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The iFi Audio ZEN Air DAC and Headphone Amp is a high-performance audio solution designed to deliver clear, detailed, and immersive sound. Compact yet powerful, this desktop DAC and headphone amplifier combines premium technology with a sleek design, offering a superior audio experience for audiophiles and casual listeners alike. Whether you’re listening to music through headphones or speakers, the ZEN Air ensures a pristine, distortion-free sound that enhances the enjoyment of your favorite tunes.

Key Features

  • High-Resolution Audio Support: Capable of decoding PCM up to 24-bit/96kHz and DSD up to DSD128, ensuring exceptional clarity and detail in every note.
  • Low-Noise, High-Quality Components: Built with advanced components to eliminate background noise, delivering a clean and clear audio signal for optimal sound quality.
  • Versatile Connectivity: Offers both USB and 3.5mm headphone outputs, making it compatible with a wide range of audio equipment, from computers to high-end headphones.
  • Powerful Headphone Amplifier: Delivers ample power to drive a variety of headphones, ensuring a rich and dynamic listening experience, even with high-impedance models.
  • Portable and Compact: Its small form factor allows for easy placement on desks or workspaces, making it a perfect choice for desktop setups.
  • iFi’s Advanced Technology: Equipped with iFi's proprietary technology, including their Burr-Brown DAC chip, for high-quality audio performance.
  • Seamless User Experience: Simple plug-and-play functionality with no need for additional software or drivers, providing a hassle-free setup.

Why Buy

Achieve high-quality audio performance at an affordable price, with a compact design that enhances your listening experience.

  • High-Resolution Audio: Enjoy every detail in your music with support for up to 24-bit/96kHz PCM and DSD128, providing clear, lifelike sound.
  • Impressive Power: The headphone amp drives your headphones with ease, offering a full-range sound experience that reveals every nuance of your music.
  • Compact Design: Ideal for small spaces, this DAC and headphone amp fits neatly into any desktop setup without sacrificing audio quality.

Product Specifications

iFi Audio ZEN Air DAC and Headphone Amp Specifications
Brand iFi Audio
Model ZEN Air
Type DAC and Headphone Amplifier
Bluetooth No
Input Options USB Type-B
Output Options 3.5mm Headphone Jack, 6.3mm Headphone Jack
Power Output Up to 320mW (at 32Ω)
Battery Life Does not have a battery (powered through USB)
Charging Time Not applicable (USB-powered)
DAC Chip Texas Instruments PCM5102A
Supported Audio Formats MP3, AAC, FLAC, ALAC, DSD
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) 113dB
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) 0.001%
Dimensions 120mm x 55mm x 26mm
Weight 295g
Compatible Headphones 32Ω to 600Ω
Operating Systems Supported Windows, macOS, Android
Noise Cancellation No
Customizable EQ No
Warranty 1 Year

Customer Reviews

Based on 13 reviews
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L
Lenny Lee

I wanted to purchase a headphone amp for my Audio Technica ATH-AD700X headphones. These are fairly low impedance cans, but my on-board audio had trouble driving them to decent volume. This little amp is powered off USB which is amazing, provided you have the USB 3.1 connection. I tested this on my desktop and laptop. It's simply incredible. The bass boost is a great feature. There are other products out there that require a separate power source, but I highly recommend this especially if you need a boost using a laptop.

t
trevor martin

Great little all in one!!

R
Rutwik Brahmbhatt

I purchased this DAC a few months back and I use it with my Sennheiser HD 560s to listen to lossless/hi-res music. It sounds fantastic for the price you pay, especially the high frequencies sound so clear! And it outputs a decent bass as well when turn on the extra bass on the DAC. I'm very happy with it!

S
Schuylercat

I have only heard 3-4 DACs, one if which was utterly superb. The owner said it was about $3000.Keep in mind, this is used with a vintage system and speakers, not headphones.This little guy is noiseless, plays every file type I throw at it, and was wonderfully affordable. True audiophiles might hear a difference, but here in my mid-fi world, I'm happy.

Q
Quincem1

I was able to get this DAC on sale for $99CAN, which in my opinion is a steal and probably best DAC you can buy for the price. A definite improvement on sound quality from the basic headphone jack input on my Lenovo X1 Extreme.The 'power match' gain function does not distort the sound. Even the Xbass feature, which does add quite a bit of bass umph depending on your headphones, does not seem to degrade the sound at all. In fact, there is a spaciousness and detail overall that is worth the $100. I don't have a lot of experience with more expensive DAC's but in Depeche Mode's 'Enjoy the Silence' there is detail that I had not noticed previously.Want to try a basic DAC, get a bit better sound quality and boost from your basic laptop setup? I recommend trying this DAC out.Headphones - V-Moda Crossfade 2.

iFi Audio ZEN Air DAC and Headphone Amp FAQs

How do I connect the ZEN Air DAC to my computer or smart device?

To connect the ZEN Air DAC to your computer or smart device, use a USB cable to link the device's USB input to a USB port on your computer or smart device. Once connected, the DAC will process the digital audio signal and output it through the headphone jack on the front or the RCA connections on the back.

Can the ZEN Air DAC drive high-impedance headphones?

Yes, the ZEN Air DAC includes a high-quality headphone amplifier capable of driving a wide range of headphones and earphones, including those with higher impedance. For optimal performance with different headphone types, the device features a 'PowerMatch' setting to adjust the gain. It's recommended to start with a low volume level before changing the PowerMatch setting to prevent potential hearing damage or equipment strain.

Can I use the ZEN Air DAC with active speakers?

Yes, the ZEN Air DAC can be connected to active speakers. Use the RCA outputs on the back of the DAC to connect to your active speakers or an external amplifier. Ensure that the volume levels are appropriately adjusted to prevent any potential damage to your equipment.


What audio formats does the ZEN Air DAC support?

The ZEN Air DAC supports high-resolution audio formats, including PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz, DSD64, DSD128, and DSD256. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of high-quality audio files.