What To Know
- The iFi Zen DAC offers a range of useful features, including a headphone gain switch, a variable output level, and a USB power supply.
- The iFi Zen DAC V2 commands a higher price tag than its predecessor, but it also delivers a significant upgrade in terms of sound quality, features, and overall value.
- If you’re looking for an affordable and high-quality DAC with a wide range of connectivity options, the iFi Zen DAC is a solid choice.
The world of audiophiles has been abuzz with the release of the iFi Zen DAC V2, the highly anticipated successor to the acclaimed iFi Zen DAC. Both devices promise exceptional sound quality, but how do they compare? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the iFi Zen DAC vs. iFi Zen DAC V2 debate, exploring their features, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
iFi Zen DAC: The original iFi Zen DAC boasts a sleek and compact design, featuring a brushed aluminum chassis and a minimalist front panel. Its sturdy construction ensures durability, while its compact size makes it ideal for both desktop and portable use.
iFi Zen DAC V2: The iFi Zen DAC V2 retains the compact design of its predecessor, but elevates it with a more refined aesthetic. Its chassis is now made of a combination of aluminum and steel, offering increased durability and reduced resonance. Additionally, the front panel features a new, more intuitive control layout.
Connectivity
iFi Zen DAC: The iFi Zen DAC offers a wide range of connectivity options, including USB, optical, coaxial, and RCA inputs. It also features a 4.4mm balanced headphone output and a 6.35mm unbalanced headphone output.
iFi Zen DAC V2: The iFi Zen DAC V2 expands on the connectivity options of its predecessor by adding a Bluetooth 5.0 receiver with aptX HD support. This allows for wireless streaming of high-quality audio from smartphones, tablets, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
Audio Performance
iFi Zen DAC: The iFi Zen DAC is renowned for its exceptional sound quality, delivering a detailed and dynamic listening experience. Its True Native technology ensures bit-perfect audio reproduction, while its Burr-Brown DAC chipset provides accurate and natural sound reproduction.
iFi Zen DAC V2: The iFi Zen DAC V2 takes audio performance to new heights with its upgraded DAC chipset and enhanced circuitry. It now employs a Burr-Brown DAC with Quad DAC+ architecture, delivering even higher levels of detail and clarity. Additionally, the V2 features iFi’s new XBass+ and XSpace technologies, which provide customizable bass enhancement and soundstage expansion.
Features
iFi Zen DAC: The iFi Zen DAC offers a range of useful features, including a headphone gain switch, a variable output level, and a USB power supply. It also includes iFi‘s iPurifier technology, which removes digital noise from USB sources.
iFi Zen DAC V2: The iFi Zen DAC V2 introduces several new features, including a fully balanced headphone amplifier, a remote control, and a headphone power supply. It also incorporates iFi’s GMT (Global Master Timing) technology, which reduces jitter and improves overall sound quality.
Value
iFi Zen DAC: The iFi Zen DAC offers excellent value for money, providing exceptional sound quality and a wide range of features at an affordable price. It is an ideal choice for audiophiles who seek a high-performance DAC without breaking the bank.
iFi Zen DAC V2: The iFi Zen DAC V2 commands a higher price tag than its predecessor, but it also delivers a significant upgrade in terms of sound quality, features, and overall value. It is an excellent choice for discerning audiophiles who demand the best possible sound reproduction.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between the iFi Zen DAC and iFi Zen DAC V2 ultimately depends on your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for an affordable and high-quality DAC with a wide range of connectivity options, the iFi Zen DAC is a solid choice. However, if you’re seeking the ultimate in audio performance, the iFi Zen DAC V2 is worth the investment.
Final Note: The Quest for Audio Excellence
Both the iFi Zen DAC and iFi Zen DAC V2 are exceptional DACs that offer unparalleled audio quality and features. While the Zen DAC provides an excellent value proposition, the Zen DAC V2 represents the pinnacle of iFi’s DAC technology. Whether you choose the affordable excellence of the Zen DAC or the ultimate performance of the Zen DAC V2, you’re guaranteed to elevate your listening experience to new heights.
Information You Need to Know
Q: What is the difference between the iFi Zen DAC and iFi Zen DAC V2?
A: The iFi Zen DAC V2 offers several upgrades over its predecessor, including an improved DAC chipset, enhanced circuitry, additional features such as Bluetooth connectivity, a fully balanced headphone amplifier, and iFi’s GMT technology.
Q: Which DAC is better for headphones?
A: Both the iFi Zen DAC and iFi Zen DAC V2 offer excellent headphone performance. However, the Zen DAC V2 has a fully balanced headphone amplifier, which provides improved power and sound quality for high-end headphones.
Q: Is the iFi Zen DAC V2 worth the extra cost?
A: If you’re seeking the highest possible audio quality and the most comprehensive feature set, the iFi Zen DAC V2 is worth the investment. It offers significant upgrades over the original Zen DAC, including improved sound performance, Bluetooth connectivity, and a fully balanced headphone amplifier.