The ZEN DAC 3 is a headphone amplifier by iFi Audio. It was released in 2024. It has a built-in DAC, so you can play digital sources directly with no separate DAC unit needed. The ZEN DAC 3 has an MSRP of $229.
Performance Specs
The ZEN DAC 3 drives headphones rather than loudspeakers, so its power is quoted into headphone impedances instead of into 8 ohms: Balanced 4.4mm >300 mW @ 32 ohms, >70 mW @ 600; single-ended 6.35mm >210 mW @ 32. Its output impedance is 1 ohms - a low figure keeps the frequency response of a low-impedance headphone from being altered by the amplifier.
Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:
- 109dB Signal to Noise Ratio
Inputs and Outputs
Besides the performance specs of the ZEN DAC 3, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers.
Inputs
Outputs
- Preamp Outputs
- 1/4 Headphone Output
DAC and Digital Music
The ZEN DAC 3's built-in DAC allows the connection of digital sources directly, eliminating the need for an external DAC.
ZEN DAC 3 Pros and Cons
Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.
- ✓Output impedance of 1 ohms is low enough that it will not alter the frequency response of low-impedance headphones.
- ✓Delivers 300 mW into 32 ohms, enough for the majority of headphones.
- ✓A preamp output means it can also feed active speakers or a power amplifier, so it is not limited to headphone listening.
- ✓A built-in DAC takes a digital source directly, with no separate converter to buy or find space for.
- ✗It has no speaker terminals - this drives headphones, not loudspeakers.
ZEN DAC 3 External Dimensions and Weight
ZEN DAC 3 has external dimensions of (H x W x D) 1-3/8 x 6-1/4 x 4-1/2 inch (35 x 158 x 115 mm ). The unit weighs
0.46 kg (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 DAC 3 is approximately 181.7cm2 / 28.2inch2.
- Width: 158.0mm (6-1/4")
- Height: 35.0mm (1-3/8")
- Depth: 115.0mm (4-1/2")
- Weight: 0.46 kg (1 lbs)
- Base Surface Area: ~181.7cm2 / 28.2inch2
- Volume: ~0.6 liter / 0.2 gallon
| General |
| Brand |
iFi Audio |
| Full Model Name |
iFi ZEN DAC 3 |
| Release Date |
2024 |
| Amplifier Type |
Headphone Amplifier |
| Amplifier Technology |
Solid State |
| Performance |
| Headphone Output Power |
Balanced 4.4mm >300 mW @ 32 ohms, >70 mW @ 600; single-ended 6.35mm >210 mW @ 32 |
| Output Impedance |
1 ohms |
| Frequency Bandwidth |
5 Hz-90 kHz |
| THD |
|
| Signal to Noise Ratio |
109 dB |
| Digital Music |
| Built-in DAC |
Yes |
| Bluetooth |
|
| WiFi |
|
| CONNECTIONS |
| 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 |
115.0mm (4-1/2") |
| Weight |
0.46 kg (1 lbs) |
| OTHER |
| Parts Warranty |
|
| Labor Warranty |
|
Does the ZEN DAC 3 use vacuum tubes?
No. The ZEN DAC 3 is a solid-state amplifier - there are no vacuum tubes in it.
Does the ZEN DAC 3 have a built-in DAC?
Yes. The ZEN DAC 3 has a built-in DAC, so you can feed it a digital source directly without buying a separate converter.
Does the ZEN DAC 3 have a headphone output?
Yes. The ZEN DAC 3 has a 1/4-inch headphone output on the front panel for private listening.
How much does the ZEN DAC 3 cost?
The ZEN DAC 3 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $229.
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