On this function, Louis opinions the iFi Audio ZEN CAN 3, a $229.00 xMEMS-based compact desktop headphone amplifier with as much as 2W of balanced output energy.
Disclaimer: I obtained this pattern in alternate for my sincere opinion. Headfonics is an unbiased web site with no affiliate hyperlinks or providers. I thank iFi Audio for his or her assist.
Extra details about iFi Audio merchandise we’ve beforehand reviewed on Headfonics could be discovered right here.
This submit adheres to our present scoring guidelines, which you’ll find right here.
The iFi Audio ZEN CAN is a well-liked headphone amplifier that has obtained various updates. The second model of the ZEN CAN was not a lot completely different from the primary model however this third model has a number of methods and options up its sleeves.
There have been many variant releases of the ZEN CAN just like the Signature 6XX, the MZ99, and the Signature HFM variants however none have been full of as many options as the brand new ZEN CAN 3.
The brand new ZEN CAN 3 has obtained xMEMS driving functionality and it appears to be essentially the most economical solution to go if you wish to drive such xMEMS gear. It additionally gained some sound tuning options not discovered on every other ZEN CAN.
Options
The primary novel function of the iFi Audio ZEN CAN 3 is that it comes outfitted with two selectable sonic profiles that appear to have been borrowed from the iFi Audio UNO.
The ZEN CAN 3 solely has two of the three presets included into the UNO but it surely presents a few different options that place it above the UNO in options.
The 2 included sonic presets are labeled film mode and gaming mode. The gaming mode preset enhances particulars and brings them ahead, permitting you to concentrate on footsteps, voices, and the whisp of bullets flying by. The film preset enhances vocals however I most popular the flat setting, to be sincere.
The XBass and XSpace options are additionally included and I don’t know which one I like essentially the most. The XSpace widens the soundstage measurement with out compromising the location precision or focus. It’s a delicate however efficient impact. The XBass is a tastefully performed bass enhance as you already know.
The novelty right here is that iFi claims that every one these DSP implementations are performed at an analog degree and should not digitally applied.
For instance, I really feel that the XBass appears much like the long-gone previous loudness button however with out the treble improve. It’s a delicate, tastefully performed sub-bass elevation.
Amplification
The ZEN CAN line makes use of a class-A kind variation of amplification. It’s what iFi calls a trickle-down class-A discrete balanced circuitry. Most of their amplifiers use an identical circuitry construction and it appears they’re slowly bettering the platform.
The elements answerable for the headphone output energy come from what appears to be ten of their customized “Operationsverstarker” OV sequence OP amplifier OPamps mounted near the output ports and the amount management.
The ZEN CAN 3 output energy is elevated by a pinch with a most output of 2W, in comparison with the 1890mW balanced output functionality of the earlier ZEN CAN variants.
The general working temperature of this mannequin doesn’t exceed what I might name a heat working temperature and it appears to be a thermally-sound system that doesn’t produce extreme warmth which is right for lengthy desktop periods.
Design
The rounded trapezoid form is an iFi insignia design and it appears it’s right here to remain throughout the ZEN line however I don’t thoughts that. It doesn’t match up aesthetically to every other part on the market however you may’t say it doesn’t have distinctive enchantment both, as a result of it does.
The ZEN CAN 3 did acquire some visible cues on the entrance panel that distinguish it from the earlier sequence variations.
The entrance panel is cut up into two distinct visible sections with the highest cut up completed with a leather-type materials now, however to the contact, it appears to be made out of a polymer.
The buttons are made out of steel together with the amount knob which has tremendous knurling alongside the periphery. The buttons don’t rattle as the primary ZEN CANs buttons did and it appears iFi tightened up the design behind these buttons.
The ZEN CAN 3 quantity knob is analog and it feels easy and doesn’t produce an excessive amount of channel imbalance on this mannequin, one other space that iFi is slowly bettering on. I simply wished that iFi would shade that dimple indicator on the amount knob for higher visibility.
