- The XMOS 16-Core chip processes the audio data received via the USB and S/PDIF digital inputs.
This new low-latency XMOS microcontroller has greatly enhanced processing power. Compared to the current 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.
iFi’s in-house digital development team has programmed the XMOS firmware to optimize sound quality and ensure a perfect partnership with the Burr-Brown DAC. - The Burr-Brown True Native® chipset means file formats remain unchanged or ‘bit-perfect. This means you are listening to music as the artist intended in the format in which it was recorded.
iFi Audio uses Burr Brown extensively in their products having selected it for its natural-sounding ‘musicality’ and True Native architecture. - Hi-Res True Native® playback of all music formats from MP3 to DSD256, PCM384 and DXD384.
- MQA is an award-winning audio technology that enables music fans to stream the original master recording into their home, car, or on their mobile. In the words of Gilbert O’Sullivan, iconic Irish-born singer-songwriter, “The great thing about MQA is that it delivers the finesse that was there in the desk sound. It’s tremendous, it sounds really good.”
MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is supported through the USB with full decoding of MQA files up to 384kHz thanks to the processing power of the new 16-core XMOS chip.
This means that the full ‘three unfold’ decoding process is performed internally, as opposed to only the final unfold in the manner of an MQA ‘renderer’.
Globally, MQA has become an important consideration for any comprehensively equipped DAC. It is available through Tidal Masters, Audirvana, and Roon. - Extensive jitter-eradication technologies are applied to the digital stage, including our GMT (Global Master Timing) femto-precision clock and the intelligent memory buffer.
The low-jitter crystal clock has been updated to provide >20dB better performance - It is a superior method to the traditional single-ended circuit approach. Balanced circuits reduce noise and crosstalk. Less Interference – clearer sound.
You normally find this set-up in products at the higher end of the price spectrum such as the Pro iCAN but iFi is now using this across its range to produce the best quality audio for all our customers. -
TrueBass® – delivers genuine bass with realistic depth and definition.
Everything from timpani to a bass guitar, to an electronic bassline, is conveyed with power and poise.
Specifications
| ZEN DAC V1 | ZEN DAC V2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary use | Home/Desktop | Home/Desktop |
| Pre-amp | ✔ | ✔ |
| Headphone amp | ✔ | ✔ |
| Power Supply Included | ✘ | ✘ |
| Connect to active speakers | ✔ | ✔ |
| Fixed & Variable mode | ✔ | ✔ |
| PCM | 44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192 | 44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192/352.8/384 |
| DXD | 384/352.8 | 384/352.8 |
| DSD | 64/128/256 | 64/128/256 |
| MQA | Renderer | Decoder |
| Balanced Circuit | ✔ | ✔ |
| Components | Standard | Upgraded Crystal Clock |