iFi Audio ZEN DAC 3 USB-C DAC/Amp
The Award-winning DAC/headphone amplifier for Home and Office
- Australian Stock
- Australian Warranty
- Authorised Reseller
Found it cheaper somewhere else? Request a price match.
Don't risk purchasing a fake!
MiniDisc are Authorised Resellers
21 Day Change of Mind Returns
Terms and conditions apply
Free Shipping Australia Wide
Free Shipping & Express available
Unmatched advice and support
Always happy to help
This is a request only. We have the right to refuse any request at our discretion. We only accept request from stores that have brand new stock and are authorised Australian dealers. We do not accept request from auction sites and market places.
Fresh New Look. Unleash Every Music Detail.
The ZEN DAC 3 serves as your gateway to the world of high-resolution music, offering support for sample rates of up to 768kHz. This future-proof feature ensures full compatibility with all music formats available on streaming platforms, bringing you the best in sound quality.
Equipped with a built-in headphone amplifier and the versatility to function both as a DAC and a DAC/Pre, this all-encompassing device is the only piece of equipment you’ll need on your desk. It seamlessly connects to headphones, preamplifiers, integrated amplifiers, or active speakers, offering a comprehensive audio solution for home and office.
Refined to Perfection.
The acclaimed ZEN DAC series has garnered numerous awards, including being named WHAT Hi-Fi?’s Best DAC under £200 for four consecutive years.
The ZEN DAC 3 continues its legendary status by doubling its high-resolution support up to 768kHz, DSD512, and MQA decoding capabilities.
The USB-C connectivity streamlines cable management and provides USB input overvoltage protection, safeguarding it against potential harm. Moreover, a significant reduction in DC offset minimises audio clicks when adjusting settings. These improvements propel the ZEN DAC 3 to new heights of audio excellence.
Powering Your Headphones
The ZEN DAC 3 goes beyond being just a USB DAC, boasting a built-in headphone amplifier equipped with both balanced 4.4mm and SE 6.3mm headphone outputs.
With its high-performance 390mW headphone output power, you can use it with a broad range of headphones.
XBass+ is a switchable pure analogue signal processing mode designed to enhance the bass without compromising the clarity of the mid-range. It is perfect for use with IEMs or open-back headphones, which may lack bass response.
The amplifier stage includes a switchable gain feature called PowerMatch, which provides a gain boost for more demanding headphones.If you have headphones that demand even more power, you can connect the ZEN DAC 3 to the ZEN CAN headphone amplifier using a 4.4mm to 4.4mm balanced cable, stacking them up as a ZEN system.
DACtivate your speakers and amplifier.
The ZEN DAC 3 features a Variable or Fixed output switch.
In Variable mode, adjust volume using the knob when connecting directly to active speakers via our 4.4mm to XLR cable or RCA cables.
Use Fixed mode for connecting line outputs to a receiver or main amplifier.
The ZEN DAC 3 is the most versatile USB DAC in its class, offering multiple usage options.
- Supports all high-res music formats up to PCM 768kHz, DSD512, and MQA
- Equipped with a USB-C input for plug-and-play connectivity
- Offers both 6.3mm Single - Ended and 4.4mm Balanced headphone outputs, delivering up to
- 390mW of power for various headphones and earphones
- Features RCA and 4.4mm balanced outputs with variable and fixed volume settings, allowing for
- seamless connection to your active speakers, preamplifiers, or power amplifiers
- Includes XBass+ to restore lost bass frequencies from open headphones
- Comes with PowerMatch, a switchable gain to ensure optimal power for the headphones you are using
- Improved low-jitter GMT (Global Master Timing) clock provides >20dB better performance
- Improved circuitry, including enhanced DC offset, ensures heightened signal purity and accuracy
- Incorporates a 16-Core XMOS low-latency microcontroller for DSD512 and MQA full decoding
- ZEN DAC 3
- RCA Cable
- 3.5 to 6.3 mm Adapter
- Quick Start Guide
- Instruction Card
| Input | USB Type-C |
| Game Console Compatibility | SONY PS5 and Nintendo Switch “SONY” is registered trademark or trademark of Sony Group Corporation. “PS5” is registered trademark or trademark of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. Nintendo Switch™ is trademark of Nintendo. |
| Formats | PCM (768/705.6/384/352.8/192/176.4/96/88.2/48/44.1kHz) DSD (512/256/128/64) DXD (768/705.6/384/352.8kHz) MQA (Decoder) |
| DAC | Bit-Perfect DSD & DXD DAC by Burr Brown |
| Line Output Section | |
| Output Power | |
| Balanced 4.4mm | 2V / 6.2V max. (variable); 4.2V fixed |
| Single-Ended RCA | 1V / 3.3V max. (variable); 2.1V fixed |
| Output Impedance | Balanced 4.4mm ≤200Ω; Single-Ended RCA ≤100Ω |
| SNR | ≥ 113dBA @ 0dBFS |
| DNR | ≥ 113dBA @ 0dBFS |
| THD+N | Balanced 4.4mm <0.0015% @ 0dBFS; Single-Ended RCA <0.003% @ 0dBFS |
| Headphone Output Section | |
| Max. Output Power | |
| Balanced 4.4mm | >70mW @ 600Ω; >300mW @ 32Ω |
| Single-Ended 6.35mm | >18mW @ 600Ω; >210mW @ 32Ω |
| RMS Output Power | |
| Balanced 4.4mm | >390mW @ 64Ω |
| Single-Ended 6.35mm | >210mW @ 32Ω |
| Output impedance | ≤1Ω |
| SNR | ≥ 109dBA @ 0dBFS (6.2V 4.4mm / 3.3V 6.35mm) |
| DNR | ≥ 109dBA @ 0dBFS (6.2V 4.4mm / 3.3V 6.35mm) |
| THD+N | Balanced 4.4mm <0.005% (2V @ 600 Ω); Single-Ended 6.35mm <0.013% (1.27V @ 32Ω) |
| General | |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz – 90kHz (±3dB) |
| Power supply requirement | USB-C or DC 5V/0.5A (centre +ve) |
| Power consumption | No Signal ~0.5W; Max Signal ~2.5W |
| Dimensions | 158 x 115 x 35mm (6.2” x 4.6” x 1.4”) |
| Net weight | 456g (1.0 lbs) |
