iFi Zen One Signature Review - DACs Matter! / But How Much?
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- Опубліковано 7 кві 2023
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Today I will review the iFi ZEN One Signature, a $349 Universal DAC. This all in one solution includes Bluetooth 5.1, USB, Coaxial and Optical ports, an XMOS 16-core chipset, and a lot more. This is an excellent universal DAC for the price in my opinion, and I was pleased with the performance. Consider checking it out if you are in the market for a versatile DAC. - Наука та технологія
Hey, hope your having a good day. When you look at a DAC what feature is the most important to you? All in one, connections, DAC chip, volume control, remote...ect?
Matt a comparison video on the DAC quality of the Zen One, Neo iDSD, and Neo Stream.
Is it the same implementation in each device or are there differences at the price points?
I've just received the Zen DAC signature along with the Sec Can Signature 6xx amplifier and I find the slightly warm presentation very easy to listen to for hours longer compared to the DAC in my Cambridge CXA81 or in my Node 2i streamer.
I have now run the RCA outs to my Cambridge amp and it tames the folded ribbon tweeters on my Martin Logan Motion 60XT speakers making them less fatiguing. If I could afford a 4.4mm to XLR adaptor with a long enough cable and into the Cambridge XLR inputs.
Good morning from Toronto ☕️☕️
The DAC is the one source that takes other digital services and organizes them .
I run the Topping E50 ( yes, with an IFI power supply and Wiimi Pro ) and it takes 3 digital sources and crunches the numbers and gives me the signal to get to the amps in my headphone stack 😊
Great review, btw ..IFI makes great stuff ..that includes my Go Blue.
☕️👍🍕
Dude, yeah the Modi3 DAC also has a bright white too. All the LEDs from various sources broke me one night and I just put electrical tape over all of them, but for smoke detectors and GFI outlets. Finally, some decent sleep.
I see it has an optical as well as a coaxial input, but there is only 1 spdif input selector on the front, how do you tell it whether you want to use the optical or the coaxial input?
Does it use one in preference over the other if both are providing signals?
Eg the tv would be plugged in via optical but it could be on just for the visuals, (maybe sport) and I might be playing music via the coaxial
Perhaps you can help me with a question. I am looking at purchasing the IFI Zen in hope that it will give me even better sound. I'm currently running a Cambridge DX A81 integrated amp that has built-in Bluetooth capability. The Zen unit's Bluetooth specs are highly rated and I am assuming better that the Bluetooth module in my Cambridge. Here's my question: since my only music source is Apple Music sent from my Samsung Fold 4 would the IFL Zen One give me any improvement in sound since the music source is still my phone? As in a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
Outstanding as always Matt! I've been a big iFi fan for years and own three of their DACs. I find them to be nicely resolving with great details but they aren't overly analytical or sterile. At $350 I think that's a fair price for a single device that's a combination of their Zen Blu & Zen Dac. If I ever retire my original Zen Blu this will take its place. Thanks and keep up the great work.
Thanks for the continued support! I agree, at 350 there is a lot of competition but it does perform well and looks good while doing it.
Great sounding unit, but I had problems with it (since returned). Oddly, the volume jumped after a few seconds--quite annoying. Also, can't control the volume with my iPhone, unlike a Node 2i or an iFi Zen Blu (that has no DAC). I purchased a Node X instead.
Hey Matt! They do matter... I just upgraded from the Ares II to the Venus II 12th with the Pi2 Mercury v2 streamer (Tried the ifi Zen Stream, sent it back, to many issues). Now cables matter, simply switching from a Gotham cable to a Mogami cable, makes a noticeable difference in SQ. Connections, the Venus and Mercury cover all of the bases. Tip for folks new to this, if you can hardwire the streamer to your network, do it. I prefer stand alone units, all in ones or built in volume controls, let's just say they have never or rarely ever work out well for me.
The Ares II always receives so much praise, how much of a jump did you feel you made going to the Venus II?