The enter ports include three selectable inputs with LED indicators through the entrance panel enter selector. There’s a set of RCA inputs, a 3.5mm, and a 4.4mm balanced output.
The entrance panel IO consists of a single-ended, full-size 6.35mm port and a 4.4mm balanced connector. Earlier iFi Audio choices generally have 4.4mm ports that may really feel ‘crunchy’ while you insert the 4.4mm plug however this one appears completely easy.
Controls
The multifunction momentary push button upfront on the right-hand aspect of the ZEN CAN 3 entrance panel is a fully-featured button the likes I’ve not seen from iFi Audio, apart from the multifunction quantity knob on the xDSD Gryphon.
This button lets the consumer choose between XBass, XSpace, Gaming, and Music modes. It additionally selects the xMEMS function which is able to solely interact if an xMEMS IEM is detected on the output port.
You may choose XSpace and XBass concurrently, however the gaming and music modes solely interact independently and don’t work along with the opposite sound-shaping options.
The left-hand aspect of the entrance panel homes three momentary push buttons. The primary one on the left is the facility button. Then you’ve a 3-input selector alongside a 4-way acquire selector.
Packaging & Equipment
The general packaging and supplies of the ZEN CAN 3 are the identical as earlier variations with recycled supplies. The amplifier sits inside a pulp cradle and the equipment are packed in a separate smaller white field.
I used to be anticipating to search out an iFi Audio energy brick inside however sadly, solely a really generic, small energy adapter was included.
I additionally discovered a 2-foot RCA cable and a 3.5mm to six.35mm headphone adapter. The remainder of the contents include a quick-start information, an MQA QR code setup pamphlet, one other with a bunch of authorized jargon, and the customary iFi Audio sticker.
Sound Impressions
The next sound impressions of the ZEN CAN 3 have been accomplished utilizing a HIFIMAN Sundara and the HE400se on a MEZE Audio MONO silver-plated upgraded cable with 4.4mm connectivity. I additionally used MEZE Audio’s 99 Classics and Sennheiser’s HD 490 PRO Plus with inventory cables.
I additionally examined the ZEN CAN 3 with FiiO’s FA19, their FH19, plus the HIFIMAN Svanar on the 6.35mm aspect with iFi’s included adapter.
I fed the amplifier with the RCA outputs of the ZEN ONE utilizing their included iFi branded RCA cables and the SMSL SU-X off the XLR utilizing iFi’s 4.4mm to XLR balanced cable.
Abstract
Not a lot has modified in tonality right here from different beforehand launched ZEN CAN variants. You continue to get that class-A heat, analog sonic character typical of the iFi line together with a clear background and a punchy character.
Many of the adjustments within the ZEN CAN 3 efficiency appear to have taken place in a noise flooring that subjectively sounds prefer it has been lowered. This enables extra element to return by way of and for the ZEN CAN 3 to provide a cleaner sonic presentation, in comparison with the remainder of the sequence.
The frequency response appears to favor the decrease portion and midrange portion of the sonic spectrum. Nonetheless, its full spectrum extends past human listening to and is evenly produced.
The mids are wealthy and the highs are produced in a comparatively relaxed method. The excessive frequencies are properly pronounced, extra so in comparison with the opposite ZEN CAN variants however the heat character on the whole remains to be there.
Staging & Dynamics
The iFi Audio ZEN CAN 3 kicks fairly exhausting when it has to, particularly with the XBass engaged which brings forth a bass response to the purpose the place you may really feel the bass presence in a barely elevated method.
The soundstage follows go well with as a result of when no matter you’re listening to lacks air and enlargement, the XSpace involves the rescue with a small improve in width and top. It doesn’t appear to enhance or improve depth however you get what’s within the supply and isn’t diminished by any means.
When the XSpace is engaged, you don’t lose any of the main focus which is of concern when utilizing DSP enlargement. Components appear to stay well-positioned and on the whole, don’t lose middle, Nor does something sound off-axis.
Click on page 2 below for my recommended pairings and selected comparisons.
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