I bought the Zen CAN at release based on the strength of the Zen DAC but was really disappointed in it. People I've talked to who owned one and moved on from it agree it sounds "washed out" in a sense. It's wasn't like the mid-ranged was withdrawn or veiled so much as it sounded flat in terms of spatial presentation and dry, but not dry in the sense of textured, dry in the sense of grainy or brittle sounding. This was true for either output in my usage. I never invested in the balanced connector for Zen DAC to Zen CAN so I can't say if that made a difference but I'm surprised so few reviewers have had this experience. I did pair it with other entry-level DACs but it pretty much sounded the same regardless. I ended up preferring the amp on the Zen DAC so it didn't make sense to keep it. I wonder if I got a bad egg or power adapter. Interesting review though, glad to have you back! ✌
You should see if iFi could send you the Signature-Zen-Dac to test. It's more detailed than the regular Zen-Dac and seems to have a slight elevation in the midrange that's good for vocals.
I bought the dac signature pre owned with the high end power supply 6months ago, you can clearly hear e difference with it an with it powered via a external USB. As the price of the power unit is close to the price for the DAC, I can see why they don't 0ship any ore but as you said it's not really the same proud t
Just got one of these. Honestly I think the bass button is actually really nicely done. It's just a subtle bump but it makes the bass sound nice and rounded on any of my cans. Although I'm not that bothered about purism. I worked as a mix engineer long enough to know you're never gonna hear the record the way it sounded in the room it was mixed or mastered in - that pretty much goes out the window the moment you listen to a track on headphones anyway unless you know for sure it was mixed on the same headphones you own. Just embrace whatever sounds good to your ears. Also I can say that I've definitely noticed a big difference in imaging and sound stage compared to just plugging my headphones directly into my speaker amp. Was genuinely surprised by that, I thought it'd be louder at most.
The way you explained the ZenCan, is exactly why I spent a month with a HipDac, sold it, and moved on to brighter and more exciting things, it was just boring? I bought an E50 Topping, and an Xduoo TA20, and a few other things, I’m pretty happy, I just have to get the tube rolling out of the way to find the best mix, I really love magical mids, with the texture of a croissant, dry and pliable, sweet and salty! Plucky ducky and a really sharp yet smooth treble 😉
First of all the ifi zen can is a voltage amp (15V of power/600ohm), so I am suggesting to decide based on the needs (do I have some high impedance headphones or not...?). Milliwatts of this amp are nothing special, but voltage is extraordinary, much more than the A90pro, A30pro or any current mainstream amp. Nice review btw, I am glad u are back 😊.
Hi, I am glad you review zen can. First thing first it is absolute true that we all hear different but also we have to understand that majority of music listeners are people who rarely go to concerts, specially classical or jazz. So, for me , being close to 50 years in audio reproduction and living with zen can for a year now it is THE amp for musical reproduction rather than sound or sonic bombardment. I bought it for TV -movies use with zen blue but I found it also very good for my music with Hifiman 5xx. I have also DarkVoice +HD600 and project dac but can't say zen can via 4.4mm cable is lower tier. No, fantastic amp indeed and I listen to lot of acoustic music and vocals. At one point I had Asgard 3 and zen can was more musical and energetic, lifelike so you just enjoy music and not analyse it. This is the thing, musical involvement! To my ears, Topping and smsl sound artificial, tailored to please younger generation of electronically made music. Zen can is a great amp enough to forget other offerings.
Your reviews are very unique and also very helpful. I enjoy it every time i watch them. Your vivid language (by the way, your english is very good), inspires me. It is obvious, that your hobby is your passion. And that makes you credible. I just subscribed to your channel. (thumbs up) ;)
Great reviews. Honest and objective, that's why I enjoy your videos. I've only head the Signature combo from IFI: I'm a tube kinda guy but I have to recognise that price to performance it was very good, especially with Sennheiser 600s and Grado GS1000. Very smooth, for my tastes sometimes too much (a little punch is always appreciated). All in all a good entry point IMO
Hi, what can you suggest for a tube Amp. Always wanted one and I don't need am expensive set. Just something decent to try tube Amp. I don't know which brands are available here but a model or too and I can try searching
halo, I'm new with this channel and by just watching 2-3 of your vids i've press subscribe, i like how you describe what's on your mind, they just clik me, and yes english is not my mother language but yess i get you.
