iFi ZEN Air DAC 2

Hi-Res USB DAC with Balanced Headphone Amplification
Sale price$129

Description

The iFi ZEN Air DAC 2 is a compact desktop USB DAC and headphone amplifier designed to upgrade the sound from computers, tablets, and compatible digital sources. Its bit-perfect Cirrus Logic DAC supports PCM up to 384kHz and DSD256, while the upgraded balanced amplifier delivers up to 484mW through the 4.4mm headphone output.

XBass+ provides analogue low-frequency enhancement, while PowerMatch adjusts gain for headphones with different power requirements. A 6.3mm single-ended headphone output and RCA line outputs provide flexible connections for headphones, amplifiers, and powered speakers.

iFi ZEN Air DAC 2 Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier

Bit-Perfect Cirrus Logic DAC

The newly selected Cirrus Logic DAC supports PCM up to 384kHz and DSD256, providing high-resolution playback with improved clarity, dynamics, and distortion performance over the previous generation.

Balanced Headphone Amplification

The new 4.4mm balanced headphone output delivers up to 484mW RMS at 64Ω, providing substantially more headphone drive than the original ZEN Air DAC.

XBass+ & PowerMatch

XBass+ adds analogue low-frequency enhancement, while PowerMatch adjusts amplifier gain to better suit headphones with different sensitivities and power requirements.

Key Features

  • Cirrus Logic Bit-Perfect DAC — Provides high-resolution PCM and DSD conversion.
  • PCM 384kHz & DSD256 — Supports high-resolution digital playback.
  • 4.4mm Balanced Output — Adds balanced headphone connectivity to the ZEN Air series.
  • 484mW Headphone Power — Delivers up to 484mW RMS at 64Ω through the balanced output.
  • XBass+ — Provides analogue bass enhancement without digital EQ.
  • PowerMatch — Adjusts gain for different headphone requirements.
  • 6.3mm Headphone Output — Supports conventional single-ended headphones.
  • RCA Line Output — Connects to amplifiers and powered speakers.

Connectivity & Compatibility

Input

  • USB digital audio

Headphone Outputs

    • 4.4mm Balanced — ≥484mW @ 64Ω
    • 6.3mm Single-Ended — ≥286mW @ 32Ω

    Line Output

    • Stereo RCA — 2V / 3.4V max. variable

    Supported Audio

    • PCM up to 384kHz
    • DSD256

    Compatible Equipment

    • Headphones and IEMs
    • Windows PCs and Macs
    • Compatible smartphones and tablets
    • Integrated amplifiers
    • Powered speakers

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Does the ZEN Air DAC 2 have a headphone amplifier?
    Yes. It provides both 4.4mm balanced and 6.3mm single-ended headphone outputs, with up to 484mW RMS from the balanced output.
    What does XBass+ do?
    XBass+ is an analogue bass-enhancement circuit that adds low-frequency presence without using digital EQ.
    What does PowerMatch do?
    PowerMatch adjusts amplifier gain to better suit headphones with different sensitivities and power requirements.
    Can I connect the ZEN Air DAC 2 to powered speakers or an amplifier?
    Yes. The rear RCA line outputs allow it to feed compatible powered speakers, integrated amplifiers, and other audio equipment.

    Specifications

    TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
    Hi-Res Support PCM 384kHz; DSD256
    Line Output Voltage 2V; 3.4V max. (Variable Gain)
    HP Output Power RMS ≥5.57V/484mW @ 64Ω (4.4mm)
    ≥3.02V/286mW @ 32Ω (6.3mm)
    HP Output Impedance <0.7Ω (3.5mm); <1.4Ω (4.4mm)
    Output Impedance Line Section: ≤50Ω
    Headphone Section: <1Ω
    Dynamic Range 118dBA (Both Outputs)
    SNR 118dBA (Both Outputs)
    Frequency Response 20Hz-90kHz (-3dB)
    THD+N ≤0.0011% (6.3mm, 1.27V @ 16Ω)
    ≤0.0015% (4.4mm, 2.4V @ 32Ω)
    Power Consumption No Signal ~0.55W; Max Signal ~3.55W
    Dimensions 158 x 100 x 35mm (6.2 x 3.9 x 1.4")
    Net Weight 315g (0.69lbs)
    Limited Warranty 12 Months*; 24 Months in EU
    WHAT'S INCLUDED
    In the Box 1x Zen Air DAC 2
    1x USB2.0 Cable
    1x Quick Start Guide
    1x Warranty Card

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