
















iFi Audio - ZEN CAN
Desktop Headphone Amplifier
Unfortunately, even if we desire to, we won't be able to resurrect this product. The Museum is where we pay our respects to end-of-life, old, archived, but not forgotten products. This page was made with a lot of love and will live on for posterity. What to say, we're sentimental people. 😔
While this product is gone forever, here are others we recommend
Why iFi Audio is Special
Designed in UK
Established & Reputed
Trust us, our reputation speaks for itself 🏆!
I believe that when a brand has decades of proven excellence, you can invest with confidence knowing your purchase is backed by years of audio engineering expertise. These products come from manufacturers with extensive histories of innovation and unwavering commitment to sonic excellence. Think of them like luxury watch brands - their reputation has been earned through decades of consistent quality and innovation.
With their extensive history of innovation and countless satisfied customers worldwide, you can be confident your investment is backed by proven audio engineering expertise and industry leadership 📈.
When you see "🎖️ Established & Reputed" products, expect time-tested excellence from manufacturers who've consistently demonstrated mastery in audio engineering for generations.
Specialist
A masterpiece from experts who know audio inside and out 🔧!
I tend to describe specialist manufacturers as "audio artisans" who focus exclusively on perfecting specific categories of equipment. These products are meticulously crafted by dedicated experts who possess deep knowledge of sound reproduction, ensuring every technical aspect is refined to perfection. Think of them like master craftsmen who spend their entire careers perfecting one specific skill - their focused expertise shows in every detail.
These dedicated experts bring years of specialised knowledge to the design process, resulting in products that consistently achieve exceptional performance standards through focused engineering excellence 🎯.
When you see "🌟 Specialist" products, expect focused expertise from manufacturers who dedicate their entire efforts to perfecting specific audio equipment categories.
Born in 2012
Why we love this DAC/Amp
Value for Money
I've found that the best gear isn’t always the most expensive. Some products punch well above their weight and deliver performance that rivals higher-priced alternatives. That’s what we mean with the "Value for Money" badge. It’s our way of telling you that you’re getting something special without breaking the bank. 🥜
These products are all about maximum returns for minimal investment. You’re not just saving money — you’re gaining an audio experience that exceeds expectations. Whether it’s build quality, tuning, or bundled accessories, these picks overdeliver.
When you see '🥜 Value for Money' products, expect impressive performance at an affordable price, making them a smart pick for budget-conscious buyers or first-time audiophiles.
For Budding Enthusiasts
In my experience, discovering good audio gear early on is a bit like tasting great coffee for the first time — once you've had a sip, you're hooked. "For Budding Enthusiasts" is a badge we use for products that are perfect gateways into the audiophile world. They're easy to use, not overly expensive, and give you a real taste of what good sound can be — without needing a degree in audio engineering. 🎧
These are the IEMs, headphones, and DACs that let you dip your toes into premium sound without drowning in choices. They balance performance, price, and practicality beautifully. Whether you're buying your first serious pair or helping someone else start their journey, these picks deliver satisfaction straight out of the box.
When you see '🪴 For Budding Enthusiasts' products, expect simple setups, solid sound quality, and an easy upgrade path — perfect for your first foray into better audio.
Audiophile Community Favourite
When I see a product that keeps coming up in forums, Reddit threads, and community meet-ups, I know it’s earned its place. "Audiophile Community Favourite" is our way of spotlighting the gear that real listeners — not just reviewers — swear by. 🦋
These are products that enjoy a sort of cult following for all the right reasons: consistently great tuning, build, and value. They're the kind of recommendations you'd get from a friend deep in the hobby. If you're the type who likes going with a proven crowd-pleaser, these picks are beloved by thousands of ears.
When you see '🦋 Audiophile Community Favourite' products, expect reliable recommendations backed by passionate users, often refined over years of trust and love from the community.
Incredibly Popular
Some things deserve all the attention ⭐!
I've found that when something becomes incredibly popular in the audio world, it's usually for very good reasons. This exceptional audio gear has earned widespread popularity by consistently delivering outstanding performance that resonates with listeners across diverse preferences and experiences. Think of it like that blockbuster movie that everyone loves - sometimes, universal appeal indicates genuine quality rather than just marketing hype.
The widespread acclaim isn't just about trend or marketing - it's a testament to genuine quality and performance that has been consistently demonstrated through real-world usage. This popularity has been earned through merit, delivering reliable satisfaction to countless users 📈.
When you encounter "🥇 Incredibly Popular" products, expect proven excellence validated by the collective experience of satisfied users who've made these their go-to choice.
Our Team's Favourite
Cause after all, we are audiophiles first 🎧!
