Desktop USB DAC with headphone amplifier, now balanced
The iFi Audio ZEN Air DAC 2 is the gateway to quality listening at home: a USB DAC with headphone amplifier to connect to a computer, phone or tablet, simple to use and affordable. The second generation brings a new conversion chip, a balanced headphone output and a more refined finish.
The midnight blue chassis with metal fascia measures 158 x 100 x 35 mm and weighs 315 g. A dedicated power button, added in response to user feedback, lets it be switched off without disconnecting cables. A USB cable is supplied.
New Cirrus Logic DAC: PCM 384 kHz and DSD256
Conversion is handled by a Cirrus Logic DAC, bit-perfect for DSD and DXD, already used successfully in other iFi products and valued for its dynamics and its natural way of presenting detail. Compared with the previous model, clarity, dynamics and distortion all improve.
PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD up to DSD256 are supported. Stated dynamic range is 118 dB(A) on both outputs, frequency response runs from 20 Hz to 90 kHz (-3 dB) and THD+N stays within 0.0015% on the 4.4 mm output (2.4 V into 32 Ω).
Balanced 4.4 mm output: up to 300% more power
The amplifier stage has been redesigned with balanced circuitry and a 4.4 mm headphone output, so far reserved for the standard ZEN series. The balanced output delivers at least 484 mW RMS into 64 Ω (5.57 V), the 6.3 mm output at least 286 mW into 32 Ω: up to 300% more than its predecessor.
With balanced headphones, noise and crosstalk decrease and the sound gains space and separation.
XBass+, PowerMatch and line output
Two analogue functions on the front panel shape the sound: XBass+ is a filter that reinforces low frequencies, PowerMatch raises gain for less sensitive headphones.
The line output provides 2 V, up to 3.4 V with variable gain, to connect the ZEN Air DAC 2 to an amplifier or active speakers. Consumption ranges from about 0.55 W with no signal to about 3.55 W at maximum.
