This thread to discuss the official relaunch of our Signature Zen DAC and CAN 6xx, brought back by popular demand thanks to the success of the Drop launch!
For more info…
The DAC: ZEN DAC Signature by iFi audio | A pure performance desktop DAC from iFi audio.
The CAN 6xx: ZEN CAN Signature 6XX by iFi audio | A tailor-made headphone amplifier from iFi audio.
Any thoughts? Comments? Questions? Drop 'em here!
That’s good news for us non-US members.
I’m not sure where you can buy it, but there’s a bundle that includes the DAC, Amp, and a free balanced cable to connect them. Anyone who’s interested in getting both may want to wait for that.
For those interested in Europe and Great Britain:
Thanks for posting this up! This is super helpful for EU and GB folks.
Our bundle should be available on all of our usual corners of the interwebs now!
Did you know the ZEN Signatures are now available as a set with a 4.4mm Pentaconn cable included?
Here’s our handy set-up guide on this dynamic duo work together: https://youtu.be/aJv-k7_NifA
And through all our regular iFi dealer worldwide. Go grab 'em!
What’s in the box? And by box, we’re not talking packaging. What’s inside that Space Blue chassy that makes the ZEN DAC Signature a cut above?
Just a reminder that the ZEN DAC Signature is a pure DAC! Its simplified circuitry provides the opportunity to upgrade the signal path and critical components. Boutique parts and top-notch components such as Panasonic OS-CONs and Elna Silmic II capacitors. And a stunning black military-grade PCB board to boot.
Can you give an ELi5 of what the differences between the original Zen DAC and this version are? Do you think it would be a worthy step up to the original?
The biggest differences are that the new Zen DAC Signature:
A specialist/purist design that is DAC only, the previous model had a DAC and AMP combined.
The internal circuitry has been upgraded to a fully balanced design, resulting in the simplification of its circuitry provides the opportunity to upgrade the signal path and critical
components within it.
Various key surface mounted components, including Panasonic OS-CON and Elna Silmic II capacitors, have been upgraded to higher-end components.
Hope that helps, let me know if there’s anything else I can answer for you!
Thank you, it does, do you have a preference when stacking these or would you recommend your 4.4 balanced cable since it already comes with the set anyways?
Yes! Here’s our handy set-up guide on this dynamic duo work together.
Thank you! I grabbed a 4.4 so I could use my stack balanced.
Let us know what you think!
Just ordered my ifi zen can today. 
let’s hope it’s a winner 
Thanks for picking one up, be sure to drop your feedback here and let me know what you think!
Is there anybody else having problems playing MQA on Zen Dac signature?
I’m using an iPhone and a Macbook as source with Tidal apps.
On iPhone it almost never works.
On Mac it used to be working, but nowadays it stopped.
I’ve tried to install a new firmware but I couldn’t, the Mac didn’t accept the install app from iFi.
Hi there,
What setttings do you use on Tidal?
Hi Guys,
Today we are taking a look at the top of the Zen Range DAC from iFi. Anyone who reads this blog or my posts knows I’m a fan of iFi’s products, especially at the more affordable end of the product spectrum. I think they offer a lot of sound for the money, and usually strike a good balance between a very agreeable tonality and technical performance when compared to other options of the market in a similar price range.
The Zen range originally consisted of one product line, but has since become a three tier product range. You have the most affordable, single ended line, the Zen AIR. The original, now mid tier range, the plain Zen V2 line. Thirdly, you now have the Zen Signature line, which improves on some of the components and circuits used. I’m curious if the Zen AIR range was created to try and target the original price point and affordability of the the original Zen line, due to increased costs across the the board resulting in much higher MSRP of the original (now V2) line.
The Zen Signature lineup consists of the Zen One Signature, a bluetooth/USB combo DAC, the Zen Can Signature, which is a headphone amp/preamp, and the Zen DAC Signature, which is the subject of todays review.
