The new iFi ZEN CAN 3 can drive IEMs using the latest xMEMS drivers, a speaker technology that looks … [+]
British company iFi Audio is one of my favorite headphone amp brands. Now iFi Audio is launching the ZEN CAN 3, a high-performance headphone amplifier with xMEMS micro-speaker gain mode, plenty of EQ modes including settings for gaming and movies, and up to 2000mW of output power.
The new iFi ZEN CAN 3 can drive IEMs with the latest xMEMS drivers, a speaker technology that looks set to be the next big innovation in headphone performance.
xMEMS speakers are made from silicon in a process similar to the manufacturing of computer chips. These next-generation speakers have almost zero phase shift and vibrate up to 150 times faster than traditional drivers. By integrating this technology into the new ZEN CAN 3, iFi Audio claims listeners will notice greater clarity and fidelity.
In addition to the two new EQ modes, ZEN CAN 3 has plenty of additional EQ modes for customized sound. … [+]
The iFi ZEN CAN 3 has two new analog EQ modes that are specially tuned for gaming and movies. Movie mode improves dialogue intelligibility, while Game mode makes low-level sound effects clearer.
In addition to the two new EQ modes, ZEN CAN 3 has plenty of additional EQ modes for customized sound. The XBass+ and XSpace options offer more accurate bass response and a spacious sound field.
Another improvement of the ZEN CAN 3 is the increase in power for driving more difficult headphones with a continuous output power of up to 2000 mW, which should be more than enough to drive any headphones on the market. The ZEN CAN 3 also has an adjustable gain of 0-18dB with +6dB steps to match any headphone.
The iFi ZEN CAN 3 has balanced and unbalanced inputs to work with a wide range of devices.
The ZEN CAN 3 has an improved design to match the other ZEN 3 products in the iFi Audio range. The two-tone design stands out, and the redesigned volume meter and Sunlit Bronze hardware offer a contemporary look and feel. Finally, the buttons on the unit’s front panel are arranged in a smiley formation that gives the ZEN CAN 3 a bit of character.
iFi Audio has handpicked premium electronic components for the ZEN CAN 3 circuits. Components are sourced from Panasonic, TDK, MELF, Texas Instruments and muRata. The amplifier stage uses iFi/AMR’s own “OV” series op-amps. iFi says the amplifiers outperform commercial chips that use copper and cheap aluminum bonding wires.
Price and availability: The new iFi ZEN CAN 3 is available from ifi-audio.com and costs $229 / £229 / €229.
ZEN Blue 3 can transmit and receive Hi-Res audio via Bluetooth. It also works as a … [+]
Another launch from iFi Audio is the ZEN Blue 3, a high-resolution Bluetooth DAC that brings wireless connectivity with CD-quality lossless audio and audiophile circuitry.
New to ZEN Blue 3 are three innovative operating modes including Bluetooth RX, TX and DAC. The unit uses the Qualcomm aptX Lossless Bluetooth codec to receive or transmit lossless CD-quality and high-definition audio over Bluetooth, plus there’s a switchable low-latency mode for gaming and movies.
iFi Audio claims the ZEN Blue 3 is the world’s first wireless DAC that can transmit and receive lossless CD quality without data loss. The new DAC uses the latest Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless and AAC codec support. There is also support for Hi-Res 96kHz audio via LDAC and LDHC/HWA codecs.
iFi Audio claims the ZEN Blue 3 is the world’s first wireless DAC that can transmit and transmit … [+]
AptX Lossless is part of the Qualcomm aptX Adaptive Codec, which offers multiple codecs with different bit rates and bit rates. This means that ZEN Blue 3 can transfer lossless music in CD quality from a mobile phone to a Hi-Fi system. Home theater lovers can also enjoy high-quality sound with a pair of Hi-Res Bluetooth headphones while watching movies or playing games at home.
When the ZEN Blue 3 is in streaming mode for watching video content or playing games, there is a low latency button on the front of the unit. This is perfect for intense gaming or movie nights. Low Latency Mode solves the problem of delay between video and audio, so the audio is always in sync with the video content.
iFi ZEN Blue 3 has three new functional modes: RX for Bluetooth reception, TX mode for Bluetooth transmission, and Wired DAC mode, which bypasses Bluetooth so ZEN Blue 3 can function as a traditional wired DAC using USB-C or S/PDIF. inputs.
iFi ZEN Blue 3 has three new functional modes: RX for Bluetooth reception, TX mode for … [+]
iFi Audio says the ZEN Blue 3 has audiophile-grade circuitry instead of a System-on-a-Chip design. This means that there are separate Bluetooth, DAC and Op-Amp chips for better sound quality. The balanced line output offers users with a balanced sound setup significantly reduced signal noise and crosstalk between channels.
Like the rest of the ZEN 3 product line, the ZEN Blue 3 has an attractive two-tone front panel and smiley button layout. As with other ZEN models, iFi says it sources premium electronic components from manufacturers such as TDK and Texas Instruments. The amplifier stage uses iFi’s proprietary ‘OV’ series/AMR op amps, which iFi says can outperform commercial chips using low-grade copper and cheap aluminum bonding wire.
Price and availability: The iFi ZEN Blue 3 is available from 9 July at ifi-audio.com for $299 / £299 / €299.