Another wonderfully comprehensive review…and I’ve been wondering whether to go separates or integrated for a headphone setup. Nice to know the Zen Can is top game for its price. This REALLY helps. Might you have any interest or plans to look at the Hifiman EF 400 dac/amp? Would love your review of that one in comparison to the DX5 🙏🏼👍🏼
Hello. One mention. The 3D effect brings the scene forward as I perceived. You said that has a layed back sound. I own it and it's the match for the zen dacs.
The China generic supply did not have a choke near the connector. Disconnected from the unit and it produces an RF signal that can introduce RF from the switching supply into your cables or equipment. I switched to the IFI Ipower2 supply at USA $100.
Don't forget to review the Topping D90SE DAC. Really need your input! You're the only one I trust to give us a proper "sound quality" review! - Please!! :)
2 years have passed since this video. Have you tested the JDS Labs Atom Amp 2 which is often praised for its perfect sound fidelity (without modification) and its apparently impressive lack of distortion. How do you compare it to the Topping A30 Pro and the Ifi Zen CAN? Do you know the Massdrop Cavalli Tube Hybrid - CTH? (I know it came out about 5 years ago). But the reviews are often glowing. Your judgment of the Beyerdynamic headphones surprised me a little. They are not all analytical. The DT 770 pro (closed headphones) and the DT 990 Pro (open headphones) still offer a lot of bass and sound roundness, which offers an excellent sound perspective (wide, warm and defined) for listening to music (especially the DT 990 pro). Other models are more analytical: the DT 900 pro X for example.
I tested only the original Atom and I have to say it was underwhelming. Its sound was not as good as its measurements, and even the build quality was sub par. Given they are also difficult to buy from my place, I never had any desire to purchase Atom 2 and no one around me had it for a loan. Both A30 pro and Zen Can are in another, clearly higher tier of performance and build quality compared to the original Atom.
@@iiWiReviews OK I see. But note that for the question of construction the Atom 2 (amp & dac) is now all metal. You should see the video with the title "JDS Labs - Atom 2 Amp & DAC Review ».
Considering the date of this video, was it the iFI Zen Can first version or the iFi Zen Can V2 ? Question no 2 : How is this DAC powered and connected to the computer ? By USB in the computer ? Thank you.
I bought this about a month ago in the UK for £130 which is $155 so I think it has definitely come down in price here. I have paired it to an Earmen Eagle, also going cheap for for £87. Anyway my reason for having separates is that I imagine DAC technology will change faster than amplifier tech, if that makes sense.
@@chisreginaldo8873 Sorry I had my notifications off. Yes just as you describe it. But I've moved on again and now I have the SMSL c100 which I think is a much better match with the zen can.
Hello. Do you think that connecting the Zen CAN to the "ZEN DAC AIR" would improve this AIR version of the ZEN DAC? The Zen DAC AIR has, like the Zen CAN, the XBass+ function but also a function called Power Match. I don't know if this Power Match function is basically the same as the GAIN function on the Zen Can. I also don't know if the 3D function of the Zen CAN offers a better result than the Xspace function of the AIR version of the Zen Can. Last question : Does the iFi Audio Zen CAN amplifier include the wall power adapter and RCA cables in the box when purchased ?
There was an electrical adapter in the box of zen Can but the wire of this adapter is not very long. Is there a risk of deterioration of the Zen CAN if I use an extension indicated 12 Volts to connect it to the 5 volt wall adapter include with zen CAN ? I mean that I would obviously use the iFi Audio 5 volt adapter but I would lengthen the wire of this adapter with a 12-volt extension.
I really would love you to get your hands on a Yulong Da-art Aurora and compare it to DX5. At that time there were no reviews for neither of them. I was going to buy a DX5, but then I saw Aurora and pre-ordered it.
Thanks for another excellent review. Isn't the Zen DAC V2 a better choice, since it's a dac and a headphone amplifier, for €160, or am I missing something?
the 3D function at the front of the Zen CAN, and even the Xbass function, have virtually no effect on the sound of my headphones (my headphones are a 48-ohm Beyerdynamic DT-900 ProX). Especially the 3D function that produces no sound difference, whether it is on or off. This is my great disappointment. I specify that I connect the Zen CAN into the Zen DAC AIR by RCA cables. Can connecting the original Zen CAN to the AIR version of the Zen DAC create incompatibilities?
