The ZEN CAN 3 is a headphone amplifier by iFi Audio. It was released in 2025. The ZEN CAN 3 has an MSRP of $229.
Performance Specs
The ZEN CAN 3 drives headphones rather than loudspeakers, so its power is quoted into headphone impedances instead of into 8 ohms: 2,000 mW balanced, 1,600 mW single-ended @ 32 ohms.
Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:
- 125dB Signal to Noise Ratio
Inputs and Outputs
Besides the performance specs of the ZEN CAN 3, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers.
ZEN CAN 3 has total of 3 Analog inputs .
Inputs
- Total Number of Analog Inputs: 3
Outputs
- Preamp Outputs
- 1/4 Headphone Output
ZEN CAN 3 Pros and Cons
Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.
- ✓Delivers 2,000 mW into 32 ohms, comfortably more than most headphones need.
- ✓A preamp output means it can also feed active speakers or a power amplifier, so it is not limited to headphone listening.
- ✗No DAC on board, so a digital source needs its own converter.
- ✗It has no speaker terminals - this drives headphones, not loudspeakers.
ZEN CAN 3 External Dimensions and Weight
ZEN CAN 3 has external dimensions of (H x W x D) 1-3/8 x 6-1/4 x 4-5/8 inch (35 x 158 x 117 mm ). The unit weighs
0.5 kg (1.1 lbs).
Base Surface Area
Base surface area of an integrated amplifier may become an important decision factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base area of the ZEN CAN 3 is approximately 184.9cm2 / 28.7inch2.
- Width: 158.0mm (6-1/4")
- Height: 35.0mm (1-3/8")
- Depth: 117.0mm (4-5/8")
- Weight: 0.5 kg (1.1 lbs)
- Base Surface Area: ~184.9cm2 / 28.7inch2
- Volume: ~0.6 liter / 0.2 gallon
| General |
| Brand |
iFi Audio |
| Full Model Name |
iFi ZEN CAN 3 |
| Release Date |
2025 |
| Amplifier Type |
Headphone Amplifier |
| Amplifier Technology |
Solid State |
| Performance |
| Headphone Output Power |
2,000 mW balanced, 1,600 mW single-ended @ 32 ohms |
| Output Impedance |
N/A |
| Frequency Bandwidth |
10 Hz-200 kHz |
| THD |
|
| Signal to Noise Ratio |
125 dB |
| Digital Music |
| Built-in DAC |
No |
| Bluetooth |
|
| WiFi |
|
| CONNECTIONS |
| Total Analog Inputs |
3 |
| Preamp Outputs |
Yes |
| Headphone Output |
1/4 |
| Removable Power Cord |
|
| PHYSICAL SPECS |
| Height |
35.0mm (1-3/8") |
| Width |
158.0mm (6-1/4") |
| Depth |
117.0mm (4-5/8") |
| Weight |
0.5 kg (1.1 lbs) |
| OTHER |
| Parts Warranty |
|
| Labor Warranty |
|
Does the ZEN CAN 3 use vacuum tubes?
No. The ZEN CAN 3 is a solid-state amplifier - there are no vacuum tubes in it.
Does the ZEN CAN 3 have a built-in DAC?
No. The ZEN CAN 3 has no built-in DAC, so a digital source such as a streamer or CD transport needs its own converter, or you connect it over analogue.
Does the ZEN CAN 3 have a headphone output?
Yes. The ZEN CAN 3 has a 1/4-inch headphone output on the front panel for private listening.
How much does the ZEN CAN 3 cost?
The ZEN CAN 3 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $229.
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