When you say “AND attach power” do you mean when you power the DAC directly (with its own PSU), or are you talking about attaching power via the Apple Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter?
There shouldn’t be anything at 60Hz reaching the iPad or iPhone OR DAC via that adapter, if that’s what’s being used, as it should only be supplying DC. So there’s a leakage-current issue somewhere - if, indeed, the hum is from a ground loop.
I wrote about ths problem before, in the troubleshooting thread. I have this proble when using:
This has happened with
It happens only with Audeze IEMs:
It happens when using straight cables from DAC to earphones
It happens when using either or 2 Audeze Cipher 2 lightning cables
When I plug any. repeat any USB power supply and cable into house wiring, office wiring, other house wiring, parent’s house wiring, airport wiring, etc. into the adapter or expansion port. It usually happens even if not attached to the USB or lightning port on the apple device.
I have not tested on android devices.
When I use a battery instead of AC power to supply charge through the adapter to the i-device I get silence. no hum.
Assuming there is only ONE PSU connected to AC, and that PSU doesn’t have a ground pin, then it can’t be a ground loop in the traditional sense.
Sounds more like the Audeze IEMs have one of their connections coupled to the chassis (I’ve heard about this with Audeze headphones before). In which case, your options to fix are very limited - and will involve either what you’re doing now (i.e., a non-AC power source), an AC isolator (usually a transformer), a traditional step-down, filtered, PSU (i.e., one with a transformer in it, rather than being switch-mode) or different IEMs.
IF the problem is actually noise on the AC lines making it into the DC output from the PSU (most of which don’t bother with low-frequency filtering at all), then a line-noise filter might help.
Yes that’s my thinking also. I just want convenient power to iPhone/iPad while I listen in a comfy chair. Secondarily providing power reduces draw from the phone which can cause those occasional errors we see with Dragonfly Red or Cobalt.
I thought that the iFi iUSB 3.0, which also has two low noise power ports might have the required isolation. However it also looks rather costly and as bulky as my 27000 MAh battery solution.
Doubtful; assuming you mean the micro iUSB 3.0.
I don’t recall there being any magnetics (transformers) or isolators (opto or otherwise) in there, so it isn’t going to do either of those forms of isolation.
I’m not sure what the GND switch on it does. It might isolate the device-side GND from the host-side GND, and/or switch both power lines from the host to its own supply. It might filter it (caps, resistors … which won’t fix the issue you have). If it just cuts it, you’d lose USB power … which would somewhat defeat the point …
For me, they were a long way from occasional with the Cobalt.
I liked the sound of the Cobalt better (despite its lower fidelity), but it was ironic that the Red both measured, and worked, better …
…
You could try a wireless charging pad for the iPhone. Won’t help with power DRAW errors (using the W4 will …), but will keep the unit charged while you listen. Won’t help with the iPad (yet) or the Mac of course.
Naughty … naughty … veeeeery naughty …
Hadn’t thought of that. The new leather comfy chair has a convenient wireless charging pad available in the right arm pull-out. Thank you.
I use one when I travel … it’s a combined USB power-bank and wireless charging pad.
Hey guys
Just a small tip for anyone using the iFi Go Pods, as this firmware update fixes the 10 minutes shutdown issue, when using the Go Pods in phone calls.
I can confirm it is working 
Go Pod Bluetooth Firmware V1.52 is now available:
Here is the description for the update:
V1.49>>V1.52
Optimised automatic shutdown after 10 minutes of the Go Pod being out of the case.
Fixed Go Pod shut down if on a call for 10 mins or more. (Increased call volume data monitoring)
Long Bluetooth name issues now fixed. Change to 26 bytes valid (special symbol display for over 26 bytes).
The specific display bytes are determined by the phone system.
Modified the default touch sensitivity value. Modified the touch delay to 60ms (original touch delay 10ms)
LHDC and Adaptive now support 900Kbps. With Adaptive, the minimum recommended CPU should be
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 or above CPUs (with high requirements for processors)
Performance optimisation and bug fixing.
I posted a review of the Go Pod. A very solid and my favorite true wireless adapters for iems
Thank you so much for this review! Glad you’re enjoying the Pods! 
TLDR version on YouTube: TDLR - iFi Go Pod
The iFi Go Pod have been loaned me to by iFi Audio for me to check them out and to share my opinion of them in this review. As usual with iFi, they have made no requests or comments and I will do my best to be as unbiased and sincere as humanly possible.
