iFi Audio ZEN CAN Signature 6XX

The iFi Audio ZEN CAN Signature 6XX takes your experience to another 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.