iFi Audio ZEN Blue 3

iFi Audio ZEN Blue 3 Reviews

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Product details

Brand: iFi

iFi Audio ZEN Blue 3 - Balanced Hi-Res Wireless Bluetooth DAC

Features
• Wireless connectivity with Hi-Res lossless CD-quality audio
• Three Operation Modes: Bluetooth RX (receive), TX (transmit), and DAC
• aptX Lossless Codec two-way lossless CD-quality and Hi-Res audio over Bluetooth
• Switchable Low Latency Mode ensures audio syncs with video for gaming and movies
• Wired DAC Functionality can act as a traditional DAC via USB-C or S/PDIF inputs
• Balanced Line Output reduces signal noise and crosstalk, enhancing audio clarity
• Two-tone front panel and smile-like button layout
• High-quality parts from TDK and Texas Instruments

iFi Audio, a trailblazer in high-fidelity audio components, is proud to reveal the ZEN Blue3 hi-resolution Bluetooth DAC. By merging wireless connectivity with lossless CD quality audio transmission and audiophile-grade circuitry, ZEN Blue 3 offers a true audiophile-grade Bluetooth experience for your Hi-Fi system.

New to the ZEN Blue 3 is three new operation modes including Bluetooth RX, TX, and DAC, while also featuring aptX Lossless Bluetooth codec to receive or transmit Lossless CD-quality and Hi-Res audio over Bluetooth and a switchable low-latency mode. ZEN Blue 3 allows you to stream lossless CD-quality music from your mobile phone to your Hi-Fi system. Home cinema lovers can also enjoy high-quality audio with Hi-Res Bluetooth headphones while watching movies at home, and much more.

ZEN Blue 3 can now 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 by using separate Bluetooth, DAC and Op-Amp chips for superior sound.

Audiophile-grade Bluetooth.

Lossless CD Quality Sound
The iFi ZEN Blue 3 is the world’s first wireless DAC that can both transmit and receive lossless CD quality with no data loss. The new DAC uses the latest Bluetooth 5.4 and the aptX Lossless codec, and Hi-Res 96kHz via LDAC and LDHC/HWA. aptX Lossless falls under the ‘aptX Adaptive’ codec, which houses multiple codecs with different transmission speeds and bit rates within it.

New Function Modes - Wired or Wireless
The iFi ZEN Blue 3 is more versatile than ever, with three new function modes to suit any listener. These modes include RX mode which receives Bluetooth from a source device, TX mode which transmits Bluetooth to a device, and Wired DAC mode.

Signature ZEN 3 Design
Following the redesigned aesthetic of the ZEN 3 product series, the ZEN Blue 3 showcases an eye-catching two tone front panel design to stand out among hi-fi ‘black boxes’. Similarly, the ZEN Blue 3 exudes character and personality with its smile-like button layout.

Switchable Low Latency
For those using the ZEN Blue 3 in transmission mode for watching video content or gaming, there is a low latency button on the front of the unit. Perfect for intense gaming sessions or relaxing movie nights, low latency mode resolves the delay issue between the video and audio, meaning audio is in sync with video content.

Balanced Line Output
With so many Hi-Res audio options available to the ZEN Blue 3, making balanced circuitry available to users is more important than ever. By including a balanced line output, users with a balanced audio setup can look forward to significantly reduced signal noise and crosstalk between channels, bringing all the clarity with none of the audio clutter.

Superior Components
Underpinning the circuitry are cherry-picked, premium components from TDK, and Texas Instruments. The amplification stage boasts iFi/AMR’s own ‘OV’ (Operationsverstärker) series op-amps, outperforming commercial chips that use low-grade copper and inexpensive aluminium bond-wire.

Package Includes
• iFi Audio ZEN Blue 3
• Power Adapter
• USB-A to USB-C Cable (1.2m)
• Instruction Card
• Quick Start Guide
• RCA Cable

GTIN: 5060738788811


All reviews


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent step up from the IFI blue 2, just more of everything, massive performance from a deceptively sized product. Recommend the IFI for the clarity of sound, the detail and the ability to make the musical listening experience so good.

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Rated 4 out of 5 stars

I would really have liked to give the ZEN Blue 3 a 5 star rating, however, its volume control for transmission purposes falls a little short of what I consider optimal. Bluntly, I was after the aptX Lossless Bluetooth codec to act as a bridge from my turntable to my aptX Lossless compatible headphones, so I can run my turntable in the evenings without the need to wake the rest of the family running through the amp and speakers. It does work very nicely, and the connection is extremely stable, however, there is no way to improve the 250mV RCA output from the turntable rig, to get it closer to the ZEN Blue 3's expectation of a 2V input. At maximum volume, the ZEN Blue 3's transmission output over aptX Lossless just can't compensate. I've compared using the turntable against a streamer, which does push 2V out the RCA, and it's chalk and cheese. With the streamer, I'm required to use the volume control on the headphones to lower the sound, not so with the turntable into the ZEN Blue 3 (I'm still looking for more!). Yes, I can add further components into the chain, but that merely defeats the object of the exercise, which wasn't to daisy chain components! It is what it is, although just a pity that the ZEN Blue 3 doesn't have gain settings like other components. As mentioned, setting aside the level of the volume, I'm very happy with the unit's aptX Lossless implementation and the stability of the signal when connecting to the headphones. The music is really enjoyable and not too far off the mark, particularly when outputting from the streamer, which is very impactful through the headphones. I was also pleasantly surprised to find my unit has a black antenna, not the white one portrayed in the various photos. Hopefully, in some future iteration of the unit, iFi Audio integrate some form of gain management to address the output volume level. The ZEN Blue 3 is certainly worth short listing, and I'm not sorry I bought it! If your source is digital, it'll work a treat and is highly recommended.