You can find the official page for the Go Pod here: https://ifi-audio.com/products/go-pod/
As always, this is a non affiliate link. I do not benefit in any way from clicks or purchases made via the link (or any other link that I share).
Intro…
The Go Pod are a set of bluetooth ear hooks that attach to IEMs of your choice, effectively turning them into a set of TWS IEMs. This idea is nothing new, there are quite a few options on the market and there have been for a while, however, I do think that this is the first time that a company has specifically aimed for the higher end of the market with this kind of product.
I say higher end as the Go Pod sell for just under 400€, which is by no means a price point that is going to attract those of you who are more interested in my sub 50€ reviews! They make this even more apparent by offering the Go Pod as part of a bundle, selling them in combination with IEMs and giving a choice of 6 different models to choose from, ranging from just under 800€, up to 1400€.
The IEMs that you can choose as part of a bundle are two models from Meze Audio (the Rai Penta and the Advar), one from Symphonium Audio (the Meteor), the Craft Ears Aurum, the 64 Audio U4s and the Westone Mach 60. As you can see from the list, iFi know that the Go Pod is not something people are going to pick up for a set of budget IEMs (although, if you have the available funds, you will have a great source for them!).
Apart from the Go Pod, iFi was also kind enough to send along the Meze Audio Rai Penta for me to check out, which is very much appreciated as it is a set of IEMs that I had never had a chance to listen to until now.
One final note before I continue is just to recap on my usual use of Bluetooth, which is not exactly a main part of my set up. I do own a few TWS IEMs but I hardly use them and I have a few more that I have tested lately but haven’t really found them interesting enough to spend time with them and create a review. My main use case for Bluetooth (except in the car or with BT speakers around the pool etc.) is when I am moving around and want to be hands free. For this I have two devices that I use almost exclusively, the Shanling MW200 (a bluetooth neckband) and the iFi Go Blu.
The Go Blu is the “throw in my pocket” device, while the MW200 is something I choose when I want to be totally hands free, such as when travelling through airports etc. While I feel there is margin for improvement with the MW200, so far I haven’t come accross a TWS set that has made me want to ditch the neckband set up. One reason is that I can use any IEM that I choose but another is because I love being able to just remove and dangle the IEMs around my neck without having to worry about putting them in a case and then in my pocket etc.
So, what does the Go Pod have at 400€ that makes it better than the alternatives?
Presentation…
Keeping up with the traditional packaging of iFi, the Go Pod arrives in a simple white box with images of the product on the sleeve that covers it. On the back we find information an spec about the product.
Inside the box, well packed as is usual with the brand, we receive a fairly large storage/charging case, inside of which sit the pods themselves. Underneath the case, we get 3 sets of cables (MMCX, 2 Pin and Pentaconn Ear), the charging cable and the usual documentation, start guide and iFi sticker.
Straight off we already have something that sets the Go Pod apart from the competition, being the inclusion of three sets of cables. Usually we would need to choose the connectors of choice when purchasing the device but iFi includes all three options, meaning we can use it with the IEMs of our choice without worrying about connector types.
This is something that I find is a huge plus as, although I don’t have any Pentaconn Ear style, I do have a combination of MMCX and 2 Pin IEMs in my collection and this has allowed me to try whatever I felt like at the time. Well, that would be true if two of my most used IEMs didn’t have connectors that are such a pain to find cables for. The Svanar has a 2 pin socket that is slightly smaller than usual, meaning I have had to sand down cables in the past to fit. However, although a little tight, the Go Pod cables do actually fit (more on that in a second). The Sennheiser IE600 is a different story, the MMCX sockets have a ring around them that stops normal MMCX connectors from entering enough, as is the case with the Go Pod, but all is not lost, I will talk about these a bit more in just a moment…
So, as usual, I have no complaints with the presentation of products from iFi, they are packaged in a simple but effective way and include the items necessary to just enjoy the product.
Build and Aesthetics…
The pods themselves are a long rectangular shape (sort of), with corners that taper in at the bottom. At the top of the pods there is a recessed 2 pin connector that is where the cables connect, forming ear hooks that rest over your ears. The body of the pods is made from plastic which has a textured black finish to it. On the outer side of the pods there is a large metallic surface which is divided by a small line (it is easier to look at the photos than me explain it), which is where the controls reside. On the inside of the pods there are two small round contacts that are for them to charge when placed in the case.
