ZEN DAC 246ZENDAC3 Desktop Headphone Amp Amplifier User Guide

ZEN DAC 246ZENDAC3 Desktop Headphone Amp Amplifier

Specifications

• PowerMatch setting: High/Low
• XBass+ On/Off
• Analogue volume control
• Audio Format LED (kHz)
• Single-Ended 6.35mm output
• Balanced 4.4mm output
• Balanced 4.4mm analogue line output
• Variable/Fixed switch
• RCA analogue output
• USB-C audio and power input
• DC 5V Power Supply Connection

Product Usage Instructions

PowerMatch (High/Low)

• The PowerMatch setting should be on low for IEMs and on high for over-ear headphones to optimize power output. Always start at a low volume level when changing the PowerMatch setting to avoid damage.

XBass+ On/Off

• XBass+ is designed to enhance bass response for headphones that lack it. Toggle XBass+ on for better bass performance, especially with open headphones or sensitive earbuds.

Analogue Volume Control

• Use the dial to adjust the volume. The analogue volume control offers superior control compared to digital volume controls. It can adapt headphone or pre-amplifier volumes based on the Variable/Fixed switch setting.

Audio Format LED (kHz)

• The LED colour indicates the audio format and sampling frequency being received by the DAC. Yellow for PCM 44.1/48kHz, White for PCM 88.2/96/176.4/192/352.8/384/768kHz, and Cyan for DSD 64/128.

FAQ

Q: What is the recommended PowerMatch setting for different headphones?

A: Use the low setting for IEMs and the high setting for over-ear headphones to prevent damage and optimize performance.

Q: How does XBass+ enhance audio quality?

A: XBass+ boosts bass response without using DSP, ensuring clarity and resolution of the original music are maintained.

Q: How can I switch between Variable and Fixed volume control?

A: Adjust the Variable/Fixed switch to control volume either through the headphone output or bypass it when set to ‘Fixed’ for direct output.

OVERVIEW

1. Power and Input
2. Output
3. Power Match
   • Low for IEMs
   • High for over-ear headphones
   • WARNING: Due to the high power of ZEN DAC 3, before changing the PowerMatch setting, always start at a low volume level so that there is no risk of damage to your headphones, speakers or your hearing.
   • iFi Audio is not responsible for any hearing or equipment damage from misuse.
4. Audio Format LED (kHz)
5. volume
   • Turn the dial to control the volume
   • VARIABLE Control the headphones’ volume or the pre-amplifier volume
   • FIXED Analogue volume control is bypassed
6. X Bass+
   • Press to toggle
   • OFF
   • ON

Thank you for purchasing the DAC 3 from the ZEN series. The DAC 3 is a balanced USB-audio DAC amplifier.

FEATURES

• Supports all high-res music formats up to PCM 768kHz, DSD512, and MQA
• Equipped with a USB-C input for plug-and-play connectivity
• Offers both 6.3mm Single-Ended and 4.4mm Balanced headphone outputs, delivering up to 390mW of power for various headphones and earphones
• Features RCA and 4.4mm balanced outputs with variable and fixed volume settings, allowing for seamless connection to your active speakers, preamplifiers, or power amplifiers
• Includes XBass+ to restore lost bass frequencies from open headphones
• Comes with PowerMatch, a switchable gain to ensure optimal power for the headphones you are using
• Improved low-jitter GMT (Global Master Timing) clock provides >20dB better performance
• Improved circuitry, including enhanced DC offset, ensures heightened signal purity and accuracy
• Incorporates a 16-Core XMOS low-latency microcontroller for DSD512 and MQA full decoding

1. PowerMatch (High/Low)
2. XBass+ On/Off
3. Analogue volume control
4. Audio Format LED (kHz)
5. Single-Ended 6.35mm output
6. Balanced 4.4mm output
7. Balanced 4.4mm analogue line output
8. Variable/Fixed switch
9. RCA analogue output
10. USB-C audio and power input
11. DC 5V Power Supply Connection
12. PowerMatch (High/Low)

