iFi audio Zen Blue V2: The Official Thread

[AMR / iFi audio]

Chill. Relax. Enjoy.

As most of you know, the original ZEN Blue was the world’s first Bluetooth receiver to support all the latest hi-res codecs to deliver the best-quality music Bluetooth streaming
from smartphones, tablets, PCs and Macs to any audio system.

Now we present our V2 with a new antenna for up to 70-80% more reach and the very latest crystal clock system for low jitter. The new clock means >20db better performance for even more ZEN.

 

[AMR / iFi audio]

There is new pre-loaded firmware for the ZEN Blue V2. This improves the signal for best LDAC operation.

Good news - the original ZEN Blue can be updated from our website. Please go to our Download Hub to find out more.

 

[AMR / iFi audio]

Our Bluetooth implementation avoids typical the 40% typical quality drop found with standard Bluetooth.

* A state-of-the-art Qualcomm QCC5100 chip processes the incoming data
* The Qualcomm QCC5100 is a ‘system-on-a-chip’ Bluetooth solution, with all functions covered including D-to-A conversion as used by others BUT…
* the ZEN Blue V2 only uses the QCC5100 to ‘receive’ the signal…
* thereafter the signal is sent to the ESS Sabre DAC chip and its Hyperstream architecture with Time Domain Jitter Eliminator deliver vanishingly low distortion and high dynamic range, which is then…
? fed to the iFi analogue amplifier stage.
? Combined, Bluetooth audio sounds far better than the norm.

Read more about the tech in the ZEN Blue V2 in our Tech Lowdown

 

[AMR / iFi audio]

For anyone new to the ZEN Blue, here's our Connections Guide...

 

[AMR / iFi audio]

... and our Quick set-UP tutorial on YT.

 

[Addicted to hifi]

Chill. Relax. Enjoy.

As most of you know, the original ZEN Blue was the world’s first Bluetooth receiver to support all the latest hi-res codecs to deliver the best-quality music Bluetooth streaming
from smartphones, tablets, PCs and Macs to any audio system.

Now we present our V2 with a new antenna for up to 70-80% more reach and the very latest crystal clock system for low jitter. The new clock means >20db better performance for even more ZEN.




View attachment 78344

Very nice.

 

[AMR / iFi audio]

A nice little Zen Blue video for you.

 

[AMR / iFi audio]

Looking sleek, straight out the box

@motoi_futagoishi

Remember to tag us in your pictures so we can share!

 

[thedudeabides]

My nephew gave me one for Christmas. After installing and trying various internet streaming options, I chose radio.net with access to the French "Real Jazz" and "OTTO" classical stations. My Samsung tablet supports the LDAC codex as does the iFi. I also subscribed to radio.net, which eliminates many commercials, for $7.00 per year.

I was initially reluctant to install the unit because the unit uses Bluetooth. With the above stations using my Luxman dac and the optional iFi DC power supply, the sonic quality is outstanding. Frankly, to a jaded audiophile for some 40 years, unbelIevable. Not CD quality (on well recorded discs) but excellent nonetheless.Needless to say, the sonic is totally station dependant.

Suffice to say I am thrilled with the unit performance and at it's price, along with the annual cost for radio.net prime, this is so beyond a silly, stupid bargain. I am lost for any further words at this time.

 

[AMR / iFi audio]

My nephew gave me one for Christmas. After installing and trying various internet streaming options, I chose radio.net with access to the French "Real Jazz" and "OTTO" classical stations. My Samsung tablet supports the LDAC codex as does the iFi. I also subscribed to radio.net, which eliminates many commercials, for $7.00 per year.

I was initially reluctant to install the unit because the unit uses Bluetooth. With the above stations using my Luxman dac and the optional iFi DC power supply, the sonic quality is outstanding. Frankly, to a jaded audiophile for some 40 years, unbelIevable. Not CD quality (on well recorded discs) but excellent nonetheless.Needless to say, the sonic is totally station dependant.

Suffice to say I am thrilled with the unit performance and at it's price, along with the annual cost for radio.net prime, this is so beyond a silly, stupid bargain. I am lost for any further words at this time.

Thank you for your kind words! We are so happy that you love the Zen Blue. It's always encouraging to hear that music lovers appreciate our efforts. What model of Luxman DAC are you using?

 

[thedudeabides]

D06u CD player. See below for remainder of stuff.

 

[AMR / iFi audio]

D06u CD player. See below for remainder of stuff.

Your set up seems good! What features do you like the most about The Luxman D06u CDP?

 

[thedudeabides]

In no order. SACD. Supreme build quality. Sonics.

 

[AMR / iFi audio]

In no order. SACD. Supreme build quality. Sonics.

Sounds like a +1. Have you compared it with any others?

 

[thedudeabides]

Sounds like a +1. Have you compared it with any others?

Dcs Puchinni. Esoteric K1. Top model Cary Audio SACD.

 

[AMR / iFi audio]

Dcs Puchinni. Esoteric K1. Top model Cary Audio SACD.

Thats top tier competition. Big kudos to that player for winning. Was it hands down the best?