The case is also made of black plastic, without any texturing this time but with a modern use of shapes on the top, along with the iFi logo, to break up the monotony of a simple black box. On the left of the box there are 4 square LEDs that illuminate to show the battery remaining in the case. Due to the way these are pleced, they are visible both from the outside and from the inside when opening the lid.
The lid is on hinges and opens to reveal two large spaces at either side of the interior, with two small white LEDs built into the inside of the lid. These LEDs illuminate when opening the case and do give it a bit of a premium look as they reflect onto the velvety inside of the cover. They also illuminate it enough in a dark place for you to see what you are doing when placing the IEMs/pods back in the case.
The interior of the two large spaces, towards the center, has a shaped divider, creating two smaller compartments that where the pods fit (and charge), with the top of the spaces shaped to the angle of the cable and leading to two very large open spaces where your IEMs will sit. The design and space means that there should be no issue fitting any IEMs you choose inside the case without having to detach them from the pods.
As far as comfort… The pods are noticeable when you are first wearing them, as the bend of the hooks is quite sharp (sharp as in angle, not sharp as in will cut you) and you are effectively placing two big black boxes behind your ears. After a short while, the sensation disappears and you no longer notice the boxes (at least I don’t). Comfort will also depend on the IEMs of choice though, as the hooks/cables do dictate to some extent where the IEMs will sit. In other words, how deep you can insert them. I have found that I have had to opt for larger tips on a few of the models I have tried due to them sitting a little further out of my ear than they do with a normal, more supple, cable. With other models that already sit further out of the ear, there should be no difference in comfort to using a normal cable (except for that short while of getting used to the feel of the boxes).
To be honest, I can’t say I am hugely in love with the aesthetics of the Go Pod but I do understand that what you can do with a box containing a battery and electronics is rather limited, especially if you don’t want to sacrifice size or comfort. I suppose that the only negative here would be the size of the case, as it is on the large side, too large to comfortably carry around in a pocket (at least my pockets).
Functionality…
It is nice to find that the Go Pod includes all of the functionality that I would personally like from a TWS device. A single tap works to play/pause/answer calls, a double tap skips forwards, a triple tap skips back and then volume is increased or decreased by holding the corresponding side (left for down, right for up). To those manufacturers out there who insist on not putting volume control on their TWS IEMs, please take note, it’s not that difficult 
Other functions are calling the assistant by tapping then holding, entering pairing mode by holding both sides for over two seconds and a full power reset by holding for over 12 seconds.
In my opinion, that is all the functionality I need and nothing I don’t. If iFi decides to release an APP for the Go Pod, then things like EQ would be more than welcome but as far as control, I am very happy without needing to do anything on my phone.
Sound…
As I mentioned already, my go to for wireless is either the Go Blu (which is not exactly wireless, at least not to the IEMs) or the Shanling MW200. Both offer me enough as far as sound quality while on the move and whenever I am doing any detailed listening, or specifically listening to music (i.e: not doing other things at the same time), then I opt for a cable.
With the Go Pods, I would say that the step up in quality in comparison to both of those devices is very noticeable. Where with other portable BT setups I have always been under the impression that it’s “good enough”, with the Go Pod I get the impression that it’s just “darn good”, and I don’t mean just “darn good for Bluetooth”
Obviously the IEMs selected are going to play the biggest part in the sound quality, which is to be expected, but using the same IEMs across multiple sources, the Go Pod is high on the enjoyment list. In fact, for general listening, I would have no issue with just using these instead of the Gryphon (which is my portable DAC/Amp of choice).
The Go Pod have some kind of tech in them that senses the impedance of the IEMs you connect and adapts the amplifier output to best match said IEMs. This results in something that has a lot less background noise than on the majority of other iFi portable solutions with IEMs (even the Gryphon can be a bit noisy with super sensitive IEMs).
I obviously can’t say how this will work with all IEMs out there, whether there will be sets that don’t work well with this technology or that still experience noise, but with the IEMs that I have tried, I have had no noise issues at all.
My first session was with the Meze Rai Penta that iFi kindly supplied with the Go Pod. This pairing sounds very good but as I have not heard the Rai Penta on my other systems, I couldn’t really say what the Go Pod is adding or taking away from the mix. If I get a chance, I will at least give the Rain Penta a quick listen on my other systems and maybe offer a quick report later.
