Stationary system consisting of DAC, amplifier and 4.4mm cable.
The iFi Audio ZEN DAC Signature is designed to be a stationary or desktop DAC that doesn't skimp on performance.
Wrapped in a Space Blue finish it is associated with the rest of the Signature devices and has been designed to be simple and pure.
With no built-in amplifier, the purpose of the ZEN DAC Signature is to bring quality to your sound. Its simplified circuitry provides the opportunity to update the signal path and the critical components within it.
The ZEN DAC Signature ups the ante even further with its improved true differential balanced topology.
Several key components of the surface mount circuit have been upgraded to high-end devices, including Panasonic OS-CON and Elna Silmic II capacitors.
The circuitry has been refined to ensure short, direct signal paths for optimum signal purity. This results in even greater sonic detail and expression.
The ZEN DAC Signature digital stage retains the True Native DAC architecture much appreciated in iFi.
It offers bit-perfect PCM (up to 32-bit / 384 kHz), native DSD (up to DSD256), DXD and MQA, the high-resolution streaming codec as used by Tidal's 'Master' tier.
The sample rate of incoming audio data is indicated by a multi-color LED behind the aluminum volume control.
The iFi-programmed XMOS chip, which processes data received at the USB input, and audiophile-grade oscillators that eradicate phase jitter, contribute to exemplary handling of digital audio signals as they are received, processed and converted to analog form.
The USB Type B input supports the USB 3.0 'SuperSpeed' standard, as well as USB 2.0 for backward compatibility.
It is asynchronous, meaning that the data rate is regulated solely by ZEN DAC Signature's specialized audio clock circuitry for accurate, jitter-free data transfer from the source device.
There is a pair of RCA connections for single-ended connection to an amplifier, plus a 4.4mm Pentaconn output, allowing balanced signal transfer between compact devices that cannot accommodate bulky, traditional XLR connections.
When connected to an amplifier or active loudspeakers equipped with a balanced input, either a 4.4mm Pentaconn input or stereo XLR inputs via a 4.4mm to XLR cable, the full benefit of the ZEN DAC Signature's balanced circuit design can be heard.
The outputs of the ZEN DAC Signature can be switched between 'variable' or 'fixed'.
The variable setting allows the ZEN DAC Signature to act as a preamplifier for direct connection to a power amplifier.
The fixed option bypasses the volume control, setting the output to 4.2V (balanced) or 2.1V (single-ended) for connection to an external preamplifier, integrated amplifier or powered speakers with their own volume control.
The iFi Audio ZEN CAN Signature 6XX takes your experience to a new level.
It improves the sound over its predecessor thanks to improved circuitry, while maintaining the versatile features of its predecessor.
New, it adds a custom EQ setting precisely engineered across the entire frequency curve to get the most out of the Sennheiser HD650's performance.
This new feature, called ActivEQ, combines active and passive components to create a specific equalization curve to suit the Sennheiser HD650s, performed in the analog domain without a hint of additional noise or distortion.
These headphones are renowned for the quality of their mid-range performance, but exhibit some peculiarities in the bass and treble regions, which can be seen in frequency response measurements.
When the 'HD 6XX' button is pressed, the ZEN CAN Signature 6XX calibrates its signal to complement the headphones' response characteristics across the entire frequency range, tailoring its performance to the HD 650 like a custom-made suit.
What's more, the benefits of this ActivEQ curve are equally applicable to the Sennheiser HD 650, which shares the same characteristics. It also has an effect on other Sennheiser models.
This function can be switched on or off. Without ActivEQ enabled, the performance of the ZEN CAN Signature 6XX is skillfully balanced to take full advantage of all types of headphones and in-ear headphones.
The iFi Audio ZEN CAN Signature 6XX features four gain settings in 6dB steps: 0dB, 6dB, 12dB and 18db.
This allows the amplifier to precisely match the connected headphones. The unity gain (0dB) is useful for ensuring low noise with sensitive in-ear headphones, while the higher gain settings take full advantage of more rugged headphone loads, providing excellent dynamic range.
This analog processing mode compensates for the 'internal localization' effect that can occur when using headphones to listen to music mixed with a pair of speakers.
It expands the sound stage of the headphones to provide a more spacious, speaker-like experience.
The ZEN CAN Signature 6XX circuitry features a balanced symmetrical dual mono design, a topology generally reserved for high-end headphone amplifiers, with a number of key elements sourced from the discrete Class A circuitry developed for iFi's flagship Pro iCan headphone amplifier.
Key components have been upgraded to improve performance in line with the improvements made in the ZEN CAN Signature 6XX, including the use of Panasonic OS-CON and Elna Silmic II capacitors.
The amplifier offers prodigious drive capability, delivering 1600 mW (7.2 V) at 32 ohms from the single-ended output, with 15 V+ available for loads of 300 ohms or more via the balanced output, ensuring it will accommodate even current-hungry planar-magnetic headphones.
The ZEN CAN Signature 6XX, which offers ultra-low distortion, rich sonic detail, engaging dynamics and the ability to drive all types of headphones with ease.
The ZEN CAN Signature 6XX integrates RCA and single-ended 3.5 mm stereo inputs, plus a balanced 4.4 mm Pentaconn input.
A balanced 4.4 mm output is also provided for connection to power amplifiers equipped with a balanced input.
It provides a pair of headphone outputs: a 6.3 mm output for headphones that have a standard single-ended connector (compatible with all headphones) and a balanced 4.4 mm Pentaconn output for headphones that offer a balanced connection.
Whether connected with iFi Audio's ZEN series or other components, this audiophile grade cable will enhance the listening experience.
It has been created to give the highest quality balanced signal transfer and minimum interference.
The cable construction is a custom helix design, minimized in both capacitance and inductance, minZTM.
It also has intrinsic shielding provided by the minZTM helix construction. They protect the cable from RFI and EMI noise and provide the cleanest possible transfer medium.
To further insulate the cable, we adopt RoHS compliant HD polymer, excellent dielectric property and super soft (60P) with 1500 V AC spark resistance.
