




iFi ZEN DAC 3 Desktop DAC
Desktop USB-C DAC and headphone amp with balanced output
The ZEN DAC 3 is a desktop-friendly DAC/amp made for listeners who want rich, high-res sound without complexity. Whether you're powering IEMs or full-size headphones, streaming lossless tracks, or connecting active speakers, it delivers clear, smooth playback with support for PCM up to 768 kHz, DSD512, and full MQA.
Powerful Headphone Performance
The integrated amp supplies up to 390 mW via the balanced 4.4 mm output and 210 mW via the single-ended 6.3 mm output—enough to drive both sensitive IEMs and higher-impedance headphones while maintaining low distortion and a wide dynamic range.
Switchable XBass+ & PowerMatch
Two analog toggles let you tailor the sound subtly: XBass+ adds depth to low frequencies, while PowerMatch adjusts gain to drive power-hungry headphones with ease. These are signal-path enhancements, not digital effects, so they won't degrade the quality of your music.
Flexible Preamp or DAC Role
The ZEN DAC 3 can act as a preamp, sending variable line-level output—with volume control—to active speakers or power amps. Or switch to fixed mode to feed a consistent signal into your existing system. A dedicated 4.4 mm balanced line-out keeps crosstalk low for cleaner channel separation.
USB‑C Input with Protection
Equipped with USB-C for convenient desktop setups, featuring over-voltage protection and improved DC offset to reduce clicks when changing settings. External 5 V input allows using a clean power supply for lower noise.
Elevated Yet Approachable Presentation
The ZEN DAC 3 builds on iFi’s award-winning lineage—four-time What Hi‑Fi DAC under £200. Its tonal signature is warm and smooth, ensuring fatigue-free, engaging long listening sessions.
Product highlights
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True Native Burr-Brown DAC + 16-core XMOS bit-perfect decoding
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Supports PCM up to 768 kHz, DSD512, DXD, and full MQA
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Headphone amp: 390 mW via 4.4 mm BAL; 210 mW via 6.3 mm SE
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Analog XBass+ and PowerMatch switches for tone control
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Variable/fixed line-out via 4.4 mm BAL or RCA for flexible use
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USB-C with over-voltage protection and optional 5 V DC input
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Balanced dual 4.4 mm outputs (headphone + line) to reduce crosstalk
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Smooth, warm sound signature praised for long-term listening
Specs
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DAC chip: Burr-Brown True Native
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Digital input: USB-C, plus DC 5 V jack
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Headphone output: 4.4 mm BAL; 6.3 mm SE (< 1 Ω impedance)
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Line output: 4.4 mm BAL; RCA (Fixed/Variable)
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Headphone power: >390 mW @ 64 Ω (BAL); >210 mW @ 32 Ω (SE)
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DNR/SNR: ≥109 dBA (headphone); ≥113 dBA (line)
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Frequency response: 5 Hz–90 kHz ±3 dB
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THD+N: <0.005% (BAL); <0.013% (SE)
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Supported formats: PCM up to 768 kHz; DSD512; DXD; full MQA
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Dimensions: 158 × 115 × 35 mm
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Weight: 456 g
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Power consumption: Idle ~0.5 W; Max ~2.5 W
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Connectivity: Over-voltage protected USB-C; optional DC input
What’s included
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ZEN DAC 3 unit
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USB-C to USB-A audio cable
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RCA stereo interconnect
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6.3 mm adapter
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Quick-start guide and manual
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12-month warranty card
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