Then I moved on to IEMs that I know much better, starting off with the Hifiman Svanar. The Go Pod cables do fit these IEMs but they are very tight. In fact, I regretted putting them on the Svanar when I tried to remove them. WIth patience, they will come out but I have to be honest, I got a little worried because the Go Pod are on loan! However, I am glad I tried them as they are not only my preferred IEMs, they are also IEMs that I find very revealing of sources.
With the Go Pod, I feel that the Svanar is a bit warmer and smoother than with my other portable set ups. These are not harsh IEMs anyway, they have a nice bit of warmth to them, and the combination seems to highlight that warmth and smoothness, becoming even more relaxing and musical. I could (and did) sit for hours listening to these. In fact, it is the only time I actually ran out of battery with the Go Pod (although I didn’t actually time it, so that’s not much use to you all )
With the Kiwi Ears Quintet, which is a set that I spent a fair bit of time with lately and enjoy, I also enjoyed the pairing, although that lack of excitement that I mentioned with some female vocals in the review is a little more apparent with the Go Pod.
I also threw on the Dunu Talos and found that the midbass that I liked so much on them is very well presented, along with no lack of that detail in the mids that I enjoy on this set. The slight sibilance in the upper ranges is tamed a little, although not eliminated, and I would say that this set is improved by using the iFi as a source. As this was the case, I grabbed the Vulkan, another Dunu set which is a little harsher and unbalanced in the upper ranges, and again, things got just that little bit smoother with the Go Pod.
The last (but certainly not least) set I want to talk about is the Sennheiser IE600. As I said under presentation, the included MMCX cables do not fit the IE600, however, speaking with @Brose (thanks!), he mentioned that iFi has actually released some MMCX cables that do fit the Sennheiser IE series (he has the IE900) and that the newer packages include these cables, although he was sent a set separately when he contacted iFi to enquire. This was something that interested me even more and being the pain I am, I reached out to iFi to see if I could get hold of a set.
Ricardo (from iFi), who puts up with me being a pain, went out of his way to track down a set and send them out to me also. I am so glad he did.
I mentioned in a recent update that I have been using custom tips on my IE600 and how they have not only improved sound slightly but also improved isolation by a lot. Well, the IE600 paired with the Go Pod is nothing short of a great portable set up. I do find it a little difficult (even more than I mentioned in my custom tip update) to get them in and out, but when they are in, wow. I can’t see me needing anything else when travelling or just generally moving around hands free. The sound combination is a match that just works well for me, with that extra bit of punchiness from the improved tips along with that extra bit of smoothness from the Go Pod.
Usually, when I get to my desk, I will either swap to headphones or IEMs connected to my desktop set up or the Gryphon, with the Go Pod and IE600, I found that I didn’t even bother, I just continued to enjoy. The only problem was getting them out when I needed to talk to someone
While I would have loved to go through a ton more sets, from cheap to expensive, I think that we can already see a bit of a trend as far as sound with the iFi Go Pod. Things are slightly more relaxed and there is a bit more musicality and warmth without forfeiting detail. For me to be saying this about a bluetooth device is quite an achievement.
Conclusion…
I have gone through quite a few Bluetooth combinations over the past couple of year, from dongles to neckbands and TWS IEMs to BT headphones, none of which have really drawn me in. Out of all of them, I have just stuck with the Go Blu and the MW200, which are not the most amazing as far as sound (although both are pretty good) but trump the rest when it comes to function.
The Go Pod are the first device that I would actually say that I would happily replace both of them with, as it maintains the functionality but increases sound quality. I would miss the neckband style of the MW200 as I love the fact that I can just remove them from my ears and let them dangle, but there are solutions that can be implemented with the Go Pod.
That is not to say that there aren’t any negatives with the Go Pod. The most notable for most is going to be the price. 400€ for a set of Bluetooth ear hooks is by no means cheap. Then again, nor is 600€ for the iFi Gryphon, so it’s all a case of perspective. I know plenty of people who want to be wireless and seeing the options that are out there, I think that the Go Pod plus a set of IEMs that you really enjoy could be very much an end game for many people.
Myself, I enjoy sitting down and plugging in, yet, for the first time in my BT experience, it may come down to just that, the feeling of sitting down and plugging in rather than any necessary sonic improvement.
The Go Pod really is the best portable Bluetooth source that I have heard to date and I have them clearly on my wish list. In fact, if it wasn’t due to me reviewing IEMs and headphones, I would seriously consider replacing all of my portable devices with just these. As it is, I am seriously struggling to not purchase them!