In my experience, when our entire team gets excited about something, you know it's genuinely exceptional. This audio gear has captured the hearts and minds of our seasoned experts, distinguishing itself as a standout favourite among people who test hundreds of products every year. Think of it like getting a unanimous recommendation from a panel of audio critics - when everyone agrees, you pay attention.
These selections have not only met but exceeded our rigorous standards, earning enthusiastic endorsement from our audio specialists who've tested everything from budget options to flagship models. When you choose these products, you're selecting gear that has been thoroughly vetted and passionately embraced by genuine experts 🏆.
When you choose "💙 Our Team's Favourite" products, expect expertly vetted excellence backed by genuine enthusiasm from people who live and breathe audio every day.
For Audiophiles at Home
I’ve always loved the ritual of coming home, settling into my favourite chair, and firing up a dedicated setup. Gear labelled For Audiophiles at Home is made for those moments — when you can really sit back and appreciate music in its purest form 🛋️. These products tend to be more powerful, larger, and often require wall power — perfect for a stationary rig.
Here’s the trade-off: these setups often involve external DACs, amps, or full-size headphones, which means more space, more power, but also more immersive listening. They shine when used in quiet environments, where detail, depth, and dynamics can truly be appreciated.
When you see '🏠 For Audiophiles at Home' products, expect: exceptional fidelity, stronger output, and the kind of soundstage that makes you never want to leave your listening chair.
Connect With Cable
In my experience, there’s still nothing like the dependability of a wired connection when it comes to audio 🎧. I love describing it as the direct flight of music — no delays, no turbulence. When a product says “Connect with Cable,” it means you’re getting the most reliable signal path, with zero wireless compression and minimal interference.
Here’s what’s actually happening: a physical cable transmits uncompressed analog or digital signals directly from your source to your gear. This results in lower latency, no signal drops, and consistently better sound — especially when paired with a good DAC or amp. It’s ideal for critical listening, gaming, and professional use. The trade-off? You’re tethered — but for a lot of audiophiles, that’s a small price to pay for sonic purity.
When you see '🔗 Connect With Cable' products, expect: pure, uninterrupted sound quality that lets your gear perform at its full potential — perfect for focused, high-fidelity listening.
Built like a Tank
Durability concerns? Rest assured 💪.
I tend to describe these products as audio equipment that's built to survive anything you can throw at them. These headphones incorporate high-grade metal components and reinforced design elements that ensure they can handle demanding conditions while maintaining structural integrity. Think of them as the military-grade vehicles of the audio world - over-engineered for reliability and built to last decades, not just years.
The metal construction provides exceptional strength and longevity while contributing to a premium feel that serious audio enthusiasts appreciate. Whether you're a professional who needs reliable daily-use equipment or someone who values long-term investment in audio gear 🏗️.
When you encounter "🪖 Built like a Tank" products, expect unmatched robustness and durability you can count on for years of intensive use.
Why it Sounds Amazing
Power Output
I like to think of power output in audio gear like engine horsepower, it determines how much muscle your setup really has 💪. Whether you’re trying to drive a pair of power-hungry planar headphones or just want headroom for dynamic peaks, power output is the spec you want to check first.
Technically, it refers to the amount of electrical power (measured in mW or Watts) an amp or DAC/Amp combo can deliver to your headphones. More power means better control, improved dynamics, and the ability to handle demanding gear without distortion. But more isn’t always better, too much power with sensitive IEMs can introduce hiss or harshness.
When you see '🚀 Power Output' products, expect: strong driving capability, better dynamics, and optimal performance with headphones that need serious juice to shine.
Balanced Output
I often say balanced output is like using both hands to carry something heavy — it distributes power evenly and keeps things stable. In audio gear, balanced output helps reduce unwanted noise and interference, especially over longer cables. Think of it as a cleaner, more efficient way to transmit your music, ideal for anyone using high-end DACs, amps, or studio-grade headphones 🎧. You’ll typically find it on gear with XLR or 4.4mm connectors, and it's a must-have if you’re chasing that ultra-clean signal path.
Here’s what’s actually happening: a balanced output uses two separate signals, one inverted, so when interference is picked up along the cable, it gets cancelled out when the signals are recombined. The result? Cleaner audio, better dynamic range, and more power output — especially when paired with balanced headphones. The trade-off? You’ll need gear that supports balanced connections on both ends to really enjoy the benefits.
When you see '⚖️ Balanced Output' products, expect: ultra-low noise, more headroom, and better synergy with high-impedance headphones or sensitive IEMs — ideal for serious listening setups.
With the Zen Can, what you get is an extremely capable and versatile Headphone Amplifier, which I dare say, is essential for a beginner audiophile. Pair it with a Zen DAC and you've got a perfect stack from iFi.

