( 01 / 01 )iFi Zen Dac V2Award Winning DAC&

iFi Zen Dac V2 - Award-Winning DAC & Headphone Amplifier
The iFi Zen Dac V2 is a premium hi-res USB DAC and headphone amplifier delivering exceptional sound quality with enhanced power and performance. Compact and stylish, it is ideal for desktop or home audio setups, supporting full MQA decoding and a wide range of audio formats.
Key Features
- Upgraded 16-core XMOS digital engine for superior processing power and full MQA decoding
- Supports PCM and DXD up to 32-bit/384kHz, DSD256, and MQA with bit-perfect Burr-Brown True Native chipset
- Balanced analogue stage with Pentaconn 4.4mm balanced outputs front and back, plus 6.3mm headphone socket
- Switchable variable and fixed output for use as a pre-amp or direct connection to external amplifiers
- PowerMatch gain control for optimised headphone matching and hiss-free listening
- TrueBass analogue bass boost enhances low frequencies without muddying mids
- Low jitter crystal clock and extensive jitter-eradication technologies for ultra-quiet, clear sound
- Compact dimensions: 160 x 117 x 35 mm and lightweight at 0.8 kg
Overview
The Zen Dac V2 features a powerful 16-core XMOS chip that doubles the clock speed and quadruples memory compared to its predecessor, enabling full MQA decoding for playback of MQA audio files and streams with original master recording quality. LED indicators display decoding status and provenance, including MQA Studio certification.
Its Burr-Brown True Native DAC ensures bit-perfect playback of all formats from MP3 to DSD256, PCM384, and DXD384. The balanced analogue design, rare at this price point, reduces noise and crosstalk for clearer sound quality typically found in higher-end models.
The headphone amplifier includes PowerMatch gain switching to perfectly match headphones from sensitive IEMs to low-impedance over-ear models. TrueBass provides a natural bass boost without digital processing, ideal for headphones lacking low-end response.
Flexible output options allow the Zen Dac V2 to function as a pre-amplifier or direct DAC/amp. Its low noise and jitter performance make it suitable for use even in noisy environments such as yachts or RVs.
Specifications
| Input | USB 3.0 B Socket (USB 2.0 compatible) |
| Formats | PCM (384/352.8/192/176.4/96/88.2/48/44.1 kHz), DSD (256/128/64), DXD (384/352.8 kHz), MQA (Decoder) |
| DAC | Bit-Perfect DSD & DXD DAC by Burr Brown |
Line Section | |
| Output | Audio RCA (SE) — 2.1V fixed, 1V / 3.3V max. (variable) 4.4mm Pentaconn (BAL) — 4.2V fixed, 2V / 6.2V max. (variable) |
| Zout | <= 200 Ohm (BAL), <= 100 Ohm (SE) |
| SNR | < -116dB(A) @ 0dBFS (BAL/SE) |
| DNR | > 116dB(A) @ -60dBFS (BAL/SE) |
| THD+N | < 0.0015% @ 0dBFS (BAL/SE) |
Headphone Section | |
| Output Power (@1% THD) | 4.4mm Pentaconn (BAL): 330mW @ 32 Ohm; 6.6V @ 600 Ohm; 16 Ohm - 600 Ohm headphones 6.3mm S-BAL (SE): 230mW @ 32 Ohm; 3.3V @ 600 Ohm; 16 Ohm - 600 Ohm headphones Note: Using 5V power supply. Power output may vary if powered via USB. |
| Output Impedance | < 1 Ω (BAL/SE) |
| THD & N | < 0.005% (125mW @ 32Ω) |
| SNR | > 113dBA (6.2V BAL/3.3V SE) |
| Power Consumption | < 1.5W via USB power or 5V DC (power supply not included) |
| Dimensions | 160 (W) x 117 (D) x 35 (H) mm 6.3" x 4.6" x 1.4" |
| Weight (Gross) | 0.8 kg (1.8 lbs) |
| Warranty Period | 12 months |