As always, this review is also available in Spanish both on my blog (www.achoreviews.com) and on YouTube (www.youtube.com/achoreviews)
Great review!
I’m a user of the FiiO UTWS5, a similar but less expensive product which comes in two different releases, one mmcx, and the other 2-pin. The Go Pod’s multiple detachable cable termiations are an obvious value-add that’s nice to know about.
Of the various IEM choices iFi is bundling, I might choose the Westone MACH 60. That IEM uses an Estron T2 connector, which I haven’t seen mentioned as one of the cable termination options.
I don’t know about the Westone as the official Westone website automatically redirects me to the “correct” page, which is the EU page that doesn’t list the bundle.
The pics do show them connected though 
Ricardo is the man! Thank you for the thorough review. I’m a pretty avid IEM user myself and love having them as an option while traveling.
I just received my iFi ZenDac V2/ Sennheiser 560s bundle and have been enjoying it for a few days now but I use some eq to lift the highs and this is costing me some total gain and volume to the point where some recordings don’t reach a reference (loud) level of volume. Is there any easy internal mod I can make to increase the gain. I could use another 6db,
TLDR version on YouTube: TDLR - iFi Audio ZEN CAN Signature
The Zen CAN Signature has been loaned to me directly by iFi Audio for me to try it out and share my opinions in this review. As always, they have not made any specific requests and I will do my best to remain as sincere and unbiased as humanly possible in this review.
The official page for the Zen CAN Signature can be found here: https://ifi-audio.com/products/zen-can-signature/
This link, as with all links that I publish, is a non-affiliate link.
Intro…
Not too long ago, I reviewed the Zen One Signature DAC, a device that was released by iFi last year and that I found to be a very enjoyable DAC that focused more on music enjoyment than the search of the tiniest nuances in sound.
Previous to that, back in 2021, I reviewed the Zen DAC Signature v2, together with the Zen CAN Signature HFM, a stack that was aimed at getting the most out of the pairing with Hifiman headphones. iFi have another device, called the Zen CAN Signature HD6XX, aimed at getting the most out of the Sennheiser line, along with one more, the ZEN CAN Signature MZ99, which is designed to be paired with the Meze 99. The thing that all 3 of these Zen CAN Signature models have in common is that the have a specific EQ mode which is aimed to work specifically well with the models in question.
Another thing that they have in common is that they were referred to as simply the Zen CAN Signature by many people.
Well, now we have the Zen CAN Signature that is not designed with any specific model in mind and, where the others featured the specific EQ plus XSpace, this model has XBass plus XSpace, something that I am sure will make a lot of people very happy.
Along with the Zen CAN Signature, iFi sent me the Zen One Signature DAC back to test it together with the amplifier (the CAN is a pure amplifier, in case you weren’t aware), so I could see how the full iFi stack works together.
Now, all of this naming scheme can get a little confusing, I know I certainly get confused, so before moving on, let me just quickly recap what Signature devices actually exist and how to know which is which.
ZEN DAC Signature - Released in 2020 (now discontinued), this is a pure DAC that was introduced at the same time as the ZEN CAN Signature HD6XX.
ZEN CAN Signature 6XX - Released in 2020, this is an amplifier specially tuned for the Sennheiser HD6XX and can be identified by the HD6XX setting (along with XSpace) on the front.
ZEN DAC Signature V2 - Released in 2021, this is a pure DAC that upgraded the original ZEN DAC Signature. There is nothing on the front to identify this over the original ZEN DAC Signature, only the mention of V2 on the back of the device (although the original has been discontinued for quite some time, so anything in stock should e V2). I reviewed this DAC here.
ZEN CAN Signature HFM - Released in 2021, this is an amplifier specially tuned for the Hifiman planars, it can be identified by the HFM setting (along with XSpace) on the front. I reviewed this amplifier here.
ZEN CAN Signature MZ99 - Released in 2022 (as far as I am aware), this amplifier is tuned to be used with the Meze Classic 99 headphones. It can be identified by the MZ99 setting (along with XSpace on the front).
ZEN One Signature - Released in 2022, this model could add even more confusion to the naming scheme as there are other models in the One series that do not match with the Signature series at all. The ZEN One signature uses the same aesthetics as the signature series, and is also a pure DAC, however, the One SIgnature features Bluetooth, Optical and Coaxial Digital inputs, along with USB, whereas the other Signature DACs only feature USB inputs. However, it does lose the volume control found on the others. The ZEN One Signature is very easily recognized due to the front panel having many more features than the others. I reviewed this DAC here.
