iFi Zen Air DAC - High Resolution DAC - MQA Renderer - High Resolution Music

Any of these are going to greatly improve the sound over plugging your headphones directly into the mini-jack on a computer. Listening was done with a few different headphones but mostly with beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X Closed-Back Studio Headphones. Music source was a laptop connected to the DAC/Headphone Amp via USB. If an external power supply was included, I used that. If not, power came via USB. I've kept notes on my impressions brief and included comparisons amongst the DAC/Amp's in this list. They are listed below in my order of preference with my favorites at the top. If you want flowery vocabulary I'm sure in depth reviews are available out there on the web. Headphones make the greatest difference in sound - spend more on them, if necessary. The DAC/Amp is secondary but does add its own flavor to the music. --- iFi Zen DAC V2 | Desktop Digital Analog Converter (Listening only with "TRUEBASS" off.) Very good. Slightly better than the FiiO K7. Better vocal clarity and slightly fuller bass. I ended up comparing this with the FX-Audio DAC-X6 head to head, which continued to surprise me as I put it up against significantly more expensive competitors. Across several hours and many pieces of music, I prefer the iFi... but the difference is infinitesimal. Possibly the iFi has a little more punch to the bass? Maybe a bit more space ans separation? If you're working to a budget, get the FX-Audio and put the extra cash towards better headphones. FX-Audio DAC-X6 Mini HiFi 2.0 Digital Audio Decoder DAC This thing is good. Surprisingly good. I ended up putting it head-to-head with amps costing three times its price. Slightly warmer sound, with slightly less detail in the vocals than the iFi Zen Air, but more space in the music, and more enjoyable to listen to. Slightly better clarity than the Topping. FiiO K7 Full Balanced HiFi DAC Headphone Amplifier This is indeed better than the K5 version. Vocals are more lifelike. And a particular emphasis on the mid-treble heard in the K5 is absent. There is more separation between the instruments. Very close call with the iFi V2, with my preference going to the iFi for better vocal clarity and slightly fuller bass. iFi Zen Air DAC Not quite as good as the V2, but close. Closer than the FiiO K5 is to the K7. There is, again, a comparative emphasis in mid-treble and the vocals get a bit lost. The sound is slightly thin compared to rivals at this price point. FiiO K5 Pro Headphone Amps Portable Desktop DAC and Amplifier Not quite as good as the K7, but at half the price one cannot really complain. Vocals are not quite as lifelike and there is more mid-treble - but not in a good way. Topping DX1 Mini Stereo DAC Headphone Amplifier Combo Very good little unit. Bass is slightly overemphasized. Fosi Audio K5 Pro Gaming DAC Headphone Amplifier I thought this unit was DOA. Turns out that you must long press the volume knob to turn it on. (Short press to select input.) Not terrible, but not as musical as the others in this test. Also, the only one with bass and treble knobs. And only a mini-jack - no 1/4" jack. Pro-Ject Head Box S2 Digital This DAC/Amp had an issue that makes it unlistenable. The sound is very nice... but... there's some faint static. Only in the music, not in silence. A faint crackling.... Can't have that.

The way this dac/amp powers the monstrously large drivers and doesn’t sacrifice on audio fidelity is next to none. Even though the AKG K712 pros are super old at this point, they completely blow cans that see even $1000 or higher out of the water. Try to pair this DAC to K712s and use a music streaming platform like amazon music. they have the largest catalogue of lossless music and i’m an extreme audiophile. I literally have no use for the $20,000+ i’ve spent over the last year on “impeccable” audiophile grade IEMs or overhead cans. the K712s may not look like the sleekest headset but make no mistake. You don’t even feel them on your head they’re that comfortable. Just make sure you press the boost button on the DAC or it won’t sound like the drivers are being powered fully. NOT THE BASS BOOST BUTTON. I couldn’t rate this audio pair higher. It’s a cheap DAC that gets the job done flawlessly with the highest audio fidelity you will ever hear for $500. Seriously. If you buy this DAC, try them either the K712pros. I guarantee you will be blown away like I have.

