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iFi audio ZEN DAC Signature V2 external DAC
  • iFi audio ZEN DAC Signature V2 external DAC — photo 2
  • iFi audio ZEN DAC Signature V2 external DAC — photo 3
  • iFi audio ZEN DAC Signature V2 external DAC — photo 4
DACiFi audioL070%

iFi audio ZEN DAC Signature V2 external DAC

DAC+preamp · in: USB-B (DAC) · out: RCA line · PCM 32/384, DSD256, MQA · entry

29,920 RUBeachpre-order
Buy on audiomania.ruCompare

prices and stock as of 2026-11-05

Audiomania expert verdict

A desktop USB DAC with a Burr-Brown chip and a fully balanced dual-mono stage: PCM 384, DSD256, DXD, an MQA decoder; RCA and a balanced 4.4 mm line output with fixed or variable level. A pure DAC-preamp for a PC or a transport like the ZEN Stream — no headphone output, no optical input, no Bluetooth. AI draft, under review

Ask about iFi audio ZEN DAC Signature V2

Will it suit your amplifier or room, what else to buy, what to compare with.

03

In brief

Best if you are looking for:

  • 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
  • a compact system: 158 × 117 × 35 mm, 505 g, up to 2.5 W consumption AI draft, under review

Keep in mind:

  • the 4.4 mm output is a balanced LINE output, not for headphones: this model has no headphone amplifier (take a ZEN CAN for headphones) AI draft, under review
  • the only input is USB: a TV, a CD transport over optical/coax and Bluetooth cannot be connected AI draft, under review
  • MQA — “decoder”: a certified full decoder is not stated on the card AI draft, under review
  • Windows and native DSD may need the iFi driver (not stated on the card) AI draft, under review
04

Product DNA

L070%

A structured sound passport: every value carries a source and a confidence.

Role in the system
DAC, preampcalculated0.75
Services
spec sheet1
Protocols
AirPlay: 0; no: Chromecast, DLNA/UPnP, Roon Ready, Roon Endpoint, bluetooth rx, HQPlayer NAAspec sheet1
Use scenarios
good: Near-field desktop, Home stereo; acceptable: Background listening; less suitable: TV sound, Multiroom wireless, Vinyl systemcalculated0.5
Optimal room area
not enough data to calculate
Tier
entrycalculated1
What else you need
USB cable, interconnect, amplifiercalculated1
05

Sound profile

The profile appears after an Audiomania expert audition.

08

Sound character

No audition or professional review yet — below are only facts from the specs and calculations.

Technical reference

DAC chip
Burr-Brown (модель чипа в карточке не указана)spec sheet0.75
Formats
PCM up to: 32/384; DSD up to: DSD256; MQA: decoder; files: PCM, DSD, DXD, MQAspec sheet0.75
± 1

Alternative value

  • PCM up to: 384 кГц; DSD up to: DSD256; MQA: decoder; files: PCM, DSD, DXD, MQA spec sheet1

    Строго по таблице: только частота дискретизации

Role in the system
DAC, preampcalculated0.75
09

Use scenarios

Suits:

  • a desktop PC DAC with active monitors (variable output) AI draft, under review
  • a partner for the ZEN Stream USB transport in a home stereo AI draft, under review
  • Hi-Res/DSD collections and Tidal MQA AI draft, under review

Less suited to:

  • headphones — there is no headphone output AI draft, under review
  • TV, CD transport, Bluetooth — no optical, coax or wireless inputs AI draft, under review
10

Technologies and construction

  • Burr-Brown DAC: DSD and DXD without conversion

    What it is: A Burr-Brown DAC “handling DSD and DXD precisely without altering the original data”; PCM up to 384 kHz, DSD256, DXD 352.8/384, an MQA decoder.

    Practical benefit: DSD and DXD files play natively, with no PCM conversion.

  • Fully balanced dual-mono circuit

    What it is: A fully balanced stage with separate channels (dual-mono) and a short, direct signal path; dynamic range > 117 dB (A), SNR 117 dB, THD+N < 0.0011 %.

    Practical benefit: Low noise and channel separation; the full benefit comes through the balanced 4.4 mm output into an amplifier with balanced inputs.

  • Balanced 4.4 mm Pentaconn line output and RCA

    What it is: Balanced 4.4 mm: 2–6.2 V (variable) / 4.2 V (fixed); RCA: 1–3.3 V / 2.1 V.

    Practical benefit: Works “not only as a classic DAC but for direct connection to external amplification” — a preamp for active speakers; an XLR input needs a 4.4 mm → 2×XLR adapter cable.

  • Asynchronous USB 3.0 Type B

    What it is: A USB 3.0 Type B input, USB 2.0 compatible, running in asynchronous mode.