ZEN CAN Signature - Released this year, this amplifier does not aim at a specific model and, along with XSpace, it features an XBass setting on the front.
There are also other ZEN models but they do not match the aesthetics used on the Signature line, so I am not going to mention them.
I don’t know if this is of any help to you but I know it will serve as a quick reference guide for me at some point in the future.
Anyway, enough of the iFi catalog and let’s get on with the item I am reviewing today, the ZEN CAN Signature, which is available direct from iFi for just under 300€.
Presentation…
One thing that stays very consistent with the range is the packaging and presentation of the product. As usual, a white box is covered by a cardboard sleeve that shows an image of the device, along with the make an model, on the front, with plenty of details on the back.
Opening the box reveals the amplifier in the usual iFi cardboard tray, which also contains the power supply, an RCA cable, a 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter, the usual documentation and iFi sticker.
I have commented on iFi’s packaging plenty of times in the past and this one is no different. It is a well thought out package that works and gives the sensation of receiving a quality product without going overboard.
I also need to mention that, apart from sending me the ZEN One Signature back to use with the ZEN CAN Signature, iFi also sent me a 4.4mm to 4.4mm cable to connect them together. Whie it is not the subject of the review, I must say that it is a very nice cable that is robust and portrays itself as being of very high quality.
Build and aesthetics…
As with the packaging, the build and aesthetics of the device are identical to the others in the Signature line. Using the ZEN shape, something that we have come to identify immediately, with the dark blue and brushed black aluminum colourway, the ZEN CAN Signature fits in well with any of the other devices in the line up.
I have mentioned before that I do like the ZEN shape, as it is something that stands out from the crowd, and the colour scheme is my favourite out of all of the ZEN options.
For those of you that haven’t seen or read any of my reviews of the ZEN items, the build is all metal, very sturdy and should put up with far more abuse than you should ever put a desktop device through. Also, if you really haven’t seen any of my other ZEN reviews, I suggest at least checking out my review of the ZEN One Signature (here) as that is the DAC I will be using for this review.
Functionality…
The ZEN CAN Signature line (including the 6XX, the HFM and the MZ99, not just this one) has plenty of functionality going on.
On the front we get a power button, a button to cycle through the 3 different inputs, the power match button that gives us 4 different gain levels, a nice and large rotary knob in the centre, a 6.35mm unbalanced headphone output, a 4.4mm balanced headphone output and a button to activate the built in EQ functions. Underneath each of the buttons, we get small white LED’s that show the current selection, giving us visual feedback but without being annoying.
On the back we get a 4.4mm balanced input, a 3.5mm single ended input, a set of RCA’s for another single ended input, a 4.4mm balanced output and a 5V power supply input.
Functionality is simple, we hook up the cables we need, choose the input and away we go.
As mentioned above, the only difference between this model and the other models in the CAN Signature line up is the presence of XBass rather than a specific tuning aimed at a specific model.
I think anyone who has ever heard of iFi has heard of the XBass (and XSpace) function, which is basically a bass boost that is done in the analog realm rather than in the digital realm like on the majority of devices. While there is some difference between the XBass and XSpace on different iFi models, the overall aim is the same. I will mention more on this in the sound section.
The volume knob is analog, as usual with iFi, and there is a noticeable channel imbalance at the lowest settings. This is something that is inherent to all analog volume controls, due to the way they work, although it is more noticeable on some devices than others. In this case, it is not bad but you will need to be reaching the 9:00 mark before things balance out.
As far as functionality goes, I think the ZEN CAN Signature has everything you may need from a small desktop headphone amplifier, except maybe for a single ended preamp output if that is on your need list. We do get a balanced preamp output, which works well for hooking up to something like studio monitors, allowing you to control them from the same device.
Sound…
The biggest question here is not how it sounds, unless you have never heard anything about the other ZEN CAN Signature models, but rather how it sounds in comparison to the other models in the range. Well, I am going totally by memory here but to me it sounds like the other two models (the HFM and the 6XX) that I tried in the past. That is without EQ of course.
