iFi Audio ZEN Air DAC – Hi-Res Headphone Amplifier, Pre-amp & DAC

£99.00 inc. VAT(£82.50 ex. VAT)

Connects to PC, MAC, Smartphone, Tablet, Game Consoles and much more
Outputs very hi-res (high-resolution) quality audio.
MQA Renderer, full native DSD256 and Hi-res PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz
PowerMatch headphone amp with switchable gain
XBass+ subtly enhances low frequencies
Can be used as a DAC/preamp to feed amp and speakers via stereo RCA outputs
Burr-Brown DAC chip with True Native architecture
Bespoke XMOS firmware and digital filtering
GMT clock system to tackle jitter

Manufacturer warranty: 12 months

iFi Audio ZEN Air DAC

Max the audio quality from your phone, tablet or computer. ZEN Air DAC converts the digital info in your source device - your computer, games console, tablet or smartphone to music that can be heared through speakers or headphones. Every device that is a source of digital sound has a built-in DAC. External DACs sound much better than the standard DACs used inside these devices.
The ZEN Air DAC supports different file formats - Pulse Code Modulation is the file format used in CD, DVD, Blu-ray and other digital audio applications. Direct Stream Digital is a very high-quality audio format, better than CD quality. Master Quality Authenticated is an award-winning audio technology that enables music fans to stream the original master recording into their home, car or their mobile.
With the ZEN Air DAC you can listen to MQA straight out of the box. Simply connect to Tidal Masters and check the option to stream MQA. What's more, iFi Audio's PowerMatch adjusts the gain of the ZEN Air DAC so it functions at the right level for your headphones.
A breath of fresh Air.

HEARING IS BELIEVING
The ZEN Air DAC outputs very hi-res (high resolution) quality audio. This is much better that the standard audio you would get from just using your computer, games console, tablet or smartphone. Imagine the difference in quality from a standard TV to an 8K Ultra HD TV - but in sound! This is the difference an external DAC makes to your music. Once you hear it, you’ll be converted (not just your audio)!

SIMPLY BETTER
The ZEN Air DAC functions as both a DAC and a headphone amp. It’s a great first step if you are just starting on your audio journey. Simply connect it to your computer or smart device via a USB cable. Then connect it to your headphones via the headphone jack at the front or to speakers via the RCA connections at the back. If you already have an amp, you can use the ZEN Air DAC as a pure DAC with this amp or speakers.

FLEXIBLE FORMATS
The ZEN Air DAC supports different file formats – PCM 32bit/384kHz, fully native DSD256 and MQA. PCM – Pulse Code Modulation, DSD – Direct Stream Digital, and MQA – Master Quality Authenticated.

SONIC TAILORING
PowerMatch adjusts the gain of the ZEN Air DAC so it functions at the right level for your headphones. Gain is just a unit of measurement that indicates how loud an audio source is and is measured in decibels (dB). XBass+ allows you to tailor the bass to suit your headphones and your personal taste.

MOST DACS USE DIGITAL VOLUME CONTROL – IFI'S IS ANALOGUE.
What does this mean? When you reduce the volume on other DACs you remove data from the song or soundtrack. With analogue volume control, you reduce the volume whilst maintaining the quality. Put simply, the ZEN Air DAC is an easy way to experience super clear, hi-res audio quality in your everyday listening.
Features

Connects to PC, MAC, Smartphone, Tablet, Game Consoles and much more
Outputs very hi-res (high-resolution) quality audio.
MQA Renderer, full native DSD256 and Hi-res PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz
PowerMatch headphone amp with switchable gain
XBass+ subtly enhances low frequencies
Can be used as a DAC/preamp to feed amp and speakers via stereo RCA outputs
Burr-Brown DAC chip with True Native architecture
Bespoke XMOS firmware and digital filtering
GMT clock system to tackle jitter
Technical Specifications
Input voltage: DC 5V/2.5A
Input: USB2.0 B Socket
Formats: 44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192/352.8/384kHz PCM; 2.8/3.1/5.6/6.2/11.2/12.4MHz DSD; 353/384KHz DXD; MQA
DAC: Bit-Perfect DSD & DXD DAC by Burr Brown
Power consumption: No Signal ~0.5W / Max Signal ~2.5W
Dimensions: 158 x 117 x 35 mm (6.2" x 4.6" x 1.4")
Net weight: 315 g (0.694 lbs)
LINE SECTION
Output: 1V / 3.3V max.
Output Impedance: ≤50Ω
SNR: <-113dB(A) @ 0dBFS
DNR: >113dB(A) @ -60dBFS
THD+N: <0.04% @ 0dBFS
HEADPHONE SECTION
Output: 1V / 3.3V max. (variable)
Output Power: 230mW @ 32Ω ; >36mW @ 300Ω
Output Impedance: <1Ω
THD+N: <0.04% (100mW @ 16Ω)
SNR: >113dBA (3.3V)
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