iFi ZEN DAC 3

The iFi ZEN DAC 3 is a high-resolution desktop USB DAC and headphone amplifier designed for headphones, active speakers, and HiFi systems. Its Burr-Brown True Native® DAC architecture supports PCM up to 768kHz, native DSD512, DXD, and full MQA decoding, providing broad compatibility with high-resolution music libraries and streaming sources.

A built-in headphone amplifier delivers up to 390mW through the 4.4mm balanced output, while a 6.3mm single-ended output accommodates conventional headphones. PowerMatch provides selectable gain for more demanding headphones, while XBass+ adds analogue low-frequency enhancement without relying on digital EQ.

The ZEN DAC 3 also provides balanced 4.4mm and RCA line outputs with selectable Fixed and Variable modes, allowing it to function as a standalone DAC or DAC/preamp with amplifiers and active speakers. USB-C connectivity provides a simple connection to compatible computers, smartphones, tablets, and game consoles.

True Native High-Resolution Conversion

The Burr-Brown True Native® DAC architecture processes PCM and DSD through separate signal paths, supporting PCM up to 768kHz, native DSD512, DXD, and full MQA decoding. This allows PCM and DSD to remain in their native formats through digital-to-analogue conversion.

Balanced Headphone Amplification

The built-in headphone amplifier provides both 4.4mm balanced and 6.3mm single-ended outputs. The balanced connection delivers more than 390mW RMS into 64Ω, providing useful driving capability for a wide range of full-size headphones and IEMs.

XBass+ & PowerMatch

XBass+ provides analogue bass enhancement for headphones that benefit from additional low-frequency presence, while PowerMatch offers switchable gain to better match the amplifier's output to different headphone sensitivities and power requirements.

DAC & Preamp Flexibility

A Fixed/Variable output switch allows the ZEN DAC 3 to operate as a fixed-output DAC with an integrated amplifier or receiver, or as a variable-output DAC/preamp connected directly to active speakers or compatible power amplification.

Key Features

• Burr-Brown True Native® DAC — Processes PCM and DSD through separate pathways for native high-resolution conversion.
• PCM 768kHz & DSD512 — Supports ultra-high-resolution PCM, DSD, and DXD playback.
• Full MQA Decoder — Provides full hardware decoding of compatible MQA content.
• 390mW Balanced Headphone Amplification — Delivers more than 390mW RMS into 64Ω through the 4.4mm balanced output.
• 4.4mm Balanced Headphone Output — Provides balanced connectivity for compatible headphones.
• XBass+ — Adds analogue low-frequency enhancement without digital EQ.
• PowerMatch — Provides selectable gain for headphones with different sensitivity and power requirements.
• Fixed & Variable Line Outputs — Allows operation as either a standalone DAC or DAC/preamp.
• Balanced 4.4mm Line Output — Provides balanced connection to compatible amplifiers and active speakers.
• USB-C Input — Provides modern digital connectivity with overvoltage protection.
  

Connectivity & Compatibility

Digital Input

• USB-C 

Headphone Outputs

• 4.4mm Balanced — >390mW RMS @ 64Ω
• 6.3mm Single-Ended — >210mW @ 32Ω

Line Outputs

• 4.4mm Balanced
• RCA Single-Ended
• Fixed or Variable output modes

Supported Audio

• PCM up to 768kHz
• DSD64–DSD512
• DXD up to 768kHz
• Full MQA decoding
  

Compatible Devices

• Windows PCs
• Mac computers
• Compatible smartphones and tablets
• Sony PS5
• Nintendo Switch
  

Compatible Equipment

• Headphones
• IEMs
• Integrated amplifiers
• Receivers
• Active speakers
• Headphone amplifiers

Power

• USB-C bus powered
• Optional external 5V/0.5A DC power supply
• Compatible with iFi iPower2 5V and iPower X 5V upgrades