What To Know
- The iFi Zen DAC 2 is a great choice for anyone who wants a desktop DAC with excellent sound quality and a wide range of features.
- The Zen DAC 2 is a great choice for anyone who wants a desktop DAC with excellent sound quality and a wide range of features.
The iFi Hip DAC 2 and iFi Zen DAC 2 are two of the most popular portable and desktop DACs on the market today. Both offer impressive sound quality, but they have different features and target audiences. In this blog post, we will compare the iFi Hip DAC 2 vs iFi Zen DAC 2 in terms of their features, sound quality, and overall value to help you decide which one is right for you.
Features:
The iFi Hip DAC 2 is a portable DAC/amp that is designed to be used with smartphones, laptops, and other portable devices. It features a built-in battery that provides up to 12 hours of playback time. The Hip DAC 2 also has a variety of inputs and outputs, including USB, optical, and coaxial.
The iFi Zen DAC 2 is a desktop DAC that is designed to be used with home audio systems. It features a more powerful amplifier than the Hip DAC 2, and it also has a wider range of inputs and outputs. The Zen DAC 2 also includes a built-in headphone amplifier.
Sound Quality:
Both the iFi Hip DAC 2 and the iFi Zen DAC 2 offer excellent sound quality. However, the Zen DAC 2 has a slightly more powerful amplifier, which gives it a bit more authority and control over the sound. The Zen DAC 2 also has a wider soundstage and more detailed imaging than the Hip DAC 2.
Overall Value:
The iFi Hip DAC 2 is a great value for the price. It offers excellent sound quality and a wide range of features in a portable package. The iFi Zen DAC 2 is a bit more expensive, but it offers even better sound quality and a wider range of features.
Which One is Right for You?
The iFi Hip DAC 2 is a great choice for anyone who wants a portable DAC/amp with excellent sound quality. It is also a good choice for anyone who is on a budget. The iFi Zen DAC 2 is a great choice for anyone who wants a desktop DAC with excellent sound quality and a wide range of features. It is also a good choice for anyone who is willing to spend a bit more money on a high-quality DAC.
Comparison Table:
| Feature | iFi Hip DAC 2 | iFi Zen DAC 2 |
| — | — | — |
| Price | $149 | $249 |
| Type | Portable DAC/amp | Desktop DAC |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial | USB, optical, coaxial, balanced |
| Outputs | 3.5mm headphone out, 4.4mm headphone out, line out | 6.35mm headphone out, 4.4mm headphone out, line out, balanced out |
| Amplifier | 400mW @ 32 ohms | 1600mW @ 32 ohms |
| Sound Quality | Excellent | Excellent, with slightly more power and detail |
| Overall Value | Great value for the price | Excellent value for the price |
Final Note:
The iFi Hip DAC 2 and the iFi Zen DAC 2 are both excellent DACs that offer great sound quality and a wide range of features. The Hip DAC 2 is a great choice for anyone who wants a portable DAC/amp with excellent sound quality. The Zen DAC 2 is a great choice for anyone who wants a desktop DAC with excellent sound quality and a wide range of features.
Popular Questions
Q: What is the difference between the iFi Hip DAC 2 and the iFi Zen DAC 2?
A: The iFi Hip DAC 2 is a portable DAC/amp, while the iFi Zen DAC 2 is a desktop DAC. The Zen DAC 2 has a more powerful amplifier, a wider range of inputs and outputs, and a built-in headphone amplifier.
Q: Which DAC is better for me?
A: The iFi Hip DAC 2 is a great choice for anyone who wants a portable DAC/amp with excellent sound quality. The iFi Zen DAC 2 is a great choice for anyone who wants a desktop DAC with excellent sound quality and a wide range of features.
Q: How much do the DACs cost?
A: The iFi Hip DAC 2 costs $149, while the iFi Zen DAC 2 costs $249.