iFi
Zen One Signature DAC
$349.00 USDFeatures
True Native hi-res DAC- Supports 32-bit/384kHz PCM and fully native DSD
Powerful 16-core XMOS processor
Balanced circuit design with signature-grade circuit components
4mm balanced and RCA single-ended analog outputs
Optical and coaxial S/PDIF digital outputs
What's in the Box?
Warranty
Let the iFi Audio ZEN One Signature DAC elevate your audiophile setup and serve as the centerpiece in your home audio system. A part of iFi's ZEN series, the ZEN One Signature DAC offers a range of advanced features and technologies that enable it to deliver a superior listening experience. The ZEN One Signature takes the DAC stage from the iFi ZEN DAC V2, adds S/PDIF inputs (optical and coaxial) alongside the USB port, stirs in Bluetooth technology from the ZEN Blue V2, and seasons the pot with Signature-grade circuit enhancements to create a delicious audio brew. The result? The ZEN One Signature is a pure DAC—not a DAC/Amp combo with no built-in headphone amplifier and volume control/volume knob that serves as a home audio hub for all your digital devices, from smartphones and tablets to PCs and Macs, CD players and audio servers to TVs and games consoles.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: We recommend pairing the iFi Audio ZEN One Signature DAC with the Blue Dragon Interconnect Cable with RCA connectors to pair it with other audio devices in your system. Sold in pairs, our interconnect cables are designed as a neutrality solution meant to disappear between the components in your system. The Black Dragon USB Cable is our recommendation for connecting source devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops to the ZEN One. Our USB Cables provide the best possible digital bus transmission so you can easily transfer digital audio from your source device to a USB DAC.
Features:
- HD Bluetooth Technology with extensive codec support
- True Native hi-res DAC- Supports 32-bit/384kHz PCM and fully native DSD
- Powerful 16-core XMOS processor
- Balanced circuit design with signature-grade circuit components
- 4mm balanced and RCA single-ended analog outputs
- Optical and coaxial S/PDIF digital outputs
Low Profile, High-Performance
The iFi ZEN One Signature DAC is a low-profile device that seamlessly blends into your home audio system. Place it on a bookshelf or integrate it into your desktop audio setup, this DAC sports the same 158x35x100mm aluminum enclosure as the rest of the ZEN series, finished in Deep Space Blue. iFi uses this rich chassis color to distinguish its signature-level models, rather than the grey finish of the regular ZEN series devices. On the front panel are buttons for powering up/down and switching between the USB input, S/PDIF, and Bluetooth inputs, alongside color-changing LEDs to indicate the incoming audio format and sample rate. The back panel sports an asynchronous USB Type B port, two S/PDIF outputs—optical and coaxial—as well as RCA analog outputs and a 4.4mm balanced output.
All-purpose Digital Audio Hub
The ZEN One Signature DAC delivers exceptional sound quality from every digital device in your home audio setup. With three connectivity options, the ZEN One takes the digital audio signal from any device, via USB Cable or Bluetooth, and converts it to analogue to feed an external amp, speakers, or headphones. The ZEN One is the first DAC in the iFi ZEN series to support all hi-res formats like DSD256, PCM384, and MQA384kHz. Optical and coaxial S/PDIF digital outputs support 32-bit/192kHz PCM and MQA, adding to the ZEN One's versatility. The ZEN One's MQA renderer is ideal for subscribers of Tidal's 'HiFi Plus' tier, where Tidal Masters (MQA) content can be found.
The next-generation HD Qualcomm four-core QCC5100 Bluetooth technology in the ZEN One supports 96kHz hi-res codecs like LDAC, HWA/LHDC, aptX Adaptive/HD/LL, and AAC. The ZEN One has functionality to be used as a Bluetooth DAC via the Bluetooth 5.1 codec and up to eight Bluetooth devices can be stored in the memory, making it easy to switch from one device to another.
Discerning Digital Engine
The ZEN One Signature DAC's digital engine is based around a Burr-Brown DAC chipset, selected for its natural-sounding musicality and True Native architecture. This hi-res DAC supports 32-bit/384kHz PCM and fully native DSD and DXD. A powerful 16-core XMOS processor performs full MQA decoding up to 384kHz delivering enhanced processing power to the ZEN One and its firmware has been optimized to pair perfectly with the Burr-Brown DAC. Thanks to the Burr-Brown DAC chip's four-channel True Native design, PCM and DSD take separate pathways enabling them to stay 'bit-perfect' in its native form right through to analog conversion. Extensive jitter-reduction technologies are also applied to the ZEN One's digital stage, including the latest generation of iFi's GMT (Global Master Timing) femto-precision clock and intelligent memory buffer.