  * PowerMatch setting should be on low for IEMs and on high for on/over headphones.
  *  **LEDStatus**
  *  **White** High
  *  **Off** Low
  *  **WARNING:** Due to the high power of ZEN DAC 3, before changing the PowerMatch setting, always start at a low volume level so that there is no risk of damage to your headphones, speakers or your hearing. iFi Audio is not responsible for any hearing or equipment damage from misuse.
2.  **XBass+ On/Off**
  * Many headphones lack the correct bass response. XBass+ was uniquely designed as an analogue circuit designed to ‘add back’ the lost bass response for the most accurate playback.
  *  **Tip:** Open headphones (lack of bass due to structural design) and some highly sensitive earbuds (lack of bass due to unit size limitations) sound better when XBass+ is on or can be adjusted to suit personal preference.
  * Tip: Sonically-hindering DSP is NOT used for XBass. They use the highest-quality discrete components and  

operate purely in the analogue domain. Hence all the clarity and resolution of the original music is retained.

3.  **Analogue volume control**
  * Turn the dial to control the volume. The analogue volume control in ZEN DAC 3 is superior to any digital volume control. It can be used to control the headphone volume or the pre-amplifier volume (when set to ‘Variable’). If the output at the rear is set to ‘Fixed’ the volume control is bypassed.
  *  **Tip:** In normal use, the volume should be controlled at around the noon position, and then adjusted  

appropriately if this does not meet your needs; also, when using brand new headphones, it is recommended that the initial volume is controlled at no higher than the 9 o’clock position and that PowerMatch (1) is set to “Low” to avoid damage to your hearing or equipment.

  *  **WARNING:** Due to the high power of the ZEN DAC 3, always start at a low volume level so that there is no risk of damage to your headphones or your hearing. iFi Audio is not responsible for any hearing or equipment damage from misuse.
4.  **Audio Format LED (kHz)**
  * The LED colour scheme indicates the audio format and sampling frequency received by ZEN DAC 3 from the music source.

*MQB

Single-Ended 6.35mm output

• Connection for 6.35mm unbalanced headphones. Please use a 3.5 to 6.35mm adaptor for 3.5mm Single-Ended headphones.

Balanced 4.4mm output

• Connect balanced 4.4mm headphones.
• Tip: As ZEN DAC 3 is balanced, we recommend the 4.4mm output.

Balanced 4.4mm analogue line output

• This is an analogue output via 4.4mm > XLR or other balanced interconnects. You can use this to connect to active speakers or amplifiers that have a volume control.
  Tip: As ZEN DAC 3 is balanced, this is the recommended output.

Variable/Fixed switch

• When the rear Balanced 4.4mm (7)/Single-Ended RCA (9) analogue outputs are used, this switch will determine whether or not ZEN DAC 3 analogue volume control (3) is used.

RCA analogue output

• Single-ended unbalanced signal output to an amplifier.

USB-C audio and power input

• This is a USB-C input. It connects ZEN DAC 3 to the computer audio source and provides the power supply.

DC 5V Power Supply Connection

• ZEN DAC 3 is powered by 5 volts, either via the enclosed USB-A to USB-C cable (for connection to a laptop or PC) or a DC power supply (not included).
• Tip: For optimal performance, it is recommended to upgrade from being powered by USB-C to being powered by an ultra-low noise power adapter such as the iFi iPower 2 5V or iPower X 5V.
• Note: For use with PC it is necessary to download drivers.
• Tip: For the required driver and all the latest firmware updates please visit our website: www.ifi-audio.com/download-hub/

