The previous firmware version (5.2B) sounds more natural than the newer (5.30) or (5.3c) on this iFi Zen Dac. Bought it 2 weeks ago and really like it. Frightening to think of " The Law of Diminishing Returns " after this purchase :)
@@SparkiNgFLasH7 I went back and forth between all three for about an hour and couldn't hear any sound differences whatsoever. iFi's website says that the only differences between the three is functionality; 5.20 is the standard of the three, 5.2A enables DSD256 operation, and 5.2B disables sleep mode on their Micro iDSD (it also mentions that 5.2B should ONLY be used for smartphone users). Their site also says there is no need to use 5.2A if DSD files aren't played at all or 5.2B with any other products other than their Micro iDSD, therefore just use 5.20 if you're a casual listener who doesn't use DSD.
You're 2 for 2 Z. I'm a military retiree so I don't have a lot of money to spend on headphones and peripherals, but after watching your review on the Zen dac/amp and the Sundaras, holy fuck. ( I watch all of your reviews) I'm 500 bucks into the very best sound I will ever be able to afford. You've gained a new Patreon man. The Sundara/Zen combination is amazing. It's more than amazing. Thanks man.
Exactly what i just pulled the trigger on. Open box sundaras and refurbished zen v1. Picking up the extended power cable and a balanced cable to seal the deal. 👍
A portable magical combo is also - final audio e4000/phillips l2 & astell and kern pee51/hc1 or 2. Just my 2 cents worth. I understand budget limitations too 😅 cheers, bro.
@@EDG3PC Yep, coupled it with the SHP9500. As far as I can tell, it's good for gaming as well. I'm able to identify the direction of the in-game sound and pick up subtle noises quite easily with this setup, so that's great. (I don't play competitively and have never tried other dac/amp + headphone combos before, though)
Never used a DAC or amp for head phones before. I had JBL wireless, bought Vmoda, Vmodas sounded like I took the pillow off the JBLs, gave those away. bought this DAC/AMP, sounded like I took the pillow off the Vmodas.
Bought this the day it came out because it being a DAC/amp with a 4.4mm for $130 is amazing on its own. My favorite part though... DT880 250ohm + bass boost button = orgasm
Hi, congratulations on your channel, before buying anything, always go through that channel before deciding. but I would like to ask a question, between ifi Zen and fiio k5 which one would you recommend comparing the sound? thank you and continued good work
Not even close, the power output is in another league, and the Micro also has the cleanliness / endgame distortion specs, so that won't help the Zen either.
@@EDG3PC Since day one. Works perfect with anything music , movies and of course with games as well. A USB DAC it's a sound card so of course it works.
Well now I can't decide between getting this or the Schiit Hel, so that means it's time to stop watching your videos for a bit before I spend all the money I don't have.
Wolfson no more, unfortunately. Used to be based in walking distance of my home, here in Edinburgh. Sold off years ago. I think the intellectual property is owned by Cirrus Logic, and the design lab is gone. Probably to the States, or China.
Nice I got this delivered on the 15th of Jan just three days before Zeos reviewed :). After looking at so many options I saw the USB3, Switchable RCA outs and balanced options at the price I was sold!
I pair the zen DAC with the loxjie 20 with all balanced ins and outs as well as upgraded power supplies for both. It’s fantastic with hifiman he4xx and Sennheiser hd6xx. Straight butter
Zen Dac V2 is now here! The V2 has the 16 core XMOS USB controller with an improved crystal clock for $159. Now, you can power with the iPower 5V for $59 which should improve the clarity quite a bit.
"2020 is kickin off right" - Zeos Pantera, Jan 2020 Welp.. yeah, about that 2020. Need to have a talk about that.. Meanwhile, back at the ranch.. I picked up that iFi Zen DAC recently (yesterday) and really looking forward to playing with it! Been looking at getting this for awhile. I was actually waiting for the Drop version to become available again, but after watching/reading reviews comparing the two, It doesn't seem like the price hike for the Drop exclusive is really worth it.. or, is it?
thank you for the great video. I just brought the sennheiser HD58X and I'm currently just powering it via my 2013 iMac. Would the iFi Zen be a good match for the 58X? the Zen costs $20 over what i paid for the 58X so i'll only be upgraded if it makes a noticeable difference.
