great review. in regards to your comments about the power supply, have you even considered making a video comparing different ones? for instance ifi vs phone charger vs random amazon ones?
Wait, signature line is both amp and dac? Sorry, I'm new to ifi and I've only seen the amp signature so far. What's the main diff vs this and the vanilla? I only know that it has some sort of eq for some hwadphones
I am really pleased with the sound and build quality but connected to my new Mac mini it drops out at random times ranging from 20 minutes to 4 hours for no apparent reason. So far the iFi help desk have not been able to resolve it so sadly it will be going back.
Nice review! I used the ZDv2 in my main system with a Zen Stream and was surprised at how well that setup worked. It was on par with the CXNv2 I had at the time. All that said, I’m going to pass on the ZDv3.
hy I buy a IFI Zen Dac 3 and have a sennheiser HD 650, connected to my Mac book pro , and the dac ,has a pour volume and have it to put the dac to the max to hear better ,and need more what would I do ,buy a amp or other dac.
Definitely, especially if you go balanced, but that wouldn’t even be necessary. I don’t think you would ever surpass 75% volume-vise… I am at roughly 45% with my edition xs and I would assume they’re about similarly hungry.
Hi Michael, nice video. My Zen DAC 3 and Zen CAN 3 has just arrived. I’ve done the initial setup. Like you say, the DAC does not come with a 5v - but the CAN does. If I buy a 5v for the DAC will that improve my sound? (I already have the 5v connected to the CAN). I’m very new to sound and used to use a cheap turtle beach - now upgraded to a HD Pro 490. Appreciate the help.
You’re making great choices for a first system. In all honesty you really don’t have to spend anymore, the law of diminishing returns comes pretty quick. This system will be enough for you to know just how much you’re into the hobby. If you absolutely love it, you’ll probably find yourself upgrading to something in an even higher price range when you can, but you won’t need to be in any hurry imo at least. Yes, if you’ve already sprang for the zen dac and can 3 and a pair of 490pros, finish it off with the power supply, it’s worth it! This is 3 months old, so hopefully you’ve had an experience similar to what I’ve just explained, from one audio enthusiast to another lol. You could hook all that up to powered speakers or a power amp and take the sound beyond headphones. That’s a sharp looking little setup I bet.
Nice review. No charger? As long as it's usb c and not proprietary I'm fine wiyh that. Keeps down costs, helps the planet and gives me an excuse to use one of the multiple chargers I have already. However, I i have the absolutely brilliant chord mojo 2. Best audio purchase i ever brought.
can a volume be adjusted from Windows via its volume control in the right lower corner, or it only works by turning a knob on the ZenDac 3 unit? Thanks
Buying k7 or waiting for k8 with usb c input..interested in trying k11 but yhey just announced k11 r2r so i will hold back for now but on my head its concluded k7 is the answer coming from k3 to Thx onyx but i need full desktop grade power with wide soundstage and resolving / textured bass like k3 even tho onyx us cleansr its missing some raw power on poorly mastered tracks..
Hello. I don't have time to watch all video, sorry for this. Want to ask some questions. I have Edifier MR4 and don't have a decent headphones yet. Planning to buy a DAC/Amp for them. My budget is maximum 200-250 USD, what DAC/Amp do you recommend? Bluetooth might be a plus because I also have Amazon Fire TV 4K Max Gen 2 and want to be connected via Bluetooth. Best regards.
This is a ridiculous downgrade to an already flawed dac. A LOT of people still listen cd music collections, its NOT all about streaming or computers, so lacking tosslink and coaxial inputs again is a major FLAW from ifi. That's why I bought months ago their ifi Neo iDSD 2 which is a great Dac/Amp combo and allows me to listen music via internet PLUS all my cd collection. V4 should INCLUDE coaxial/tosslink inputs ifi, you're limiting your own customers.
3th generation and Still No power button or output selection how hard it is to put a freaking power button if you want to use this with a power adapter then you need one that has power switch on the cable really annoying on top of that No Optical or Coax input either but they did increase the price for finally giving you usb-c just phatetic compared to other companies offers at the same price
You do realize that it can be bus powered without any power adapter and still sounds really good? It’s super handy for when you don’t want to use a power adapter.