SPECIFICATIONS

Line Output Section
Line Output:| Balanced 4.4mm/Single-Ended RCA
Output Level:|
Balanced 4.4mm| 2V / 6.2V max. (variable)    4.2V fixed
Single-Ended RCA| 1V / 3.3V max. (variable)    2.1V fixed
Output Impedance:|
Balanced 4.4mm| ≤200Ω
---|---
Single-Ended RCA| ≤100Ω
SNR:|
Balanced 4.4mm| ≥113dB @ 0dBFS
Single-Ended RCA| ≥113dB @ 0dBFS
DNR:|
Balanced 4.4mm| ≥113dB @ 0dBFS
Single-Ended RCA| ≥113dB @ 0dBFS
THD + N:|
Balanced| ≤0.0015% @ 0dBFS
Single-Ended| ≤0.003% @ 0dBFS
 |
Headphone Output Section|
Headphone Outputs:|
Balanced| 4.4mm
Single-Ended| 6.35mm
Output Level:|
Balanced| 2V / 6.2V max.
Single-Ended| 1V / 3.3V max.
Max.^ Output power:|
Balanced| >70mW @ 600Ω
---|---
 | >300mW @ 32Ω
Single-Ended| >18mW @ 600Ω
 | >210mW @ 32Ω
RMS Output power:|
Balanced| >390mW @ 64Ω
Single-Ended| >210mW @ 32Ω
Output impedance:|
Balanced| ≤1Ω
Single-Ended| ≤1Ω
SNR:|
Balanced| ≥109dB(A) (6.2V)
Single-Ended| ≥109dB(A) (3.3V)
DNR:|
Balanced| ≥109dB(A) (6.2V)
Single-Ended| ≥109dB(A) (3.3V)
THD + N:|
Balanced| ≤0.005% (2V @ 600Ω)
Single-Ended| ≤0.013% (1.27V @ 32Ω)
 |
Frequency Response:| 5Hz-90kHz (± 3dB)
---|---
Power supply requirement:| USB-C or DC 5V/0.5A (centre +ve)
Power consumption:|
No Signal| ~0.5W
Max Signal| ~2.5W
Dimensions:| 158 x 115 x 35 mm (6.2″ x 4.6″ x 1.4″)
Net Weight:| 456 g (1.0 lbs)
Limited Warranty:| 12 months
_12 months typical or as permitted/required by local reseller laws.
**Specifications are subject to change without notice.
^See FAQ at ifi-audio.com for more information._

Supports Higher Quality Files

Hi-Res Heaven

ZEN DAC 3 supports all PCM formats up to 768kHz, DSD natively supports up to DSD 512 and even offers full MQA decoding.

Your Way or the Hi-Way

• Offering both fixed and variable output gain options, ZEN DAC 3 can seamlessly connect to headphones, an amplifier or active speakers.
• ZEN DAC 3 features two 4.4mm balanced outputs, one for headphones and one for other amplifiers, effectively minimising distortion and crosstalk.

PowerMatch and XBass+

• ZEN DAC 3 adopts XBass+, the newest iteration of iFi’s signature analogue EQ.
• Add back the loss of bass frequencies from open headphones Power Match is a gain boost for hungrier headphones

Power Up, Protect On!

• DC offset output voltage has been improved in the ZEN DAC 3.
• This means fewer audible clicks while switching functions.
• ZEN DAC 3 also benefits from input overvoltage protection via the all-new USB-C port.

Key Features

ZEN DAC 3 vs. ZEN DAC V2 Looks

Evolution of the ZEN DAC

Retail Price| ZEN DAC 3

$229

| ZEN DAC V2

$199

| ZEN DAC

$129

---|---|---|---
Hi-Res Support| PCM 768 kHz| PCM 384 kHz| PCM 384 kHz
 | DSD 512| DSD 256| DSD 256
 | MQA Decoding| MQA Decoding| MQA Rendering
Headphone Outputs|  | 4.4mm Balanced, 6.3mm SE
Line Outputs|  | 4.4mm Balanced, RCA SE
Inputs| USB-C| USB-B 3.0| USB-B 3.0
USB Input Overvoltage| Yes| No| No
Protection|  |  |
Clocking| Upgraded GMT| Upgraded GMT| Standard Clock
---|---|---|---
Output DC offset| Improved| Standard| Standard
XMOS Chip| 16-Core| 16-Core| 8-Core
Other Features| XBass+, PowerMatch, Fixed/Variable output| TrueBass, PowerMatch, Fixed/Variable output| TrueBass, PowerMatch, Fixed/Variable output
---|---|---|---
6.3mm HP (RMS)| >210mW @ 32Ω| >210mW @ 32Ω| >210mW @ 32Ω
4.4mm HP (RMS)| >390mW @ 64Ω| >390mW @ 64Ω;| >390mW @ 64Ω;
SNR (Headphone Section)| >109 dBA (6.2V Bal/3.3V SE)| >109 dBA (6.2V Bal/3.3V SE)| >109 dBA (6.2V Bal/3.3V SE)
THD+N (Headphone| ≤0.005% (2V @ 600Ω)| <0.005% (125mW @ 32Ω)| <0.005% (125mW @ 32Ω)
Section)|  |  |

