Hi Gavin, nice video! I am going through comments and didn't find anyone ask the following question which, I belive, makes more sense than comparing amp/dacs and amps. If one has 200 eur budget and can get either a Zen Dac (199 ) or the Zen Air Dac and Zen Air Can combo (100+100), which one would you suggest for single ended use only ,in my case for Sennheiser 560s? Thanks!
Hello, excellent review, very revealing. I wonder if there is a disadvantage because of the semi-balanced, do I really use most of my headphones with 4.4 pentacon? Both Planar IEMs and Hifiman HE400se or Sennheiser Hd58x.
Took a a chance on buying a pair of sundaras to go with my air zen dac. So glad I did wasn't sure whether they would be a miss match. Didn't know if the air zen dac would have enough power to drive them. Have to say they sound fantastic together a match made in heaven
HI! I'm curious what you would think would be the best combo for me at the moment. Just got a pair of Sundaras and would like to add either the ZEN Air CAN or ZEN Air DAC to run from my computer. I'm on a tight budget at the moment so I will only get one or the other. Which would you think would give the best experience? My concern is that is the DAC alone wouldn't have enough power, and the CAN alone (ran straight from the PC motherboard) would only give me more volume (and not the "quality").
Apart from the fact that it is made of solid plastic rather than metal, what is the difference compared to the Zen CAN (not the AIR version) ? You answer this question clearly in your video, thank you very much for that. But I would, in add, like to know if the xSpace function on Zen Air model, compared to 3D function on the CAN version more expensive, is less efficient or same. You also say that the AIR does not have a completely balanced circuit like on the more expensive Zen CAN. What is this difference? You also say that the plastic material of the AIR gives it less power than the metal of the CAN version more expensive (I don't understand why). I will only use the Zen Can with my Beyerdynamic headphones, not with speakers.
Will this be good with focal elegia or hip Dac2 is better. Hip dac 2 requires another adapter which adds $30. Usage is at desk only. So $99 vs $220 it all comes down too.
So as I understand, this would be enough to drive a pair of LCD 2C from my Laptop / Phone (has a 3.5mm)? I have a pretty modern gaming laptop, I didn't notice any distorsion with my Beyer DT 770s, so I don't think I'd need a DAC for now.
Not sure of your laptop specs. But if it had a dedicated amp for the 3.5mm then you might be getting the best sound from your Beyers. Otherwise, a decent amp/dac will improve the dynamics .
Hi Gavin , thanks I had been waiting for your review on the Zen Air Can , I was wondering if this could suffiencently power a Massdrop Sennheiser HD 6XX. Thanks for your detailed reviews! cheers
Im using a usb adapter myself with the correct power needs. That works fine. I do have a ifi ipowerx which i tried. That was even better but the usb adapter i had is fine.
Hi Gavin, thanks for the review :) I got a little question for You. Is the volume control smooth in operation or it has the potentiometer with clicks in step increments? Thanks a lot for Your time if You can answer :) Best Regards Luca
How much of a difference in sound would you say it has, compared to the original zen can. Please elaborate a little. I am a mix engineer and my use case is to power my he400se, for mixing purposes. I'm happy with the sound profile I'm getting at the moment but my audient is not able to project the volume loud enough. Need a basic amp for a mild boost. Looking for something with a neutral sound signature, and was eyeing out the original zen can, but knowing that this thing exist, do i really need to spend extra for the original? Thankyou 🙂
Both are good. The Air doesn't have all the accessories that the original has. So that's a cost to you if you need them. Probably the original has a little extra refinement in the sound, treble and mids and also bass. But it's close.
Thanks for the video, I am new to this but I have an Hd650 and fiio e10k dac/amp and i was thinking can I use this Ifi amp with Fiio as a dac ? will i notice any difference or it doesn’t really matter ?
can u use this device on speakers? Im having some Hi-Res speakers and when playing muic from my laptop I'd like to know if this device could help a bit in sound quality? Thank you!
Hi Gavin, it does have the 4.4mm S-balanced - so it means it's not true balanced? Can I use a balanced headphone on the 4.4mm S-balanced - will it be the same?
I understand there is no 4.4.4mm input on the rear but are you sure the outputs on the front are 6.3mm and 3.5mm. Ifi website says the s-balanced output is 4.4mm.
