{"product_id":"ifi-zen-dac-v2-desktop-dac-compact-hi-res-upgrade","title":"iFi Zen DAC V2 Desktop DAC - Compact Hi-Res Upgrade","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the iFi Zen DAC V2 is presented as a compact desktop digital to analogue converter aimed at listeners who want a clear upgrade from typical onboard sound. It is best for desktop users who connect a computer or DAP over USB and want cleaner, warmer playback through headphones or active speakers. The single biggest reason to buy is the audibly improved fidelity from the Burr Brown True Native converter and built-in MQA decoding, which together deliver higher resolution detail and natural tone without extra boxes or conversion.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBurr Brown True Native DAC:\u003c\/strong\u003e preserves native PCM and DSD formats for transparent, warm playback up to PCM 384kHz\/24 bit and DSD256 so familiar tracks reveal more detail.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMQA decoding:\u003c\/strong\u003e decodes MQA content internally so users hear MQA files as intended without extra hardware.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlexible outputs:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.3mm unbalanced, 4.4mm balanced and RCA outputs allow easy connection to headphones, active speakers or an amplifier.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUSB3.0 input:\u003c\/strong\u003e USB3.0 (USB2.0 compatible) connection provides straightforward plug-and-play use with computers and digital audio players.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAnalogue volume and tone controls:\u003c\/strong\u003e Variable analogue volume, PowerMatch and TrueBass let listeners tailor output level and low-end character for iEMs and full-size headphones.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Zen DAC V2 is for desktop audiophiles, home office users and music fans who want a noticeable step up from integrated sound on a computer or basic DACs. Its combination of high-resolution decoding, MQA support and multiple outputs suits headphone enthusiasts and those feeding an amplifier or active speakers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt is less appropriate for users needing full network streaming, optical\/coaxial digital inputs, or a standalone amplifier with speaker binding posts. Also, if you require absolute perfect channel balance at very low volume settings, note the analogue volume control can show slight imbalance below 9 o'clock.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent \u003cstrong\u003esound quality\u003c\/strong\u003e for the price, with rich detail and low noise.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilt-in \u003cstrong\u003eMQA decoding\u003c\/strong\u003e and wide format support for hi-res playback.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMultiple outputs and tonal controls make it flexible for headphones and speakers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe analogue volume control can exhibit slight channel imbalance under 9 o'clock, so very low listening levels may be imperfect.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUSB-B input only limits connectivity to USB sources; there are no optical or coaxial digital options.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProduct type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDesktop digital to analogue converter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDigital input\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSB3.0 (USB2.0 compatible)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAnalogue outputs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.3mm unbalanced, 4.4mm balanced, RCA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDAC chipset\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBurr Brown True Native\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSupported formats\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePCM up to 384kHz\/24 bit, DSD256, DXD 384kHz, MQA decoding\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eControls\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAnalogue volume, PowerMatch, TrueBass\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe iFi Zen DAC V2 is a strong value for desktop listeners who want cleaner, more natural sound without a complex setup. Its Burr Brown DAC and internal MQA decoding bring clear improvements to computer audio and headphone listening, and the output options and tone controls make it versatile. Recommend for users seeking an affordable, compact hi-res upgrade; those needing multi-source digital inputs or perfect ultra-low-volume balance should consider alternatives.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it support MQA?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the unit decodes MQA internally so MQA files play without extra converters.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat outputs are available?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt offers 6.3mm unbalanced, 4.4mm balanced headphone jacks and RCA line outputs for speakers or an amplifier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre there any known volume limitations?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDue to the analogue volume control, slight channel imbalance may be audible below about 9 o'clock, so listening between 11 and 1 o'clock is recommended for best balance.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"iFi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48243022069979,"sku":"B091B2JCXQ","price":199.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/71wLOkJfdxS._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1776284985","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/ifi-zen-dac-v2-desktop-dac-compact-hi-res-upgrade","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}