The Zen DAC Signature is unlike the Zen AIR DAC, and the Zen DAC V2, as it is the only standalone DAC in the entire line up, in that it doesn’t feature a headphone amp. It can be used as a preamp as it does also have an analog volume control. The major differences from the Zen DAC V2, are the use of higher quality components, improved USB input, and some circuit changes. The look is entirely different, featuring a navy blue shell and black front panel. I actually really like the look of the Signature range, and think it looks much better than the other Zen lines. The back of the volume knob lights up in different colours according to the sample rate you are playing, and overall, makes the unit quite fetching in terms of aesthetics.
Of course, the most important thing isn’t how it looks, but how it sounds. In terms of overall tonal balance the Zen DAC Signature is very similar to the Zen DAC, with slight improvements in overall refinement and clarity. For the rest of the comparisons I will just refer to the Signature as the Sig.
The bass of the Sig is somewhat rounded off sounding, and there is a slight bloom to the low end (and lower mids) which does bring some slight warmth to the overall sound signature. The Sig is not a bass monster or very bass light either, but there does seem to be slight elevation of the low end. In terms of impact or slam, the somewhat rounded off nature takes away from the perceived speed of and impact of the lows, but I also wouldn’t say the bass is muddy or lacking definition.
The low mid range of the Sig does have the slight warmth and elevation mentioned previously. The upper mid range is not massively forward or recessed, and seems mostly neutral throughout that range. I found the Sig to work really well with acoustic music, and vocals in particular. The upper mids were never shouty or harsh and nasal. However, if you are looking for a very neutral DAC with a lot of slam and speed for electronica and a neutral tonal balance, you might be better with a different option.
The high end of the Sig was probably my favourite part of its overall response. Not sharp or sibilant, and not overly forward. At the same time, mostly neutral sounding, not recessed or too dark. If you prefer a darker sounding DAC, or perhaps are using very bright headphones/speakers, you might be better served with a different DAC, but for most users I think the treble of the Sig will be very agreeable.
The Sig retails for $300USD currently, which for the performance it provides is very fair I reckon. It does improve on the technical performance of the Zen DAC V2, and as such, also the Zen Air DAC I would assume (I have not yet heard the Air DAC.) The overall detail levels and clarity seem slightly increased. The sound staging is very similar, but the imaging does seem slightly sharper and well placed throughout the soundstage vs the V2. It’s not a massive difference in terms of overall technical improvement, but it is noticeable and does add up to a more refined and higher performing sound signature.
The build quality of the Sig is largely similar to the other Zen Lines, and simply has a different colour scheme. All of the Zen line feel well built, solid and sturdy in the hand, and entirely in line with their price point. You can choose to run the Sig off the USB input for its power and data, or buy a separate DC input power brick to provide the power, and use the USB for data. You can choose either balanced or SE output via RCA for SE, and 4.4mm pentaconn for balanced. This will require a pentaconn to XLR cable, which can be bought separately. I would recommend using the balanced output if possible, as it does improve on the SE output. With that being said, if your amplification only has SE inputs, you aren’t missing out on a ton, and I would still recommend the Sig even if it is only going to be used single ended. The volume control and pre amp function is achieved using an analog pot, which as long as you are above 9 o’clock has good channel matching. It’s a handy feature to have, and would work well either to a power amp directly, or to a pair of active speakers. I mostly just used the Sig with a headphone amplifier, but I did try the pre out function, and found that it worked well and as advertised. You can turn off the preamp function on the rear of the device by selecting “fixed” vs. “variable.”
Overall, the Zen DAC Signature is a great option in the $300USD range if you don’t need amplification built in, like the rest of the Zen DAC options. It is the highest performing DAC model in the range, and also works as a pre amp if you are a speaker user. I think that its overall tonal balance is very agreeable, and will likely work for the vast majority of users well. The colour scheme is attractive, and easy on the eyes, and an improvement over the grey of the Zen V2 line up. The technical performance is an improvement over the Zen DAC V2, and entirely acceptable for the price point. If you are looking for a colder sounding DAC, with a sharper leading edge, you may be better off with a different option, but for most people, I think that the Zen DAC V2, is a better choice than a lot of the other similar option on the market currently.