I was talking about the rear only having 3.5mm, not the the front. My apologies for any confusion , its 6.3mm and 4.4mm on the front to plug headphones into. The ZEN Air DAC is 6.3 only on the front.
@@GavinsGadgets Don't want to be a pain, but what power adapters do you use to power them. do you use the ifi iPower adapters or do u have your own. worried that cheap no name power supplies won't cut it. And to connect the CAN to the DAC am I just using RCA cables?
I fortunately had the ifi adapters. Having a good adapter does help. I'm sure you could find similar off eBay or use a usb brick with adapter. RCA cable 👍
@@GavinsGadgets will this affect volume if I get a cheap one? I noticed the ifi supply had 5v by 2.5a and all other ones online are 5v 2a just wondering if that would affect drastically or not by much. new to this whole thing
Hi! I've bought Sennheiser 560s. I don't expect upgading them any time soon. So I would like to ask what is better option? iFi ZEN Air CAN or regular Ifi ZEN CAN? Will I hear any difference? I have pretty new computer so I will try to use DAC on motherboard for now. Or would be better to just take ZEN DAC v2? I'm lost. Thank you very much for this video and answers so far. It means a lot.
@@GavinsGadgets Thank you for advice. I've already pull the trigger on Zen DAC v2. I've asked the same question on hifiguides forum and people there were sure that zen DAC alone will give me better sound than Zen CAN (while using computer DAC) alone. So I decided to put Zen CAN on backlog for future upgrade if I will ever need it.
It has a lot of power to drive the Sennheiser. More expensive amps will drive the 600 even better. 32 ohm IEMS aren't that sensitive normally, so have you got a particular model in mind.
@@GavinsGadgets yeah fiio fd3 pro. And these amps can drive the hd600 without lack of power issues right ? I'm new to this hobby and planning on making a air can+air dac stack. Is this gonna be enough for my hd600?
Depends on the turntable if it has a standard rca output, that is , it has its own photo stage built in. If not, and most likely, you will need the ifi zen Air phono . Or something similar that then connects to this.
Part of the keeping the price down was done by not including loads of cable options in the box. If your PC output is poor, you may want to go into a DAC first, then the dac connects to the air can.
hi gavin! i have ifi zen dac v2 and it can drive my sundara pretty fine. should i buy this one? the zen dac v2 has fully balanced output while this one only has s-balanced. not sure what s-balanced means and whether i'll get any benefit adding this to my stack combo
Thanks for you excellent review. I bought one and i works wonderfully.
Thanks for your feedback 👍
Thanks for the review. Do you think this would be a good amp to pair with zen dac v2? Or should I get the more expensive zen can?
You could get the zen Air DAC and save some money
Good morning. Can you say, what the diameter of DC plug for power on a back panel? Thank you.
Hi Gavin, nice video! I am going through comments and didn't find anyone ask the following question which, I belive, makes more sense than comparing amp/dacs and amps. If one has 200 eur budget and can get either a Zen Dac (199 ) or the Zen Air Dac and Zen Air Can combo (100+100), which one would you suggest for single ended use only ,in my case for Sennheiser 560s? Thanks!
Hello, excellent review, very revealing. I wonder if there is a disadvantage because of the semi-balanced, do I really use most of my headphones with 4.4 pentacon? Both Planar IEMs and Hifiman HE400se or Sennheiser Hd58x.
3.5 works well.
Took a a chance on buying a pair of sundaras to go with my air zen dac. So glad I did wasn't sure whether they would be a miss match. Didn't know if the air zen dac would have enough power to drive them. Have to say they sound fantastic together a match made in heaven
Hi Mark. Nice combo 👌
HI! I'm curious what you would think would be the best combo for me at the moment.
Just got a pair of Sundaras and would like to add either the ZEN Air CAN or ZEN Air DAC to run from my computer. I'm on a tight budget at the moment so I will only get one or the other. Which would you think would give the best experience?
My concern is that is the DAC alone wouldn't have enough power, and the CAN alone (ran straight from the PC motherboard) would only give me more volume (and not the "quality").
Quality first. Add power later when you can if needed.
Apart from the fact that it is made of solid plastic rather than metal, what is the difference compared to the Zen CAN (not the AIR version) ? You answer this question clearly in your video, thank you very much for that.