Honestly, I couldn't say since I don't have the Sennheisers. I will two things. I ended up going with the Fiio K5 Pro, and I love it. It's powerful and clean sounding (to my ears). That said, I've seen lots of people say that the ifi Zen Dac is amazing. You probably can't go wrong with either one.
Man...I'm listening to my SHP9500 through the Zen (with additional power plugged in) right now and I just had a thought; If you're an audiophile on a budget and don't mind the sometimes grainy highs of the SHPs, these could be your go-to combo for a really, really long time. Together, these are simply EARGASMIC. I do have multiple headphones, but I don't feel the need to grab the other ones to listen to different types of music at all. In my opinion, this combo just hit the sweet spot.
@@agoogleuser9025 I do! Though, I game with headphones for the first time with this setup and I don't play competitively, so I can't really give much of an insight about the quality of the gaming audio. But, I do notice that, in game, I can hear and identify the direction of sound quite easily, so that's great. Much better than speakers setup I used previously, for sure.
@@KrisVonInks Hi, what other headphones do you have? I also have the sph9500 and i will buy the zen dac and the power supply. So you really think that is a good investiment then right?
@@earlskeletor430 They really do sound great with the Zen Dac. I'm getting the 5v power supply tomorrow to try to just squeeze a tiny bit more out of the Zen Dac.
@@phanatic23608 That's awesome. I just got the Topping P50 linear power supply. I'm actually using it on a Douk Audio tube amp. Perfection. Power supplies can make a slight difference.
@@yaniv-nos-tubes yooo. I got it this week and WOW what an upgrade. It took me 2 seconds to realize how much crisper and more detailed things got. And the imaging. When sound goes right to left it hits like a wave. I honestly did not believe that power supply or whatever noise cancelling this does had such a dramatic effect.
However this would be a great too, especially if you like the idea of the Bass Boost button (not sure if it works when just using it as a DAC?). And it gives you the option to listen to something in with more chill (“Zen”) sound through the internal Amp than the “sterile” THX sound as Zeos mentioned.
@Tasunke bb chips sounds nicer than other delta sigma chips,warmer less sharp or bright ,a bit less detail but better tone,plugging a warmer sounding dac to the sterile 789 makes perfect sense . r 2 r or tube dacs even better.
Interesting you mention the Gorack. Have you tried using it as an intermediate between a DAC and a balanced headphone amp? I don't have a balanced DAC so I have been experimenting with this exact setup into the SP200. The bass boost, like you say, is magical on that thing. With regard to the Zen, used purely as a source, would you recommend it over the Grace Design SDAC Balanced on Drop? I don't really need an AIO as I am happy with my NFB11.28.
Stop listening to e-celebs for your purchasing decisions, especially when it's their full time job and they are paid by the manufacturer to showcase their products. They are not neutral or objective.
Zeos is right this thing is addicting. I got this as my first desk dac and since switched to a modius and 789. Gave this thing to my cousin. A month later. I realized i wanted it back. But I'm not that kind of person so im getting the zen can instead.
Awesome review. Thank you. My question is: if I use iPhone or iPad as a source to stream Apple Music lossless, would that be any concerns for using Zen DAC ? What kind of adapter or cable should I get for connection (lightening) to Zen DAC? Hope to hear from you soon
What application is that on your computer that you play all your movies/music from or atleast music and how do u hook a computer/laptop to a tv on a wall with wireless keyboard and mouse and what is best wireless keyboard and mouse ?
I would like to start by saying, what an amazing reviewer you are! You have your own way of expressing your thoughts into words and it connects, at least with people like me :). I have a question. Where can I get the balanced cable like the one you have in this review, the purple and pink? I need a Headphone Jack on both ends (TRS). Is it possible to buy such cable online at a reasonable cost? Thanks!
I love your videos. Is there anywhere that you keep a current ranking of your favourite Class D amps? Would love to upgrade from the SMSL one I've had for the past 5 years.
I bought the Topping MX3 off your recommendation Z, and no regrets there, but should I then buy this for a noticeable upgrade in sound quality? Thanks for the review by the way.
ya i had to go back into this vid. that buttery smack true bass button!! apparently, my kph30i's love that buttery smack bass button! they sound great with that button on!!
