing review and thank you you made me buy my 3 ifi zen can xD

[@FrameGame1]

I keep hearing sounds thinking im schitzo until I realised its the video

[@dougg1075]

I have the Ifi Zen Phono , it’s nice. Has a sub cutoff button. One of the reasons I got it. Now if we can get them to put a mono button.

[@adambrown8867]

Just go into settings & turn on mono in your record player. #LOL

[@yarbles66]

I have the Zen Dac 2 & The Zen Can - absolutely fine. I bought the Zen Blue V2 (Bluetooth Dac - no idea why they didn't just include Bluetooth on a regular Dac & price it up a bit as you have to switch cables between both pffffft) - Zen Blue V2 isn't working - constant static sound in left ear that 'follows' the audio... ifi customer service have been shocking.

[@Joe-yi8xj]

Is there anything that is literally just Bluetooth in and then coax or optical out to a DAC?

[@4762mc2]

If I only have 3.5mm headphone, is it better to buy AIR DAC + AIR CAN instead of ZEN DAC V2 ? The price for both of them is quite the same.

[@BumblebeeElectron]

I appreciate your information, but honestly can't watch your reviews because the camera flailing around wildly makes me nauseous. Maybe you could set up a tripod? Thanks

[@peter10101]

Hi, first of all, thanks for your in-depth reviews. Now I would like to ask which would be your pick between the iFi Zen Air and the FiiO New K3? They are both 100 euro here. Or would you say go to the Zen dac V2 / FiiO K7 for 200 euro? Note, this will be my first dac/amp.

[@CelticFrost031]

Which headphones are you using and are you looking to upgrade them anytime soon? With "budget" low impedance headphones I'd get an used E10K (under 30€) or K3 (under 60€) and put the difference in the headphone budget. Its an inexpensive reference point, and they can always be resold for no or minimal loss.

[@peter10101]

@@CelticFrost031 Hi, thanks for your reply. I am currently using V-Moda lp2's which are 32 Ohms, so I probably won't even notice a difference from on board audio, but like you said I wanted a reference point. Not looking to upgrade yet.

[@CelticFrost031]

@@peter10101 You might notice a difference tho. Try running your headphones on a smartphone (something like Spotify is sufficient). I'd guess there will be an improvement in sound. If that's the case, your on board audio is clearly a bottleneck and am amp/DAC is a no brainer.

[@peter10101]

@@CelticFrost031 Yea I'm definitely getting one. I'll probably get a K3, I'll have a look at the used market as well. Thanks for your advice!

[@gkarkalis]

RCA output is variable or fixed?

[@TheFrugalAudiophile]

I had the air DAC and thought it sounded pretty good. However, the fact that it could only output both headphones and RCA out at the same time made it a single use device and that did not work for me. This coupled with the lower tier build quality let me to returning the device.

[@MrRods]

Angry audio daddy strikes again!

[@NikoTimbaldi]

Question to the community!!!! I have the Zen DAC v2 and am pairing it balanced with Sundara's headphones . Is this a good match? Is it worth to buy the IFI CAN to make it sound even better?

[@adambrown8867]

I think I want an iFi Hip DAC V2 for USB for my Android tablet. It only transmits Aptx Classic, so I'm thinking I could get better resolution out of the usb. I can't complain about my iFi Zen Blue V2, but it hasn't any digital inputs. Even on Aptx Classic, it sounds great, but I want to know if usb could be even better.

[@gamecode7121]

I still don't know if I should go for Zen Air Can or Xduoo MT-602 😶😐.

[@alvin5122]

Zen air can or Zen air dac

[@marmar3579]

DAC

[@thierryfaquet7405]

Is their another bluetooth receiver outputing to USB that doesn't cost 400 ? Looks like I could really use something like this.

[@michaelcorcoran8768]

Qudelix 5k. $109. BTR5, $129.

[@thierryfaquet7405]

@@michaelcorcoran8768 Read the question again... Both of those don't have USB output like WTF.

[@ZReviews]

USB output from a BT source. I dont even know of one actually.

[@thierryfaquet7405]

@@ZReviews you at least know of the iFi Zen Stream

[@gabpit877]

For the same price here in Canada, Ifi Zen Dac V2 or JDS Labs Atom stack for Sundaras?

[@jodiac]

Yeah no just get the normal Zen can and the new Zen one and if you want to go cheaper just get the zen dac. I guess the air phono makes sense cause who uses balanced for vinyls?, but the rest are just worse for not that much less.

[@WarAngel999888]

Oh man this has made it a lot harder as now im stuck on Zen DAC or DX3 Pro+.....the other ifi just don't seem to work for me and now im stuck between these two which one would you think long term would be best for a growing collection of iems and headphones all opinions welcome

[@riccardocattozzo2579]

what's the "all work and no play" song?

[@romo6347]

What am I doing wrong with Resilio!!! I've uninstalled and retried the link so many times. Tried different videos' links. made sure the firewall thing was checked. It is pending me to DEEEAATHHH!!