In spite of being a huge fan of yours, kindly permit me to differ with you regarding the 'Aesthetics' of iFi Products. Its quite possible that Audio quality wise, iFi Products are good, but as far as their physical appearance is concerned, to me, they are quite weird looking and Totally unacceptable. They have no place in my collection of Audio gear. The same goes for 'Chord' bizarre looking Products, despite their popularity.
0:37 are you sure the sword is long enough for that box? 😆
great review. in regards to your comments about the power supply, have you even considered making a video comparing different ones? for instance ifi vs phone charger vs random amazon ones?
I would like to. I need access to instruments that could potentially measure any difference in electrical noise or interference.
I love my Zen stack signature 6xx. I run the DAC through both the ifi signature amp and through my Cambridge integrated amp in my living room system.
That was a great set
Wait, signature line is both amp and dac? Sorry, I'm new to ifi and I've only seen the amp signature so far. What's the main diff vs this and the vanilla?
I only know that it has some sort of eq for some hwadphones
might be worth mentioning that a power supply is not required, the unit will run fine on the usb power alone
@7:29
And that is its biggest disadvantage. Only usb in. Thats why I sold it. I dont want a PC in my living room. So outdatet.
My Zen Dac V2 does what I need. No need for an upgrade 😊
Do you get true stereo when you used the balanced output to your speakers?
I am really pleased with the sound and build quality but connected to my new Mac mini it drops out at random times ranging from 20 minutes to 4 hours for no apparent reason. So far the iFi help desk have not been able to resolve it so sadly it will be going back.
Nice review!
I used the ZDv2 in my main system with a Zen Stream and was surprised at how well that setup worked. It was on par with the CXNv2 I had at the time.
All that said, I’m going to pass on the ZDv3.
I've had nothing but problems with this thing since I got it. It just stops playing audio, my pc stops even finding it in my devices.
hy I buy a IFI Zen Dac 3 and have a sennheiser HD 650, connected to my Mac
book pro , and the dac ,has a pour volume and have it to put the dac to the max to hear better ,and need more
what would I do ,buy a amp or other dac.
How does this combo Dac compare to a 2 piece ifi setup??
Cutting corners is not the way to go , especially on today's competitive dac market. C'mon IFI include a P.S. Thanks for the review Mike.
¡Hola!
Estoy por comprar el fiio k7 pero estoy indeciso
¿Cual me recomendarías más?
¿Zen DAC 3 o Fiio K7?
Saludos 👋
K7 es mejor en mi opinion
Paired with a Zen Stream the ZDv2/3 makes for a nice streaming setup in your main system.
I listen to spotify on my laptop and listen to the cd player, is it good for that use?
Yes
Im using zen dac v3 with simgot ea1000 4.4mm (front port) and i can hear hissing sound from it. May I know how to avoid that?
I have the first gen Zen DAC and Zen CAN. is there going to be any audible difference if i upgrade to the 3rd gen DAC/CAN?
Thanks for the review. Is ifi zen dac3 good enough to push Sennheiser HD600 with impedance of 300ohms?
Definitely, especially if you go balanced, but that wouldn’t even be necessary. I don’t think you would ever surpass 75% volume-vise… I am at roughly 45% with my edition xs and I would assume they’re about similarly hungry.
Hi would you recommend this over gryphon ?
Hi Michael, nice video. My Zen DAC 3 and Zen CAN 3 has just arrived. I’ve done the initial setup. Like you say, the DAC does not come with a 5v - but the CAN does. If I buy a 5v for the DAC will that improve my sound? (I already have the 5v connected to the CAN). I’m very new to sound and used to use a cheap turtle beach - now upgraded to a HD Pro 490. Appreciate the help.
You’re making great choices for a first system. In all honesty you really don’t have to spend anymore, the law of diminishing returns comes pretty quick. This system will be enough for you to know just how much you’re into the hobby. If you absolutely love it, you’ll probably find yourself upgrading to something in an even higher price range when you can, but you won’t need to be in any hurry imo at least. Yes, if you’ve already sprang for the zen dac and can 3 and a pair of 490pros, finish it off with the power supply, it’s worth it! This is 3 months old, so hopefully you’ve had an experience similar to what I’ve just explained, from one audio enthusiast to another lol. You could hook all that up to powered speakers or a power amp and take the sound beyond headphones. That’s a sharp looking little setup I bet.
