iFi audio ZEN DAC Signature - The Official Thread

AMR / iFi audio

Industry Expert
Aug 21, 2019
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ifi-audio.com
A Standout DAC Gets a Signature Upgrade




With a sleek form factor, solid build, and stellar sound, iFi audio’s ZEN DAC is one of the most talked-about USB DAC/amps on the market today. Now we're taking the conversation further in a Drop-exclusive model: the ZEN DAC Signature. Like the original ZEN DAC, this premium iteration can be powered by mains or a connected USB source. It boasts the same bit-perfect Hi-Res audio support, with PCM decoding to 384kHz, as well as native DSD and MQA decoding.





Where the Signature stands out is its upgraded circuitry with premium parts selection for unparalleled analog conversion. The Signature features high-end, low-noise capacitors and resistors found in iFi’s flagship Pro series to preserve the signal in the purest form. Any downstream amplifier will sound crystal-clear when paired with this game-changing amp, but the ZEN DAC Signature (with its balanced circuit and 4.4mm output) makes an exceptional duo with the purpose co-designed ZEN CAN Signature 6XX.





Specs:

  • Input: USB-B 3.0 socket (USB-B 2.0 compatible)
  • Supported formats:
    • 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192 / 384 kHz, PCM
    • 2.8 / 3.1 / 5.6 / 6.2 / 11.2 / 12.4 mHz, DSD
    • 353 / 384 kHz, DXD
  • DAC: Bit-perfect DSD and DXD by Burr Brown
  • Power consumption: 5V / 174ma, P = 0.887W (on idle using included iPower)
  • Audio RCA output (unbalanced): 2.1 V fixed, 1 V – 3.3 V maximum (variable)
  • 4.4 mm Pentaconn output (balanced): 4.2 V fixed, 2 V – 6.2 V maximum (variable)
  • Z output (unbalanced): ? 100 ohms
  • Z output (balanced): ? 200 ohms
  • SNR: < -117 dB(A) at 0 dBFS (unbalanced / balanced)
  • DNR: > 117 dB(A) at -60 dBFS (unbalanced / balanced)
  • THD+N: <0.0011% at 0 dBFS (unbalanced / balanced)
  • Dimensions: 4.6 x 3.9 x 1.2 in (11.7 x 10 x 3 cm)
  • Weight: 1.65 lbs (0.75 kg)
 
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Gregadd

WBF Founding Member
Apr 20, 2010
10,517
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Metro DC
Yes I have the Zen signature in house on loan for evaluation. My "review" will be posted on WBF in about six weeks in tandem with the Sennheiser HD 800S.
 

AMR / iFi audio

Industry Expert
Aug 21, 2019
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ifi-audio.com
Pure performance.
Our specialist ZEN DAC Signature is designed to be a pure desktop DAC that takes no prisoners when it comes to performance.

 

AMR / iFi audio

Industry Expert
Aug 21, 2019
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ifi-audio.com
Just, so you know, ZEN DAC Signature and ZEN CAN Signature and ZEN CAN Signature 6XX are also available as a Zen Signature Set.





With the 4.4 mm to 4.4 mm included.


 

Gregadd

WBF Founding Member
Apr 20, 2010
10,517
1,774
1,850
Metro DC
I saw that on You tube. What are the benefits?
 

AMR / iFi audio

Industry Expert
Aug 21, 2019
2,636
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UK
ifi-audio.com
Zen Signature set offers a fantastic desktop-sized headphone system for both digital and analogue sources. Having ZEN DAC Signature and ZEN CAN Signature 6XX connected using the 4.4mm to 4.4mm cable allows you to enjoy balanced circuitry from the high quality DAC conversion all the way to the top-of-the-range amplification.
 

AMR / iFi audio

Industry Expert
Aug 21, 2019
2,636
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ifi-audio.com
See what others think about the ZEN Signatures:
 

Addicted to hifi

VIP/Donor
Sep 8, 2020
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Australia
A Standout DAC Gets a Signature Upgrade




With a sleek form factor, solid build, and stellar sound, iFi audio’s ZEN DAC is one of the most talked-about USB DAC/amps on the market today. Now we're taking the conversation further in a Drop-exclusive model: the ZEN DAC Signature. Like the original ZEN DAC, this premium iteration can be powered by mains or a connected USB source. It boasts the same bit-perfect Hi-Res audio support, with PCM decoding to 384kHz, as well as native DSD and MQA decoding.





Where the Signature stands out is its upgraded circuitry with premium parts selection for unparalleled analog conversion. The Signature features high-end, low-noise capacitors and resistors found in iFi’s flagship Pro series to preserve the signal in the purest form. Any downstream amplifier will sound crystal-clear when paired with this game-changing amp, but the ZEN DAC Signature (with its balanced circuit and 4.4mm output) makes an exceptional duo with the purpose co-designed ZEN CAN Signature 6XX.





Specs:

  • Input: USB-B 3.0 socket (USB-B 2.0 compatible)
  • Supported formats:
    • 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192 / 384 kHz, PCM
    • 2.8 / 3.1 / 5.6 / 6.2 / 11.2 / 12.4 mHz, DSD
    • 353 / 384 kHz, DXD
  • DAC: Bit-perfect DSD and DXD by Burr Brown
  • Power consumption: 5V / 174ma, P = 0.887W (on idle using included iPower)
  • Audio RCA output (unbalanced): 2.1 V fixed, 1 V – 3.3 V maximum (variable)
  • 4.4 mm Pentaconn output (balanced): 4.2 V fixed, 2 V – 6.2 V maximum (variable)
  • Z output (unbalanced): ? 100 ohms
  • Z output (balanced): ? 200 ohms
  • SNR: < -117 dB(A) at 0 dBFS (unbalanced / balanced)
  • DNR: > 117 dB(A) at -60 dBFS (unbalanced / balanced)
  • THD+N: <0.0011% at 0 dBFS (unbalanced / balanced)
  • Dimensions: 4.6 x 3.9 x 1.2 in (11.7 x 10 x 3 cm)
  • Weight: 1.65 lbs (0.75 kg)
Very nice indeed.
 
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