IFI ZEN BLUE 3 HI-RES BLUETOOTH DAC AND IFI ZEN CAN 3 HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER FEATURE UPGRADES AND NEW DESIGN

 iFi Audio, has launched two new products, the iFi ZEN Blue 3 hi-resolution Bluetooth DAC and iFi ZEN CAN 3 Headphone amplifier.

IFI ZEN BLUE 3 HI-RES BLUETOOTH DAC

Designed to merge wireless connectivity with lossless CD quality audio transmission and audiophile-grade circuitry, the iFi ZEN Blue 3 Hi-res Bluetooth DAC adds an audiophile-grade Bluetooth experience for your HiFi system.

NEW OPERATION MODES

New to the ZEN Blue 3 is three new operation modes including Bluetooth RX, TX, and DAC, while also featuring aptX Lossless Bluetooth codec to receive or transmit Lossless CD-quality and Hi-Res audio over Bluetooth and a switchable low-latency mode.

LOSSLESS CD QUALITY SOUND

The iFi ZEN Blue 3 is, say iFi Audio, the world’s first wireless DAC that can both transmit and receive lossless CD quality with no data loss. The new DAC uses the latest Bluetooth 5.4 and the aptX Lossless codec, and Hi-Res 96kHz via LDAC and LDHC/HWA. aptX Lossless falls under the ‘aptX Adaptive’ codec, which houses multiple codecs with different transmission speeds and bit rates within it.

This means the ZEN Blue 3 allows you to stream lossless CD-quality music from your mobile phone to your HiFi system. Home cinema lovers can also enjoy high-quality audio with Hi-Res Bluetooth headphones while watching movies at home.

SWITCHABLE LOW LATENCY

For those using the ZEN Blue 3 in transmission mode for watching video content or gaming, there is a low latency button on the front of the unit. Designed for intense gaming sessions or relaxing movie nights, low latency mode resolves the delay issue between the video and audio, meaning audio is in sync with video content.

WIRED, WIRELESS AND BALANCED

The iFi ZEN Blue 3 is more versatile, with three new function modes. These modes include the RX mode which receives Bluetooth from a source device, the TX mode which transmits Bluetooth to a device and Wired DAC mode. ZEN Blue 3 can now act as a traditional wired DAC via USB-C or S/PDIF inputs. ZEN Blue 3 has true audiophile-grade, HiFi circuitry using separate Bluetooth, DAC and Op-Amp chips, plus a balanced line output.

IFI ZEN CAN 3 HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER

ZEN CAN 3 is the latest generation of ZEN CAN high-performance headphone amplifier, now with xMEMS micro-speaker amplification mode, multiple EQ modes including Gaming and Movies, and up to 2,000mW output power.

XMEMS SUPPORT

The iFi ZEN CAN 3 supports IEMs using xMEMS.  xMEMS is a new speaker technology that implements both actuation and diaphragm in silicon producing fast and precise speakers for IEMs. These next-generation drivers claim virtually no phase shift and they are close to 150 times faster than regular mechanical drivers..

GAMING & MOVIE MODES

The iFi ZEN CAN 3 is built for more than just music. The new launch generation ZEN CAN has two new analogue EQ modes, tuned for Gaming and Movies. Movie mode enhances dialogue clarity, while Game mode makes low-level sound effects crystal-clear.

This adds to the ZEN CAN’s additional EQ modes that offer a tailored, personal experience for the listener. XBass+ and XSpace options on the device create a more accurate bass response and spacious sound field.

NEW POWER FOR DIFFICULT HEADPHONES

A noticeable step up in power, perfect for difficult-to-drive headphones. The new iFi ZEN CAN 3 brings up to 2,000mW continuous output power to almost every headphone on the market. The ZEN CAN 3 also features 0-18dB adjustable gain, with +6dB steps to perfectly match your headphones.

SIGNATURE IFI ZEN 3 DESIGN

Following the redesigned aesthetic of the ZEN 3 product series, the ZEN Blue 3 and ZEN CAN 3 showcase a two tone front panel design and a smile-like button layout. The ZEN CAN 3 has a revised volume meter and Sunlit Bronze hardware.

PREMIUM COMPONENTS

Underpinning the circuitry in the new ZEN 3 models are components from Panasonic, TDK, MELF, Texas Instruments and muRata.  The amplification stage features iFi/AMR’s own ‘OV’ (Operationsverstärker) series op-amps.

IFI ZEN BLUE 3 AND IFI ZEN CAN 3 PRICING & AVAILABILITY

The iFi ZEN Blue 3 is available to purchase from 9th July for £299 / $299 / CA$299 / AU$299 / €299.

The iFi ZEN CAN 3 is available now for £229 / $229 / CA$229 / AU$229 / €229

HiFi PiG Says: iFi continue to provide audiophile grade products at affordable prices, with the ZEN 3 generation.