Elevate your listening experience with the iFi Audio ZEN DAC 3, a portable USB headphone amp and digital audio converter built to accommodate a wide variety of headphones and in-ear monitors, delivering high-fidelity PCM, DSD, and DXD audio. It seamlessly connects to headphones, preamplifiers, integrated amplifiers, or active speakers, offering a comprehensive audio solution for home and office.

The ZEN DAC 3 delivers high-resolution music with support for sample rates of up to 768 kHz. This futureproof feature ensures full compatibility with all music formats available on streaming platforms, bringing you the best in sound quality. The ZEN DAC includes a USB-C cable, a dual RCA cable, and a 1/4" adapter.

Native DSD512 and MQA Support    Advanced Low-Jitter Clock    Powered by 16-Core XMOS Chip    PowerMatch for Correct Headphone Gain    XBass Analog Bass Correction System    Analog Volume Control    768 kHz / 32-Bit PCM, DXD DAC, DSD512    USB-C for Power and Data    Upgradable Power Supply    Includes USB Cable and Dual RCA Cable

• Supports all high-res music formats up to PCM 768 kHz, DSD512, and MQA
• Equipped with a USB-C input for plug-and-play connectivity
• Offers both 6.3mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced headphone outputs, delivering up to 390mW of power for various headphones and earphones
• Features RCA and 4.4mm balanced outputs with variable and fixed volume settings, allowing for seamless connection to your active speakers, preamplifiers, or power amplifiers
• Includes XBass+ to restore lost bass frequencies from open headphones
• Comes with PowerMatch, a switchable gain to ensure optimal power for the headphones you are using
• Improved low-jitter GMT (Global Master Timing) clock provides >20dB better performance
• Improved circuitry, including enhanced DC offset, ensures heightened signal purity and accuracy
• Incorporates a 16-Core XMOS low-latency microcontroller for DSD512 and MQA full decoding

• The ZEN DAC 3 continues its legendary status by doubling its high-resolution support up to 768 kHz, DSD512, and MQA-decoding capabilities.
• The USB-C connectivity streamlines cable management and provides USB input overvoltage protection, safeguarding it against potential harm. Moreover, a significant reduction in DC offset minimizes audio clicks when adjusting settings. These improvements propel the ZEN DAC 3 to new heights of audio excellence.

• The ZEN DAC 3 goes beyond being just a USB DAC, boasting a built-in headphone amplifier equipped with both balanced 4.4mm and SE 6.3mm headphone outputs. 
• With its high-performance 390mW headphone output power, you can use it with a broad range of headphones.
• XBass+ is a switchable pure analog signal processing mode designed to enhance the bass without compromising midrange clarity. It is perfect for use with IEMs or open-back headphones, which may lack bass response.
• The amplifier stage includes a switchable gain feature called PowerMatch, which provides a gain boost for more demanding headphones. If you have headphones that demand even more power, you can connect the ZEN DAC 3 to the ZEN CAN headphone amplifier using a 4.4 to 4.4mm balanced cable, stacking them up as a ZEN system.

The ZEN DAC 3 is the most versatile USB DAC in its class, offering multiple usage options.

• The ZEN DAC 3 features a Variable or Fixed output switch.
• In Variable mode, adjust volume using the knob when connecting directly to active speakers via iFi's 4.4mm to XLR cable or RCA cables.
• Use Fixed mode for connecting line outputs to a receiver or main amplifier.

• The ZEN DAC 3 is powered by USB-C, simplifying cable management. However, for audiophiles seeking to elevate their system, the 5V power input offers an upgrade path.
• When an external power supply is connected, the USB-C port will only transmit data, ensuring a purer signal.
• The iFi iPower2 is an ultraquiet and ultraclean audiophile-grade power supply, featuring Active Noise Cancellation II technology to cancel out all incoming EMI and RFI noise, you’ll never feel powerless against noise and graininess again.

Hi-Res Audio

• Hi-res audio support is state of the art with True Native playback. It handles PCM data to 32-bit / 768 kHz, DSD up to DSD512, and single and double speed DXD.
• Thanks to the Burr-Brown DAC chip’s four-channel True Native design, PCM and DSD take separate pathways—this enables DSD and PCM to remain bit-perfect in native form right through to analog conversion. This is not the case with all DAC devices from other brands—even if DSD compatibility is stated, many such DACs convert DSD signals to PCM.

