Unleash Superior Sound: iFi ZEN Blue 3 DAC Upgrades to ESS Sabre and Qualcomm QCC518x

A Popular DAC Company iFi Audio has released the iFi ZEN Blue 3 DAC version. Now the new product has USB-C inputs, to which it receives a PCI signal up to 24 bit/96 kHz and combined optical and coaxial – 24 bit/192 kHz. Built-in Bluetooth works with aptX Lossless and LDAC codecs and outputs a signal using aptX with low latency.

The device uses a Qualcomm QCC518x system-on-a-chip (SoC) and Bluetooth chip. In the newer version
of iFi Zen Blue DAC, the audio signal is converted by an ESS Sabre DAC, which goes to the output operational amplifiers.

An external amplifier can be connected via traditional unbalanced RCA, but with balanced analog outputs,
it will not be so easy, because they use a Pentaconn 4.4 mm coaxial connector. It is understandable – full-size XLR connectors on the iFi ZEN Blue DAC version 3 switching panel are unlikely to fit.

A new product is made in the same dimensions, but the entire case has been updated and, according to iFi, “shows off an attractive two-tone design of the front panel.” The new product is already on sale.

Price – iFi ZEN Blue 3 DAC

In the US, the iFi ZEN Blue DAC version 3 portable DAC costs $300.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – iFi ZEN Blue DAC

1. What are the key features of the iFi ZEN Blue DAC Version 3?

• USB-C inputs: Receives a PCI signal up to 24 bit/96 kHz.
• Combined optical and coaxial inputs: Supports up to 24 bit/192 kHz.
• Bluetooth: Supports aptX Lossless, LDAC, and outputs a signal using aptX with low latency.
• Audio Conversion: Utilizes an ESS Sabre DAC.
• Outputs: Traditional unbalanced RCA and balanced analog outputs via a Pentaconn 4.4 mm coaxial connector.
• Design: An updated case with an attractive two-tone front panel design.

2. What Bluetooth codecs does the iFi ZEN Blue3 support?

• The device supports aptX Lossless and LDAC codecs and outputs a signal using aptX with low latency.

3. What system-on-a-chip (SoC) and Bluetooth chips are used in the iFi ZEN Blue 3?

• The iFi ZEN Blue 3 uses a Qualcomm QCC518x SoC and Bluetooth chip.

4. What DAC is used in the iFi ZEN Blue 3?

• An ESS Sabre DAC converts the audio signal.

5. How can I connect an external amplifier to the iFi ZEN Blue DAC version 3?

• You can connect an external amplifier via traditional unbalanced RCA outputs or balanced analog outputs using a Pentaconn 4.4 mm coaxial connector.

6. Why doesn’t the iFi ZEN Blue 3 use full-size XLR connectors for balanced analog outputs?

• Full-size XLR connectors are unlikely to fit on the iFi ZEN Blue 3’s switching panel due to its dimensions.

7. What about design changes in the iFi ZEN Blue 3 compared to previous versions?

• The iFi ZEN Blue 3 has the same dimensions as its predecessors but features an updated case with an attractive two-tone front panel design.

8. How much does the iFi ZEN Blue DAC version 3 cost in the US?

• The iFi ZEN Blue 3 portable DAC costs $300 in the US.

9. Is the iFi ZEN Blue 3 currently available for purchase?

• Yes, the iFi ZEN Blue 3 is already on sale.