    Practical benefit: The DAC, not the computer, sets the clock — “stable transfer of the digital stream” from a PC or transport.

11

Amplifier requirements

Inputs
USB-B (DAC)
Outputs
RCA line

iFi audio ZEN DAC Signature V2 → Audiolab 6000A: via analogue RCA.

  • Software features verified 2025-11-06; check with a specialist for the current state.

R-SOURCE-CHAIN · rules version 1.0.0+c1.0.0 · confidence 0.9

12

Recommended system connection

iFi audio ZEN DAC Signature V2 → Audiolab 6000A: via analogue RCA.

  • Software features verified 2025-11-06; check with a specialist for the current state.

R-SOURCE-CHAIN · rules version 1.0.0+c1.0.0 · confidence 0.9

14

Recommended right now

over the 45-product sample

In-stock, current models only; refreshed with prices (2026-11-05). Not indexed.

rules version 1.0.0+c1.0.0

16

Comparison with similar models

  • How it differs from Audiolab D7 external DAC / headphone amplifier

    iFi audio ZEN DAC Signature V2 and Audiolab D7 are the same tier; they differ in character and in the figures below.

    Full comparison →
17

Specifications

Main

DAC chip
Burr-Brown (модель чипа в карточке не указана)
Formats
PCM up to: 32/384; DSD up to: DSD256; MQA: decoder; files: PCM, DSD, DXD, MQA
± 1

sources disagree

  • PCM up to: 384 кГц; DSD up to: DSD256; MQA: decoder; files: PCM, DSD, DXD, MQA spec sheet1

    Строго по таблице: только частота дискретизации

Volume control
RCA and XLR
SNR
117 dB
THD
0.001 %
Dynamic range
117 dB

Construction

Finishes
Blue

Connection

Sample rate by input
USB-B (DAC): PCM 44,1–384 кГц, DSD64–DSD256, DXD 352,8/384 кГц, MQA
Inputs
USB-B (DAC)
Outputs
RCA line
Analogue output
RCA
± 1

sources disagree

  • RCA and XLR spec sheet0.75

    Если считать балансный 4,4 мм эквивалентом балансного выхода (переходник 4,4 → 2×XLR)

Digital outputs
HDMI ARC
none
Output level
2.1 V
± 3

sources disagree

  • 3.3 V spec sheet1

    RCA, регулируемый режим — максимум 3,3 В

  • 4.2 V spec sheet1

    Балансный 4,4 мм, фиксированный — 4,2 В

  • 6.2 V spec sheet1

    Балансный 4,4 мм, регулируемый — максимум 6,2 В

Bluetooth
codecs: ; no: receive, transmit
Wi-Fi
no
Remote
no: IR remote

Dimensions

Dimensions (W×H×D)
158 × 35 × 117 mm

Weight

Weight
0.505 kg

Box contents

Warranty
12 months
18

Documents

19

FAQ

›Can I plug headphones into the 4.4 mm output?
No. The 4.4 mm Pentaconn here is a balanced LINE output (2–6.2 V) for an amplifier or active speakers, not a headphone output. For headphones you need a separate amplifier (iFi ZEN CAN) or a DAC with a headphone amp (Audiolab D7).
›Can it drive active speakers or a power amplifier directly?
Yes: variable mode gives up to 6.2 V on the balanced 4.4 mm and up to 3.3 V on RCA; fixed mode gives 4.2 V and 2.1 V for a regular amplifier with its own volume control.
›Will a TV or a CD transport connect?
No: the only input is USB 3.0 Type B (USB 2.0 compatible). For optical/coax you need a DAC with S/PDIF inputs, e.g. the Audiolab D7.
›Does it match the iFi ZEN Stream streamer?
Yes: the ZEN Stream's asynchronous USB output → the ZEN DAC Signature V2's USB input; USB carries native DSD256 and MQA, which the DAC decodes. Then RCA or 4.4 mm to the amplifier.
›Which formats and rates are supported?
PCM 44.1–384 kHz, DSD64/128/256, DXD 352.8/384 kHz, MQA (decoder). The PCM bit depth is not stated on the card.
›Do I need a driver for Windows?
Not stated on the card. iFi USB DACs on Windows 10/11 usually play without a driver (USB Audio Class 2), while native DSD and ASIO need the iFi driver from the manufacturer's site; macOS/Linux need no driver. We will check with the supplier. AI draft, under review
›Is the MQA “decoder” a full decode?
The card says “MQA support | decoder” without naming the stage. In practice MQA files from Tidal play unfolded; send the stream over USB without volume changes in the player. AI draft, under review
›How is it powered and how much does it draw?
About 0.5 W idle and about 2.5 W at full signal; the power supply type is not stated on the card.
20

Customer reviews

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22

Audiomania expert opinion

The expert opinion appears after an audition.