Description
The iFi ZEN CAN 3 is a powerful all-analogue Class A headphone amplifier designed to drive everything from sensitive IEMs to demanding planar magnetic and high-impedance headphones. Its balanced amplifier delivers up to 2,000mW RMS, providing substantial power and headroom for serious headphone listening.
Dedicated xMEMS support allows the ZEN CAN 3 to drive compatible next-generation xMEMS earphones, while four selectable gain levels help match the amplifier to headphones with different sensitivities and power requirements.
XBass+, XSpace, Movie, and Game modes provide analogue sound adjustment without DSP, allowing listeners to tailor bass response, soundstage, dialogue clarity, and gaming detail.
Class A Balanced Amplification
The ZEN CAN 3 uses discrete balanced Class A circuitry derived from iFi's flagship headphone amplifier designs, delivering up to 2,000mW RMS at 64Ω through the 4.4mm balanced output.
xMEMS Support
A dedicated xMEMS mode provides the voltage and bias required for compatible xMEMS-based IEMs, bringing support for this next-generation driver technology to the ZEN series.
Analogue Sound Modes
XBass+ enhances low-frequency response, XSpace expands the perceived soundstage, while dedicated Movie and Game modes improve dialogue intelligibility and low-level spatial detail—all using analogue processing rather than DSP.
Key Features
- 2,000mW Balanced Output — Powerful amplification for demanding headphones.
- Class A Discrete Circuitry — Balanced amplifier architecture derived from iFi's flagship designs.
- xMEMS Support — Dedicated amplification mode for compatible xMEMS IEMs.
- Four Gain Settings — 0dB, 6dB, 12dB and 18dB.
- XBass+ — Analogue low-frequency enhancement.
- XSpace — Expands the perceived headphone soundstage.
- Movie Mode — Enhances dialogue clarity for films and TV.
- Game Mode — Emphasizes subtle spatial and low-level gaming details.
- 4.4mm Balanced Output — Provides balanced headphone connectivity.
-
6.35mm Output — Supports conventional single-ended headphones.
Connectivity & Compatibility
Analogue Inputs
- 4.4mm Balanced
- 3.5mm Single-Ended
- Stereo RCA
Headphone Outputs
- 4.4mm Balanced
- 6.35mm Single-Ended
Balanced Output Power
- >2,000mW RMS @ 64Ω
- >1,200mW @ 32Ω
- >385mW @ 600Ω
Single-Ended Output Power
- >1,600mW @ 32Ω
- >98mW @ 600Ω
Gain
- 0dB
- 6dB
- 12dB
- 18dB
Compatible Headphones
- xMEMS IEMs
- Conventional IEMs
- Dynamic headphones
- Planar magnetic headphones
- High-impedance headphones
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ZEN CAN 3 a DAC?
Does the ZEN CAN 3 support xMEMS earphones?
How powerful is the ZEN CAN 3?
What do XBass+ and XSpace do?
What are Movie and Game modes?
Specifications
| TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS | |
| Analogue Inputs |
SE RCA L/R: 2.0V Nominal @ 0dBFS, 1MegOhm Zin SE 3.5mm: 1.0V Nominal @ 0dBFS, 1 MegOhm Zin BAL 4.4mm: 4.0V Nominal @ 0dBFS, 24kOhm Zin |
| Dimensions | 158 x 117 x 35mm (6.2 x 4.6 x 1.4") |
| DNR |
Line Section: ≥119dB(A) Headphone Section: BAL 4.4mm: ≥119dB(A) @ 0dBFS SE 6.35mm: ≥119dB(A) @ 0dBFS |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz–200kHz (-3dB) |
| Gain | 0dB, 6dB, 12dB, 18dB |
| Headphone Output Max |
Headphone Section: BAL 4.4mm: >15.1V/385mW (@ 600 Ohms), >6.2V/1,200mW (@ 32 Ohms) SE 6.35mm: >7.6V/98mW (@ 600 Ohms), >7.2V/1,600mW (@ 32 Ohms) |
| Headphone Output RMS |
Headphone Section: BAL 4.4mm: >11.5V/2,000mW (@ 64 Ohms) SE 6.35mm: >7.2V/1,600mW (@ 32 Ohms) |
| Input Voltage |
DC: 5V/2.5A AC 100–240V, 50/60Hz |
| Maximum Input Level |
SE RCA: 3.8V RMS SE 3.5mm: 1.92V RMS BAL 4.4mm: 7.4V RMS |
| Net Weight | 495g (1.09 lbs) |
| Output Impedance |
Line Section: <200 Ohms Headphone Section: BAL 4.4mm HP: <2 Ohms SE 6.35mm HP: <1 Ohm |
| Power Consumption |
No Signal: ~5W Max Signal: ~13W |
| SNR |
Line Section: ≥125dB (7.3V 4.4mm Input 0dB @ 200kOhm) Headphone Section: BAL 4.4mm: ≥125dB (7.3V 4.4mm Input 0dB @ 600 Ohms) SE 6.35mm: ≥122dB (1.9V Input 0dB @ 600 Ohms) |
| THD+N |
Line Section: 0.006% (0dB 200kOhm Load) Headphone Section: BAL 4.4mm: <0.006% (@ 360 mW/2.4V 16 Ohms) SE 6.35mm: <0.006% (@ 100mW/1.27V 16 Ohms) |
| WHAT'S INCLUDED | |
| In the Box |
1x Zen CAN 3 1x RCA Cable 1x Power Adapter 1x 3.5 to 6.35mm Adapter 1x Quick Start Guide |
| DOWNLOADS | |
| User Manual | Download PDF |
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