I bought the ZEN can about 6 months ago second hand for a 100 Euro. I'm very pleased with the sound though I will eventually complement it with a dac/amp with more output power. I find myself reaching for the +18 db gain setting when driving headphones like Sundara or AKG K712. They get loud enough but I think there's defintely still room for improvement. As to the lack of full sized XLR's, is that really a downside ? Pentacon serves the same purpose while using way less surface area, besides there are dual XLR to pentacon cables if you want to use anything other than the ZEN dac
I have a Denon AH-D5200 (24 Ohm) headphone driven by an Ifi Zen Dac v2 (balanced). I wonder if I should buy this Zen Can as well. Does anyone know, if this amp wil make the sound of my Denon better?
Hey.. great video like always. How Zen CAN compared to Schiit Magni 3+, atlist in power wise and sound quality wise. Out of these two which can drive HIFIMAN HE400SE comfortably? Thanks in advance. Cheers!!!
Hi, I haven't heard Magni 3+ version, only the older one without a +. Zen Can sounds better than that older Magni 3, more details, more dynamic... But I don't know how much they improved 3+ version. Cheers!
Excellent review! I really enjoy your style and channel. Keep the great content coming. Thanks for being a bigger/ better man by delivering an unbiased review despite IFI being dicks.
All enhancements such as XBass and 3D or Xspace are analog there's no digital processing going on in the Zen Can. The 3D or Xspace on their other units is used to open up the sound stage and is basically just a boost to upper mids and treble. Again everything the Zen Can does to sound is analog so go ahead and play with them a little if you want I promise you won't need a shower afterwords. LOL I no longer have a Zen Can but I did try one out for a couple weeks and can say it was a decent amp but I do prefer my A30 Pro over it. To me the A30 Pro isn't darker up top and extends just as far if not farther compared to the Zen Can so on that I guess we're hearing things differently but hey that's just the hobby. Be aware if you want that better low noise power supply that used to be included in the box it will cost you an extra $108 US at most retailers. I had both the Zen Dac and Zen Dac V2 as well and to me they were just to polite/warm but if you like that sound they could be your thing. To me they sounded almost as if I was listening to music under water a wet sheet between me and my music, not quite a wet blanket some suggest but still very apparent. It's similar to the Burson sound but just not as clear or detailed IMHO. I hope that helps some of you looking at the Zen lineup and happy listening everyone. Oh and thank you for the review I always appreciate your honest opinions of gear, take care...
Well explained. I own a zen dac v2 too. And i feel the same in terms of sound. Honestly, I am not liking it much. Too laid back and watery. Sound stage is great but missing out detailed presentation of music. No energy and feels like a official exhaust on a motorcycle with less breathing. Have you tried dx pro plus? Any thoughts on it?
I don't have A50s to compare directly but I remember it was just slightly better than L30... And I feel Zen Can has a bigger performance gap compared to L30 so I feel it should sound slightly better and livelier than A50s.
So, my q is this... I have literally DOZENS of headphones, budget and crazy expensive, but none (NONE!) come with a balanced cable. And finding balanced cables is a nearly impossible task. Could you please give me a short list of popular balanced headphones that justify ifi focusing on that connector? (I mean, balanced connector.) Thanks.
@@laika25 a 6.3 to 3.5 adapter. If you look, most reviewers have one in the dac/amp. They just leave it in so you can switch headphones. Just the little termination piece. It works, I use it daily
Awesome Review ! glad that you finally review it and I hope ifi people realizes their mistake of not send it to you earlier. TIP: power ifi Zen CAN with Allo Shanti, or any other good LPS, it will sound so MUCH BETTER!
![[MV] A leap of faith...ความเชื่อใจครั้งสุดท้าย (From "Petrichor the series")](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/U1piZH2CNXA/mqdefault.jpg)
I really like your reviews. Objective, detailed and intresting. Keep it up!