Hello I've just learn about your channel about 2 weeks ago. I need your advice on an audio solution I'm seeking. Are you willing to field a few questions I have? I would really appreciate it. Im blown away from your knowledge on the subject.
@@JSmooth1967 Reviews and all this stuff is his job. He generally only likes comments and doesn't comment much or answer questions. Being on his patreon is the surefire way to get answers. Considering you're going to spend mucho dinero, it's a small price to pay for the advice of someone you say has blown you away with his knowledge on the subject.
@@jdam28k what are you talking about? The K5 is slightly more powerful, thats it. That's the ONLY "objective" difference. That's not "shitting all over" anything. Such a bullshit hot take.
EdgyGrimDark then it breaks for no reason. Sure ive had some fiio products and topping too, all of them broken and the last one standing is the q1mk2. I would not be surprised if that broke just for turning it on. Lol
Hello and thank you very much for this review! I have now Micca OriGen+ and it has been giving me troubles getting it to work in foobar2000 in the Native DSD / ASIO mode on Windows 7. How is ZEN doing regarding that? Does it require special drivers etc.? Or is it a plug-and-play thing? Again, I am talking about reproducing DSD natively in foobar2000 on Windows 7. Thank you.
Planning to buy an AKG K702 or 712 soon and later a Sennheiser H600 or 650. Would the Zen be a good match for these cans or the Fiio K5Pro would be better?
Got this on Z's recommendation. Great device. Only odd thing I have found with it is, that if I turn the volume up and down with nothing playing, I get a bit of crackle / static. This resolves if I ground myself against the body of the device with another finger while touching the volume knob. Not sure what would cause this?
great review keep up the good work. I have just received my fiio k5 pro i was wondering if you could give me some help. I noticed you have the input on COAX/OPTICAL IN is that the best input when using a headset for sound quality over just using the USB input settting? I mainly game so it would be great to know if its worth me buying the extra cables to get the maximum sound quality out of the k5 pro. my headset it is paired up with is beyerdynamic DT 990 PROS TIA.
having watched both this and your MX3 review, you had amazing stuff to say for both. What are the differences and which would you recommend to use with a pair of blon b20s ?
MX3 has a real good headphone amp, but its speaker output has sad levels of distortion, so the Zen is probably far superior at that end. And it works without a power brick, you can power it just with the USB.
I hope this is still considered a recommend and I hope it's powerful enough for my Tin P1s. My Magni 3 amp went up in smoke just a little while ago. I remembered the good reviews for this unit and considered the price to performance sounds worth the purchase. If it isn't powerful enough I suppose I could use it's 4.4 balanced out to push to a stronger amp.
@@misternef What other cans or IEMs are you running with them? I finally ordered my first headphone amp - a Zen Can - and I'm getting it Wednesday - I can't wait. I have AD500Xs (with HM5 pads) and am gonna buy 600ohm DT880s
@@Gamez4eveR Right now my main cans are DT 1770 pros with Dekoni Suede pads. I also sometimes put on my 58X Jubilees. Audio Technica certainly makes good headphones. I used to have a pair of their Solid Bass ones that I gave to my father that needed a good pair of headphones.
Did you record this before or after the SMSL M500? Other than the fixed/variable switch and the 4mm jack(s), isn't the M500 a better DAC/headphone amp/preamp choice?
The previous firmware version (5.2B) sounds more natural than the newer (5.30) or (5.3c) on this iFi Zen Dac.
Bought it 2 weeks ago and really like it. Frightening to think of " The Law of Diminishing Returns " after this purchase :)
You saved my life!
Has anyone else felt this? Need a larger sample size
can I get the older firmware? Is it less colored?
Out of the 3 was (5.2B) the most natural out of the (5.2A) and (5.20)
@@SparkiNgFLasH7 I went back and forth between all three for about an hour and couldn't hear any sound differences whatsoever. iFi's website says that the only differences between the three is functionality; 5.20 is the standard of the three, 5.2A enables DSD256 operation, and 5.2B disables sleep mode on their Micro iDSD (it also mentions that 5.2B should ONLY be used for smartphone users). Their site also says there is no need to use 5.2A if DSD files aren't played at all or 5.2B with any other products other than their Micro iDSD, therefore just use 5.20 if you're a casual listener who doesn't use DSD.
