iFi Audio Zen CAN 3 Class A Headphone Amplifier
Elevate your headphone listening experience with the iFi Audio Zen CAN 3 Class A Headphone Amplifier – now enhanced with support for cutting-edge xMEMS technology. This advanced amplifier delivers crystal-clear sound and precise detail through high-powered Class A discrete circuitry, inspired by iFi's flagship iCAN Phantom. The Zen CAN 3 features new analogue EQ modes for Gaming and Movie audio, ensuring immersive and vivid sound in every scenario. With up to 2,000mW of continuous output power, customizable gain settings, and dynamic sound enhancements like XBass+ and XSpace, this headphone amp is engineered for audiophiles, gamers, and cinephiles alike.
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
Specifications
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Analogue Inputs: Balanced 4.4mm, Single-Ended 3.5mm, RCA
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Analogue Output: Balanced 4.4mm
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Headphone Outputs: Balanced 4.4mm, Single-Ended 6.35mm
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Output Power (RMS): Balanced: 2,000mW @ 64Ω, Single-Ended: 1,600mW @ 32Ω
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Output Impedance: Balanced: <2Ω, Single-Ended: <1Ω
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THD+N: Balanced: <0.006%, Single-Ended: <0.006%
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XMEMS Output: 21Vpp (Balanced 4.4mm), 22Ω, 11V DC Bias
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SNR: Balanced: >125dB, Single-Ended: >122dB
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DNR: Balanced: 119dBA @ 0 dBFS, Single-Ended: 119dBA @ 0 dBFS
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Line Output: Output Level: 4Vrms (0dB 200kΩ load), Output Impedance: <200Ω, Frequency Response: 10Hz-200kHz (-3dB)
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Gain Control: 0-18dB in +6dB steps
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Dimensions: 158 x 117 x 35mm (6.2 x 4.6 x 1.4”)
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Net Weight: 495g (1.09 lbs)
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Limited Warranty: 12 months
Key Features List
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Class A Discrete Circuitry: Incorporates top-tier Class A technology from iFi's flagship iCAN Phantom for audiophile-grade sound fidelity and precision.
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xMEMS Compatibility: Supports cutting-edge xMEMS driver technology, delivering ultra-fast response and minimal distortion.
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Powerful Output: With up to 2,000mW output, this amp can easily drive even the most demanding headphones for consistent performance.
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XBass+ Technology: Enhances low-end frequencies to compensate for bass roll-off in open-back or neutral-sounding headphones.
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XSpace Audio Expansion: Recreates a wide and immersive soundstage, ideal for enjoying high-resolution recordings as intended.
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Analogue EQ Modes: Tailored Game and Movie EQ modes clarify low-level audio cues and boost dialogue intelligibility in digital content.
Q&A Section
Q: Is the iFi Zen CAN 3 compatible with xMEMS earphones?
A: Yes, the Zen CAN 3 fully supports xMEMS micro-speaker technology, delivering enhanced clarity and ultra-fast response times.
Q: What is the output power of the Zen CAN 3?
A: It delivers up to 2,000mW at 64Ω via balanced output and 1,600mW at 32Ω through single-ended output.
Q: Does it include any sound enhancement features?
A: Yes, it includes XBass+ for enhanced low frequencies and XSpace for an expanded soundstage.
Q: Can I use this amp with both balanced and unbalanced headphones?
A: Absolutely. It offers both balanced 4.4mm and single-ended 6.35mm headphone outputs.
Q: What EQ options are available?
A: The Zen CAN 3 includes two new analogue EQ modes – one for movies and one for gaming – to enhance vocal clarity and ambient detail.
Q: Is the gain adjustable?
A: Yes, the amplifier offers 0-18dB of gain in 6dB steps to perfectly match various headphone sensitivities.
Q: What is the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)?
A: It boasts an impressive SNR of over 125dB (balanced) and over 122dB (single-ended).
Q: Does the Zen CAN 3 have any warranty?
A: Yes, it comes with a limited 12-month warranty.
Downloads
iFi Zen CAN 3 Quick Start Guide
