![iFi ZEN CAN Balanced Desktop Headphone Amp and Preamp with 4.4mm Outputs [US Pin]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71pgVFzZ-RL._AC_UL116_SR116,116_.jpg)
Any of these are going to greatly improve the sound over plugging your headphones directly into the mini-jack on a computer.
Listening was done with a few different headphones but mostly with beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X Closed-Back Studio Headphones. Music source was a laptop connected to the DAC/Headphone Amp via USB. If an external power supply was included, I used that. If not, power came via USB.
I've kept notes on my impressions brief and included comparisons amongst the DAC/Amp's in this list. They are listed below in my order of preference with my favorites at the top. If you want flowery vocabulary I'm sure in depth reviews are available out there on the web.
Headphones make the greatest difference in sound - spend more on them, if necessary. The DAC/Amp is secondary but does add its own flavor to the music.
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iFi Zen DAC V2 | Desktop Digital Analog Converter
(Listening only with "TRUEBASS" off.)
Very good.
Slightly better than the FiiO K7. Better vocal clarity and slightly fuller bass.
I ended up comparing this with the FX-Audio DAC-X6 head to head, which continued to surprise me as I put it up against significantly more expensive competitors. Across several hours and many pieces of music, I prefer the iFi... but the difference is infinitesimal. Possibly the iFi has a little more punch to the bass? Maybe a bit more space ans separation? If you're working to a budget, get the FX-Audio and put the extra cash towards better headphones.
FX-Audio DAC-X6 Mini HiFi 2.0 Digital Audio Decoder DAC
This thing is good. Surprisingly good. I ended up putting it head-to-head with amps costing three times its price.
Slightly warmer sound, with slightly less detail in the vocals than the iFi Zen Air, but more space in the music, and more enjoyable to listen to. Slightly better clarity than the Topping.
FiiO K7 Full Balanced HiFi DAC Headphone Amplifier
This is indeed better than the K5 version. Vocals are more lifelike. And a particular emphasis on the mid-treble heard in the K5 is absent. There is more separation between the instruments.
Very close call with the iFi V2, with my preference going to the iFi for better vocal clarity and slightly fuller bass.
iFi Zen Air DAC
Not quite as good as the V2, but close. Closer than the FiiO K5 is to the K7. There is, again, a comparative emphasis in mid-treble and the vocals get a bit lost. The sound is slightly thin compared to rivals at this price point.
FiiO K5 Pro Headphone Amps Portable Desktop DAC and Amplifier
Not quite as good as the K7, but at half the price one cannot really complain. Vocals are not quite as lifelike and there is more mid-treble - but not in a good way.
Topping DX1 Mini Stereo DAC Headphone Amplifier Combo
Very good little unit. Bass is slightly overemphasized.
Fosi Audio K5 Pro Gaming DAC Headphone Amplifier
I thought this unit was DOA. Turns out that you must long press the volume knob to turn it on. (Short press to select input.)
Not terrible, but not as musical as the others in this test. Also, the only one with bass and treble knobs. And only a mini-jack - no 1/4" jack.
Pro-Ject Head Box S2 Digital
This DAC/Amp had an issue that makes it unlistenable. The sound is very nice... but... there's some faint static. Only in the music, not in silence. A faint crackling.... Can't have that.
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From the brand
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About iFi
You love music, so that’s why we create products that improve sound quality and eradicate noise, distortion and hiss.
With our vast catalogue of devices, you can bring the live experience into your home. Or if you prefer your music on-the-go, we deliver every cymbal crash and pluck of a string in clear isolation straight to your ears.
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This Item  iFi Zen DAC V2 | Desktop Digital Analog Converter with USB 3.0 B Input only/Outputs: 6.3mm Unbalanced / 4.4mm Balanced/RCA - MQA DECODER - Audio System Upgrade (Unit only) |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $199.00 | $299.00 | $79.99 | $139.99 | $199.00 | $99.00 |
| Delivery | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Value for money | ||||||
| Sound quality | ||||||
| Volume control | ||||||
| Quality of material | ||||||
| Sold By | GRAMOPHONE | AudioExchange | Hifi Made Fun | Aventura Mall | HIFI College | WORLD WIDE STEREO |
| interface type | USB | USB | Coaxial, USB | Coaxial, USB | Coaxial, USB | USB |
| number of channels | — | — | 2 | 2 | 8 | — |
| mounting type | Plug Mount,Tabletop | Usb,Desktop | Tabletop Mount | Coaxial,Freestanding,Plug Mount,Tabletop | — | — |
Product Description
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ZEN DAC V2 Rotational
iFi audio
Reviews with images
Quality. Build is over-the-top!
What did I like?:Headphones ( ATH-M50X & Austrian X-15) absolutely "bloom" and the "True Bass" audibly sounds..true. Burr Brown "taste" is present.What I did not like?:Well...I mean, for the price of a pair of mid-level shoes what do you expect?(Item is not fully burned-in)"Hi Res" does not mean holographic, real or reach out and touch sound. Was I listening to a recording better processed and rendered? Or sometimes-ish DSP hat tricks that startle and can be very fun and exciting?I feel the sound I heard was an amalgamation of this and that. Results...worth the purshase price. Audiophiles/critical listeners may want something different.Great fun product. Will use exclusively for headphones at night.Update:Well...well well? Bam!!!It's alive!!! It's alive!!!Now I get it. "What Hifi"...thanks!Update:Using iFi as an iMac DAC to my Krell s300 to ProAc's... UNBELIEVABLE and magical experience. Gretchen Parlato, Lionel Loueke turned holographic.Update:KEEP THE SWITCH ON "FIXED" if using as a iMac DAC.Update:Use th balanced port!!!! Wow!!!!
Top reviews from other countries
David E. Peachey
Excellent dac amp with a few minor issues
Reviewed in Canada on December 30, 2023
Cliente Amazon
Amplitud de sonido y definición del mismo
Reviewed in Spain on February 8, 2024PhD Physicist
My first high res audio dac/amp
Reviewed in the Netherlands on December 14, 2023