The iFi Audio ZEN CAN Signature HFM is an exclusive amplifier for Hifiman headphones with ActivEQ function customized and adjusted by experts to get the best out of extraordinary headphones.
iFi continues its alliance with the most leading firms in the headphone market and as a novelty, launches this amplifier that takes the best of the original ZEN CAN and adjusts it to squeeze the most out of your reference headphones.
If you want to know everything inside this amplifier, read on.
The great novelty of this headphone amplifier is the integration of the ActivEQ function that combines active and passive components to create a specific equalization curve and adapt to each model of the Asian firm.
All of this is done from the analog domain without adding any additional noise or distortion. It should be noted that Hifiman headphones offer remarkable transparency and a soundstage to match, so the combination with this ZEN CAN Signature HFM is bound to improve bass response and inject more immediacy into the upper midrange.
The Can Signature HFM calibrates the signal to complement the response characteristics of the headphones over the entire frequency range, allowing you to fine-tune the performance to make your Hifiman work perfectly.
The device features four PowerMatch gain modes set in six dB steps: 0dB, 6dB, 12dB and 18db.
This allows the amplifier to match the headphones and ensure low noise on higher sensitivity models, and facilitate the movement of high impedance headphones.
XSpace technology is the analog processing mode that compensates for the 'internal localization' effect that can occur when using headphones to listen to music mixed with a pair of speakers.
With XSpace you can expand the sound stage of the headphones and get a more spacious, speaker-like experience.
The circuitry of the ZEN CAN Signature HFM follows 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 circuits developed for iFi's flagship headphone amplifier.
Key components have been upgraded to improve performance in line with the improvements made in ZEN CAN Signature HFM, including the use of Panasonic OS-CON and Elna Silmic II capacitors.
The amplifier delivers excellent figures with 1600mW at 32 ohms from the standard output and with an added 15V for impedances over 600 ohms or more from the balanced output.
The ZEN CAN Signature HFM continues the reputation of its predecessors and offers ultra-low distortion, rich sonic detail and engaging dynamics with the ability to drive all types of headphones with ease.
The range of connections on the new iFi Audio amplifier is extensive and versatile.
It offers RCA stereo and single-ended 3.5mm stereo inputs, plus a balanced 4.4mm Pentaconn input. There is also a balanced 4.4 mm output so you can connect to power amplifiers equipped with a balanced input.
There is 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.
As always, the ZEN CAN Signature HFM can be combined with the new ZEN DAC Signature V2.
When used together, the two ZEN Signatures create an unbeatable desktop-sized headphone system for both digital and analog listening.