I bought the Zen CAN at release based on the strength of the Zen DAC but was really disappointed in it. People I've talked to who owned one and moved on from it agree it sounds "washed out" in a sense. It's wasn't like the mid-ranged was withdrawn or veiled so much as it sounded flat in terms of spatial presentation and dry, but not dry in the sense of textured, dry in the sense of grainy or brittle sounding. This was true for either output in my usage. I never invested in the balanced connector for Zen DAC to Zen CAN so I can't say if that made a difference but I'm surprised so few reviewers have had this experience. I did pair it with other entry-level DACs but it pretty much sounded the same regardless. I ended up preferring the amp on the Zen DAC so it didn't make sense to keep it. I wonder if I got a bad egg or power adapter. Interesting review though, glad to have you back! ✌
You should see if iFi could send you the Signature-Zen-Dac to test. It's more detailed than the regular Zen-Dac and seems to have a slight elevation in the midrange that's good for vocals.
I bought the dac signature pre owned with the high end power supply 6months ago, you can clearly hear e difference with it an with it powered via a external USB. As the price of the power unit is close to the price for the DAC, I can see why they don't 0ship any ore but as you said it's not really the same proud t
Just got one of these. Honestly I think the bass button is actually really nicely done. It's just a subtle bump but it makes the bass sound nice and rounded on any of my cans. Although I'm not that bothered about purism. I worked as a mix engineer long enough to know you're never gonna hear the record the way it sounded in the room it was mixed or mastered in - that pretty much goes out the window the moment you listen to a track on headphones anyway unless you know for sure it was mixed on the same headphones you own. Just embrace whatever sounds good to your ears. Also I can say that I've definitely noticed a big difference in imaging and sound stage compared to just plugging my headphones directly into my speaker amp. Was genuinely surprised by that, I thought it'd be louder at most.
I have a question. Is it possible to connect this amp directly to my PC's audio output? May it cause damage to the amp or PC?
Objectivity serves your channel well, and you have proven to be up to the challenge with the villainous Ifi ! Great job!
The way you explained the ZenCan, is exactly why I spent a month with a HipDac, sold it, and moved on to brighter and more exciting things, it was just boring? I bought an E50 Topping, and an Xduoo TA20, and a few other things, I’m pretty happy, I just have to get the tube rolling out of the way to find the best mix, I really love magical mids, with the texture of a croissant, dry and pliable, sweet and salty! Plucky ducky and a really sharp yet smooth treble 😉
First of all the ifi zen can is a voltage amp (15V of power/600ohm), so I am suggesting to decide based on the needs (do I have some high impedance headphones or not...?). Milliwatts of this amp are nothing special, but voltage is extraordinary, much more than the A90pro, A30pro or any current mainstream amp. Nice review btw, I am glad u are back 😊.
Hi, I am glad you review zen can. First thing first it is absolute true that we all hear different but also we have to understand that majority of music listeners are people who rarely go to concerts, specially classical or jazz. So, for me , being close to 50 years in audio reproduction and living with zen can for a year now it is THE amp for musical reproduction rather than sound or sonic bombardment. I bought it for TV -movies use with zen blue but I found it also very good for my music with Hifiman 5xx. I have also DarkVoice +HD600 and project dac but can't say zen can via 4.4mm cable is lower tier. No, fantastic amp indeed and I listen to lot of acoustic music and vocals. At one point I had Asgard 3 and zen can was more musical and energetic, lifelike so you just enjoy music and not analyse it. This is the thing, musical involvement! To my ears, Topping and smsl sound artificial, tailored to please younger generation of electronically made music. Zen can is a great amp enough to forget other offerings.
Sorry to bother you. I have a question. Is it possible to connect this amp directly to my PC's audio output? May it cause damage to the amp or PC?
Watching this through an iFi Zen Can and a DT880. I'm happy and offended at the same time LOL
Zen Can's major drawback is it doesn't handle low impedance headphones/iems well. The channel imbalance is not negligible😫
Only single-ended though right?
In personal experience, do not have that issue, but it does do something weird with low power IEMs
Thats why I use the zen dac with it
Yes it can. A power supply with more amperes will do it. That’s the only issue.
And yeah that will cost more money
Gotta love Srboljub's emotional description of sound! Glad to see you back!
Your reviews are very unique and also very helpful. I enjoy it every time i watch them. Your vivid language (by the way, your english is very good), inspires me. It is obvious, that your hobby is your passion. And that makes you credible. I just subscribed to your channel. (thumbs up) ;)
Great reviews. Honest and objective, that's why I enjoy your videos. I've only head the Signature combo from IFI: I'm a tube kinda guy but I have to recognise that price to performance it was very good, especially with Sennheiser 600s and Grado GS1000. Very smooth, for my tastes sometimes too much (a little punch is always appreciated). All in all a good entry point IMO
Hi, what can you suggest for a tube Amp. Always wanted one and I don't need am expensive set. Just something decent to try tube Amp.