Connection Guide

Box Contents

Specifications

Full Decoder

DAC| Bit-Perfect DSD & DXD DAC by Burr Brown
Headphone Output| BAL 4.4mm/UnBAL 6.3mm
Output Power (RMS)| Balanced UnBAL| 390mW@64Ω; 6.7V@600Ω

210mW@32Ω; 3.3V@600Ω

Output Impedance| <1Ω (BAL/UnBAL)
SNR| 109dB(A) (BAL/UnBAL)
DNR| 109dB(A) (BAL/UnBAL)
THD + N| Balanced UnBAL| <0.006% (2.0V @ 600Ω)

<0.006% (1.27V @ 32Ω)

Line Output| BAL 4.4mm/UnBAL RCA
Output Power|  | 2V-6.2V max. (variable); 4.2V fixed 1V-3.3V max. (variable); 2.1V fixed
 |  | <200Ω BAL; <100Ω UnBAL
Frequency Response| 5Hz – 90kHz (+/-3dB)
Power Consumption| ~2.5W Max Signal
Dimensions| 158x115x35mm (6.2” x 4.6” x 1.4”)
Weight| 456g (1.0 lbs)
Warranty period| 12 months

After-Sales 3 Easy Steps …

• Dear iFi customer : Thank you for purchasing this iFi product.
• Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions about our products/support. https://support.ifi-audio.com/

MQA Setup where applicable

• For MQA computer setup, please scan this QR code or type ‘if audio’ into YouTube search.

You will find two setup videos:

• MOA Decoder – eg Pro iDSD
• MQA Renderer – eg nano iDSD BL
• Just select the correct video setup for your device.
• For any queries, please search the FAQs or open a support ticket here: https://support.if-audio.com/ .

Type A Connections

where applicable

• This iFi device with a USB Type-A male port was designed for direct connection to mobile devices to extract the digital signal.

Phone connection via

• Apple (iOS) use Apple USB to USB-C/Lightning
• Phone connection via Apple (iOS) uses Apple USB to USB-C/Lightning
• For further support FAQs and Support Ticket System: https://support.if-audio.com/
• Please ensure your Android is USB host mode compatible

Note for Charging where applicable

• If the LED is BLUE when you first switch ON the machine, it means that it is sufficiently charged. If the LED is RED, please turn OFF the machine and charge until no LED is lit.
• If you cannot power ON or if there is no LED light, please insert a USB cable with USB power 3-5 times, then the LED should be BLUE.
• It should stay like this for a few hours (depending on how flat the battery is). If not, please re-insert the USB cable (with USB power) 3-5 times again, and once the LED is BLUE, leave for at least 6 hours.
• After a long period of inactivity (say 3-6 months), please fully charge the machine again. Ideally, repeat this process once every 3 months.
• If you encounter any issues, please contact our technical support department at: https://support.if-audio.com/
• Review the IFt Product Safety Guide before using your iFi Product.
• View the guide at if-audio.com/product-guides. Retain documentation for future reference.
• Safety and Handling See *IFI Product Safety Guide at if-audio.com/product-guides,
• Avoid Hearing Damage To prevent possible hearing damage, do not listen at high volume levels for long periods.
• Always check the actual output volume on your earphones, headphones, or loudspeakers before playing audio, as many music player software and operating systems do not appropriately apply industrial standards governing volume control (e.g. USB Device Class Definition for Human Interface Devices). If in doubt, before playing any music, turn off CyberSync or any other volume synchronization feature on the iF Product and bring the volume down to the lowest setting.
• WARNING: To prevent possible hearing damage, do not listen at high volume levels for long periods.
• Medical Device Interference iF Product contains magnets that may interfere with medical devices. See “IFI Product Safety Guide” at If-audio.com/product-guides.
• Prolonged Heat Exposure Your iF Product may become very warm during normal use, It is important to keep your iF Product on a hard, stable, and well-ventilated work surface when in use or charging. Use common sense to avoid situations where your body is in prolonged contact with a device or its power adapter when it is operating or plugged into a power source, as sustained contact with warm surfaces may cause discomfort or injury.
• Take special care if you have a physical condition that affects your ability to detect heat against the body.
  Regulatory information Regulatory certification information is available at if-audio.com/product-guides.

