Product Information
Delivering a new standard in Bluetooth audio, the iFi ZEN Blue 3 features lossless audio for the best yet in wireless Bluetooth sound.
Cut the cable, not the quality
Featuring truly lossless audio, the iFi Blue 3 turns Bluetooth into a serious music source. Offering a maximum bitrate of 1,200kbps, the Qualcomm aptX Lossless processor is currently the only Bluetooth codec capable of wirelessly sending and receiving CD quality audio without losing data during compression. If you’ve a smartphone or other device that’s compatible with aptX Lossless, then now is the chance to maximise its potential.
Supports a wide range of other high quality formats
In addition to aptX Lossless, the ZEN Blue 3 supports a wide range of top quality Bluetooth formats, including HWA (Hi-Res Wireless Audio) by LHDC, Qualcomm’s aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX low latency and LDAC. Apple’s AAC is also supported. If you haven’t experienced Bluetooth audio for some time, you might be surprised as to just how much the sound quality has improved over the past few years.
Also a high quality DAC for wired connections
As well as connecting to your Bluetooth sources, the iFi ZEN Blue 3 also has digital inputs, making it ideal for using as an upgraded DAC. Connect your PC, laptop or tablet via the USB-C and enjoy Hi-Res music up to 24 bit/96kHz. Use the combined optical / coaxial 3.5mm input and this increases to 24 bit/192kHz.
ESS Sabre DAC and other premium components for precision sound
Making the most of its Hi-Res music compatibility, the internal electronics offer the highest quality sound – just as you’d find in full-size quality hi-fi. The ESS Sabre DAC (Digital to Analogue Convertor) is the same as in many high-end AV receivers and other digital products. The balanced circuit layout uses top quality audio components, such as OV series op amps for wide bandwidth and extremely low levels of distortion.
Output the sound your way
When it comes to connecting the ZEN Blue 3 to your Hi-Fi, AV or speaker system, you really can take your pick. Choose between optical and coaxial from the mini-jack digital output combi, for hooking up to your digital amp or AV receiver. Alternatively, RCA phono outputs make the perfect connection to your hi-fi amp or mini system. For the highest quality sound, there’s even a balanced output.
Balanced output option
Making this top quality Bluetooth DAC even better, the 4.4mm balanced output is yet another standout feature at this price. More usually found in studio equipment, the balanced connection gives vanishingly low levels of noise interference and crosstalk, for professional quality sound. If your amp or mixer is equipped with a balanced input, this is the connection to use.
The next upgrade in sound
Enjoy an upgrade in sound by using the optional (at additional cost) SilentPower iPower2 power supply. Featuring Active Noise Cancellation technology, the power supply is highly effective at removing low and mid-frequency mains noise while the passive filters deal with higher frequency interference. What this means is much cleaner power, for purer, less distorted sound.
Enhance the sound of your Bluetooth and cabled sources, with the iFi ZEN Blue 3.
Specifications
Reviews
Cut the cable, not the quality
Featuring truly lossless audio, the iFi Blue 3 turns Bluetooth into a serious music source. Offering a maximum bitrate of 1,200kbps, the Qualcomm aptX Lossless processor is currently the only Bluetooth codec capable of wirelessly sending and receiving CD quality audio without losing data during compression. If you’ve a smartphone or other device that’s compatible with aptX Lossless, then now is the chance to maximise its potential.
Supports a wide range of other high quality formats
In addition to aptX Lossless, the ZEN Blue 3 supports a wide range of top quality Bluetooth formats, including HWA (Hi-Res Wireless Audio) by LHDC, Qualcomm’s aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX low latency and LDAC. Apple’s AAC is also supported. If you haven’t experienced Bluetooth audio for some time, you might be surprised as to just how much the sound quality has improved over the past few years.
Also a high quality DAC for wired connections
As well as connecting to your Bluetooth sources, the iFi ZEN Blue 3 also has digital inputs, making it ideal for using as an upgraded DAC. Connect your PC, laptop or tablet via the USB-C and enjoy Hi-Res music up to 24 bit/96kHz. Use the combined optical / coaxial 3.5mm input and this increases to 24 bit/192kHz.
ESS Sabre DAC and other premium components for precision sound
Making the most of its Hi-Res music compatibility, the internal electronics offer the highest quality sound – just as you’d find in full-size quality hi-fi. The ESS Sabre DAC (Digital to Analogue Convertor) is the same as in many high-end AV receivers and other digital products. The balanced circuit layout uses top quality audio components, such as OV series op amps for wide bandwidth and extremely low levels of distortion.
Output the sound your way
When it comes to connecting the ZEN Blue 3 to your Hi-Fi, AV or speaker system, you really can take your pick. Choose between optical and coaxial from the mini-jack digital output combi, for hooking up to your digital amp or AV receiver. Alternatively, RCA phono outputs make the perfect connection to your hi-fi amp or mini system. For the highest quality sound, there’s even a balanced output.
Balanced output option
Making this top quality Bluetooth DAC even better, the 4.4mm balanced output is yet another standout feature at this price. More usually found in studio equipment, the balanced connection gives vanishingly low levels of noise interference and crosstalk, for professional quality sound. If your amp or mixer is equipped with a balanced input, this is the connection to use.
The next upgrade in sound
Enjoy an upgrade in sound by using the optional (at additional cost) SilentPower iPower2 power supply. Featuring Active Noise Cancellation technology, the power supply is highly effective at removing low and mid-frequency mains noise while the passive filters deal with higher frequency interference. What this means is much cleaner power, for purer, less distorted sound.
Enhance the sound of your Bluetooth and cabled sources, with the iFi ZEN Blue 3.
