Updated iFi Zen DAC 3 follows in five-star footsteps, but will it deliver sonic bliss?

By
published

The Zen DAC 3 arrives alongside the Zen Phono 3

iFI Zen DAC 3
(Image credit: iFi)

iFi has revealed the two newest members of its popular Zen line of affordable hi-fi accessories: the Zen DAC 3 and the Zen Phono 3.

Building on the success of the superb, What Hi-Fi? Award-winning Zen DAC V2, the new third-generation Zen DAC has been designed to cater to a wide variety of users, from gamers and casual listeners to dedicated audiophiles.

The new DAC and headphone amplifier extends its support of high-resolution files to 768kHz PCM and DSD512 alongside full MQA decoding, promising to reproduce the nuances of your digital music "with remarkable clarity and detail". With fixed and variable output gain options, the Zen DAC 3 can be connected to headphones, amplifiers or even active speakers.

The compact DAC offers two 4.4mm balanced outputs – one for headphones and the other for hi-fi products – and it has a 6.3mm headphone socket and a new USB-C input. Its internal design is aimed at minimising distortion, crosstalk and unwanted noise. iFi's XBass+ and PowerMatch processing modes, which respectively add more lower-end oomph and change the internal amp’s gain for easier headphone matching, add further personalisation to your listening experience.

iFi Zen Phono 3 inputs closeup

The Phono 3 offers a subsonic filter for removing imperfections and works with MM and MC cartridges. (Image credit: iFi)

Released alongside the Zen DAC 3 is the Zen Phono 3 phono preamp that works with both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges. Making its debut to coincide roughly with this weekend's Record Store Day celebrations, the Phono 3 is designed to enhance your records' clarity and refinement. The Phono 3 features a bespoke "subsonic filter" which selectively removes sonic imperfections and flaws in a vinyl recording while maintaining the music's overall integrity and musicality. The unit's RIAA equalisation circuit, meanwhile, helps to maintain a consistent frequency response for preserving your records' original sonic characteristics. 

The Phono 3 offers 4.4mm balanced and RCA line outputs, while a high-precision power supply controller and adjustable gain offer further compatibility and versatility with your cartridge of choice. With our Vinyl Week celebrations in full swing and Record Store Day approaching on Saturday 20th April, the timing couldn't be better. 

The iFi ZEN DAC 3 is available now for £229 / $229 / AU$229 (which is a step up in price from the outgoing Zen DAC V2's £159 / $159 / AU$229), while the iFi ZEN Phono 3 is also on the market for £249 / $249 / AU$249.

MORE: 

Read our iFi Zen DAC V2 review

Or our iFi hip-dac 3 review

These are the best DACs: USB, desktop and portable digital-to-analogue converters

Harry McKerrell
Harry McKerrell
Senior staff writer

Harry McKerrell is a senior staff writer at What Hi-Fi?. During his time at the publication, he has written countless news stories alongside features, advice and reviews of products ranging from floorstanding speakers and music streamers to over-ear headphones, wireless earbuds and portable DACs. He has covered launches from hi-fi and consumer tech brands, and major industry events including IFA, High End Munich and, of course, the Bristol Hi-Fi Show. When not at work he can be found playing hockey, practising the piano or trying to pet strangers' dogs. 

2 Comments Comment from the forums
  • Kenneth Fernandes
    An integrated stereo speaker amplifier alongside the headphone amplifier in the Zen DAC would be an even better option. And a dedicated power supply unit to power the speakers.
    Reply
  • Skint_Jon
    I'm a noobie hifi enthusiast, and at the cheaper end of the scale :) And also quite an avid gamer which is where this purchase originated.

    £230 felt quite an outlay when I bought this DAC (my old Cambridge Audio amp was that much!). But after first having looked at gaming external soundcards with headphone-surround sound options and all sorts, I opted for something a bit less flashy but more versatile for music too.

    I've been absolutely delighted by it.

    Running the included cable to a set of Sony WH1000-XM5 headphones has brought my pc music to life, and games sound amazing too. I know my opinion is probably that of someone where many options would have seemed relatively great, but I'm happy with my purchase!
    Reply