iFi Audio ZEN Blue V3 High-Resolution Bluetooth DAC
Experience the freedom of wireless audio without compromising sound quality with the iFi Audio ZEN Blue V3. Designed for audiophiles who demand high-fidelity sound, this Bluetooth DAC supports CD-quality lossless audio over Bluetooth 5.4, with support for advanced codecs like aptX Lossless, LDAC, and LHDC/HWA. Whether you're receiving Bluetooth audio from your phone, transmitting to headphones, or using it as a wired DAC, ZEN Blue V3 delivers uncompromising versatility and pristine sound. Built with dedicated chips for Bluetooth, DAC, and Op-Amp processing, it avoids common integrated solutions for a truly premium listening experience.
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What It’s Good At
- Delivering serious, clean headphone power (up to 2,000mW balanced) for planars, dynamics, and high-impedance cans
- Keeping sound natural and transparent with pure analogue circuitry (no DSP)
- Enhancing low-end weight and punch with XBass+—great for open-backs and leaner-tuned IEMs
- Expanding imaging and “out of the head” presentation with XSpace for a wider, speaker-like stage
- Improving competitive awareness and immersion with Game mode (clearer low-level effects and cues)
- Boosting speech intelligibility with Movie mode for streaming shows and films
What It’s Good At
- True lossless Bluetooth audio with aptX Lossless (CD-quality transmission with zero data loss)
- All-in-one flexibility: Bluetooth RX, Bluetooth TX, and USB/S/PDIF DAC mode in one compact unit
- Hi-res wireless playback up to 96kHz/24-bit with LDAC & LHDC/HWA support
- Low-latency listening option for tighter audio sync in gaming and video (with compatible devices)
- System-friendly connectivity: balanced 4.4mm, RCA, and optical/coax S/PDIF I/O
- Stronger reception and range with an external antenna, plus simple pairing and device memory
Specifications
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Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.4
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Supported Codecs: aptX Lossless, LDAC, LHDC/HWA
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Inputs (RX Mode): Bluetooth
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Inputs (TX Mode): USB, Optical, Coaxial
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Inputs (DAC Mode): USB, Optical, Coaxial
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Outputs (RX Mode): Optical, Coaxial, RCA, 4.4mm Balanced
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Outputs (TX Mode): Bluetooth 5.4
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Outputs (DAC Mode): Optical, Coaxial, RCA, 4.4mm Balanced
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Maximum Sampling Rate (RX & TX Modes): 96kHz/24-Bit
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Maximum Sampling Rate (DAC Mode): USB - 96kHz/24-Bit, S/PDIF - 192kHz/24-Bit
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SNR: 109dB
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DNR: 109dBA (0dBFS @ 1kHz)
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THD+N: <0.005% (10K load @ 20-20kHz)
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Dimensions: 158 x 115 x 35mm (6.2 x 4.5 x 1.4”)
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Net Weight: 447g (0.99 lbs)
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Warranty: 12 months (limited)
Key Features List
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Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless: Stream CD-quality audio wirelessly with zero compression loss.
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Hi-Res Audio Support: Enjoy up to 96kHz/24-bit in wireless modes and 192kHz/24-bit via S/PDIF in DAC mode.
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Three Functional Modes (RX, TX, DAC): Receive, transmit, or decode audio based on your setup needs.
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Low Latency Mode for Gaming: Eliminates audio lag in TX mode for seamless audio/video sync and responsive gaming.
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Balanced & Unbalanced Outputs: Offers both RCA and 4.4mm balanced outputs for maximum system compatibility.
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True Audiophile Circuit Design: Built with discrete Bluetooth, DAC, and Op-Amp chips for cleaner, richer sound.
Q&A Section
Q: What makes the ZEN Blue V3 better than other Bluetooth DACs?
A: It supports lossless Bluetooth via aptX Lossless, offers Hi-Res audio up to 192kHz, and uses discrete chips for Bluetooth, DAC, and amplification for superior sound quality.
Q: Can I use ZEN Blue V3 as both a receiver and a transmitter?
A: Yes, it features RX mode for receiving audio and TX mode for transmitting audio to Bluetooth headphones or speakers.
Q: Does it support gaming with low latency?
A: Absolutely. TX mode includes a dedicated low latency mode for lag-free gaming and video streaming.
Q: Can I connect the ZEN Blue V3 to my amplifier or powered speakers?
A: Yes, it includes both RCA and 4.4mm balanced line outputs for direct connection to amps or speakers.
Q: What devices can I connect to ZEN Blue V3 in DAC mode?
A: In DAC mode, you can connect USB, optical, or coaxial digital sources like PCs, TVs, or CD players.
Q: Is the Bluetooth audio truly lossless?
A: Yes, when used with compatible devices, aptX Lossless enables CD-quality streaming with zero compression.
Q: Can I use two ZEN Blue V3 units together?
A: Yes, you can pair one in RX mode and another in TX mode for long-range, high-fidelity wireless audio links.
Q: What type of outputs are available for DAC functionality?
A: DAC mode provides both digital (optical, coaxial) and analog (RCA, 4.4mm balanced) outputs for flexible connectivity.
