Achieve sonic bliss on your desk with the iFi Zen DAC 3.

I must say that my experience with the Zen DAC 3 has been a pleasant one. This sleek device boasts impressive sonic capabilities, making it a compelling addition to any workspace. 

For $229, you’re getting an impressive array of features; however, my sole reservation is that I’d love to see more detailed specifications for in-ear monitors (IEMs) and headphones with narrower soundstages.

The iFi Zen DAC V3 is available directly from ifi-audio.com and Amazon, priced at $229. Given that it’s already listed on Amazon, now is an opportune moment to acquire this item, as there isn’t a more propitious time to make a purchase.

At this price point, the value proposition remains relatively consistent, as few rival products offer a comparable range of features and capabilities. You may need to pay extra, which is typically the case.

Built with durable aluminum, the Zen DAC 3 exudes a reassuring solidity as soon as you pick it up. The buttons deliver satisfying tactile feedback, while the quantity knob boasts a smooth, precision-engineered design; ports are snugly fitted, conveying a sense of robust construction. The Zen DAC 3 boasts an array of subtle nuances, including the tactile contrast between its brushed or dimpled metal finishes and the warm, sun-kissed hue of the bronze accents, buttons, and knobs that adorn the device’s surface.

A range of design elements has been creatively conceptualized, resulting in a comprehensive display.

There are rubber feet on the underside of the gadget, another excellent feature that may prevent scratching or damage to surfaces when placed at an angle. The rubberized feet provide a secure hold on surfaces when plugging or unplugging cables, preventing scratching and damage. In addition to its compact design, this device features a surprisingly gentle touch, ensuring the built-in feet will keep the DAC stationary on your desk, even when you’re prone to movement while enjoying your music, thanks to the soft rubber pads that effectively dampen any cable motion.

Ultimately, when we construct a system’s enter and outputs, they are naturally aligned. While the Zen DAC 3 may not explicitly advertise its rear I/O capabilities, having them onboard can prove useful for connecting larger external devices beyond just headphones.

The Zen DAC 3 boasts a unique feature: two headphone jacks located at the front of the device. Two drivers: a 4.4mm unit delivering 390 milliwatts at 64 ohms impedance, and a 6.3mm model producing 210 milliwatts at 32 ohms. As delivered with the device, users will find a 3.5mm-to-6.3mm adapter included, designed to accommodate the most common types of audio interfaces that lack an input port. Furthermore, at the entrance, users will find two prominent controls: the Energy Match button, which allows for precise calibration of sound settings, and the XBass Plus button, designed to amplify bass levels for an enhanced audio experience. iFi’s Energy Match technology provides an upgrade for power-hungry headphones, while its XBass module serves as the company’s proprietary analog bass enhancer.

The analog quantity nob also serves as a multicolored LED indicator, flashing in one of seven hues to signal the specific audio format and sampling frequency being received from the connected source device.

The rear of the unit features a USB-C port with built-in overvoltage protection, a DC 5V input, one balanced 4.4mm output adjustable from 2V to 6.2V maximum, and RCA outputs adjustable from 1V to 3.3V maximum, both settable at default values of 2.1V and 2V, respectively. The output impedances are 200 ohms and 100 ohms, respectively. The 4.4mm and RCA outputs enable seamless integration with other amps or audio systems, allowing you to utilise this DAC/amp as a high-quality preamplifier. Given the opportunity to select I/O options, it made sense for iFi to also include a variable output gain switch at the back of the unit.

The audio components powering the output options include a precise digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that supports both high-definition PCM signals of up to 768 kHz and direct stream digital (DSD) data at rates as high as DSD 512, in addition to comprehensive Multichannel Audio Architecture (MQA) decoding.

