New sound level (Level-up)
The original ZEN CAN, a fully analog headphone amplifier, boasted the ability to drive demanding headphones, a balanced circuit, low distortion levels, and a universal sound adapter. The ZEN CAN Signature 6XX takes this to another level. It further enhances sound quality with its completely new circuitry while retaining the universal functions of the "standard" version and adding a custom headphone profile setting precisely tailored along the entire frequency response curve to maximize the potential of popular headphone models.
ActivEQ Configuration
The new feature called ActivEQ combines active and passive components to create a specific equalizer curve according to a specific pair of headphones, performed in the analog domain without any hint of additional noise or distortion. ActivEQ comes with a preset configuration for the 'MassDrop Sennheiser HD 6XX' headphones – a popular high-quality pair of headphones based on the Sennheiser HD 650. These headphones are renowned for the quality of their mid frequencies but show some drawbacks in the low and high frequencies, which can be observed when measuring the frequency response.
Sound with ActiveEQ profile
When the "HD 6XX" button is pressed, the ZEN CAN Signature 6XX calibrates its signal to complement the response characteristics of the headphones across the entire frequency range, thus adapting its characteristics to precisely match the sound of the HD 6XX. Furthermore, the benefits of this ActiveEQ curve are equally applicable to the Sennheiser HD 650, which have the same characteristics. This also affects other Sennheiser models. The function can be enabled or disabled.
Four gain modes
The amplifier has four gain settings ranging from 0 dB to +6 dB, +12 dB, and +18 dB. This allows the amplifier to precisely match the connected headphones. Selecting the 0 dB mode is useful for ensuring a low noise level with sensitive in-ear headphones, while higher gain is used for demanding headphone loads, providing excellent dynamic headroom.
Spatial mode XSpace
This analog processing mode compensates for the "in-head sound" effect that can occur when using headphones, resembling the soundstage created by two speakers. It expands the headphone soundstage to provide the most accurate match to an acoustic stereo system.
Balance Advantage
The ZEN CAN Signature 6XX circuitry consists of two mono blocks combined into a single enclosure, forming a fully balanced design. This topology is typically used in high-end headphone amplifiers. The amplifier utilizes a discrete Class A circuitry, developed for the flagship iFi Pro iCAN headphone amplifier. Key components have been upgraded to enhance performance according to the improvements made in the ZEN CAN Signature 6XX, including the use of Panasonic OS-CON and Elna Silmic II capacitors.
Impressive Power
The device has impressive amplification capabilities, providing 1600mW (7.2V) at a load of 32 Ohms from the classic output, and 15V+ is available for a load of 300 Ohms or more through the balanced 4.4mm output, ensuring it unleashes the potential of complex planar magnetic headphones. Offering ultra-low distortion, detailed sound, rich dynamics, and the ability to easily drive all types of headphones, the ZEN CAN Signature 6XX is truly a force to be reckoned with.
Rich Connectivity Options
The ZEN CAN Signature 6XX offers stereo RCA and 3.5mm inputs, as well as a balanced 4.4mm Pentaconn input. The balanced 4.4mm output is designed for connection to power amplifiers equipped with a balanced input. It provides a pair of headphone outputs - a 6.3mm output for headphones with a standard connector (compatible with all headphones) and a balanced 4.4mm Pentaconn output for headphones with a balanced connection. An increasing number of high-quality headphones and IEM monitors either come with this configuration or allow the cable to be detached and switched to a 4.4mm Pentaconn connector.
Dynamic Duo
ZEN DAC Signature works seamlessly with ZEN CAN Signature. When used in tandem, these two components create a fantastic desktop headphone system for both digital and analog sources, further expanding the reputation of the iFi ZEN series for exceptional performance and affordability.
Key Features:
- Dual-mono circuitry
- Discrete MOSFET amplification
- Ultra-low noise level of 0.0001%
- Panasonic OS-CON capacitors of 5.410 pF
- Audiophile-grade muRata and Elna capacitors
- Ultra-low noise Texas Instruments power supply
- Tokyo Cosmos Electric Co. (TOCOS) volume control
Output Power:
- 16 Ohm: 3V / 600mW (4.4mm), 4V / 1000mW (6.3mm)
- 300 Ohm: 5.1V / 756mW (4.4mm), 7.6V / 196mW (6.3mm)
- 600 Ohm: 15.2V / 385mW (4.4mm), 7.6V / 98mW (6.3mm)
Package Contents:
- amplifier
- power supply