New Sound Level (Level-up)
The original ZEN CAN Signature MZ99, a fully analog headphone amplifier, boasted the ability to drive complex load headphones, a balanced circuitry, low distortion levels, and a versatile sound adapter. The ZEN CAN Signature MZ99 takes this to another level. It further enhances the sound quality through a completely new circuitry while retaining the universal features 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 Customization
The new feature called ActivEQ combines active and passive components to create a specific equalizer curve tailored to a specific headphone pair, implemented in the analog domain without any hint of additional noise or distortion. ActivEQ comes with a preset setting for 'Meze' headphones - a popular series of planar magnetic headphones. Meze headphones provide a remarkable transparency and offer a wide open soundstage. The signature HFM ZEN CAN enhances the texture of deep bass and emphasizes the upper-midrange frequencies.
Sound with ActiveEQ Profile
When the "MZ99" button is pressed, the ZEN CAN Signature MZ99 calibrates its signal to complement the headphone response characteristics across the entire frequency range, thus adapting its characteristics to precisely match the sound of Meze headphones. This function can be turned on or off.
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. The 0 dB mode is useful for ensuring low noise levels with sensitive in-ear headphones, while higher gain settings are used for demanding headphone loads, providing excellent dynamic headroom.
XSpace spatial mode
This analog processing mode compensates for the "in-head sound" effect that can occur when using headphones, similar to creating sound with two speakers. It expands the headphone's soundstage to provide the closest match to an acoustic stereo system.
Advantage in Balance
The ZEN CAN Signature MZ99 scheme is a fully balanced construction consisting of two mono blocks combined in a single chassis. Such a topology is typically used in high-class headphone amplifiers. The amplifier utilizes a discrete Class A circuitry, developed for the flagship iFi headphone amplifier, the Pro iCAN. Key components have been upgraded to enhance performance, including the use of Panasonic OS-CON and Elna Silmic II capacitors.
Impressive Power
The device boasts impressive amplification capabilities, delivering 1000mW (4V) into a 16 ohm load from its single-ended output, while 15.2V+ is available for loads of 600 ohms or more through its balanced 4.4mm output, ensuring it unlocks the potential of demanding planar magnetic headphones. With ultra-low distortion, detailed sound reproduction, rich dynamics, and the ability to easily drive all types of headphones, the ZEN CAN Signature MZ99 is truly a force to be reckoned with.
Rich connectivity options
The ZEN CAN Signature MZ99 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 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 are either equipped with this or allow the cable to be disconnected and switched to a 4.4mm Pentaconn connector.
Can Signature features:
- Dual mono design
- Discrete MOSFET amplification
- Ultra-low noise level of 0.0001%
- Panasonic OS-CON capacitors with 5.410 pF
- Audiophile capacitors from muRata and Elna
- Texas Instruments power supply with ultra-low noise level
- Volume control by Tokyo Cosmos Electric Co. (TOCOS)
Can Signature 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 includes:
- Amplifier
- Power supply