The ZEN family from the British company iFi has a new addition: the updated 3rd version includes the iFi ZEN Can 3 headphone amplifier. One of the few analog devices of the brand has been updated following the wireless DAC ZEN Blue 3. Externally, the new product is not much different even from the very first version.
iFi ZEN Can 3 has two headphone jacks on the front for plugging in your favorite headphones. One of is
the standard, larger size (6.35mm) that you might be familiar with, while the other is a newer, smaller type (4.4mm) that offers improved audio quality. For connecting other devices, the back of the unit has several options. There’s another of the smaller universal jacks (3.5mm) like you might find on a phone, as well as standard RCA jacks, and another of the higher quality jacks (4.4mm).
In the iFi ZEN Can third version, iFi engineers increased the power of iFi ZEN Can 3 to 2,000 mW on the balanced output with headphones connected to it with an impedance of 64 Ohms. That is, the new product is also capable of handling “professional” hundreds of Ohms. In addition, new sound settings appeared among them — Movie and Gaming, the purpose of which is quite clear from the names.
iFi ZEN Can 3 also carries over some features from previous models, like XBass+ and XSpace. These likely enhance the sound in specific ways. It seems like the ZEN Can 3 is designed to work well with newer headphones that have xMEMS drivers, which might be a technology gaining popularity.
Price – iFi ZEN Can 3 Headphone Amplifier
In the UK, the iFi ZEN CAN 3 headphone amplifier is priced at £230.
Frequently Asks Questions (FAQs) – ZEN Can 3 Headphone Amplifier
Q1: How does the ZEN Can 3 differ from its previous models?
Ans: The ZEN Can 3 features increased power output, and new sound settings like Movie and Gaming modes, and continues to support popular features such as XBass+ and XSpace.
Connectivity
Q2: What headphone jacks are available on the ZEN Can 3?
Ans: The ZEN Can 3 has two headphone jacks on the front: a standard 6.35mm jack and a 4.4mm balanced jack for improved audio quality.
Q3: What input options are available on the ZEN Can 3?
Ans: The back of the ZEN Can 3 includes a 3.5mm input, standard RCA jacks, and a 4.4mm balanced input.
Performance
Q4: What is the power output of the ZEN Can 3?
Ans: The ZEN Can 3 delivers up to 2,000 mW on the balanced output with headphones connected at an impedance of 64 Ohms.
Q5: Can the ZEN Can 3 handle high-impedance headphones?
Ans: Yes, the ZEN Can 3 is capable of handling headphones with impedances in the hundreds of Ohms, making it suitable for professional-grade headphones.
Features
Q6: What are the new sound settings in the ZEN Can 3?
Ans: The ZEN Can 3 introduces Movie and Gaming sound settings, tailored to enhance audio performance for these specific use cases.
Q7: What are XBass+ and XSpace?
Ans: XBass+ enhances the bass frequencies, while XSpace increases the perceived soundstage, providing a more immersive listening experience.
Q8: Is the ZEN Can 3 compatible with xMEMS driver headphones?
Ans: Yes, the ZEN Can 3 is designed to work well with newer headphones featuring xMEMS drivers.
Design
Q9: Does the ZEN Can 3 look different from previous versions?
Ans: Externally, the ZEN Can 3 looks similar to previous versions, maintaining the familiar design of the ZEN Can family.
Purchase and Support
Q10: Where can I purchase the iFi ZEN Can 3?
A11: The iFi ZEN Can 3 is available for purchase through authorized iFi retailers and the iFi website.
Q11: What kind of support is available for the ZEN Can 3?
A12: iFi provides customer support through their website, including product manuals, FAQs, and contact information for technical assistance.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings