iFi Audio ZEN DAC V2 is rated
out of
5 by
2.
iFi Audio ZEN DAC V2
DAC/Headphone Amp
£179
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Please contact web after sales for more info.
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Ts&Cs apply - see our delivery page.
For delivery of in-store only deals, please contact your local store for more details.
Ts&Cs apply - see our delivery page.
Disabled assistance
All products that are available to purchase on the Richer Sounds website can be delivered free to blind, partially sighted or those with a disability. Find out more
Please contact web after sales for more info.
For delivery of in-store only deals, please contact your local store for more details.
Ts&Cs apply - see our delivery page.
For delivery of in-store only deals, please contact your local store for more details.
Ts&Cs apply - see our delivery page.
”The iFi Zen DAC V2 remains one of the best ways to upgrade your desktop headphone system.” ’What Hi-Fi?’ 2023 award-winner.
Award-winner made better
Winner of multiple awards, including the prestigious What Hi-Fi 2020, ‘Best DAC £100 - £200’, the iFi Audio ZEN DAC was hard to beat. Until now. The ZEN DAC V2 upgrades the processing chip from 8-core to 16-core XMOS. This means that MQA files are now fully supported – perfect when using the top-end TIDAL streaming service.
Reduced distortion
As well as facilitating MQA, the new V2 version uses an updated, low-jitter crystal clock. This gives a 20dB better performance for a smoother, less distorted sound with enhanced detail.
Supercharge your computer’s sound
Whether you have a PC or Mac, laptop, tablet or Chromebook, listening to music while you surf, work or game is a constant pleasure. What’s less good is the sound quality – even if you’re using a pair of good quality headphones, the sound output is usually left wanting. The ZEN DAC (Digital to Analogue Convertor) V2 massively improves the sound by bypassing your computer’s soundcard and headphone output and replacing them with bespoke, audiophile grade components.
DACs the way to do it
Using a bit-perfect, Burr Brown DAC, the ZEN DAC V2 not only decodes a wide range of formats but sounds as true to the original sound as possible. Hi-Res music files are supported up to DSD256 and PCM files up to 384kHz.
Hi-Fi quality electronics inside
Making the most of the top quality DAC, the other internal electronics offer the highest quality sound – just as you’d find in quality hi-fi. The balanced circuit layout uses top quality audio components, such as TDK (Class 1 ceramic) capacitors for high precision, low distortion sound quality.
Maximises your headphones’ potential
With its dedicated output, the Zen DAC V2 provides your headphones with a dynamic, punchy sound. You can choose between balanced and unbalanced outputs, giving the chance for higher spec headphones with balanced inputs to really shine.
Output the sound to your hi-fi or speaker
It’s not just headphones that benefit from this compact powerhouse DAC. Featuring RCA phono outputs, you can connect up to the AUX input on your hi-fi or speaker system, too. If your hi-fi has a balanced input, why not take advantage of the second, 4.4mm balanced output at the rear of the unit. Either way, simply switch the output to ‘fixed’ and you’re good to go with an instant system upgrade.
Boost the bass
For times when you need a deeper, richer sound, simply switch on TrueBass. Unlike inferior bass boost systems, this works entirely in the analogue domain and doesn’t rely on a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The result is deeper bass, without a compromised and muddy-sounding midrange.
Optimise your audio performance, with the iFi Audio ZEN DAC V2.
Award-winner made better
Winner of multiple awards, including the prestigious What Hi-Fi 2020, ‘Best DAC £100 - £200’, the iFi Audio ZEN DAC was hard to beat. Until now. The ZEN DAC V2 upgrades the processing chip from 8-core to 16-core XMOS. This means that MQA files are now fully supported – perfect when using the top-end TIDAL streaming service.
Reduced distortion
As well as facilitating MQA, the new V2 version uses an updated, low-jitter crystal clock. This gives a 20dB better performance for a smoother, less distorted sound with enhanced detail.
Supercharge your computer’s sound
Whether you have a PC or Mac, laptop, tablet or Chromebook, listening to music while you surf, work or game is a constant pleasure. What’s less good is the sound quality – even if you’re using a pair of good quality headphones, the sound output is usually left wanting. The ZEN DAC (Digital to Analogue Convertor) V2 massively improves the sound by bypassing your computer’s soundcard and headphone output and replacing them with bespoke, audiophile grade components.
DACs the way to do it
Using a bit-perfect, Burr Brown DAC, the ZEN DAC V2 not only decodes a wide range of formats but sounds as true to the original sound as possible. Hi-Res music files are supported up to DSD256 and PCM files up to 384kHz.
Hi-Fi quality electronics inside
Making the most of the top quality DAC, the other internal electronics offer the highest quality sound – just as you’d find in quality hi-fi. The balanced circuit layout uses top quality audio components, such as TDK (Class 1 ceramic) capacitors for high precision, low distortion sound quality.
Maximises your headphones’ potential
With its dedicated output, the Zen DAC V2 provides your headphones with a dynamic, punchy sound. You can choose between balanced and unbalanced outputs, giving the chance for higher spec headphones with balanced inputs to really shine.
Output the sound to your hi-fi or speaker
It’s not just headphones that benefit from this compact powerhouse DAC. Featuring RCA phono outputs, you can connect up to the AUX input on your hi-fi or speaker system, too. If your hi-fi has a balanced input, why not take advantage of the second, 4.4mm balanced output at the rear of the unit. Either way, simply switch the output to ‘fixed’ and you’re good to go with an instant system upgrade.
Boost the bass
For times when you need a deeper, richer sound, simply switch on TrueBass. Unlike inferior bass boost systems, this works entirely in the analogue domain and doesn’t rely on a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The result is deeper bass, without a compromised and muddy-sounding midrange.
Optimise your audio performance, with the iFi Audio ZEN DAC V2.
Smart Features
Smartphone control
Yes
Connectivity
Headphone Output
1
General
Manufacturer's Warranty
1 year
Audio
High Resolution Audio
Yes
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Anonymous from
An excellent piece of kit.
An amazing bit of kit. Quite incredible for the money. A very noticeable difference when playing a flac/mqa file compared to a cd. Especially if the music is a recent production. Without doubt, a brilliant upgrade to my hifi system.
Date published: 2024-04-04
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Hunterz of York from
Good price for exceptional sound
I bought this DAC to upgrade the sound on my Windows 11 PC system, which doesn't have great sound from the motherboard card. The improvement is fantastic.
It was simply plug'n'play: USB cable into a USB port, and another cable into the speakers. Instant sound.
The unit has its own volume control, which bypasses my keyboard keys. It balances output volume from different files pretty well, so I only need use the volume for some website music. I currently have a trial membership of Tidal hi-res music, which sounds amazing.
Very pleased. I don't need to have Bluetooth for my desktop, which makes this model ideal. I can bluetooth music to other speakers seperately.
Date published: 2024-02-14
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