Pros - Great sound when powered by a 5V source. Small. Easy to hook up. Firmware updates including digital filter updates! MQA decoding at entry level price. Cons - Avg to Below Avg sound when powered by USB only. Weak headphone amp, only good for sensitive or easy to drive headphones. Misleading, confusing documentation for 5V power source.* Unable to control audio levels via operating system (volume, balance, etc).** Missing balance control knob on the DAC. Lots of plastic. Overall take away - Fantastic sound (when powered with a separate 5V source), with a hint of inner warmth - might be what you need for system synergy. The plastic does feel a bit cheap, but the deal breaker for me was the inability to change the audio balance left/right without installing some third party application. IfI should have added a balance control knob. If you need MQA decoding, definitely consider! * - Some documentation says 5V/0.5A while some says 5V/2.5A. I think the actual number is 5V/0.5A as I was able to power it perfectly fine with 5V/1.8A. I had a typical USB power supply on hand for a phone/tablet (9 Watts, 5V/1.8A) and picked up a USB to 5V DC barrel cord to connect it. Furthermore, the specs say it only consumes 2.5W maximum. IfI probably has it specified this way to get you to buy their very expensive linear PSU which is 5V/2.5A. ** - You can download some third party software that will give you control of the audio levels from the OS.

I'm not sure what level of 'unfolding' or 'rendering' this does, but for 110 bucks it was the most obvious choice. It plays regular PCM-audio and MQA beautifully. I hardly write reviews so I thought this was a good time when it counts. The only annoying thing is Tidal App on Mac wants to pop up confirmation of the input audio source as this DAC. Probably an app matter but I'll deal for now. This RCA into my Amp's processor has far more clarity and fidelity than the former Optical port from my last Mac (M1 has crappy mini-headphone jack only) and my reality was rewritten when RCA's from the Node 2i in my living room setup proved that also. The Bass button is an unexpected delight, which gives just enough subtle kick to make the sub a bit stronger. Digital music with all its eras and recording decades is all over the board with engineering so sometimes bass just seems not there, other times it's overwhelming. I have this right under my Mac so I can hit the little button with ease, and the knob is also far more convenient than reaching for the Amp's volume. When a Master's MQA format tune comes on, the green light goes to purple without delay. Let's me know it's the full deal. Not sure why the Power Match is there, it just increases volume. Not sure which sweet spot between Pre and Dac's volume has best sound, I imagine the DAC's volume button is a 'gain', but the B&K amp's legit 150 wpc gives so much power clipping and distortion is never an issue for the JM Lab speakers always up for the juice. Be aware this is so light that the actual RCA cables will dictate how it stays put but the rubber feet help some on my desk surface. Nice job iFi

Finally, the mystery of 11 year old and unbeatable, until now, Denon DA-300USB is solved - it was Burr Brown DAC chip. ZEN Air DAC has very natural and clean sound thanks to Burr Brow True Native MultiBit DAC chip. A few notes about line out RCA: - The volume(voltage) is very low by default - you need to enable PowerMatch mode to get voltage on line out > 2V (with in specs). - Analog type variable volume is aways on, but it does not matter really, also you can use it as pre-amp when needed. - The XBass+ is available on line out as well, so you can boost bass on old recordings that are often lack bass. The only small con: the RCA jacks are a bit on the loose side.

The IFI Zen air is a very competitive product in comparison to other days. First of all, don't buy this as an all in one headphone amp, just don't the headphone output is bad. It is ok as a dac to a good headphone amp. The headphone amp has a lot of distortion and using additional IFI power supply did not help. Good sound from the dac but hate the output is controlled by the volume knob!!

Pros: Lovely Burr-Brown musicality. With this DAC, I don’t analyze the music and I can just listen. Good center image and soundstage depth/width. Volume control is very helpful and MQA is great with Tidal. I Compared against the $900+ Neo DSD 2, the Zen Air is fractionally less “clear”, in some cases you may prefer a tiny bit less resolution, or perhaps you would spend $8-900 more a few more points of resolution. Cons: Cannot control volume from laptop, SMSL SU-1 has windows volume control. Mostly plastic build quality. But hey it is only $100! Highly recommended!

This product doesnt work with either Linux or Windows 10. There is no audio output at all. No amount of the fixes i tried either from reddit or random forum posts worked. Furthermore the audio jack is large, like 1/4 diameter. Not the standard of 3.5mm. Very lame. Get FIIO instead. Japan knows how to make products.

Cosa dire , per il prezzo che ha questo piccolo gioiellino è una macchina fantastica , confrontato con dac di fascia più alta ,credetemi regge egregiamente il confronto , gli inglesi non si tradiscono mai nel settore audio , da avere assolutamente per maneggevolezza ,suono ed affidabilità .