FCC

FCC and ISED Canada Compliance This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules and ISED Canada licence-exempt RSS standard (s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. this device may not cause harmful interference,
2. this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

EU / UK Compliance iF hereby declares that this wireless device complies with Directive 2014/53/EU and Radio Equipment Regulations 2017. A copy of the Declaration of Conformity is available at if-audio.com/product-guides. IF EU representative is Abi representative bound on man 6. 79 Sc Netherlands: Road, Southport. PR8 6U Use Restriction (if applicable) This device is restricted to indoor use when operating in the 5150 to 5350 MHz frequency range.
This restriction applies in AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, EL, ES, FI, FR, HIR, HILIE IS IT LIT LU LV MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SLSK TR LA UIKING

Frequency Maximum Power

• 24GHz (Bluetooth/WLAN) < 100mW
• 5.150-5.350/5.470-5.725GHz <200mW
• 5.725-5.875GHz <25mW
• As an ENERGY STAR partner, IF has determined that standard configurations of this product meet the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.
• The ENERGY STAR program is a partnership with electronic equipment manufacturers to promote energy-efficient products. Reducing the energy consumption of products saves money and helps conserve valuable resources.

Disposal and Recycling Information

• The symbol above means that according to local laws and regulations, your product and/or its battery shall be disposed of separately from household waste. When this product reaches its end of life, take it to a collection point designated by local authorities. The separate collection and recycling of your product and/or its battery at the time of disposal will help conserve natural resources and ensure that it is recycled in a manner that protects human health and the environment.

• Battery and Charging Don’t attempt to replace or remove the battery yourself-you may damage the battery, which could cause overheating, fire, and injury. The built-in battery should be replaced by iFi or an authorized service provider and must be recycled or disposed of separately from household waste. Dispose of batteries according to your local environmental laws and guidelines, For information about charging, see iFi Product Safety Guide at if-audio.com/product-guides.

• Software License Agreement Use of IFI Products constitutes acceptance of the iFi and third-party software license terms found at if-audio.com.

• Accessories Standard and/or non-standard 3rd party accessories may be included with the iFi product. Only if products are compatible with those accessories. All accessories are given “as is?

• IFi offers no other explicit or implied assurances and expressly disclaims all implied warranties, including any promise of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

• IF Limited Warranty Summary IF warrants the included hardware product and accessories against defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of original retail purchase (unless otherwise provided by law). IFi does not warrant against normal wear and tear, nor damage caused by accident or abuse. To obtain service, call iFi or an IF Authorized Service Provider-available service options are dependent on the country in which service is requested and may be restricted to the original country of sale. Call charges and international shipping charges may apply.
  depending on the location. Subject to the full terms and detailed information on obtaining service available at if-audio.com, If you submit a valid claim under this warranty, IF will either repair, replace, or refund your product at its discretion. Warranty benefits are in addition to rights provided under local consumer laws. You may be required to furnish proof of purchase details when making a claim under this warranty.

• For Australian consumers: Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law, You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the fallure does not amount to a major failure.

• © 2022 IF| All rights reserved. IFi, the IF logo, and IFI Product are trademarks of Abbingdon Limited, and Abbingdon Global Limited. registered in the U.S. and other countries.

• ENERGY STAR and the ENERGY STAR mark are registered trademarks owned by the U.S.

• Environmental Protection Agency

References

• audlo.com is for sale
• audlo.com is for sale
• iFi audio | the Award-Winning Audio Technology Company
• audlo.com is for sale
• Support Desk | iFi audio
• Support Desk | iFi audio

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)

Download This Manual (PDF format)

Download this manual  >>