iFi ZEN Blue 3

The iFi ZEN Blue 3 is a versatile Bluetooth DAC and transceiver designed to bring high-quality wireless audio to HiFi systems, headphones, TVs, computers, and other audio sources. Bluetooth 5.4 with Qualcomm QCC518x processing allows the ZEN Blue 3 to both transmit and receive aptX Lossless, delivering lossless CD-quality 16-bit/44.1kHz audio with compatible devices.

Three operating modes—RX, TX, and DAC—allow the ZEN Blue 3 to work as a Bluetooth receiver for a HiFi system, a Bluetooth transmitter for wireless headphones or speakers, or a conventional wired DAC. It also supports high-resolution Bluetooth up to 96kHz through LDAC and LHDC/HWA.

A dedicated ESS Sabre ES9023 DAC, separate amplification circuitry, and iFi's GMT precision clocking provide a dedicated audio architecture rather than relying solely on the Bluetooth chipset. Balanced 4.4mm and RCA analogue outputs provide flexible connection to amplifiers, active speakers, and other audio equipment.

For wired playback, USB-C supports audio up to 24-bit/96kHz, while optical and coaxial S/PDIF support up to 24-bit/192kHz. An RCA analogue input also allows sources such as turntables with a phono preamp to transmit audio wirelessly to compatible Bluetooth headphones or speakers.

Three Operating Modes

RX mode receives Bluetooth audio from compatible smartphones, tablets, and computers for playback through a HiFi system. TX mode transmits audio from USB, optical, coaxial, or RCA sources to compatible Bluetooth headphones, speakers, or receivers. DAC mode provides conventional wired digital-to-analogue conversion through the balanced 4.4mm and RCA outputs.

aptX Lossless Bluetooth

Bluetooth 5.4 and Qualcomm QCC518x processing allow the ZEN Blue 3 to both transmit and receive aptX Lossless. With compatible devices, aptX Lossless supports lossless CD-quality 16-bit/44.1kHz audio at bitrates up to 1,200kbps.

Hi-Res Bluetooth

In addition to aptX Lossless, the ZEN Blue 3 supports LDAC and LHDC/HWA for high-resolution wireless audio up to 96kHz, along with aptX Adaptive, aptX, AAC, and SBC for broad device compatibility.

Wired DAC Mode

The ZEN Blue 3 can also operate as a dedicated wired DAC, supporting up to 24-bit/96kHz through USB-C and up to 24-bit/192kHz through optical or coaxial S/PDIF. Audio can then be output through the balanced 4.4mm or RCA analogue connections.

Key Features

• Bluetooth 5.4 — Uses Qualcomm QCC518x processing for modern high-quality wireless audio.
• aptX Lossless Transmit & Receive — Supports lossless CD-quality Bluetooth in both RX and TX modes with compatible devices.
• Three Operating Modes — Functions as a Bluetooth receiver, Bluetooth transmitter, or wired DAC.
• Hi-Res Bluetooth — Supports LDAC and LHDC/HWA up to 96kHz.
• Extensive Codec Support — Supports aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC, and SBC.
• ESS Sabre ES9023 DAC — Provides dedicated digital-to-analogue conversion separate from the Bluetooth processing stage.
• GMT Precision Clocking — Helps reduce jitter for more accurate digital signal timing.
• Wired Hi-Res DAC — Supports 24-bit/96kHz through USB-C and 24-bit/192kHz through S/PDIF.
• Balanced 4.4mm Output — Provides up to 4.1Vrms for compatible balanced audio equipment.
• Low-Latency Mode — Designed to reduce audio/video synchronization delay with compatible Bluetooth equipment.
  

Connectivity & Compatibility

Bluetooth

• Bluetooth 5.4
• Qualcomm QCC518x Series
• aptX Lossless
• aptX Adaptive
• aptX
• LDAC
• LHDC/HWA
• AAC
• SBC
  

Inputs

• Bluetooth — RX Mode
• USB-C
• Optical S/PDIF
• Coaxial S/PDIF
• RCA Analogue
  

Outputs

• Bluetooth — TX Mode
• 4.4mm Balanced Analogue
• RCA Analogue
• Optical S/PDIF
• Coaxial S/PDIF
  

Maximum Sample Rates

• Bluetooth RX — up to 24-bit/96kHz
• Bluetooth TX — up to 24-bit/96kHz
• USB DAC — up to 24-bit/96kHz
• Optical/Coaxial DAC — up to 24-bit/192kHz
  

Analogue Outputs

• 4.4mm Balanced — 4.1Vrms
• RCA — 2.05Vrms
  

Compatible Equipment

• USB: up to 96kHz/24-bit
• Optical: up to 192kHz/24-bit
• Coaxial: up to 192kHz/24-bit

Compatible Equipment

• HiFi amplifiers and preamplifiers
• Active speakers
• Bluetooth headphones and speakers
• Smartphones and tablets
• Windows PCs and Macs
• TVs and game consoles with compatible digital outputs
• CD players and transports
• Turntables with a phono preamp or line-level output