About RAGHAV SOMANI
Raghav Somani is the Founder & CEO of Headphone Zone. An avid audiophile and musician since 2008, his choice of headphones include STAX Electrostats, Audeze LCD 3, and for music on the go, the JH Audio Roxanne + Astell&Kern SP1000 is never too far away. On his playlist, you'll find A.R. Rahman, Michael Jackson, and the Eagles.
DESCRIPTION
ELEVATE YOUR MUSIC LISTENING EXPERIENCE WITH IFI AUDIO ZEN CAN
Laptops tend to have low power output and even if you pair it with really good headphones, the headphones won't be able to reach their complete potential. Therefore to achieve headphone's total capacity, you should connect your headphones and laptop/mobile phone with iFi Audio ZEN CAN. This DAC delivers 52x more power so that you do not miss on the quality of your music.

WITH DISCRETE BALANCED CIRCUITRY FOR HIGH-END PERFORMANCE
The ZEN CAN receive its Class A discrete balanced circuitry from iFi audio’s US$1,699 flagship Pro iCAN. It comes with 15.1v @300 Ohms on tap, which is more than enough power to drive even difficult-to-drive headphones to perform better. The FET input reduces noise and other kinds of distortions while SE inputs ensure source loading to deliver Class A operation. ZEN CAN also has an output gain of four steps in +6dB which is ideal for headphone matching.


WITH 3D SPECIAL SOUND CIRCUIT TO ENJOY MORE DEPTH AND WIDTH IN YOUR AUDIO
Audio recordings were always designed to be heard in speakers and when they are played back on headphones the sound does not reach its actual potential. To address this issue, the iFi Audio ZEN CAN feature 3D special sound circuit, which helps you listen to your sound with better stereo image, depth and width. It also ensures that there is no colourization or resolution loss in the process. The all analogue circuitry does not require expensive or complex signal manipulation to deliver high-end audio that satisfies all kinds of listeners.


EXPERIENCE BEST-IN-CLASS BASS WITH XBASS EQUILISATION
Most of the open-back headphones tend to leak the sound out freely and this affects the bass-performance. To solve this, ZEN CAN comes with XBass equalisation that offers best-in-class bass correction. The combination of active and passive components and the frequency response curve ensures that the low-end frequencies are delivered with precision. The TDK C0G (Class 1 ceramic) capacitors of ZEN CAN provide high-end stability and reduce losses for resonant circuit applications.


