ZEN DAC V2 | DAC | HEADPHONE AMP

AVAYESYMPHONY

IFi ZEN DAC V2

Chill out. At home. In the office.

Our super-affordable compact DAC/headphone amp just got even better.

*****

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Added oomph!

This ZEN DAC V2 is the same award-winning hi-res USB DAC/headphone amp as before but with added oomph!

We’ve upgraded its digital engine from an 8 core XMOS chip to a 16 core chip. It’s ultra-capable while still being super-affordable.

Compact enough to use as a USB DAC/amp on your work desk and stylish enough to use at home with your favourite active speakers or amp, it delivers a level of specification and performance that punches above its super-affordable price tag.

The ZEN DAC V2 supports PCM and DXD to 32-bit/384kHz, DSD256 and MQA. DSD remains ‘bit-perfect’ thanks to the True Native Burr-Brown chip design.


  • DAC (Digital-to-Analogue Converter): DACs convert digital information, stored or streamed by computers, into music we can hear through speakers or headphones.
    Every device that’s a source of digital sound has a built-in DAC (TVs, games consoles, CD players, phones, portable music players etc). Dedicated external DACs sound much better than standard DACs used in digital devices such as phones.
    File Formats
  • MP3 –this is the most popular format, every device in the world can use it.
  • DSD –Direct Stream Digital is a very high-quality audio format, better than CD quality. The higher the number (sample rate), the better the recording – DSD64, 128, 256, 512 and 1024.
  • PCM –Pulse Code Modulation is the most common format for CDs and DVDs.
  • DXD –Digital eXtreme Definition is a very high-quality PCM format. It was developed to edit hi-res (high quality) recordings recorded in DSD.
16 core = hardcore.

16 core = hardcore.

Thanks to the 16 core tech, the ZEN DAC V2 is now an MQA Decoder rather than a Renderer only.

This enables you to play back MQA audio files and streams, delivering the sound of the original master recording. The LED glows green or blue to indicate that the unit is decoding and playing an MQA stream or file, and denotes provenance to ensure that the sound is identical to that of the source material. It glows blue to indicate it is playing an MQA Studio file, which has either been approved in the studio by the artist/producer or has been verified by the copyright owner.

MQA rendering technology (used in the original ZEN DAC among other iFi products) connects to an MQA Core signal (such as TIDAL) and completes the final unfold of an MQA file. Usually, the computer has carried out the decoding.


Smooth and balanced.

A new and improved low jitter, crystal clock means >20dB better performance. The super-low noise performance means the ZEN DAC V2 will remain quiet even in noisy situations such as yachts or RVs.

The balanced design for the analogue stage – rare and not found at this price point – makes it pretty special and delivers the best sound quality, normally found in higher priced models.

The ZEN DAC V2 sports Balanced 4.4mm outputs at both the front and back. On the front, there’s also the popular 6.3mm headphone socket.

Flexible.

Flexible.

Switch effortlessly between ‘variable’ and ‘fixed’.

Set to ‘Variable,’ use the ZEN DAC V2 as a pre-amp to feed a power amp or active speakers.

On ‘Fixed’ to bypass the volume control. Connect to an external pre-amp or integrated amp.


Ace of Bass.

Ace of Bass.

The ZEN DAC V2 boasts TrueBass. This proprietary tech is a switchable ‘bass boost’ operating in the analogue domain. There’s no DSP with iFi gear.

TrueBass enhances the bass but does not muddy the mid-range. Perfect for use with IEMs or open-back headphones which often lack bass.

The ZEN DAC V2 is the ultimate chilling machine. Tune in and ZEN out.

Hi-Res True Native®

Hi-Res True Native®

Hi-Res True Native® playback of all music formats from MP3 to DSD256, PCM384 and DXD384

    File Formats
  • MP3 –this is the most popular format, every device in the world can use it.
  • DSD –Direct Stream Digital is a very high-quality audio format, better than CD quality. The higher the number (sample rate), the better the recording – DSD64, 128, 256, 512 and 1024.
  • PCM –Pulse Code Modulation is the most common format for CDs and DVDs.
  • DXD –Digital eXtreme Definition is a very high-quality PCM format. It was developed to edit hi-res (high quality) recordings recorded in DSD.
The Burr-Brown True Native®

The Burr-Brown True Native®

The Burr-Brown True Native® chipset means file formats remain unchanged or ‘bit-perfect’. This means you are listening to music as the artist intended in the format in which it was recorded.

At iFi we use Burr Brown extensively in our products having selected it for its natural-sounding ‘musicality’ and True Native architecture. Our experience with this IC means we know how to make the most of it.

MQA (Master Quality Authenticated)

MQA (Master Quality Authenticated)

MQA(Master Quality Authenticated) is supported through the USB with full decoding of MQA files up to 384kHz thanks to the processing power of the new 16-core XMOS chip.

Check out how to set up your MQA decoder via Tidal, Roon and Audirvana here.

This means that the full ‘three unfold’ decoding process is performed internally, as opposed to only the final unfold in the manner of an MQA ‘renderer’.

Globally, MQA has become an important consideration for any comprehensively equipped DAC. It is available through for Tidal Masters, Audirvana and Roon.

Balanced circuits reduce noise and crosstalk.

Balanced circuits reduce noise and crosstalk.

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.

Three gain settings

Three gain settings

TrueBass® – delivers genuine bass with realistic depth and definition.

Everything from timpani to a bass guitar, to an electronic bassline, is conveyed with power and poise.

GMT (Global Master Timing)

GMT (Global Master Timing)

Extensive jitter-eradication technologies are applied to the digital stage, including our GMT (Global Master Timing) femto-precision clock and the intelligent memory buffer.

The low-jitter crystal clock has been updated to provide >20dB better performance

iFi ZEN DAC V2
InputUSB3.0 B Socket
(USB2.0 compatible)
FormatsPCM (384/352.8/192/176.4/96/88.2/48/44.1kHz)
DSD (256/128/64), DXD(384/352.8kHz),
MQA (Decoder)
DACBit-Perfect DSD & DXD DAC by Burr Brown
Line Section
OutputAudio RCA (SE) — 2.1V fixed
1V / 3.3V max. (variable)
4.4mm (BAL) — 4.2V fixed
2V / 6.2V max. (variable)
Zout<= 200 Ohm (BAL)
<= 100 Ohm (SE)
SNR<-116dB(A) @ 0dBFS (BAL/SE)
DNR> 116dB(A) @ -60dBFS (BAL/SE)
THD+N<0.0015% @ 0dBFS (BAL/SE)
Headphone Section
Output Power (RMS @1% THD)4.4mm (BAL)
330mW@32 Ohm; 6.6V@600 Ohm;
16 Ohm - 600 Ohm Headphone

6.3mm S-BAL (SE)
230mW@32 Ohm; 3.3V@600 Ohm
16 Ohm - 600 Ohm Headphone
Note: Using 5v power. If powered from USB, power output may vary.
Output Impedance< 1 Ω (BAL/SE)
THD+N<0.005% (125mW @ 32R)
SNR>113dBA (6.2V BAL/3.3V SE)
Power consumption<1.5W via USB power OR 5v DC (power supply not included)
Dimensions160(w) x 117(d) x 35(h) mm
Weight (Gross)0.8 kg
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