I don't know which brands are available here but a model or too and I can try searching
I got my Zen Can paired with Zen Dac Signature V2. It sounds really good!
I have this Zen Can. And you are right. The sound is a little smooth. Is the sound of the new Zen Can Signature better?
halo, I'm new with this channel and by just watching 2-3 of your vids i've press subscribe, i like how you describe what's on your mind, they just clik me, and yes english is not my mother language but yess i get you.
Hey... Thanks for the review. I aprreciate your song recomendations particularly. Greatings from Mexico City
I pair mine with the ifi zen dac. Sound great to me.
Another wonderfully comprehensive review…and I’ve been wondering whether to go separates or integrated for a headphone setup. Nice to know the Zen Can is top game for its price. This REALLY helps.
Might you have any interest or plans to look at the Hifiman EF 400 dac/amp? Would love your review of that one in comparison to the DX5 🙏🏼👍🏼
I have one of these connected to my Zen Dac v2 running Sennheiser HD650's. I love the bass button, it really does work well.
Diet, so you have zen dac and can? I'm asking bec I'm looking to buy zen maybe the dac
Hello. One mention. The 3D effect brings the scene forward as I perceived.
You said that has a layed back sound.
I own it and it's the match for the zen dacs.
The China generic supply did not have a choke near the connector. Disconnected from the unit and it produces an RF signal that can introduce RF from the switching supply into your cables or equipment. I switched to the IFI Ipower2 supply at USA $100.
🤗HAPPY YOU GOT A VACATION 👏👏👏and got your work done and KEPT YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR 😁🤗😍😍
Don't forget to review the Topping D90SE DAC. Really need your input! You're the only one I trust to give us a proper "sound quality" review! - Please!! :)
It's coming soon... Wll, the LE version without the MQA.
@@iiWiReviews Cool. is the LE version the exact same as the D90SE just without MQA? Same DAC chip, same implementation, etc?
@@rlwings Yes, completely same just without MQA and 100USD cheaper.
TY! For this review! Great video as always!
2 years have passed since this video.
Have you tested the JDS Labs Atom Amp 2 which is often praised for its perfect sound fidelity (without modification) and its apparently impressive lack of distortion. How do you compare it to the Topping A30 Pro and the Ifi Zen CAN?
Do you know the Massdrop Cavalli Tube Hybrid - CTH? (I know it came out about 5 years ago). But the reviews are often glowing.
Your judgment of the Beyerdynamic headphones surprised me a little. They are not all analytical. The DT 770 pro (closed headphones) and the DT 990 Pro (open headphones) still offer a lot of bass and sound roundness, which offers an excellent sound perspective (wide, warm and defined) for listening to music (especially the DT 990 pro). Other models are more analytical: the DT 900 pro X for example.
I tested only the original Atom and I have to say it was underwhelming. Its sound was not as good as its measurements, and even the build quality was sub par. Given they are also difficult to buy from my place, I never had any desire to purchase Atom 2 and no one around me had it for a loan.
Both A30 pro and Zen Can are in another, clearly higher tier of performance and build quality compared to the original Atom.
@@iiWiReviews OK I see. But note that for the question of construction the Atom 2 (amp & dac) is now all metal. You should see the video with the title "JDS Labs - Atom 2 Amp & DAC Review ».
Considering the date of this video, was it the iFI Zen Can first version or the iFi Zen Can V2 ?
Question no 2 : How is this DAC powered and connected to the computer ? By USB in the computer ? Thank you.
I bought this about a month ago in the UK for £130 which is $155 so I think it has definitely come down in price here. I have paired it to an Earmen Eagle, also going cheap for for £87. Anyway my reason for having separates is that I imagine DAC technology will change faster than amplifier tech, if that makes sense.
It does make sense & is my take too. Sometimes I wish I were not so considerate!
So you use the eagle as a dac, feeding it thru the zen can 3.5 analog input?
@@chisreginaldo8873 Sorry I had my notifications off. Yes just as you describe it. But I've moved on again and now I have the SMSL c100 which I think is a much better match with the zen can.
