Updated iFi Zen DAC 3 follows in five-star footsteps, but will it deliver sonic bliss?

[What Hi-Fi?]

The Zen DAC 3 is designed to be a versatile DAC/headphone amplifier, while the Zen Phono 3 is geared towards vinyl lovers.

Updated iFi Zen DAC 3 follows in five-star footsteps, but will it deliver sonic bliss? : Read more

 

[Kenneth Fernandes]

An integrated stereo speaker amplifier alongside the headphone amplifier in the Zen DAC would be an even better option. And a dedicated power supply unit to power the speakers.

 

[Skint_Jon]

I'm a noobie hifi enthusiast, and at the cheaper end of the scale 🙂 And also quite an avid gamer which is where this purchase originated.

£230 felt quite an outlay when I bought this DAC (my old Cambridge Audio amp was that much!). But after first having looked at gaming external soundcards with headphone-surround sound options and all sorts, I opted for something a bit less flashy but more versatile for music too.

I've been absolutely delighted by it.

Running the included cable to a set of Sony WH1000-XM5 headphones has brought my pc music to life, and games sound amazing too. I know my opinion is probably that of someone where many options would have seemed relatively great, but I'm happy with my purchase!