D'une simplicité enfantine à mettre en service, cela ne sacrifie en rien la qualité incroyable de ce DAC. Étant habitué à du matériel très haut de gamme (très cher) , je suis surpris par les capacités hors normes de cet appareil au regard du prix planché. Il va révolutionner votre façon d'écouter les sons qui sortent de votre ordinateur. Aussi bien en jeux qu'en musique (streaming qualité HIFI). Associé à une petite paire d'enceintes actives aux alentours des 250€, le résultat est ÉPOUSTOUFLANT. La musique est ciselée, avec une dynamique impressionnante et pas un souffle. Même mon épouse à fait Wouah. Elle en veux bien pour son ordi portable maintenant. Passionné de Hi-Fi depuis 40 ans, je doit dire qu'au vu des éléments matériels utilisés sur la carte électronique, il n'est pas étonnant d'obtenir ce résultat. Mais l'obtenir à ce tarif, quel bonheur. N'hésitez plus. Si votre budget est serré, vous n'aurez pas mieux. Après comptez 800 à 1000€ pour passer au dessus, avec plein de fonctions que vous n'utiliserais jamais. Commandez avant la rupture... Ce sera peut être pour vous l'introduction au monde incroyable de la Hi-Fi 'High end'.

Just got mine today, sound is FULL & ALIVE, No worries about the presumed noise from not using overly expensive power supply, I have zero noise, although i am not a headphone user, nor will i be, i have quality, large 3 way bass reflex speakers, along with vintage sony amp, which are linked to my PC tower, not a gamer, only interested in Music sound, not a gamer. Read in one review that noise can happen if too many usb ports are in use, well I am using most of mine, yet zero interferance, thankfully. can't imagine ever having to climb higher up the price ladder with regard to quality music sound, now that i have this device. Super simple connection using supplied usb cable & in my case 2 RCA cables from my amp into the unit, i have previously always used twin phono from amp to a single 3.5 jack to system/sound card, already had twin phono to twin phono , so no need to buy anything. Had to restart PC for couple of my music players (Pot player + WMP) to output sound. Cannot imagine anyone requiring the bass boost, this device is FULL sounding. Had been looking at various expensive sound cards which are said to be a bit iffy with drivers, so very pleased to have opted for this gem at a 3rd the cost. Full, clear, well defined sound, yet smooth, no harshness at all, Fabtastic! Update since having it a few days:Although playing music fine i would keep getting Aidio rendered error when clicking on youtube videos, which i new was relating to the unit, as i'd previously never encountered that & having to restart computer to remedy the problem as suggested is just a nuisance i wasn't prepared to put up with, after searching online about it & pottering around i realized that changing usb port solved it, for a time, but came to conclusion that usb cable simply wasn't sufficient for the unit so opted to buy a 5v power supply & as i had no intention of paying for the high priced recommended power supply, got a basic one here on Amazon for £5.99, i had read that others had used a basic unit also with success, it arrived lastnight and all was well, no noise or anything, however i got up this morning and had no sound at all? even though it was working fine lastnight, i opted to troubleshoot sound on my win11 & after a couple of steps it opted to Reinstal driver which had it working again, so im not Positive i required the power supply, but feel better having it & hope this info is of use if anyone encounters similar. Really superb clear full sound, i've found myself playing lots of songs in my collection i hadn't for some time, as they all sound so Alive and renewed now, music enjoyment is greatly elevated:) Whatever you listen to. Well, yet another update, it seems that my issues were relating to win11 speaker properties/system, where you must deselect Exclusive box, or it will not allow more than 1 device to output sound, which is why i was getting an error attempting to play youtube video, when music was playing, also need to select highest audio output of 38400hz, as windows will default to far lesser output, so it now seems power supply was not required & usb would have been fine & not the cause of my issue. Does anything ever go smooth:) jeez

Perfect for the iPad

El IFI Zen Air DAC High Res tiene un sonido detallado, musical y natural. Las sibilancias de las voces, cuando las tienen, se suavizan. La imagen estéreo es coherente y equilibrada. No he escuchado, ni la falta de graves, ni las interrupciones entre canciones a las que hacen referencia algunas reseñas (quizás esto sea debido a no tener actualizado Windows o los controladores de audio). Nada más conectarlo el ordenador te lo reconoce, aunque halla que entrar en la configuración de sonido, hacer clic dos veces sobre altavoces IFI HD USB Audio y luego entrar en opciones avanzadas para seleccionar la velocidad de muestreo de 32 bits y 384000 Hz. En definitiva, un muy buen DAC a precio muy competitivo (99 euros) y que mejora ampliamente el sonido del ordenador aunque lo escuches en MP3. Para acabar, aconsejaría que si el DAC lo tenéis conectado al equipo de música y los agudos os suenan chillones o estridentes, incorporéis unas ferritas (filtros EMI), dos por cada cable doble, de la medida correspondiente al calibre del cable justo antes de la entrada de los altavoces. No os lo penséis, si necesitáis un DAC asequible y de calidad este es el indicado. Además llegó muy rápido, al día siguiente. En contra diría que la voz se oye más clara e inteligible en el DAC Magic 100.