Without EQ, everything I said about the HFM (I never actually reviewed the 6XX, just got to play with it) stay true with this model. There is a sort of relaxed sound signature with just a hint of warmth that is a very nice choice for longer sessions of enjoying music. While the FR is flat without EQ engaged, it still has that hint of smoothness to it, making it a more enjoyable listen, to me at least, than other more analytical options. I remember comparing the HFM version to the Asgard 3 and I feel that it is still a good reference. Just that hint of things being smoother.
When engaging the EQ, this is where things start to get interesting. In the case of the HFM, engaging the HFM button gave things a ramp up in the subbass and a bump around 2k (aimed at that house 2k dip on Hifiman). However, here we have XBass in its pure form, adjusting just the bass area, something that I think many people will find much more interesting if they have a selection of headphones.
Here is a comparison of the device with and without XBass activated:
As we can see in the graph, the XBASS function adds a nice ramp up as we move down from 300Hz. This ramp is something that I (and many others) are very fond of, as it increase the subbass more than just giving a midbass bump. This works well for many sets of IEMs and headphones that have a flat or rolled off lower range, or when we just want some extra rumble down low.
In the case of XSpace, this is what we get:
Now, the XSpace doesn’t just add extra treble, although we do get a bit of a boost as we move past the 1kHz mark. The XSpace also drops the presence below that mark. There is also a sensation of things being more spacious, more “spread out” if you will. This could just be based on the change in frequency response but I did find on some other iFi devices that the XSpace made no difference to the frequency response on the graph but still gave a sensation of “space”, so maybe there are other things going on that aren’t just related to frequency response.
That just leaves use with the XBass + XSpace option, which combines the two and gives us a response like this:
This is another setting that can come in useful for certain IEMs that have a bit too much midbass for my liking, dropping it slightly but without losing the subbass. If the IEMs are midbass and treble heavy, then this may not be a great option, due to adding more presence in those higher ranges, but it does come in handy with some sets and also with certain music.
To be honest, I find I prefer the ZEN CAN Signature flat, although the XBass is definitely a very handy thing to have. As you know, I have a few iFi things that I use regularly and the XBass is something that comes in very handy when dealing with recordings that are lacking in that department, or with headphones and IEMs that need a little help with the lows. I can’t say I use it all the time, I certainly avoid it for reviews, but there are times when it is useful and other times when I just feel like a bit of a boost.
Conclusion…
I think that the ZEN CAN Signature is a very interesting addition to the Signature line as it doesn’t focus on a specific set of headphones. It gives us the usual iFi house sound, a hint of warmth without loss of detail, and with it we get the option of XBass, something that iFi do very well and is bound to please plenty of people.
The price is on a par with the other amp models in the line, which I feel is reasonable, as you are getting a good performing amplifier, with plenty of power and connectivity, that is a step up from the entry level options without a huge jump in price. The ZEN stack looks good, in my opinion of course, and I feel it looks at home in any modern home or desk, being different enough to stand out but not screaming “look at me”.
As is usual with the iFi products I review, I come away with a sensation that I have enjoyed my time with them and that they offer a solid option for those looking to enjoy their music.
As with all my reviews, this is also available in Spanish, both on my blog (www.achoreviews.com) and on YouTube (www.youtube.com/achoreviews)
Thanks for the review, @SenyorC. How is this at driving some of the more obstinate headphones?
I just answered the same question (well, very similar anyway) on Headfi.
I can’t say I have found it to have issue with any of my headphones. I don’t have the Susvara or HE6 or anything crazy like that but with the Arya etc. it does fine.
I think it is going to depend on what headphones they are, what music you listen to and how loud you listen to said music.
It was idle curiosity, and the fact that I have the old xDSD, which fell in their midline portable range. Not so much for me, but if I give any advice to others was the reason for asking. Perhaps it would be useful to know how it compares with other iFi offerings like the Gryphon.
There are other variables to consider regarding my music listening habits. Spousal proximity may change my selection of headphones or speakers in addition to music style. Both that and blood alcohol level may affect SPL. So can time of day, and if it’s a beautiful sunny afternoon.
We’re going to have to work on a 6 to 11 dimensional charting strategy for this.
According to Thorsten (I think that is his name) who used to be the designer for iFi, it is held back by its power supply.
I can’t say I have noticed any issue but my listening levels aren’t very high and I have only really used it for a week or so.
Sound wise, it sounds the same as the CAN 6XX and HFM (I am guessing the MZ99 also), I just think that the pure XBass will be more appealing to more people.
It has that typical iFi house sound which I enjoy. I can’t say it is my favourite amp ever but for 300€ I think it is a good buy.