Hello. Do you think that connecting the Zen CAN to the "ZEN DAC AIR" would improve this AIR version of the ZEN DAC?
The Zen DAC AIR has, like the Zen CAN, the XBass+ function but also a function called Power Match. I don't know if this Power Match function is basically the same as the GAIN function on the Zen Can.
I also don't know if the 3D function of the Zen CAN offers a better result than the Xspace function of the AIR version of the Zen Can.
Last question : Does the iFi Audio Zen CAN amplifier include the wall power adapter and RCA cables in the box when purchased ?
Nice to have you back. Hope your holiday was nice.
What he failed to say about the 3D for the Ifi is that is analog filter not a digital. so it pure.
Nice video as always, sir! Any plans on reviewing the SMSL VMV D1SE? It's an amazing DAC IMO.
Adjust level into it low enough to use the 12 DB position and get more dynamic bass.
There was an electrical adapter in the box of zen Can but the wire of this adapter is not very long. Is there a risk of deterioration of the Zen CAN if I use an extension indicated 12 Volts to connect it to the 5 volt wall adapter include with zen CAN ?
I mean that I would obviously use the iFi Audio 5 volt adapter but I would lengthen the wire of this adapter with a 12-volt extension.
I really would love you to get your hands on a Yulong Da-art Aurora and compare it to DX5. At that time there were no reviews for neither of them. I was going to buy a DX5, but then I saw Aurora and pre-ordered it.
Thanks for another excellent review. Isn't the Zen DAC V2 a better choice, since it's a dac and a headphone amplifier, for €160, or am I missing something?
I haven't heard V2 but originl Zen DAC was a decent DAC with a quite weak amplifier.... This dedicated amp has much more power and drive.
@@iiWiReviews Thank you, now i understand the diference 👍
The iFi Zen Air Can is almost the same as the original but with plastic cover is only at 99 USD dollar.
If it's really the same device and sounds the same then that's a bargain for this kind of performance.
Zen air CAN is not fully balanced as it is on Zen CAN, instead it benefits from iFi’s S-balanced circuit design.
the 3D function at the front of the Zen CAN, and even the Xbass function, have virtually no effect on the sound of my headphones (my headphones are a 48-ohm Beyerdynamic DT-900 ProX). Especially the 3D function that produces no sound difference, whether it is on or off. This is my great disappointment.
I specify that I connect the Zen CAN into the Zen DAC AIR by RCA cables.
Can connecting the original Zen CAN to the AIR version of the Zen DAC create incompatibilities?
I bought the ZEN can about 6 months ago second hand for a 100 Euro.
I'm very pleased with the sound though I will eventually complement it with a dac/amp with more output power.
I find myself reaching for the +18 db gain setting when driving headphones like Sundara or AKG K712.
They get loud enough but I think there's defintely still room for improvement.
As to the lack of full sized XLR's, is that really a downside ?
Pentacon serves the same purpose while using way less surface area, besides there are dual XLR to pentacon cables if you want to use anything other than the ZEN dac
Can you review the newly released budget version of this? IFI zen can air
Bravo, Bravo, Excellent, Super entertaining, very helpful.
As a DAC, the new *SMSL DO100* ($239) would give the Topping DX5 a run for its money.
You ought to try the Zen Can with the iFi iPower x Ultra power supply. It gets even better.
I'm using one 12V iPower X for devices that can't be powered by my Allo Shanti which is 5V. Really good PS, very compact too compared to any LPS.
So, a Zen DAC with a Zen Can is still beaten by a DX5?
I have a Denon AH-D5200 (24 Ohm) headphone driven by an Ifi Zen Dac v2 (balanced). I wonder if I should buy this Zen Can as well. Does anyone know, if this amp wil make the sound of my Denon better?
Probably you should try Topping DX3 Pro+ it's half the price of DX5 with the same amp built in
I friend is going to lend it to me next week so we'll see.
Loved this review 😂
Great review, how does dx5 compare to mojo 2 if you have had the chance to compare as they are similar in price
Thanks but I haven't heard Chord Mojo 2. Last time I checked it wasn't available here and Chord prices in my country are always on the high side.
I loved the humor and jokes! 😅
Compare this unit with the topping nx7 please. I want to know your opinion.