But I would, in add, like to know if the xSpace function on Zen Air model, compared to 3D function on the CAN version more expensive, is less efficient or same.
You also say that the AIR does not have a completely balanced circuit like on the more expensive Zen CAN. What is this difference?
You also say that the plastic material of the AIR gives it less power than the metal of the CAN version more expensive (I don't understand why).
I will only use the Zen Can with my Beyerdynamic headphones, not with speakers.
Will this be good with focal elegia or hip Dac2 is better. Hip dac 2 requires another adapter which adds $30. Usage is at desk only. So $99 vs $220 it all comes down too.
If desktop use only get the air can
So as I understand, this would be enough to drive a pair of LCD 2C from my Laptop / Phone (has a 3.5mm)? I have a pretty modern gaming laptop, I didn't notice any distorsion with my Beyer DT 770s, so I don't think I'd need a DAC for now.
Not sure of your laptop specs. But if it had a dedicated amp for the 3.5mm then you might be getting the best sound from your Beyers. Otherwise, a decent amp/dac will improve the dynamics .
How does it compare with the ifi go bar, in terms of sound quality? I know they are different products but ifi go bar gives me mobility. Thanks
Exactly. Pick your use case. Then pick your product. GO Bar does sound better.
Can this be used directly from PC via 3.5mm input or i need dac also? Thanks
Yes with correct cable.
i have tyhe zen can air and the zen air dac having trouble making it work HELP i have it hooked up to my PC no sound whatever thanks
Check pc setting in audio
Sir I just Audio Technica M50X i am confused to choose between zen can and zen dac. Kindly advise which 1 should I go.
Depends what you need. Ones a DAC and the other an amp. Start with the DAC first.
Hi Gavin , thanks I had been waiting for your review on the Zen Air Can , I was wondering if this could suffiencently power a Massdrop Sennheiser HD 6XX. Thanks for your detailed reviews! cheers
With the correct power connection, it should be fine.
@@GavinsGadgets does that mean I need to get a if power connector or a usb adaptor is enough. Thanks again for your reply
Im using a usb adapter myself with the correct power needs. That works fine. I do have a ifi ipowerx which i tried. That was even better but the usb adapter i had is fine.
Hi Gavin, thanks for the review :) I got a little question for You. Is the volume control smooth in operation or it has the potentiometer with clicks in step increments? Thanks a lot for Your time if You can answer :) Best Regards
Luca
Smooth
How much of a difference in sound would you say it has, compared to the original zen can.
Please elaborate a little.
I am a mix engineer and my use case is to power my he400se, for mixing purposes. I'm happy with the sound profile I'm getting at the moment but my audient is not able to project the volume loud enough. Need a basic amp for a mild boost.
Looking for something with a neutral sound signature, and was eyeing out the original zen can, but knowing that this thing exist, do i really need to spend extra for the original?
Thankyou 🙂
Both are good. The Air doesn't have all the accessories that the original has. So that's a cost to you if you need them. Probably the original has a little extra refinement in the sound, treble and mids and also bass. But it's close.
Thanks again 😊
Thanks for the video, I am new to this but I have an Hd650 and fiio e10k dac/amp and i was thinking can I use this Ifi amp with Fiio as a dac ? will i notice any difference or it doesn’t really matter ?
Yes you could use the fiio as the dac, and this as the amp.
@@GavinsGadgets thats awesome ! thanks a lot
can u use this device on speakers? Im having some Hi-Res speakers and when playing muic from my laptop I'd like to know if this device could help a bit in sound quality? Thank you!
This is for headphones or active speakers. I would get the dac , and use active speakers.
Hi Gavin, thank you for your great review as always. Appreciate your thought zen air dac + air can, vs topping e30 II + l30 II. Thanks
Appreciate your feedback 👍 I've not heard that Topping combo
How does it compare to the hip dac?
Different use cases due to size but I slightly prefer the hip dac
does it came with 5v power ?
because i want to use standalone without zen air dac
The zen air range do not come with a power brick. Watch my video and it shows what is included!
Hi Gavin, it does have the 4.4mm S-balanced - so it means it's not true balanced? Can I use a balanced headphone on the 4.4mm S-balanced - will it be the same?