DESIGNED WITH PREMIUM GRADE COMPONENTS FOR EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE
iFi Audio features balanced and active circuitry which consists of Panasonic ECPU capacitors, TDK C0G ceramic capacitors, iFi/AMR ‘OV’ ‘Operationsverstärker’ series op-amps, MELF resistors, Texas Instruments low-noise ICs, muRata capacitors and Tokyo Cosmos Electric Co. (TOCOS) multi-track potentiometer.

SPECS
INPUT VOLTAGE | 4.4 mm Pentacon BAL: 4.0V nominal @ 0dBFS, 24 kOhm Zin RCA L/R Socket SE: 2.0V nominal @ 0dBFS, 1 MegOhm Zin 3.5 mm Jack SE: 1.0V nominal @ 0dBFS, 1 MegOhm Zin |
MAX OUTPUT | Balanced : >15.1V/385 mW (@ 600 Ohm) >11.0V/1890 mW (@ 64 Ohm) S-E : >7.6V/196 mW (@ 300 Ohm) >7.2V/1600 mW (@ 32 Ohm) |
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE (HP) | BAL: <2 Ohms SE: <1 Ohm |
ZOUT | Line out: <200 Ohms |
THD+N | Balanced : < 0.0007% (4V out, 600 Ohm, 1 kHz) S-E : <0.006% (@ 100 mW/1.27V 16 Ohm) |
SNR | Balanced : >120dBA (@ 15.2V) S-E : >118dBA (@ 7.6V) |
MAX INPUT | Balanced : 7.4V RMS RCA : 3.8V RMS 3.5 mm : 1.92V RMS |
GAIN | 0dB, 6dB, 12dB and 18dB |
FREQUENCY RESPONSE | 20 Hz - 20 kHz (+0dB / -0.03dB) |
POWER CONSUMPTION | No Signal : ~5W Max Signal : ~13W |
INPUT VOLTAGE | DC 5V/2.5A AC 100 -240V 50/60Hz |
DIMENSIONS | 160(w) x 117(d) x 35(h) mm 6.3" x 4.6" x 1.4" |
NET WEIGHT | 515g (1.14 Ibs) |
BOX CONTENTS | 1. iFi Audio ZEN CAN |
2. 5V Power adapter *Power adapter will be shipped separately. |
|
*Please note - The unit will be including the BIS-approved 5V adapter by iFi Audio. | |
3. Dual RCA | |
4. Quarter-Inch Headphone Jack | |
5. Warranty Card |
![]() Desktop Headphone Amplifier ![]() Fully Symmetric Dual-Mono Headphone Amp ![]() Inputs & Outputs
|
ELEVATE YOUR MUSIC LISTENING EXPERIENCE WITH IFI AUDIO ZEN CAN
Laptops tend to have low power output and even if you pair it with really good headphones, the headphones won't be able to reach their complete potential. Therefore to achieve headphone's total capacity, you should connect your headphones and laptop/mobile phone with iFi Audio ZEN CAN. This DAC delivers 52x more power so that you do not miss on the quality of your music.

WITH DISCRETE BALANCED CIRCUITRY FOR HIGH-END PERFORMANCE
The ZEN CAN receive its Class A discrete balanced circuitry from iFi audio’s US$1,699 flagship Pro iCAN. It comes with 15.1v @300 Ohms on tap, which is more than enough power to drive even difficult-to-drive headphones to perform better. The FET input reduces noise and other kinds of distortions while SE inputs ensure source loading to deliver Class A operation. ZEN CAN also has an output gain of four steps in +6dB which is ideal for headphone matching.


WITH 3D SPECIAL SOUND CIRCUIT TO ENJOY MORE DEPTH AND WIDTH IN YOUR AUDIO
Audio recordings were always designed to be heard in speakers and when they are played back on headphones the sound does not reach its actual potential. To address this issue, the iFi Audio ZEN CAN feature 3D special sound circuit, which helps you listen to your sound with better stereo image, depth and width. It also ensures that there is no colourization or resolution loss in the process. The all analogue circuitry does not require expensive or complex signal manipulation to deliver high-end audio that satisfies all kinds of listeners.