@@MattCoykendall1 It was substantial with my current system. The Mercury streamer honestly took it up a notch or two. What Mike at Pi2 built here, the Mercury, is really an incredible streamer. Then the Venus is just an entirely different animal, the reviews are true, open, airy, vocals, soundstage, midrange, nice smooth highs.
I have the KLH Model 5's and am seriously thinking of going with a pair of the Critons from CSS, they are actually right here in town, which is even nicer. The Venus deserves better speakers than the 5's.
Would I make this jump again to the Venus, yes I would, I have no regrets. I can see this being my last DAC, unless I experiment with something lesser. There are still many good DACs out there, even the little Cayin RU6 is a brutally good DAC for the money. I actually liked it better than my Ares II.
I bought Ifi zen one signature. It sounds good, I like it, but it gives me background noise in the speakers. I turned on the amplifier without sound and from half to maximum there is a background noise with the dac on. I'm thinking of returning it and buying Cambridge 200m. Thank you.
Interesting, what input was being used during the sound? I didn't have any background sound with my configuration but with so many variables and equipment pairings anything can happen.
I removed each source in turn, usb, optical and the background noise remained. It is because of the power supply. As you mentioned there is a boost in the midrange that could be bothersome over time. Thank you.
My favorite is when someone brags about spending $$$ on a new cartridge for their turntable and then tell me that DACs do not impact sound, lol. Great video.
Right! I totally agree.
Anyone who has this Brilliant DAC I can recommend you try a better USB Cable. There are not a lot of them out there to fit the ifi DAC. I bought a cable from a company called Lindy 36661 from Amazon brilliant difference in the sound ,much more detail wider stage etc 14 Euros absolutely brilliant for the money.
How does it compare with the dac inside your amplifier?
The Yamaha has more of an edge to it, this is more of a relaxed sound. I find the sound enjoyable personally.
@@MattCoykendall1thank goodness. The on board dac was installed imo, mainly for hifi sound when connected to one's TV (if it's compatible, luckily mine is).
For music, it's okay until about 10am on the volume dial, then it falls backwards down 2 flights of stairs the louder it is increased 😂
Can't wait to get my hands on this unit, picking a new One siganture up next Weeks, put a deposit on it just to make sure that it wasn't going to be bought by someone else; it's the last unit in Australia as far as I know.
Great review btw, cheers.
Finally got my WIIM PRO!
Great, Let me know what you think
@@MattCoykendall1 I first connected to my Tone 2 Pro MQA headphone amp/DAC. Sundara’s never sounded better. I usually connect my iphone or Android to the T2PRO (made by Khadas). I was impressed. I noticed that the wheel on the DAC doesn’t change color with the resolution of the music file when going through the WIIM. (It changes with the different Hz. (44.1 / 96 when connected directly by cable). Hooked up to my main system via COAX again (Topping e30 or the Khadas) it sounds great. Using Tidal, Qobuz and Deezer and even Spotify. I damaged the TOSLINK input on the Topping so from my TV optical out to the WIIM optical IN I go COAX OUT to either DAC.
Speakers:Magnepan MG’s
Amp: ClassDaudio sds250
Pre:Schiit Magnius.
Love it!!
There’s one on eBay for $99/free shipping.
No Ethernet connection?
Nope, you won’t find that here.
Your review of the Neo fooled me into buying it and I can't be more disappointing. Detailed but too thin sounding most of the times. Original Zen Dac and the Nano both hooked up with my high end ifi Pro Can Signature made me realize sometimes more money doesn't mean better sound. The zen dac sounds a LOT more impressive than the Neo and natural in every respect. So, I'm selling that disaster with fading Oled screen (apparently) and getting this one as it was my original intention. Hope you didn't fool me twice, but if you did, I'm returning this one too.
An amplifier should not change the sound character of the recording at all. All an amplifier does is amplifies a signal. Please don't confuse new hi-fi hobbyists.
You have no idea what you're talking about
@@psysword excellent rebuttal. 👌