Amongst my preferred digital-to-analog converters are the iFi GO Blue and GO Bar Kensei, both utilizing Cirrus Logic chipsets; conversely, the Zen DAC 3 leverages a Burr-Brown DAC, yielding an auditory distinction from its predecessors. The Burr Brown chip’s defining characteristic is indeed “ease,” with its tuning not quite as crystal-clear as the Kensei’s, yet still delivering an engaging listening experience when paired with the Zen DAC 3?

As I regularly listen to “Moanin'”, the album’s common tracks occasionally feature piercing horn sections that might otherwise prove overwhelming; yet, the Zen DAC 3’s advanced filtering capabilities seamlessly mitigate these jarring moments, rendering the once-shrill blasts of brass surprisingly palatable and easy on the ears. 

To provide relief from the gradual drop-off in low-end frequencies, the XBass Plus analog mode revives the punchiness of bass and sub-bass notes. However, this isn’t a muddy, compressed digital filter that suffocates sound with artificial processing; The low-finish enhancement is indeed tight and meticulously managed. Engaging this setting enables an enjoyable listening experience with bass-intensive music, especially when paired with flat-response headphones such as Planar Magnetics. Without the XBass Plus feature and using well-balanced or flat headphones or in-ear monitors (IEMs), tracks like Skrillex’s “Mumbai Energy” – with its profound low-end resonance and sub-bass undertones – can seem to sacrifice some sonic bite. 

Despite simplicity, you consistently achieve excellent stereo imaging, conveying a rich sense of depth and placement for each device within the sonic landscape. The people who use this product will always feel satisfied with their listening experience due to the Energy Match feature, which optimizes gain and output to provide sufficient power for headphones like my Sennheiser HD660S2 and HiFiMan HE-4000, allowing me to never need to exceed 50% to 75% of the maximum analog volume. For my in-ear monitors (IEMs), without engaging Energy Match, I prefer the volume knob set at a quarter of its maximum output for optimal and rich sound quality.

The Zen DAC 3 delivers a well-rounded listening experience, effortlessly connecting laptops and desktops to provide warm, balanced sound that preserves mid-range vocal clarity while preventing harsh high-frequency notes from becoming grating. So far, I’ve found the experience thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining when it comes to using DACs and engaging in lively music listening sessions. Enjoying entertainment at your desk or on the go can be a great way to unwind and boost productivity!

While the Zen DAC 3 presents limited alternatives, each choice entails compromises. Many users struggle with varying USB demands, rendering cell phone connectivity a challenge. While the Fiio K7 and Topping DX3 Professional Plus are both decent options, they’re limited by their reliance on USB-B connectivity. With this device, you’ll enjoy the versatility of coaxial as well as optical connectivity options. The DX3 Professional Plus boasts an integrated display feature.

The Schiit Magni offers a USB-C connectivity option. Consider the interior DAC option, priced at $189, which provides nearly all the features of the Zen DAC 3. One of the drawbacks to this model is its limited headphone cable connectivity options. Upon entering, a single ¼-inch (or 6.35 millimeters) single-ended jack is provided, serving as the sole point of entry. Unfortunately, a standard 3.5mm audio jack isn’t readily available, making adapters your best option for connection purposes. It’s value testing.

• Do you want a high-quality digital-to-analog converter (DAC) for your laptop computer, cell phone, or desktop device?
• You’re looking for a DAC that powers headphones or active speakers.
• How do you achieve top-notch results without exceeding your budget?

• You need Bluetooth connectivity
• You need coaxial/optical audio connectivity

The Zen DAC 3 offers impressive value for a semi-mobile DAC, delivering straightforward sound quality and an array of practical connectivity options at its affordable price point.

This incredible device boasts an impressive hardware component, a well-rounded feature set, and plenty of power to fuel almost any pair of headphones or in-ear monitors that you connect it to. XBass Plus elevates the DAC to a whole new level, making it an irresistible option for even the most discerning bass enthusiasts.

What sets the iFi Zen series apart is its versatility, with multiple iterations catering to the diverse needs of users seeking a compact yet powerful desktop DAC.