What would be the upgrade path from the V2
which dac would you recommend for the senh 660s2 for gaming
Nice review.
No charger? As long as it's usb c and not proprietary I'm fine wiyh that. Keeps down costs, helps the planet and gives me an excuse to use one of the multiple chargers I have already.
However, I i have the absolutely brilliant chord mojo 2. Best audio purchase i ever brought.
Can i play music using the usb type C using android?
can a volume be adjusted from Windows via its volume control in the right lower corner, or it only works by turning a knob on the ZenDac 3 unit? Thanks
only by the knob in the dac
@@haze5407 thank you
Will this work with a Playstation 5? Had a Schiit Hel 2 but it.... Schiit the bed. Need something to juice up my Sennheiser x Drop PC38X 🙏🙏
Its certified for PS5 actually.
Not moving on my JNOG2 with sockets, it looks nice though!
This and the V2 can be powered over USB. Since it is meant to be plugged into a computer, it makes sense.
Buying k7 or waiting for k8 with usb c input..interested in trying k11 but yhey just announced k11 r2r so i will hold back for now but on my head its concluded k7 is the answer coming from k3 to Thx onyx but i need full desktop grade power with wide soundstage and resolving / textured bass like k3 even tho onyx us cleansr its missing some raw power on poorly mastered tracks..
At $229? Then the $70 power supply? No.
I’m leaning that direction especially when my K7 is at $199 all in!
@@audioarkitekts The selling point was its price. No longer unfortunately.
I’m happy with my iFi Zen V1, still fine…just fine…
it runs off usb power without any lower quality sound, the a/c power is useless.
@@Exonix USB power from a computer's hub is just barely adequate at best.
Hello. I don't have time to watch all video, sorry for this. Want to ask some questions. I have Edifier MR4 and don't have a decent headphones yet. Planning to buy a DAC/Amp for them. My budget is maximum 200-250 USD, what DAC/Amp do you recommend? Bluetooth might be a plus because I also have Amazon Fire TV 4K Max Gen 2 and want to be connected via Bluetooth. Best regards.
Does the 4.4mm headphone amplifier have balanced components ???
Yes, i just bought one, the manual says it is the preferred option because its a balanced dac.
they just drop the can v3 u really gotta try it
This is a ridiculous downgrade to an already flawed dac. A LOT of people still listen cd music collections, its NOT all about streaming or computers, so lacking tosslink and coaxial inputs again is a major FLAW from ifi. That's why I bought months ago their ifi Neo iDSD 2 which is a great Dac/Amp combo and allows me to listen music via internet PLUS all my cd collection. V4 should INCLUDE coaxial/tosslink inputs ifi, you're limiting your own customers.
I do agree with you, I think they positioned this as a primary PC solution .
3th generation and Still No power button or output selection how hard it is to put a freaking power button if you want to use this with a power adapter then you need one that has power switch on the cable really annoying on top of that No Optical or Coax input either but they did increase the price for finally giving you usb-c just phatetic compared to other companies offers at the same price
Can’t even put a power adapter in the box. It’s a no from me for these greedy companies.
You do realize that it can be bus powered without any power adapter and still sounds really good? It’s super handy for when you don’t want to use a power adapter.
Thats not a knife.
Took the words out of my mouth. 😂
Soo.. If I were to use this standalone.. No pc.. I would need the power brick?
OH wait.. Music goes thru usb c.. So it's really for pc
In spite of being a huge fan of yours, kindly permit me to differ with you regarding the 'Aesthetics' of iFi Products. Its quite possible that Audio quality wise, iFi Products are good, but as far as their physical appearance is concerned, to me, they are quite weird looking and Totally unacceptable. They have no place in my collection of Audio gear.
The same goes for 'Chord' bizarre looking Products, despite their popularity.
Are you more of a fan of the traditional big black box?
@@audioarkitekts Traditional box, not necessarily big. I also like industrial looking design.
Machete!