The Zen DAC V2 is notably better: still open, smooth and nicely judged in its handling of frequencies, only this time dynamic expression and clarity are confidently taken to the next level, with the bass a little tighter and the presentation slightly more refined too.

Does it work with PS5? - iFi audio

The appeal of the iFi Audio ZEN DAC is simple: with eye-catching looks, flexibility, solid engineering within and a remarkably grown-up sound, this entry-level DAC is a conspicuous hi-fi bargain.

For IEMs, normally high-sensitivity, leave PowerMatch at its lower setting for hiss-free listening.

ZEN DAC V2 Manual Ver1.0 - iFi audio ZEN DAC V2 Manual Ver1.0 - iFi audio

If you are in the market for an affordable and compact desktop DAC/headphone amp, iFi Zen DAC could be just the thing you need. Along with great looks, compact design, and affordable price, iFi Zen DAC delivers very nice, distortion-free sound and can drive the most demanding headphones (up to 600Ω). In this review, we will discuss the features and performance of this very nice entry-level DAC/headphone amp. We’ve used a balanced design for the analogue stage – rare and not found at this price point. This makes it pretty special for the best sound quality. With super-low noise performance, it will remain quiet even in noisy situations such as yachts or RVs.Just like the original, its sole purpose is to feed an external amp, be it a headphone amp, or an amp and speakers. This DAC/amp out performs both of my other, more expensive DAC/amp combos. I have the Topping NX4 and the Audioengine D1 24-Bit DAC/amp combos. And it does so being 30 dollars or more less in price. It has what most of us would understand to be a gain boost, although they call it a “power match”. It also has a “truebass” button that slightly boosts the sub base and base response without distorting any other harmonics. I’ve sold the previously mentioned two DACs and have kept the Ifi Zen DAC/amp. You can read all of the features, it’s MQA unraveling (Still need to have a source that is already Master like TIDAL) While the Chord Hugo 2 is, like the Mojo 2, battery-powered, its price, performance and connectivity make it just as suitable for system environments as desktop ones. This is essentially the Mojo 2 on steroids, offering one of the most transparent and musical performers on the market. “There isn’t another DAC around at anywhere near this sort of price able to communicate so torrentially, so unambiguously or so effortlessly,” we concluded in our review of the multi-award winner. (That said, those with bigger budgets and sonic ambitions can go up a model to the Chord Hugo TT2.) But in all. this unit out performed other more expensive like units. This DAC also has a balanced port if you should choose to (pay a lot) for balanced cables (it’s a 4.4mm plug just so you know). In all though, I am happy with the performance.

Zen DAC V2 + Zen Stream: the perfect match? iFi Audio Zen DAC V2 + Zen Stream: the perfect match?

I made many A-B-A comparisons between the two, and as you would suspect, the two DACs sounded quite similar, whether listening to MQA or Non-MQA streams. HD 6XX (balanced): It's good, i like the bass boost function with it, you definitely want high gain for this one. Unbalanced is probably a step down (not tested). Does it sound better on the Ferrum? Yeah, but it's best on the Echo MK II tube amp anyway, so who cares. I am a big fan of the retro-inspired look of the Zen DAC. It has a 60’s vibe to it, with the angles are brushed metal. The design is “unique” in a way as it doesn’t follow the trend of looking like something from the future. The whole thing has a bit of weight to it, which is nice to have. This sits perfectly on my desk and doesn’t budge at all.’ Offering a significant upgrade over computer sound quality in an era where people need it most, the Zen DAC V2 is another feather in the cap for iFi’s budget Zen series.However, if you want, you can press the True Bass button on either Zen DAC, and they will add a little bit of extra warmth via a tasteful sub-bass boost. It’s nice if you feel your headphones are a little too flat. The ZEN was perfect for my simple needs. I wanted something small I could leave sitting around my work station (i.e., couch) that would save me from the mediocre sound of my laptop. Bing, bang, boom, this puppy was hooked up in less than a minute and has been nothing but outstanding. I do have about 30+ years in the world of Hi-Fi, but I go by what my ears tell me not by some fancy feature(s) the unit comes with. Although those are nice to have, the Bottom Line at the end of the day is the SOUND. I’m also not going to drown you in a bunch of fancy acronyms (IEM etc ) like I’m some type of expert which I’m not. The sound is clearer and not at all muddy like it was when I was just connecting through the onboard sound card on my computer.