You're 2 for 2 Z. I'm a military retiree so I don't have a lot of money to spend on headphones and peripherals, but after watching your review on the Zen dac/amp and the Sundaras, holy fuck. ( I watch all of your reviews) I'm 500 bucks into the very best sound I will ever be able to afford. You've gained a new Patreon man. The Sundara/Zen combination is amazing. It's more than amazing. Thanks man.
Enjoy the combo, i will purchase the same when i get the paycheck. Any music recomendation to enjoy?
@@asiergarcia1213 try giving Friedrich Habetler a listen. its mostly anime stuff but he has some bangers.
Exactly what i just pulled the trigger on. Open box sundaras and refurbished zen v1. Picking up the extended power cable and a balanced cable to seal the deal. 👍
A portable magical combo is also - final audio e4000/phillips l2 & astell and kern pee51/hc1 or 2. Just my 2 cents worth. I understand budget limitations too 😅 cheers, bro.
next door neighbors going at it
I just recently got the Zen and I just wanted to come back to this video to say:
Dude... BUTTER. HEROIN.
I also felt the withdrawal when turning off TrueBass.
Did you try it on games?
@@EDG3PC Yep, coupled it with the SHP9500. As far as I can tell, it's good for gaming as well. I'm able to identify the direction of the in-game sound and pick up subtle noises quite easily with this setup, so that's great. (I don't play competitively and have never tried other dac/amp + headphone combos before, though)
@@KrisVonInks
can this dac connected to bookshelf speakers? speaker has an inbuilt amp
@@praba991ify yes you can switch the rca outputs to fixed and connect them to bookshelves
12:44 meow
Microwave woww I missed that hahaha
True audiophile
Funny thing is, the wallpaper made that sound
about the sound quality, which is your choice ? fiio 5k Pro, or ifi zen dac?
Never used a DAC or amp for head phones before. I had JBL wireless, bought Vmoda, Vmodas sounded like I took the pillow off the JBLs, gave those away. bought this DAC/AMP, sounded like I took the pillow off the Vmodas.
"butter herion" is more commonly known as "morphin i stole from a hospital "
"It's the wrong gender, like we all are." I love you zeos
I just bought one today on Amazon with the charger,hope that it sounds good enough for my small desk area.Thx Zeos
Thanks Z! Got mine today and I'm happy with it. Bonus: it works off the usb-c on your phone too... with an adapter ofc!
I got mine delivered and this thing really has remarkable sound and build quality, not even considering the price.
Did you try it with games?
2:09 "whatever the f shape you want to call this." That's a flask bro
because it sips power HAHAHAHAAHAHAH...HAHA...HA..eh.......ill leave now
@@jirya957 you need to seek therapy or visit AA. Now leave 😂
Bought this the day it came out because it being a DAC/amp with a 4.4mm for $130 is amazing on its own. My favorite part though...
DT880 250ohm + bass boost button = orgasm
I have the DT880 250 ohm too, how is the Sound about not Balanced output? I was thinking to get the Fiio K5 pro.
u tried not balanced output?
Wood Meat DT 880 + bass bost = orgasm... but balanced or unbalanced?
Hi, congratulations on your channel, before buying anything, always go through that channel before deciding. but I would like to ask a question, between ifi Zen and fiio k5 which one would you recommend comparing the sound? thank you and continued good work
is this worth switching to from the ifi Micro iDSD?
no
Not even close, the power output is in another league, and the Micro also has the cleanliness / endgame distortion specs, so that won't help the Zen either.
@@d0nj03 how does this compare to the iDAC 2 then? I saw a display set for the same price in my area
I finally found you
What are U talking about... We talk clearly price to performance
how does it compares to Fiio K5 pro?
I have it as a soundcard replacement for my PC. It's an amazing DAC. I use it for now with my Audio Technica MSR7b headphones.
Did you try with games?