You should try DX3 Pro+ it looks like DX5 for half the price
Hey.. great video like always. How Zen CAN compared to Schiit Magni 3+, atlist in power wise and sound quality wise. Out of these two which can drive HIFIMAN HE400SE comfortably? Thanks in advance. Cheers!!!
Hi, I haven't heard Magni 3+ version, only the older one without a +. Zen Can sounds better than that older Magni 3, more details, more dynamic... But I don't know how much they improved 3+ version. Cheers!
Would you prefer this over topping l50?
Ifi has 4! dedicated stack options for Zen series: Zen DAC, Air, Blue and Signature.
Wouldn't they be better than Topping DX5 combo?
I haven't tried Signature...but for the rest, no they wouldn't.
Actually, Ipower X I used is the USA $100.
Excellent review! I really enjoy your style and channel. Keep the great content coming. Thanks for being a bigger/ better man by delivering an unbiased review despite IFI being dicks.
All enhancements such as XBass and 3D or Xspace are analog there's no digital processing going on in the Zen Can. The 3D or Xspace on their other units is used to open up the sound stage and is basically just a boost to upper mids and treble. Again everything the Zen Can does to sound is analog so go ahead and play with them a little if you want I promise you won't need a shower afterwords. LOL
I no longer have a Zen Can but I did try one out for a couple weeks and can say it was a decent amp but I do prefer my A30 Pro over it. To me the A30 Pro isn't darker up top and extends just as far if not farther compared to the Zen Can so on that I guess we're hearing things differently but hey that's just the hobby. Be aware if you want that better low noise power supply that used to be included in the box it will cost you an extra $108 US at most retailers. I had both the Zen Dac and Zen Dac V2 as well and to me they were just to polite/warm but if you like that sound they could be your thing. To me they sounded almost as if I was listening to music under water a wet sheet between me and my music, not quite a wet blanket some suggest but still very apparent. It's similar to the Burson sound but just not as clear or detailed IMHO.
I hope that helps some of you looking at the Zen lineup and happy listening everyone.
Oh and thank you for the review I always appreciate your honest opinions of gear, take care...
Well explained. I own a zen dac v2 too. And i feel the same in terms of sound. Honestly, I am not liking it much. Too laid back and watery. Sound stage is great but missing out detailed presentation of music. No energy and feels like a official exhaust on a motorcycle with less breathing. Have you tried dx pro plus? Any thoughts on it?
do you think there is eny sound difference from
ifi dac
and
ifi signatur dac
thanks
Hey Srboljub, how does the Zen Can compare to the Topping A50S?
I don't have A50s to compare directly but I remember it was just slightly better than L30... And I feel Zen Can has a bigger performance gap compared to L30 so I feel it should sound slightly better and livelier than A50s.
hi, it would be very interesting to compare ifi zen can to xduoo mt-604
Topping DX-3 Pro + will slap around the iffy (iFi).
This is review done right.
😆 liked this review a lot
any other dacs/amps with bass buttons like ifi?
what dac should i add on top of this?
Does dx5 sound better than smsl m500 mkII through headphone output?
Yes
Wow channel is amazing 😍
👌
does zen can sound different tan a zen dac ?
So, my q is this... I have literally DOZENS of headphones, budget and crazy expensive, but none (NONE!) come with a balanced cable. And finding balanced cables is a nearly impossible task. Could you please give me a short list of popular balanced headphones that justify ifi focusing on that connector? (I mean, balanced connector.) Thanks.
Just buy an adapter from Amazon
@@shaunbrady15 An adapter to go unbalanced to balanced? Hmmm, I'm pretty darn sure that doesn't work. The whole cable HAS to be balanced.
@@laika25 a 6.3 to 3.5 adapter. If you look, most reviewers have one in the dac/amp. They just leave it in so you can switch headphones. Just the little termination piece. It works, I use it daily
@@shaunbrady15 That adapter is single ended only. You don't seem to know what 'balanced' means....🤔
Did catch the last parenthesis. This Zen can does have a balanced output, but ya the 6.3 is single ended
Awesome Review ! glad that you finally review it and I hope ifi people realizes their mistake of not send it to you earlier.
TIP: power ifi Zen CAN with Allo Shanti, or any other good LPS, it will sound so MUCH BETTER!
Like for Bayer Dynamics headphone joke :)))
Deja Vu