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Key Features
Hi-Res Audio: PCM 768kHz and DSD512
Hi-res audio support is state-of-the-art with True Native® playback. It handles PCM data to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD up to DSD512 and single and double speed DXD. Thanks to the Burr-Brown DAC chip’s four-channel True Native design, PCM and DSD take separate pathways – this enables DSD, as well as PCM, to remain ‘bit-perfect’ in its native form right through to analogue conversion.
USB-C Plug-and-Play Connectivity
The ZEN DAC 3 features USB-C Plug-and-Play connectivity, ensuring seamless and hassle-free integration with your devices. With its modern USB-C interface, you can easily connect to laptops, smartphones, and tablets without the need for additional drivers. This streamlined connection delivers high-quality audio with minimal setup.
Connects to Active Speakers
Aside from headphone functionality, this product boastsRCA line outputs, seamlessly bridging the gap between your phone, tablet, laptop, or PC and your active speakers. This versatilityunlocks the power of high-quality audioin a range of setups.
Balanced Headphone and Line Outs
It is a superior method to the traditional single-ended circuit approach. Balanced circuits reduce noise and crosstalk. Less Interference – clearer sound.
You normally find this set-up in products at the higher end of the price spectrum such as the Pro iCAN Signature but iFi is now using this across its range to produce the best quality audio for all our customers.
Refined to Perfection
The award-winning ZEN DAC 3 doubles its high-resolution support to 768kHz, DSD512, and MQA decoding, continuing its legacy as WHAT Hi-Fi?’s Best DAC under £200 for four years. With USB-C connectivity, overvoltage protection, and reduced DC offset, it delivers superior performance and seamless usability.
Fresh New Look. Unleash Every Music Detail.
The ZEN DAC 3 supports sample rates up to 768kHz, ensuring compatibility with all high-resolution streaming formats for exceptional sound quality. With a built-in headphone amplifier and the ability to function as both a DAC and DAC/Pre, it’s your all-in-one solution for connecting headphones, amplifiers, or active speakers—perfect for home or office setups.
Powering Your Headphones.
The ZEN DAC 3 is more than a USB DAC, it features a 390mW headphone amplifier with both balanced 4.4mm and SE 6.3mm outputs, compatible with a wide range of headphones.
Enhance bass with XBass+, a pure analogue mode perfect for IEMs or open-back headphones, while PowerMatch provides switchable gain for demanding headphones. For even more power, pair it with the ZEN CAN via a 4.4mm balanced cable to create a stacked ZEN system.
DACtivate your speakers and amplifier.
The ZEN DAC 3 features a Variable or Fixed output switch. In Variable mode, adjust volume using the knob when connecting directly to active speakers via our 4.4mm to XLR cable or RCA cables.
Use Fixed mode for connecting line outputs to a receiver or main amplifier. The ZEN DAC 3 is the most versatile USB DAC in its class, offering multiple usage options.
USB-C Powered, Upgradeable Performance.
The ZEN DAC 3, powered by USB-C, offers simple cable management with an upgrade option via its 5V power input. Pair it with the iFi iPower2, an ultra-quiet power supply featuring Active Noise Cancellation II, eliminating EMI and RFI noise for a cleaner, purer audio signal—over 10 times quieter than standard audiophile power supplies.
Beautifully Balanced
ZEN DAC 3 features two 4.4mm balanced outputs, one for headphones and one for other amplifiers, effectively minimising distortion and crosstalk.
ZEN DAC 3 also benefits from input overvoltage protection via the all-new USB-C port.
Specifications
DAC
Bit-Perfect DSD & DXD DAC by Burr Brown
DIMENSIONS
158 x 115 x 35mm (6.2” x 4.6” x 1.4”)
DNR
Line Section:≥ 113dBA @ 0dBFS
Headphone Section: ≥ 109dBA @ 0dBFS (6.2V 4.4mm / 3.3V 6.35mm)
FORMATS SUPPORTED
PCM (768/705.6/384/352.8/192/176.4/96/88.2/48/44.1kHz)
DSD (512/256/128/64)
DXD (768/705.6/384/352.8kHz)
MQA (Decoder)
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
5Hz – 90kHz (±3dB)
GAME CONSOLE COMPATIBILITY
SONY PS5 and Nintendo Switch
“SONY” is registered trademark or trademark of Sony Group Corporation.
“PS5” is registered trademark or trademark of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
Nintendo Switch™ is trademark of Nintendo.
INPUT
USB Type-C
LIMITED WARRANTY
12 months
MAXIMUM OUTPUT POWER
Headphone Section:
BAL 4.4mm: >70mW @ 600Ω; >300mW @ 32Ω
Single-Ended 6.35mm: >18mW @ 600Ω; >210mW @ 32Ω
NET WEIGHT
456g (1.0 lbs)
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE
Line Section: Balanced 4.4mm ≤200Ω; Single-Ended RCA ≤100Ω
Headphone Section: ≤1Ω
POWER CONSUMPTION
No Signal ~0.5W; Max Signal ~2.5W
RMS OUTPUT POWER
Headphone Section:
BAL 4.4mm: >390mW @ 64Ω
Single-Ended 6.35mm: >18mW @ 600Ω; >210mW @ 32Ω
THD+N
Line Section:
BAL 4.4mm: <0.0015% @ 0dBFS
Single-Ended 6.35mm: <0.003% @ 0dBFS
Headphone Section:
BAL 4.4mm: <0.005% (2V @ 600 Ω)
Single-Ended 6.35mm: <0.013% (1.27V @ 32Ω)@ 32Ω
POWER SUPPLY REQUIREMENT
USB-C or DC 5V/0.5A (centre +ve)
What's in the Box
1x ZEN DAC 3
1x RCA Cable
1x 3.5 to 6.35mm Adapter
1x User Manual
1x Warranty Card