@@EDG3PC Since day one. Works perfect with anything music , movies and of course with games as well. A USB DAC it's a sound card so of course it works.
@@EDG3PC I tried it with league of legends and it's like 15 percent better
Well now I can't decide between getting this or the Schiit Hel, so that means it's time to stop watching your videos for a bit before I spend all the money I don't have.
Burr-Brown baby! Legendary DAC chips! Burr-Brown, Sabre and Wofson are classics
Wolfson no more, unfortunately. Used to be based in walking distance of my home, here in Edinburgh. Sold off years ago. I think the intellectual property is owned by Cirrus Logic, and the design lab is gone. Probably to the States, or China.
Zen dac + ipower from ifi = perfect sounds for starter.
Plus upgraded power supply plus all balanced in and out = master race status
The Ifi iPower low noise 5v power supply takes the Zen Dac to a whole other level. For $50, it's a must. I didnt believe it, but try it for yourself.
can you compare the iPower to more generic 5v adapters you can find?
The real question is: this or the FiiO K5 Pro?
I have the same question!
Same here, I'm leaning towards the FiiO
I got the K5 Pro already! FML. I am happy with it though.
I mean.. That maybe for power. But this has balanced out AND bass boost.. +2 ifi
@@ZReviews This is cheaper + USB3 + balanced as you said 😫
*here's knocking on wall* "Who is it??" 😂
"please never send a headphones to Poland"
Thanks Man! :P
Great video, I hink you have made my mind of what to buy :D
Nice I got this delivered on the 15th of Jan just three days before Zeos reviewed :). After looking at so many options I saw the USB3, Switchable RCA outs and balanced options at the price I was sold!
Tonight tonight tonight... OHHHH OHHHHHH
I’m gonna get it riiiight
Tonight tonight tonight.
I pair the zen DAC with the loxjie 20 with all balanced ins and outs as well as upgraded power supplies for both. It’s fantastic with hifiman he4xx and Sennheiser hd6xx. Straight butter
This with the balanced output going to a loxjie P20 would be a fantastic setup
le mish it is. Trust me
Zen Dac V2 is now here! The V2 has the 16 core XMOS USB controller with an improved crystal clock for $159. Now, you can power with the iPower 5V for $59 which should improve the clarity quite a bit.
does the bass boost sound good with Sundara?
did you do the firmware update? apparently it makes the sound a bit clearer and tighter.
"2020 is kickin off right" - Zeos Pantera, Jan 2020
Welp.. yeah, about that 2020. Need to have a talk about that..
Meanwhile, back at the ranch.. I picked up that iFi Zen DAC recently (yesterday) and really looking forward to playing with it! Been looking at getting this for awhile. I was actually waiting for the Drop version to become available again, but after watching/reading reviews comparing the two, It doesn't seem like the price hike for the Drop exclusive is really worth it.. or, is it?
thank you for the great video. I just brought the sennheiser HD58X and I'm currently just powering it via my 2013 iMac. Would the iFi Zen be a good match for the 58X? the Zen costs $20 over what i paid for the 58X so i'll only be upgraded if it makes a noticeable difference.
Yes upgrade to a proper Amp & dac dude. Your MacBook has nothing on proper hardware
This or the Fiio K5 Pro? You really loved those too.
Honestly, I couldn't say since I don't have the Sennheisers. I will two things. I ended up going with the Fiio K5 Pro, and I love it. It's powerful and clean sounding (to my ears). That said, I've seen lots of people say that the ifi Zen Dac is amazing. You probably can't go wrong with either one.
I in fact like this better than the Chord Hugo! I sold the Hugo and kept the Zen!
2 different animals. Zen is a Zebra, Chord is a Rhino.
Do you mind sharing how does this compare to Fiio K5 Pro?
Man...I'm listening to my SHP9500 through the Zen (with additional power plugged in) right now and I just had a thought; If you're an audiophile on a budget and don't mind the sometimes grainy highs of the SHPs, these could be your go-to combo for a really, really long time. Together, these are simply EARGASMIC. I do have multiple headphones, but I don't feel the need to grab the other ones to listen to different types of music at all. In my opinion, this combo just hit the sweet spot.
Do you also game with this setup?
