When I first heard about the iFi ZEN Blue, I was intrigued by its promise of delivering high-quality wireless audio. After spending some time with the third version, I can confidently say that it lives up to the hype. This little DAC packs incredible power, making it a fantastic addition to any audiophile’s setup.
Design
The iFi ZEN Blue 3 features an aluminum chassis that not only looks sleek but feels durable as well. Its small size allows it to blend in well with other iFi Zen products, making it a great addition to my desk without taking up much space. The lights on the front panel display the Bluetooth codecs, which is a nice touch for quickly identifying the quality of audio being received.
Featuring a QCC518x Bluetooth audio chip, this DAC supports S/PDIF, USB-C, and RCA analog inputs, providing connectivity versatility. Outputs include S/PDIF, RCA, and balanced connections, allowing for a variety of audio setups. The inclusion of 4.4mm and RCA outputs further enhances compatibility.
Bluetooth Performance
Bluetooth 5.4, the latest version, ensures a stable and efficient connection. The iFi ZEN Blue 3 supports a wide range of codecs, including LDAC™, LHDC/HWA, aptX Adaptive, aptX, AAC, and SBC. This broad compatibility means I can connect almost any Bluetooth device and enjoy high-quality, lossless audio. The device is both a Bluetooth transmitter and receiver, making it compatible with a wide variety of devices and connections.
A standout feature is its ability to offer lossless Bluetooth transmission at 1200 kbps, a rarity among Bluetooth devices. This makes it perfect for gaming and movies, as the aptX Low Latency mode drastically reduces the output time, ensuring synchronized audio and visuals.
Sound scene
The iFi ZEN Blue 3’s soundstage is clear and assertive. By using wider headphones such as the Hifiman Arya Organic, the soundstage has excellent width and detail, whilst maintaining a warm and balanced profile. The HD 600 headphones retain their clear midrange and excellent layer separation, demonstrating the DAC’s ability to handle intricate audio details.
Large flat headphones like the LCD-X benefit from excellent vertical separation, making for an immersive listening experience. The iFi ZEN Blue 3 manage to deliver a detailed yet balanced and enjoyable soundstage across a variety of headphone types.
Sound impressions
Listening to the Arya Organic headphones, I noticed that the warm sound of the DAC smoothed out the highs and delivered powerful yet balanced bass. The HD600 headphones retained their analytical quality with a detailed yet balanced sound and fantastic timbre, fully showcasing what these headphones are known for.
The LCD-X headphones had a very bass-heavy, yet detailed and fluid sound. The iFi ZEN Blue 3 DAC made listening to these headphones a pleasure, as minimal color was added to the sound, preserving the natural characteristics of the headphones and enhancing the overall audio experience.
Conclusion
The iFi ZEN Blue 3 stands out as a versatile, high-performance DAC. Its rugged design, excellent Bluetooth performance, and impressive sound quality make it a must-have accessory for any audiophile. Whether you’re gaming, listening to music, or watching movies, the iFi ZEN Blue 3 elevates the audio experience, proving that good things come in small packages.
Leave feedback about this