The Ideal Partner for a Headphone Amplifier
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 customization. Building upon the advantages of balanced circuitry demonstrated by the existing ZEN DAC, the ZEN DAC Signature further elevates the sound quality through its enhanced balanced topology.
High-Quality Circuits. Superior Sound
Key surface mount components have been replaced with high-end counterparts used in higher-class devices, including Panasonic OS-CON and Elna Silmic II capacitors. The analog output circuitry has been refined to ensure short direct signal paths for optimal signal purity. This leads to improved detail and expressiveness in the sound reproduction.
Truly Native
The digital circuitry of the ZEN DAC Signature guarantees direct bit-perfect data transmission to the DAC and supports flawless PCM (up to 32-bit/384kHz), DSD (up to DSD256), DXD, and MQA - the high-resolution streaming technology used by Tidal. The incoming audio data's sampling frequency is displayed by a color-changing LED located behind the aluminum volume control knob. The programmable XMOS chip that handles the USB input data and high-quality audio-grade oscillators that eliminate jitter contribute to a consistent processing of digital audio signals as they are received, processed, and converted into analog form.
Modern Connection
The USB Type B input supports the SuperSpeed USB 3.0 standard, as well as USB 2.0 for backward compatibility. It is asynchronous, which means that the data transfer speed is controlled solely by the specialized clock circuitry of the ZEN DAC Signature to ensure accurate 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 products that cannot accommodate traditional bulky XLR connections. When connected to an amplifier or active speakers, you can experience all the advantages of the balanced ZEN DAC Signature circuitry.
Fixed or Adjustable Output
The outputs of the ZEN DAC Signature can be switched between adjustable and fixed volume levels. The adjustable 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, integrated amplifier, or active speakers with their own volume control.
Dynamic Duo
The ZEN DAC Signature works well with the ZEN CAN Signature. When used together, the two ZEN Signature components create a fantastic desktop headphone system for both digital and analog sources, further enhancing the reputation of the iFi ZEN series for exceptional performance and affordability.
Features:
- Dual-mono circuitry
- Supports PCM 32/384, DSD256, and MQA
- Femto-precision clock and intelligent memory buffer technologies with less than 20 dB
- Panasonic OS-CON capacitors of 5,410 pF
- Audiophile-grade muRata and Elna capacitors
- Texas Instruments ultra-low noise power supply module
- Tokyo Cosmos Electric Co. (TOCOS) volume control potentiometer
- 16-core XMOS USB chip
Included in the package:
- DAC
- Power supply
- RCA cable
- USB cable