Awesome Analog Circuity
Balanced circuitry is what the ZEN series is famed for and the Signature-level ZENs, such as the iFi Audio ZEN DAC Signature and ZEN CAN Signature further up the ante with their enhanced true-differential balanced topologies. From input to output, the ZEN One's circuitry is designed for pure hi-fi performance with Panasonic OS-CON and Elna Silmic II capacitors that ensure short, direct signal paths. The result? Even greater sonic detail and expression. 4mm balanced and RCA single-ended analog outputs allow easy connection to an integrated amplifier, preamp, headphone amp, streamer, or active speakers. Additionally, the ZEN One is equipped with high-precision and low-noise MELF resistors and a high-gain antenna for extended range. Power can be supplied to the ZEN One using USB from a connected device or directly from the mains via an AC/DC adapter.
iFi Audio: Make Your Music Better
Manufacturer of the award-winning xDSD Gryphon DAC, GO Bar, GO Blu, and iDSD Diablo 2 DAC & Headphone Amp, iFi Audio creates hi-fi audio solutions for the passionate audiophile who never compromises sound quality. From streamers to USB DACs, Hip-DACs, adapters, headphone amplifiers, and more, iFi Audio produces home audio and portable audiophile-grade gear at affordable prices, ranging from entry-level to mid-tiered music lovers and discerning audiophiles. Check out our entire collection of iFi Audio products and dedicated reviews for more.
What's in the Box?
- ZEN One Signature
- RCA Cable
- iFi iPower 2 Power Supply with Power Cable
- Antenna
- USB 3.0 Cable
- User Manual
- Instruction Card
FAQ
Can the iFi ZEN One Signature DAC be used as a portable DAC?
The iFi Audio ZEN One Signature DAC is not designed for portable audio use because it does not have a built-in headphone amplifier and volume control. It is a dedicated DAC & not a headphone amplifier but can be used as a desktop DAC to support playback of your entire audio system.
How do I pair my iFi ZEN One Signature Bluetooth device?
To pair a Bluetooth device with the iFi Audio ZEN One Signature DAC, press the button on the front panel for three seconds until the LED light flashes between blue and red. Once in pairing mode, you can select the device labeled 'iFi Hi-Res Audio' on the list of available Bluetooth devices.
Does the ifi ZEN One Signature DAC have headphone outputs?
No, the iFi Audio ZEN One Signature DAC does not have headphone outputs for In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) or headphones but it does have a 4.4mm bal line out.
Does the iFi ZEN One Signature DAC have any digital filters?
No, the iFi Audio ZEN One Signature DAC does not have any of iFi’s proprietary digital filters like xBass, Truebass, and xSpace.
| Power | DC 5V (centre pin +ve) | |
|---|---|---|
| Digital inputs | USB3.0 Type B (USB2.0 compatible) S/PDIF (coaxial, TOSLINK optical) Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX LL, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC and SBC codec) |
|
| Formats | PCM DSD DXD MQA Bluetooth | 44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192kHz 2.8/3.1/5.6/6.1/11.3/12.3MHz 352.8/384kHz Decoder 96kHz |
| Chipset | Bit-Perfect Qualcomm | DSD & DXD DAC by Burr Brown QCC 5100 Series |
| Analogue outputs | Coaxial, Audio RCA L/R 4.4 Balanced Lineout |
|
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 80kHz ±3dB | |
| Outputs | 4V / 2V max. (BAL/UnBAL) | |
| Output Impedance | ≤72Ω/36Ω (BAL/UnBAL) | |
| SNR | -105dB(A) @ 0dBFS (BAL/UnBAL) | |
| THD + N | <0.002% @ 0dBFS (BAL/UnBAL) | |
| Power consumption | No Signal ~0.7W/Max Signal ~1W | |
| Dimensions | 158 x 100 x 35 mm 6.2" x 3.9" x 1.4" |
|
| Net weight | 485g 1.1 lbs |