iFi Audio Zen One Signature Bluetooth/USB/Optical/Coaxial DAC

I purchased this D.A.C. to use with the Zen Can Headphone amplifier(love it). This D.A.C. sounds great when connected to the amp with a balanced connector. I use the U.S.B. port for listening to Tidal on my laptop. I have a C.D. transport connected via tos link, and use blue tooth for late night television viewing. I also have the R.C.A. outputs connected to the "record in" of a very good J.V.C. tape deck. In all of these applications this D.A.C. sounds amazing. I like it as much as I like my Chord Q-Test which is 4 times the price! The ultra small footprint makes it easy to fit into any system. It can be powered via U.S.B. but the external wall-wart that comes with it is a very high quality power supply which I recommend using.I doubt that one could find a better D.A.C. at this price.

This unit sounds fantastic especially with Qobuz he fi streams. Could not be happier.

This is a wonderful digital to audio converter that features a balanced output.Most DACs feature unbalanced RCA line-level outputs. Using a 3.5mm socket this DAC produces a true balanced signal output. A small adapter cable converts that 3.5mm jack to a pair of XLR balanced inputs for the next item in the signal chain. Balanced signals are immune to electronic interference and typically have a better signal-to-noise ratio down below 100dB.I connect into the DAC with an iPad and they connect with the highest possible bit rate available from Apple Music service.Musically it's invisible which is nice.

I have a WiiM Pro going in to this using Tidal and it has brought new life into my set up.I am thrilled with its performance. I chose this unit as I already have a Hip DAC for my headphones that works equally as well. The IFi brand is very good, and this unit does not disappoint. I have a DAC from another brandFor my PC audio and I believe I will be replacing that with an IFi product.

I have this attached to an older Classè SSP-800 so friends and family can stream music at my home. It’s paired with every phone I’ve encountered and the guest can play their music within a few moments. The sound quality is almost as good as as a wired connection. I’ve tried both the analog and digital outputs and there is a difference in sound coloration: I recommend others try both to suit their tastes. I personally prefer the digital signal path.The design also fits well with the rest of my home stereo components.