R-COMPARE
iFi audio ZEN DAC Signature V2 external DAC / Audiolab D7 external DAC / headphone amplifier
Spec deltas, DNA with confidence and what the specialists said. “Better” only where a source backs it.
iFi audio ZEN DAC Signature V2 external DAC29,920 RUBeachAudiolab D7 external DAC / headphone amplifier49,880 RUBeach
Specifications
same tieriFi audio ZEN DAC Signature V2 and Audiolab D7 are the same tier; they differ in character and in the figures below.
| Parameter | iFi audio ZEN DAC Signature V2 external DAC | Audiolab D7 external DAC / headphone amplifier | favours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier | entry | entry | |
| DAC chip | Burr-Brown (модель чипа в карточке не указана) | ES9038Q2M (32 бит) | |
| Analogue output | RCA | RCA and XLR | |
| Output level | 2.1 | 2.1 | |
| Volume control | RCA and XLR | variable | |
| SNR | 117 | 115 | |
| THD | 0 | 0 | |
| Weight | 0.5 | 1.4 | |
| Price | 29,920 RUB | 49,880 RUB |
What the specialists said
- «Audiolab D7 — если нужны оптический/коаксиальный входы, Bluetooth, USB-накопители и усилитель для наушников»
- «iFi ZEN DAC Signature V2 — дешевле, только USB-вход, без наушникового выхода и Bluetooth»
R-COMPARE · 1.0.0+c1.0.0 · confidence 0.75
Who each suits
iFi audio ZEN DAC Signature V2 external DAC
- a PC or USB transport (e.g. the iFi ZEN Stream) → amplifier: an asynchronous USB input, RCA and balanced 4.4 mm outputs AI draft, under review
- Hi-Res collections: PCM up to 384 kHz, DSD256 and DXD “without altering the original data”, an MQA decoder AI draft, under review
- direct connection to a power amplifier or active speakers — a variable output up to 6.2 V (4.4 mm) / 3.3 V (RCA) AI draft, under review
- a fully balanced dual-mono stage: dynamic range > 117 dB, THD+N < 0.0011 % AI draft, under review
Audiolab D7 external DAC / headphone amplifier
- a “digital hub” for a PC, transport, TV and phone: 2 coax, 2 optical, PC USB, USB drives, Bluetooth 5.1 aptX HD AI draft, under review
- headphones from 20 to 600 Ω — a built-in current-feedback amplifier (2.35 Ω output impedance) AI draft, under review
- an upgrade over built-in DACs in streamers and amplifiers: vs the WiiM Ultra — “a noticeable gain in detail, stage depth and musicality”; vs the LEAK 230/Cambridge CXN — “there will definitely be a gain in quality” AI draft, under review
- uncompromised Hi-Res over USB: PCM 768 kHz, DSD512, a full MQA decoder on USB, coax and optical AI draft, under review