iFi Audio ZEN Air Blue 2 Lossless Bluetooth DAC Receiver

The iFi Audio ZEN Air Blue 2 adds high-quality Bluetooth connectivity to home audio systems, car stereos and other setups with analogue RCA inputs. Bluetooth 5.4 and support for aptX Lossless enable CD-quality wireless audio from compatible source devices, while a broad selection of additional codecs provides compatibility with a wide range of phones, tablets and computers.

Rather than relying on a single chipset for Bluetooth reception, digital-to-analogue conversion and amplification, the ZEN Air Blue 2 uses a dedicated three-stage architecture. A Qualcomm QCC3095 handles Bluetooth reception, an ESS Sabre DAC performs signal conversion, and custom op-amps provide the analogue output stage.

In addition to aptX Lossless, the ZEN Air Blue 2 supports LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC and SBC. LDAC supports bitrates up to 990kbps, while aptX Lossless can operate at up to 1,200kbps with compatible source devices.

With 5-12V DC power compatibility, the ZEN Air Blue 2 can also be integrated into cars, boats and other battery-powered systems. Automatic power-on is available for vehicle installations, allowing the receiver to start when the vehicle is turned on, while a physical power button provides manual control.

Features:

• aptX Lossless Bluetooth - Supports CD-quality lossless Bluetooth audio with compatible source devices at bitrates up to 1,200kbps.
• Bluetooth 5.4 - Provides modern wireless connectivity with improved stability and compatibility.
• Three-Stage Hi-Fi Architecture - Uses separate components for Bluetooth reception, digital-to-analogue conversion and analogue amplification.
• Qualcomm QCC3095 - Dedicated Qualcomm chipset handles Bluetooth reception.
• ESS Sabre DAC - Dedicated ESS Sabre DAC performs digital-to-analogue signal conversion.
• Custom Op-Amps - Dedicated analogue amplification stage completes the three-stage signal path.
• Wide Codec Support - Compatible with aptX Lossless, LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC and SBC.
• LDAC Support - Supports LDAC Bluetooth audio at bitrates up to 990kbps.
• RCA Stereo Output - Connects to amplifiers, powered speakers, receivers and other audio systems through left and right RCA outputs.
• 5-12V DC Compatibility - Supports a wide input-voltage range for home, vehicle and other battery-powered installations.
• Automatic Vehicle Power-On - Can automatically power on in compatible in-car installations when the engine starts.
• Physical Power Button - Provides direct manual control over power and operation.

Specifications:

• Model: ZEN Air Blue 2
• Product Type: Bluetooth DAC Receiver
• Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.4
• Bluetooth Formats: aptX Lossless, LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC
• Bluetooth Chipset: Qualcomm QCC3095
• DAC: ESS Sabre
• Output: RCA L/R
• Output Voltage: 2.1Vrms @ 0dBFS
• Output Impedance: ≤51Ω
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 109dB(A)
• Dynamic Range: 110dB(A) @ 0dBFS
• THD+N: <0.005% into 10kΩ load @ 0dBFS
• Frequency Response at 44.1kHz: 10 Hz - 20 kHz (-3dB)
• Frequency Response at 96kHz: 20 Hz - 40 kHz (-3dB)
• Power Compatibility: 5-12V DC
• Power Consumption: ≤0.25W @ 5V; ≤0.34W @ 9V; ≤0.45W @ 12V

Dimensions & Weight:

• Dimensions: 158 x 100 x 35 mm (6.2" x 3.9" x 1.4")
• Net Weight: 305 g (0.67 lb)

What's in the Box:

• ZEN Air Blue 2
• USB to DC Cable, 1.2 m (3.94 ft)
• Short Antenna
• Long Antenna
• Quick Start Guide
• Warranty Card