iFi Audio - ZEN DAC Signature V2

iFi Audio’s ZEN DAC Signature V2 is an upgraded version of the beloved and award-winning USB DAC/headphone amp. This re-engineered device offers an even greater and purer listening experience with the equipped 16 core XMOS chip instead of 8 cores. These compared to the older generation of eight-core chips, this new 16-core IC delivers double the clock speed (2000MIPS) and four times the memory (512KB), as well as the latest SuperSpeed USB standard. Apart from optimising the sound, this low-latency XMOS microcontroller improves the processing power, clock speed, memory and adds SuperSpeed USB standard. Just like the original, its sole purpose is to feed an external amp, be it a headphone amp, or an amp and active speakers. iFi Audio has even upgraded the clock circuitry to enhance the purist, audiophile design of the device. This new and improved digital engine is more powerful than ever allowing you to enjoy music without any distortion or colouration.

The iFi Audio ZEN DAC Signature V2 retains its True Native Burr-Brown chip architecture delivering ‘Bit-Perfect’ audio up to 32-bit/384kHz with native DSD support up to DSD256 as well as DXD format. The iFi-programmed XMOS firmware which processes data received at the USB input, combined with jitter-eradicating audiophile-grade oscillators, contribute to exemplary handling of digital audio signals as they are received, processed and converted to analogue form. This allows you to experience and enjoy your music in studio quality just as the artist intended. This also means that it supports Hi-Res True Native playback of all music formats from MP3 to DSD256, PCM384 and DXD384.

ZEN DAC Signature V2 offers MQA support through the USB connection with full decoding capability of MQA files up to 384kHz thanks to the processing power of the new 16-core XMOS chip. The device also offers a full three unfold decoding process performed internally, as opposed to just the final unfold in the case of another MQA renderer. With this, you can enjoy your music in the original master recording quality as the ZEN DAC Signature V2 can now render and decode MQA files seamlessly. It also allows you to connect to popular services like Apple Music, Room and Tidal. The LED glows green or blue to indicate that the unit is decoding and playing an MQA stream or file, and denotes provenance to ensure that the sound is identical to that of the source material. It glows blue to indicate it is playing an MQA Studio file, which has either been approved in the studio by the artist/producer or has been verified by the copyright owner.

The redesigned ZEN DAC Signature V2 comes equipped with high-grade components and features a balanced circuitry inspired by the iFi Audio’s Pro range of products. It utilises a fully symmetrical, true differential balanced dual-mono signal stage with direct signal paths to ensure optimal signal purity. The advanced GMT (Global Master Timing) Femto-precision crystal clock means >20dB better noise reduction. Outstanding components including C0G capacitors from TDK, Panasonic OS-CON caps, ELNA Slimic II and muRata control-type, low-ESR high-Q multi-layer capacitors complete the design for the device. The iFi Audio ZEN DAC Signature V2 also offers a Pentaconn 4.4mm balanced output at the back with an added RCA socket that allows you to maintain an immaculate audio signal.

The upgraded ZEN DAC Signature V2 can switch the outputs from ‘Fixed’ to ‘Variable’ mode in just a flick of a switch. Set it to variable mode and use it with a pre-amp, active speaker or power amp. Use this setting if you wish the ZEN DAC Signature V2 to control the volume of any device as a preamp. You can adjust the volume over the fixed mode and can connect an external pre-amp or integrated amp to the ZEN DAC Signature V2. This mode is used when you want to connect with devices that have their volume control. This will bypass the ZEN DAC Signature V2 from the source. The device also comes equipped with a Tokyo Cosmos Electric Co. (TOCOS) multi-track potentiometer, offering close channel matching tolerance for optimal performance.