XMOS 16x

• The XMOS 16-core chip processes the audio data received via the USB digital input.
• This low-latency XMOS microcontroller has greatly enhanced processing power. Compared to the current generation of 8-core chips, this new 16-core IC delivers double the clock speed (2000 MIPS) and four times the memory (512KB), as well as the latest SuperSpeed USB standard.
• iFi’s in-house digital development team has programmed the XMOS firmware to optimize sound quality and ensure a perfect partnership with the Burr-Brown DAC.

Burr-Brown MultiBit

• The Burr-Brown True Native chipset means file formats remain unchanged or bit-perfect. This means you are listening to music as the artist intended, in the format in which it was recorded.
• iFi uses Burr-Brown extensively in their products, having selected it for natural-sounding musicality and True Native architecture.

MQA

• MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is supported through the USB with full decoding of MQA files up to 384 kHz thanks to the processing power of the new 16-core XMOS chip.
• This means that the full unfold decoding process is performed internally, as opposed to only the final unfold in the manner of an MQA renderer.
• Globally, MQA has become an important consideration for any comprehensively equipped DAC. It is available through for Tidal Masters, Audirvana, and Roon.

Balanced

• It is a superior method to the traditional single-ended circuit approach. Balanced circuits reduce noise and crosstalk. Less Interference—clearer sound.
• You normally find this setup in products at the higher end of the price spectrum such as the Pro iCAN Signature, but iFi is now using this across its range to produce the best quality audio.

XBass

• The XBass analog bass correction system corrects for the missing headphone/speaker bass response.

Low-Jitter Crystal Clock

• Extensive jitter-eradication technologies are applied to the digital stage, including iFi'sGMT (Global Master Timing) femtoprecision clock and intelligent memory buffer.
• The low-jitter crystal clock has been updated to provide >20 dB better performance

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Can this interface do the same processing internally like a DBX 286s does for compressor, de-esser, gating, etc?

A: Yes but it does not work the same way as a dbx 286s. The Zen Go Synergy Core Desktop 4x8 USB Type-C Audio Interface uses software and digital signal processing to achieve those functions and is made primarily for recording applications. The dbx 286s does not and is used primarily for live sound applications.

Q: 2. The picture for type A looks like type C, is the picture wrong?

A: It is Type C male to Type A female.

Q: 3. Hi, could you tell me if it is very fast to put and remove a camera like a GH5? For me speed in plugging and removing the camera is important. Do you tink a GH5 is OK for that head or is it too small? Thank you? Thanks

A: This is very fast. The only faster would be a lever activated clamp like this one: Really Right Stuff B2-40-LR Lever-Release Clamp with 1/4 -20 Screw (50mm) B&H # REB240LR142S.

Q: 4. I want to put this on top of the FEISOL PB-70 Panning Base, then fasten the whole thing to a Desmond DNR-180 Nodal Rail, and use the whole thing as the upper rail for a cheap panoramic solution. Will it even work, considering thread size and overall durability?

A: Yes , if one uses the reducer bushing :https://bhpho.to/2gGw2Pp on top of the Feisol PB-70 panning base, one can mount the Desmond DAC-38 Quick Release Clamp with a 1/4"-20 inner thread below..

Q: 5. Which usb c power adapter can I use? Just a 5v,2a phone charger with usb c?

A: According to the manual, this will require a 5V power supply via the USB-C port to function. Their iPower (5V) is recommended but any low noise 5V power supply will work.

Q: 6. Is there a specific power adapter I could buy? Or can I just use a 5v usb-c cord like for a phone

A: The iDefender+ can use a separate power source via its USB Type-C power port, blocking power from the computer

Q: 7. Does clamp include 1/4"-20 screw?

A: There is no 1/4"-20 screw included.

Q: 8. How much does this weigh? Wondering if it's worth swapping out the QR clamps that came with my PhotoClam ball heads.

A: These Desmond clamps are very well manufactured and function well. Here is what Desmond stated on their website: Weight: 67g (2.4oz)

Q: 9. Are the real time effects meant only for recording? Or would they also work for mixing with pre-recorded tracks? Do they work as other real time effects, in Davinci Resolve or Pro Tools?

A: The Antelope Zen Go Synergy Core's real-time effects would be intended for use while recording or streaming, when FX plugins are not an option. They would apply directly to the audio output, and cannot be applied to prerecorded clips in the same way as an effect plugin.

Q: 10. Is The Zen Go compatible with iOS devices?

A: No, the Zen Go Synergy Core is not compatible with iOS devices. It is designed for use with Mac and Windows computers. However, its core functionalities can be used without a computer and it can be powered by a USB charger or power bank (the same type that you would use to charge a mobile phone or tablet).