iFi Audio ZEN Blue 3 DAC – First Look
All Image Credit: iFi Audio
iFi Audio have just released the ZEN Blue 3 DAC, an updated version of the existing ZEN Blue DAC. This latest version includes; 24bit/96kHz USB, 24bit/192kHz coaxial and 24bit/192kHz TOSLINK inputs, aptX Lossless & LDAC-capable Bluetooth inputs, a (low-latency) aptX Lossless Bluetooth output, single-ended and balanced analogue outputs. This new design utilizes a separate Qualcomm QCC518x Bluetooth chip, an ESS Sabre ES9023 DAC chip, MAX97220 output op-amps and has an updated appearance.
Although using the latest Bluetooth 5.4, the aptX Lossless codec, and Hi-Res 96kHz via LDAC and LDHC/HWA, the Streaming and DAC or not truly lossless unless all conditions are ideal.
With LDAC’s uppermost limit of 990Kbps and LDHC/HWA’s 900Kbps both are still lossy CODECS even for FLAC data or CD-quality audio. While aptX Lossless supports up to 1,200kbps, it still comes under the ‘aptX Adaptive’ codec and is only truly lossless if the connectivity conditions are ideal, as it uses multiple Adaptive codec sets that use different transmission speeds and bit rates within it to suit the “quality” of the wireless connectivity. Changing between these codec sets with no indication or warning.
Rear panel connectivity is quite extensive and includes; stereo unbalanced RCA Line input and outputs, a balanced 4.4mm Pentaconn line output, hybrid sockets supporting coaxial and TOSLINK inputs and outputs and a USB-C input.
Finally, front panel controls give access to; source selection, operating mode, pairing, TX & low latency and brightness & pairing. While the two colored front panel LED displays show; RX/TX codec & DAC PCM modes plus sample rate.
Specifications:
- Chipsets: Bluetooth Qualcomm QCC518x Series, DSP CT5302, DAC ES9023, Amp MAX97220
- Inputs:
- RX Mode: Bluetooth 5.4 (aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC, SBC)
- TX Mode: USB, Optical, Coaxial, RCA L/R (Analogue)
- DAC Mode: USB, Optical, Coaxial, RCA L/R (Analogue)
- Outputs:
- RX Mode: Optical, Coaxial, RCA L/R, Balanced 4.4mm
- TX Mode: Bluetooth 5.4 (aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC, SBC)
- DAC Mode: Optical, Coaxial, RCA L/R, Balanced 4.4mm
- Maximum Supported Sample Rate:
- RX Mode: 96kHz/24Bit
- TX Mode: 96kHz/24Bit
- DAC Mode: 96kHz/24Bit, (USB) 192kHz/24Bit (Optical/Coaxial)
- Output Voltage: Balanced 4.4mm 4.1Vrms (0dBFS@1kHz), Single-Ended RCA 2.05Vrms (0dBFS@1kHz)
- Output Impedance: Balanced 4.4mm≤102Ω, Single-Ended RCA≤51Ω
- SNR: 109dB
- DNR: 109dB (0dBFS @ 1kHz) +A
- THD+N: < 0.005% (10K Load)@(20-20kHz)
- Power Supply Requirement: USB-C or DC 5V/≥0.5A (center +ve)
- Power Consumption: <1W
- Dimensions: 158 x 115 x 35 mm (6.2″ x 4.5″ x 1.4″)
- Net Weight: 447 g (0.99 lbs)
MSRP:
- US: $299.00
- UK: £299.00
- EU: €299.00
For more information visit the iFi Audio web site.
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