@@agoogleuser9025 I do! Though, I game with headphones for the first time with this setup and I don't play competitively, so I can't really give much of an insight about the quality of the gaming audio. But, I do notice that, in game, I can hear and identify the direction of sound quite easily, so that's great. Much better than speakers setup I used previously, for sure.
@@KrisVonInks Hi, what other headphones do you have? I also have the sph9500 and i will buy the zen dac and the power supply. So you really think that is a good investiment then right?
Topping e30 or ifi ? I am really stuck between the two
great review
pretty helpful as always
i'm interested at buying it to use at home on my laptop.
keep up the good work,Zeos
My poor man’s audio includes this with the HD 560 S. This is exactly what those headphones needed.
560s are so good. I just got some K712 pros today. I hate them. Sticking with my 560s and DT880.
I have basically every Sennheiser headphone ever and the 560S is my current go to, Love it!
@@earlskeletor430 They really do sound great with the Zen Dac. I'm getting the 5v power supply tomorrow to try to just squeeze a tiny bit more out of the Zen Dac.
@@Princeton_James I'm not sure if I ever want to listen to closed backs ever again.
@@phanatic23608 That's awesome. I just got the Topping P50 linear power supply. I'm actually using it on a Douk Audio tube amp. Perfection. Power supplies can make a slight difference.
16:27 What was that adapter? 4.4mm Balanced to . . . ?
I think it's a 4.4 to mini XLR 4 pin adapter.
@@sced7 Thanks :)
Finally!!! LOVE the Zen! Theres also a firmware update on their website that cleans up the sound a bit as well. I highly recommend that.
try the ipower 5v it's 50 $
@@yaniv-nos-tubes helps?
@@yaniv-nos-tubes yooo. I got it this week and WOW what an upgrade. It took me 2 seconds to realize how much crisper and more detailed things got. And the imaging. When sound goes right to left it hits like a wave. I honestly did not believe that power supply or whatever noise cancelling this does had such a dramatic effect.
@@MrAhuraMazda Did you get more soundstage and better imaging with this? Witch hedphones you use?
Finally got around to getting one of these, and I love it! Cheers for the review.
No optical in? Not for me. I already have 4 usb dacs.
Ok...I am calling Zeos...ButterfingerZ.
this or the lcx sdac that was on sale for $250 ? i know you're reading this zeos
Would you recommend using this DAC with a THX AAA 789? I can't decide for a good enough DAC for my setup.
However this would be a great too, especially if you like the idea of the Bass Boost button (not sure if it works when just using it as a DAC?). And it gives you the option to listen to something in with more chill (“Zen”) sound through the internal Amp than the “sterile” THX sound as Zeos mentioned.
If you already have THX 789 you'd better get a better dedicated DAC like topping D30. The BB dac on the Zen is not nearly as good.
The d50s is 180 on drop
@Tasunke bb chips sounds nicer than other delta sigma chips,warmer less sharp or bright ,a bit less detail but better tone,plugging a warmer sounding dac to the sterile 789 makes perfect sense . r 2 r or tube dacs even better.
Interesting you mention the Gorack. Have you tried using it as an intermediate between a DAC and a balanced headphone amp? I don't have a balanced DAC so I have been experimenting with this exact setup into the SP200. The bass boost, like you say, is magical on that thing.
With regard to the Zen, used purely as a source, would you recommend it over the Grace Design SDAC Balanced on Drop? I don't really need an AIO as I am happy with my NFB11.28.
Great reviews as always.
I know they are different devices but on sound quality alone zen dac or fiio bt5k?
Been eyeing at this thing for a while, but waiting for your approval to pull the trigger.
Have you updated the firmware, before the video?
I did a while ago. I didn't check for a while.
Stop listening to e-celebs for your purchasing decisions, especially when it's their full time job and they are paid by the manufacturer to showcase their products. They are not neutral or objective.
I looked for the firmware a couple weeks ago, but found nothing new on iFi's site, I'll have to look through again
@@bconngem6005 - So. Who IS neutral and objective?
ASR? SBFA? What?
if only it had 2 inputs. that would have been amazing
Zeos is right this thing is addicting. I got this as my first desk dac and since switched to a modius and 789. Gave this thing to my cousin. A month later. I realized i wanted it back. But I'm not that kind of person so im getting the zen can instead.
