iFi Audio Zen Blue V3 High Resolution Bluetooth DAC

Bluetooth technology has long struggled to deliver high-quality sound, but ZEN Blue 3 overcomes these challenges. By merging wireless connectivity with lossless audio transmission and audiophile-grade circuitry, ZEN Blue 3 offers a true audiophile-grade Bluetooth experience for your Hi-Fi system. Experience effortless connectivity, liberated from wires, and enjoy audiophile-grade sound at home. Cut the wires and enjoy freedom and quality simultaneously. ZEN Blue 3 uses the latest Bluetooth 5.4. It can receive or transmit CD-quality lossless Bluetooth via the aptX Lossless codec and Hi-Res 96kHz via LDAC and LHDC/HWA.

Key Features:

• Switchable low-latency mode to resolve audio/video delay
• Receives or transmits Bluetooth for ultimate versatility
• CD-quality Bluetooth with no data loss
• DAC mode with USB-C and S/PDIF inputs
• Balanced 4.4mm Pentaconn line output
• Hi-Res 24/96kHz over LDAC and LHDC/HWA
• aptX Lossless

ZEN Blue 3 offers 3 function modes to choose from:

1. RX mode (receives Bluetooth from a source device)
2. TX mode (transmits Bluetooth to a device)
3. DAC mode (acts as a wired DAC)

RX Mode

Connect your phone or music player via Bluetooth to the ZEN Blue 3.

• Input: Bluetooth
• Output: Optical/Coax/Line

TX Mode

Connect the ZEN Blue 3 to Bluetooth-enabled devices such as Bluetooth headphones or speakers.

• Input: USB/Line/Coax/Optical
• Output: Bluetooth

DAC Mode

Use ZEN Blue 3 as a wired DAC.

• Input: USB/Coax/Optical
• Output: Active Speaker, Line/Coax/Optical

Use two ZEN Blue 3 units together over Bluetooth for long distances where running a cable is impractical.

• Input: Bluetooth
• Output: Active Speaker, DAC, Amplifier

Lag-Free Gaming

For demanding gamers seeking the lowest possible latency, ZEN Blue 3 (in TX mode) offers a dedicated low latency mode.

Wired or Wireless

ZEN Blue 3 can act as a traditional wired DAC via USB-C or S/PDIF inputs.

ZEN Blue 3 has true audiophile-grade Hi-Fi circuitry and is not just a system-on-a-chip solution. It uses separate Bluetooth, DAC, and Op-Amp chips for superior sound quality.

Specifications:

Inputs

Digital:

• RX mode: Bluetooth 5.4
• TX mode: USB, Optical, Coaxial
• DAC mode: USB, Optical, Coaxial

Analogue:

• RX mode: -
• TX mode: RCA
• DAC mode: RCA

Outputs

Digital:

• RX mode: Optical, Coaxial
• TX mode: Bluetooth 5.4
• DAC mode: Optical, Coaxial

Analogue:

• RX mode: RCA, 4.4mm Balanced
• TX mode: -
• DAC mode: RCA, 4.4mm Balanced

Maximum Sampling Rates

RX mode:

• 96kHz/24-Bit

TX mode:

• 96kHz/24-Bit

DAC mode:

• USB: 96kHz/24-Bit
• S/PDIF: 192kHz/24-Bit

Additional Specs:

• SNR: 109dB
• DNR: 109dBA (0dBFS @ 1kHz)
• THD+N: <0.005% (10K load @ 20-20kHz)
• Dimensions: 158 x 115 x 35mm (6.2 x 4.5 x 1.4”)
• Net Weight: 447g (0.99 lbs)