EXPERIENCE BEST-IN-CLASS BASS WITH XBASS EQUILISATION
Most of the open-back headphones tend to leak the sound out freely and this affects the bass-performance. To solve this, ZEN CAN comes with XBass equalisation that offers best-in-class bass correction. The combination of active and passive components and the frequency response curve ensures that the low-end frequencies are delivered with precision. The TDK C0G (Class 1 ceramic) capacitors of ZEN CAN provide high-end stability and reduce losses for resonant circuit applications.


DESIGNED WITH PREMIUM GRADE COMPONENTS FOR EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE
iFi Audio features balanced and active circuitry which consists of Panasonic ECPU capacitors, TDK C0G ceramic capacitors, iFi/AMR ‘OV’ ‘Operationsverstärker’ series op-amps, MELF resistors, Texas Instruments low-noise ICs, muRata capacitors and Tokyo Cosmos Electric Co. (TOCOS) multi-track potentiometer.

INPUT VOLTAGE | 4.4 mm Pentacon BAL: 4.0V nominal @ 0dBFS, 24 kOhm Zin RCA L/R Socket SE: 2.0V nominal @ 0dBFS, 1 MegOhm Zin 3.5 mm Jack SE: 1.0V nominal @ 0dBFS, 1 MegOhm Zin |
MAX OUTPUT | Balanced : >15.1V/385 mW (@ 600 Ohm) >11.0V/1890 mW (@ 64 Ohm) S-E : >7.6V/196 mW (@ 300 Ohm) >7.2V/1600 mW (@ 32 Ohm) |
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE (HP) | BAL: <2 Ohms SE: <1 Ohm |
ZOUT | Line out: <200 Ohms |
THD+N | Balanced : < 0.0007% (4V out, 600 Ohm, 1 kHz) S-E : <0.006% (@ 100 mW/1.27V 16 Ohm) |
SNR | Balanced : >120dBA (@ 15.2V) S-E : >118dBA (@ 7.6V) |
MAX INPUT | Balanced : 7.4V RMS RCA : 3.8V RMS 3.5 mm : 1.92V RMS |
GAIN | 0dB, 6dB, 12dB and 18dB |
FREQUENCY RESPONSE | 20 Hz - 20 kHz (+0dB / -0.03dB) |
POWER CONSUMPTION | No Signal : ~5W Max Signal : ~13W |
INPUT VOLTAGE | DC 5V/2.5A AC 100 -240V 50/60Hz |
DIMENSIONS | 160(w) x 117(d) x 35(h) mm 6.3" x 4.6" x 1.4" |
NET WEIGHT | 515g (1.14 Ibs) |
BOX CONTENTS | 1. iFi Audio ZEN CAN |
2. 5V Power adapter *Power adapter will be shipped separately. |
|
*Please note - The unit will be including the BIS-approved 5V adapter by iFi Audio. | |
3. Dual RCA | |
4. Quarter-Inch Headphone Jack | |
5. Warranty Card |
![]() Desktop Headphone Amplifier ![]() Fully Symmetric Dual-Mono Headphone Amp ![]() Inputs & Outputs
|
Don't sweat it, this
iFi Audio - ZEN CAN comes with a 1 Year warranty
from iFi Audio that covers manufacturing defects.
All products featured on Headphone Zone are backed by an original manufacturer's warranty.
Read more about iFi Audio's warranty in India.


BEST Dekstop Amplifier
Headfonia
Dec, 2020
"The Zen Can looks smartly finished with a neatly-sized, sturdy aluminium enclosure. In the centre of the front panel is a rotary volume control, flanked by a range of sockets and buttons."
Read More"Its ability to drive power-hungry planar-magnetic headphones is the key selling point, it’s able to deliver live concert dynamics, yet is also dead-quiet."
Read MoreHave a question? Get in touch!
Check out the most common questions our customers ask. Still have questions? Talk to our Headphone Gurus.

What is the warranty on the iFi Audio ZEN CAN?
Does the iFi Audio ZEN CAN comes with volume controls?