I recently bought a Fiio K3. Should I return it and get this one instead? Butter heroin does sound good
Awesome review. Thank you. My question is: if I use iPhone or iPad as a source to stream Apple Music lossless, would that be any concerns for using Zen DAC ? What kind of adapter or cable should I get for connection (lightening) to Zen DAC? Hope to hear from you soon
You need a lightning to USB 3.0 A adapter, then a usb 3.0 A to usb 3.0 B cord
1:23 Zeos, it would have been called the Monofier 3000 in the 50's and you know - AHHHH! REFLECTIONS!!!
What application is that on your computer that you play all your movies/music from or atleast music and how do u hook a computer/laptop to a tv on a wall with wireless keyboard and mouse and what is best wireless keyboard and mouse ?
How does it performs in games?
23:22 DMS and Joshua Valour just got butt hurt 😂
I would like to start by saying, what an amazing reviewer you are! You have your own way of expressing your thoughts into words and it connects, at least with people like me :). I have a question. Where can I get the balanced cable like the one you have in this review, the purple and pink? I need a Headphone Jack on both ends (TRS). Is it possible to buy such cable online at a reasonable cost? Thanks!
Also, holy $hit it has 4.4 balanced as well? Take my money!
This with the Loxjie P20?
Yes! All balanced of course
Is it still worth it? Can somebody help?
There is one flaw. The fact that its USB only with no optical input will be an issue for some people
Flaw for you, not for those who'd use USB anyway. We could list all the "missing" inputs/outputs with that logic.
worse is no analog input so you can just use it as an amp with other things
@@fammillie8385 what dac amp has analog input dac bypass?
in term of just headphone amp audio quality which is better ifi zen or cavalli liquid carbon?
I love your videos. Is there anywhere that you keep a current ranking of your favourite Class D amps? Would love to upgrade from the SMSL one I've had for the past 5 years.
What did you think of the Schiit Hel?
How does it compare to the Fiio K5pro
This or FiiO K5 Pro?
is it worth to switch from Fiio K3
The buttery burger analogy lol
BTW 149 Amazon.de, was debating this or FiiO K5pro same price in Germany. went with the ifi because i liked the looks of it
Can always try both and send back one.
@@tenveri I think i will do that, thanks
Did you try both? How they compare?
I bought the Topping MX3 off your recommendation Z, and no regrets there, but should I then buy this for a noticeable upgrade in sound quality? Thanks for the review by the way.
i'm looking to buy my first dac to use with my laptop and mostly with my phone what is better to buy this or the fiio btr5 ?tnx in advance
Unless you are always just on your desk, get the Btr5.. This one’s mainly for desktop use.
+1 this for desktop use
@@tenveri but u can still plug your phone in it , I know it's not portable
ya i had to go back into this vid. that buttery smack true bass button!! apparently, my kph30i's love that buttery smack bass button! they sound great with that button on!!
what do you recommend between this and the FiiO K5 pro?
I thought you had no neighbors lol
I really thought you where just taping your foot until you said somthing about it
Meze Rai Penta review coming soon???
Hello
I've just learn about your channel about 2 weeks ago. I need your advice on an audio solution I'm seeking. Are you willing to field a few questions I have? I would really appreciate it. Im blown away from your knowledge on the subject.
Join the Patreon lol
@@hamedshahr ok
I understand. I won't bother asking a question.
Look, it was a joke. Ask your questions. I'm sure he or someone else will answer them.
I could help you if you like, what do you want to know?
@@JSmooth1967 Reviews and all this stuff is his job. He generally only likes comments and doesn't comment much or answer questions. Being on his patreon is the surefire way to get answers. Considering you're going to spend mucho dinero, it's a small price to pay for the advice of someone you say has blown you away with his knowledge on the subject.
Since I only have single ended headphones I prefer the K5 pro because more power.
This or the fiio k5 pro for my HD650?
k5, this review is purely subjective. objectively the k5 shits on this.
@@jdam28k what are you talking about? The K5 is slightly more powerful, thats it. That's the ONLY "objective" difference. That's not "shitting all over" anything. Such a bullshit hot take.
fiio makes nice plastic portable toys never audiophile or high end.
