Perfect partner for headphone amplifiers
Wrapped in a "cosmic blue" finish, which is now associated with iFi's signature products, the ZEN DAC Signature has been designed as a pure DAC, without a built-in headphone amplifier. Its sole purpose is to serve as a source for connecting an external amplifier, whether it be a headphone amplifier or a speaker amplifier. This design allows for audio system upgrades and easy improvements. The existing ZEN DAC has already demonstrated the advantages of balanced circuitry, but the ZEN DAC Signature takes the sound quality even further, thanks to its enhanced balanced topology.
High-quality circuitry. Superior sound
Key surface mount components have been replaced with Hi-End components used in higher-class devices, including Panasonic OS-CON and Elna Silmic II capacitors. The analog output circuitry has been improved to provide short direct signal paths for optimal signal purity. This leads to increased detail and expressive sound reproduction.
Truly native
The digital circuitry of the ZEN DAC Signature ensures direct bit-perfect data transmission to the DAC, as well as providing perfect PCM (up to 32-bit/384kHz), DSD (up to DSD256), DXD, and MQA – the Hi-Res streaming technology used by Tidal. The sampling frequency of the incoming audio data is displayed by a multicolored LED located behind the aluminum volume control. The programmable XMOS chip processes the data received via the USB input, and the audio-grade oscillators eliminate jitter, ensuring consistent processing of digital audio signals as they are received, processed, and converted into analog form.
Modern connectivity
The USB Type B input supports the "SuperSpeed" USB 3.0 standard, as well as USB 2.0 for backward compatibility. It is asynchronous, meaning that the data transfer speed is controlled solely by the specialized clock circuitry of the ZEN DAC Signature for precise data transmission without jitter from the source device. The output is provided by a pair of unbalanced RCA connectors, as well as a Pentaconn 4.4mm output, which enables balanced signal transmission between compact devices that cannot accommodate traditional bulky XLR connections. When connected to an amplifier or active speakers, all the advantages of the ZEN DAC Signature's balanced circuitry can be heard.
Fixed or variable output
The outputs of the ZEN DAC Signature can be switched between variable and fixed volume levels. The variable signal level allows the ZEN DAC to act as a preamplifier for direct connection to a power amplifier. The fixed option bypasses the volume control, fixing the output at 4.2V (balanced) or 2.1V for connection to an external preamplifier, built-in amplifier, or active speakers with their own volume control.
Dynamic duo
The ZEN DAC Signature works well with the ZEN CAN Signature. When used in tandem, these two ZEN Signature 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 versatility at affordable prices.
Features:
- Supports PCM 24/384, DSD256, and MQA
- Femto-precision clock and intelligent memory buffer technologies
- Panasonic OS-CON 5.410 pF capacitors
- Audiophile capacitors from muRata and Elna
- Ultra-low noise power supply from Texas Instruments
- Tokyo Cosmos Electric Co. (TOCOS) volume control
Package includes:
- DAC
- Power supply
- USB cable