The front has 6.3mm and 4.4mm jacks, so whilst its not a fully balanced device, you can plug in 4.4mm headphones.
I just double checked. Definitely 3.5mm on the rear 😀
I understand there is no 4.4.4mm input on the rear but are you sure the outputs on the front are 6.3mm and 3.5mm. Ifi website says the s-balanced output is 4.4mm.
I was talking about the rear only having 3.5mm, not the the front. My apologies for any confusion , its 6.3mm and 4.4mm on the front to plug headphones into. The ZEN Air DAC is 6.3 only on the front.
thinking of pairing this with my air DAC to get louder volume on my dt770 pros 250ohm, they're just not quite loud enough. Will this boost the volume?
Yes
@@GavinsGadgets Don't want to be a pain, but what power adapters do you use to power them. do you use the ifi iPower adapters or do u have your own. worried that cheap no name power supplies won't cut it. And to connect the CAN to the DAC am I just using RCA cables?
I fortunately had the ifi adapters. Having a good adapter does help. I'm sure you could find similar off eBay or use a usb brick with adapter. RCA cable 👍
@@GavinsGadgets will this affect volume if I get a cheap one? I noticed the ifi supply had 5v by 2.5a and all other ones online are 5v 2a just wondering if that would affect drastically or not by much. new to this whole thing
I honestly don't know. Too many variables as to the quality of the other adapter.
Can i use with the audio technica AT-LP60X-BK?
I believe you can as the turntable has a built in phono pre amp.
Hi! I've bought Sennheiser 560s. I don't expect upgading them any time soon. So I would like to ask what is better option? iFi ZEN Air CAN or regular Ifi ZEN CAN? Will I hear any difference? I have pretty new computer so I will try to use DAC on motherboard for now. Or would be better to just take ZEN DAC v2? I'm lost. Thank you very much for this video and answers so far. It means a lot.
The zen can is better. Enjoy your 560s.
@@GavinsGadgets Thank you for advice. I've already pull the trigger on Zen DAC v2. I've asked the same question on hifiguides forum and people there were sure that zen DAC alone will give me better sound than Zen CAN (while using computer DAC) alone. So I decided to put Zen CAN on backlog for future upgrade if I will ever need it.
Enjoy your new Zen Dac :)
Hello, does this amp drive hd600 to its full potential? and how is the hiss performance on 32 ohm sensitive iems
It has a lot of power to drive the Sennheiser. More expensive amps will drive the 600 even better. 32 ohm IEMS aren't that sensitive normally, so have you got a particular model in mind.
@@GavinsGadgets yeah fiio fd3 pro. And these amps can drive the hd600 without lack of power issues right ? I'm new to this hobby and planning on making a air can+air dac stack. Is this gonna be enough for my hd600?
It will be enough but this is the budget end of gear. Great value for money. But you would need to spend a lot more to gain an advantage.
@@GavinsGadgets thanks for the reply. One more question, how do you think of these when comparing these to the JDS labs stuff
Not heard the jds labs. Not as readily available here.
Can this be used with a turntable?
Depends on the turntable if it has a standard rca output, that is , it has its own photo stage built in. If not, and most likely, you will need the ifi zen Air phono . Or something similar that then connects to this.
how do we connect it to pc ? i mean is the USB to DC is enough?
i dont have any other cables
You could use the 3.5mm headphone out to the iFi Zen Can with the correct cable.
The USB to DC is for power.
Part of the keeping the price down was done by not including loads of cable options in the box. If your PC output is poor, you may want to go into a DAC first, then the dac connects to the air can.
How does the sound compare to just using the Zen DAC on its own?
Zen air dac? Or zen dac.
Sorry Gavin, I meant the original Zen DAC!
They're different devices really. So not possibly to really compare as such although they both have the same signature.
Hello Gavin you made a mistake it’s a 4,4 mm s-balanced not a 3,5 mm output
Yep 👍
Are they powerful enough for a Sundara or an HD600?
Hi Erick, if you watched my video , I answered that question based on the headphones I said I used with it.
hi gavin! i have ifi zen dac v2 and it can drive my sundara pretty fine. should i buy this one? the zen dac v2 has fully balanced output while this one only has s-balanced. not sure what s-balanced means and whether i'll get any benefit adding this to my stack combo
Not the best pairing for you. You really need the standard ifi zen can.