[@intelligence6900]

If it was not for IFi I might not be into audio as much as I am. Get an ifi gryphon and toss a 2000$ headphone on it and you are set

[@jimmykraft8387]

hmm do i need the ifi zen can if the ifi zen dac has more than enough power?

[@ZReviews]

Ehhhh. Coin flip. Its a better amp but if you don't need the power.

[@the_undecidead]

No, you don't need one (unless you have very high impedance headphones)

[@gorditosanchez3059]

watching this wearing my Rode's and using the Zen Air Dac like.. heh.. not bad me.. not bad.

[@Eihcra96]

Hey quick question to the community, I have the Ifi Zen Dac v2, and I wanted to get my first pair of good headphones. I've zeroed in on the DT 770 Pro, but not the impedance version. Should I go with the 80 Ohm or the 250 Ohm DT 770 Pro to drive with the Zen Dac v2?

[@fredericchopin7499]

The 880s are the better choice. If you HAVE to have the 770s get the 250 ohms

[@Eihcra96]

@@fredericchopin7499 ahh okay. I was looking at the 770's because of the sound isolation being closed back. Would the Zen Dac V2 drive the 250 Ohm headphones well enough though?

[@masterxyr]

@@Eihcra96 my fiio K5 pro managed well with the 990 250Ohms. see the power specs at 150 ohm or 250 ohm the AKG Pro Audio K361, which is closed, might be a good option for you. the 880s are very nice but semi open and more expensive. the AKG K361 can be found for less than 100 buckeroos if you browse and patiently wait :)

[@miagi1337]

I had the DT 1770 Pro on the ZenDAC v1. They are also 250 Ohm, and I approve it. I don't listen super loud and I was on the edge if I need high gain or nearly max out the pot on low gain. So should be fine.

[@Eihcra96]

@@masterxyr I looked the AKG up and they're interesting! Though I'm leaning towards the build quality for the 770s considering they've stood the test of time! Thanks for the recommendation though!

[@kyron42]

I guess Zen DAC V2 will be on sale on 11/11

[@praszu]

Haha 13:22 I also used this BJ track for bass testing in the past.

[@kyron42]

You linked to lot of stuff that you didn't link all work and no play song.

[@alvin5122]

We need that wallpaper, sir

[@ZReviews]

It should be in the Resilio Sync Hoard

[@alvin5122]

@@ZReviews oh my god I didn't expect it to be in the description 😭 this is the most beautiful thing ever 😭😭

[@SileDevil]

you havent compared the zen air and the can air, which one sounds better whats the difference between the two?

[@davdidit6]

What is the power supply used?

[@ZReviews]

Which one. I did that Topping P50 and some cheaper ANKER supplies.

[@davdidit6]

@@ZReviews Thank you for replying. It as the P50. I must have not paid attention very well, sorry about that. I am waiting for delivery of the Xduoo MT-604 and the SMSL SU-8(s) that I got from Drop. Those will be my upgrades to use with my Anandas. I am using an IPhone, IPad and IPod touch, for my music. I was considering getting a linear power supply to use with this system. Any advice? Thank you for all the great videos, you have had a great influence on my journey. Everything I have including my current system, Ifi Zen Dac, Douk P1 preamp(from your yard sale), Dekoni pads for the Anandas, were inspired by your videos. I am a humble Padawan to Zeos.

[@brungebrunge]

haha the zendesk

[@Vietturtle2023]

Rca sound the same terrible, optical opens things up

[@mindtraveller100]

None of those things have a big enough volume knob. That´s an issue for me.

[@jeremycole2869]

Boooooo when will we get an upgrade

[@hxsm8090]

All that talk but not even 1 attempt to stack with air can or anything.

[@praszu]

17:57 so can I buy a balanced connector and use it with my Grado 325x to get a better sound from Zen V2 ?

[@ZReviews]

Not even a little bit. You would need to rewire the headphones.

[@praszu]

@@ZReviews Okay thanks.

[@ConnorHammond]

Stack the DAC with the CAN and you get 4 total bass settings. Very useful.

[@docgify]

Funny guy

[@worm6820]

Anyone here who's overwhelmed by zeo's inability to actually critique and explain and wants desktop dac amp:get a used k5 pro and be done with it, about $120 and you'll have so much soundstage, slam, instrument separation and power that you won't know what to do with it.

[@DanClapp]

weeb

[@SqueamishPuppet]

What is the go pro doing? It's a slide show at 2x.

[@ZReviews]

Say what?

[@Dan-u1l]

I hate the new "s balanced" fake balanced output.

[@ZReviews]

There are so many products coming with 4.4 that they need to do something. Adding adapters to the box is probably more expensive.

[@quantumdestroyer6039]

ifi Audio - best selection of mediocrity products

[@ZReviews]

Ehhhhhhhhhh.. The straight ZEN stuff is pretty amazing. These are the cut-rate versions. Their high end stuff is pretty baller also but its $$$

[@danieljohnson6370]

It would be more useful to us as readers if you gave some examples for comparison. As you posted, it just sounds like you're just bitching to get a response. Did I fall for your scam?