iFi ZEN DAC 3 Desktop USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier

The iFi ZEN DAC 3 is a high-performance desktop USB DAC and headphone amplifier designed to bring cleaner, more detailed sound to your computer, powered speakers, headphones, or hi-fi system. With True Native playback, balanced circuitry, and advanced digital processing, it delivers rich, precise audio from today’s high-resolution music formats.

Use it as a powerful headphone amplifier, a desktop DAC for active speakers, or a fixed-output source for your receiver or main amplifier. With USB-C connectivity, 4.4mm balanced output, RCA line output, XBass+, PowerMatch, and optional 5V power input, the ZEN DAC 3 is a compact but serious upgrade for everyday listening and audiophile desktop systems.

Features

• Desktop USB DAC and headphone amplifier for high-resolution audio
• True Native playback supports PCM up to 32-bit / 768 kHz
• DSD support up to DSD512
• DXD support for single and double speed playback
• MQA Decoder support up to 384 kHz
• Burr-Brown DAC chipset for bit-perfect audio conversion
• XMOS 16-Core processor for advanced USB audio processing
• Balanced circuitry reduces noise and crosstalk
• 4.4mm Balanced output for compatible headphones and audio systems
• 6.35mm S-BAL headphone output for single-ended headphones
• RCA line outputs with Variable or Fixed output mode
• XBass+ analogue bass correction for deeper low-end response
• PowerMatch gain control for matching different headphone types
• GMT femto-precision clock and memory buffer reduce jitter
• USB-C powered with optional 5V power input for upgraded performance

Specifications

General

• Brand: iFi
• Model: ZEN DAC 3
• Product Type: Desktop USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier
• Usage: Desktop

Digital Audio

• DAC Chipset: Burr-Brown True Native
• USB Processor: XMOS 16-Core
• PCM Support: Up to 32-bit / 768 kHz
• DSD Support: DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512
• DXD Support: 352.8 kHz, 384 kHz, 705.6 kHz, 768 kHz
• MQA Support: Decoder
• Jitter Reduction: GMT femto-precision clock with intelligent memory buffer

Inputs

• USB Input: USB-C
• Power Input: USB-C powered
• Optional Power Input: 5V DC

Outputs

• Balanced Headphone Output: 4.4mm
• Single-Ended Headphone Output: 6.35mm S-BAL
• Line Output: RCA
• Output Modes: Variable or Fixed

Sound Controls

• XBass+: Yes
• PowerMatch: Yes
• Volume Control: Front panel volume knob

What’s in the Box

• iFi ZEN DAC 3
• USB-A to USB-C cable
• RCA stereo cable
• 3.5mm to 6.35mm headphone adapter
• Quick start guide
• Warranty card
• Instruction card