iFi Audio Zen Can Signature MZ99

The original ZEN CAN, our all-analog headphone amplifier, had the ability to handle difficult headphone loads with a balanced circuit design, extremely low distortion levels and exceptional sounds. It was quickly followed by the ZEN CAN Signature 6XX and the specially tuned ZEN CAN Signature HFM.

However, there was one more headphone that we thought deserved the ActiveEQ treatment: the Meze 99 Classics.

We love these headphones and know they work well with our gear, but we just wanted to improve their performance as much as we could.

Our ActivEQ function combines active and passive components to create a specific equalization curve that is tailored to a particular pair of headphones. This is done in the analog domain without adding any additional noise or distortion.

Meze 99 Classics are revered worldwide for their exceptional tonality and dynamic expression: they are loved by artists and audio enthusiasts alike. The ZEN CAN Signature MZ99, with the perfectly matched ActivEQ mode, adjusts the treble for more "liveliness," and the enhanced mid-bass and low-mid bass extract the last drop of sonic goodness from the Meze 99 Classics.

The performance of the Meze 99 Classics & ZEN CAN Signature MZ99 is simply superb.

Selecting the MZ99 button on the ZEN CAN Signature MZ99 calibrates its signal to complement the response characteristics of the headphones over the entire frequency range. This then adjusts its performance to work with the Meze 99 headphones.

The ZEN CAN Signature MZ99 not only works with Meze 99 Classics, but also with Meze 99 Neo and Meze 99 Drop.

As with our previous ZEN CAN Signature models, this feature can be turned on or off. Without ActivEQ enabled, the performance of the ZEN CAN Signature MZ99 will bring out the best in all other headphones and in-ear monitors.

The ZEN CAN Signature MZ99 has four gain settings in six dB steps: 0dB, 6dB, 12dB and 18db. We have called this PowerMatch.

This allows the amplifier to precisely match the connected headphones. The unity gain (0dB) is useful for ensuring low noise with sensitive internal monitors, while the higher gain settings make the most of the harshest headphone loads, providing excellent dynamic headroom.

This analog processing mode compensates for the "head-location" effect that can occur when using headphones to listen to music that was mixed with a pair of speakers.

It expands the soundstage of the headphones to provide a more spacious, speaker-like experience.

The ZEN CAN Signature MZ99's circuitry is a balanced symmetrical dual mono design, a topology generally reserved for high-end headphone amplifiers, with a number of key elements filtering down from the discrete Class A circuitry developed for iFi's flagship headphone amplifier, the Pro. i can.

The amplifier provides superb driveability, delivering 1600 mW (7.2 V) at 32 ohms from the single-ended output, with 15 V+ available for loads of 600 ohms or more through the balanced output.

The ZEN CAN Signature MZ99 offers monumentally low distortion, rich sonic detail and fascinating dynamics, and the ability to drive all types of headphones with ease.

The ZEN CAN Signature MZ99 offers RCA and single-ended 3.5 mm stereo inputs, plus a balanced 4.4 mm balanced input. There is also a balanced 4.4 mm output so you can connect to power amplifiers equipped with a balanced input.

It has 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 4.4 mm balanced output for headphones that offer a balanced connection.

An increasing number of high-quality headphones and in-ear monitors come equipped with them or offer the option to disconnect the cable and upgrade to a balanced 4.4 mm connector, and this output takes full advantage of them (especially recommended for impedance headphones).

The ZEN CAN Signature MZ99 magically works with the ZEN DAC Signature V2.

Although you can purchase each unit separately, a 'ZEN Signature Set' is also available. This includes both ZEN Signature units plus a high performance 4.4mm balanced 4.4mm cable (worth £69 when purchased separately) to connect them.

When used together, the two ZEN Signature form an unbeatable desktop-sized headphone system for both digital and analog listening.