EdgyGrimDark then it breaks for no reason. Sure ive had some fiio products and topping too, all of them broken and the last one standing is the q1mk2. I would not be surprised if that broke just for turning it on. Lol
Can this drive a 600 ohm Beyerdynamic headphone ?
Hello and thank you very much for this review!
I have now Micca OriGen+ and it has been giving me troubles getting it to work in foobar2000 in the Native DSD / ASIO mode on Windows 7. How is ZEN doing regarding that? Does it require special drivers etc.? Or is it a plug-and-play thing? Again, I am talking about reproducing DSD natively in foobar2000 on Windows 7.
Thank you.
Planning to buy an AKG K702 or 712 soon and later a Sennheiser H600 or 650. Would the Zen be a good match for these cans or the Fiio K5Pro would be better?
Got this on Z's recommendation. Great device.
Only odd thing I have found with it is, that if I turn the volume up and down with nothing playing, I get a bit of crackle / static. This resolves if I ground myself against the body of the device with another finger while touching the volume knob. Not sure what would cause this?
ground your power supply
I was waiting for this review... and now I can buy this. Simple.
Again, an amazing typical Zeos review. Will this iFi drive my 250ohm beyerdynamics?
Yes it will.
great review keep up the good work. I have just received my fiio k5 pro i was wondering if you could give me some help. I noticed you have the input on COAX/OPTICAL IN is that the best input when using a headset for sound quality over just using the USB input settting? I mainly game so it would be great to know if its worth me buying the extra cables to get the maximum sound quality out of the k5 pro. my headset it is paired up with is beyerdynamic DT 990 PROS TIA.
This, schitt hel, or motu m2?
having watched both this and your MX3 review, you had amazing stuff to say for both. What are the differences and which would you recommend to use with a pair of blon b20s ?
MX3 has a real good headphone amp, but its speaker output has sad levels of distortion, so the Zen is probably far superior at that end. And it works without a power brick, you can power it just with the USB.
Apparently, the Zen Can does not have a relay muting circuit so be ready for noise on turning on, etc.
What's harder to drive, Argons or dt880 600ohms?
Excellent review bro. Might be futile, but better sounding for rock, pop, hiphop-- ifiZen or FiiO K5 Pro?
So is this a dac or an amp-dac ????
Do you still have your hd660s? Should test the included pentaconn with this one!
Would you recommend this for Sennheiser HD600?
I hope this is still considered a recommend and I hope it's powerful enough for my Tin P1s. My Magni 3 amp went up in smoke just a little while ago. I remembered the good reviews for this unit and considered the price to performance sounds worth the purchase. If it isn't powerful enough I suppose I could use it's 4.4 balanced out to push to a stronger amp.
If their specs is anything to go by the Zen should be able to outright fry them. Did you get it in the end?
@@Gamez4eveR Yes I got the Zen and couldn't be happier. It's wonderful.
@@misternef What other cans or IEMs are you running with them? I finally ordered my first headphone amp - a Zen Can - and I'm getting it Wednesday - I can't wait. I have AD500Xs (with HM5 pads) and am gonna buy 600ohm DT880s
@@Gamez4eveR Right now my main cans are DT 1770 pros with Dekoni Suede pads. I also sometimes put on my 58X Jubilees. Audio Technica certainly makes good headphones. I used to have a pair of their Solid Bass ones that I gave to my father that needed a good pair of headphones.
@@misternef 1770s and 1990s are definitely on my wishlist
I... kinda just sold my Fiio K3 and got this... Also will this drive Tin P1 or even the P2?
Hi dude, it this better than the k3? In terms of soundstage and instruments separation, etc? Is more forward or backward?
Did you record this before or after the SMSL M500? Other than the fixed/variable switch and the 4mm jack(s), isn't the M500 a better DAC/headphone amp/preamp choice?
To be honest IFI Zen DAC uses an outdated DAC chip. It is just a entry level DAC. SMSL M500 targets audiophiles
What song is that at 8:26?
Please suggest a pair of headphones for enjoying the base boost on this DAC.. probably the best one from your wall ?
Sundara