---
product_id: 622223433
title: "Zen DAC 3 Desktop Digital Analog Converter (Dark Gray)"
brand: "ifi"
price: "€ 392.20"
currency: EUR
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 13
category: "I Fi"
url: https://www.desertcart.it/products/622223433-zen-dac-3-desktop-digital-analog-converter-dark-gray
store_origin: IT
region: Italy
---

# 390mW headphone power USB-C plug & play Variable/fixed RCA & balanced outputs Zen DAC 3 Desktop Digital Analog Converter (Dark Gray)

**Brand:** ifi
**Price:** € 392.20
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🎶 Elevate your desktop audio game — because your ears deserve the best.

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Zen DAC 3 Desktop Digital Analog Converter (Dark Gray) by ifi
- **How much does it cost?** € 392.20 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.it](https://www.desertcart.it/products/622223433-zen-dac-3-desktop-digital-analog-converter-dark-gray)

## Best For

- ifi enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted ifi brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Precision Timing Tech:** Low-jitter GMT clock ensures ultra-clean, distortion-free audio for a premium listening experience.
- • **Audiophile-Grade Power:** Delivers up to 390mW to drive any headphones with precision and clarity.
- • **Enhanced Bass & Clarity:** XBass+ restores rich low frequencies, bringing warmth and depth to your soundstage.
- • **Versatile Output Options:** Supports both 6.3mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced outputs for ultimate compatibility.
- • **Seamless USB-C Connectivity:** Plug-and-play setup for instant high-res audio streaming without hassle.

## Overview

The iFi Zen DAC 3 is a high-resolution desktop digital-to-analog converter featuring support for PCM up to 768kHz, DSD512, and MQA. Equipped with USB-C input and multiple headphone outputs including balanced 4.4mm, it delivers up to 390mW power. With PowerMatch gain control, XBass+ bass enhancement, and a low-jitter GMT clock, it offers audiophile-grade sound quality and versatile connectivity for headphones and active speakers alike.

## Description

Product description

Review: Great device for a detailed and rich sound! - This device delivers! The sound is something I had no idea that can be possible. Clean, accurate, detailed in all ranges, it brings everything to life... I have used Motu m2 (also an amazing device!) mostly for virtual instruments and MIDI input and output. Motu has super low latency and makes playing very precise. The headphone out port is good, just a bit underpowered for my k712 pro headphones. It does deliver detailed sound, almost analytical. What it somewhat misses is the low range, and the upper range is a bit too present. Nevertheless, I enjoyed using it for the last several years almost daily. But this thing... It is a completely different world, completely different sonic experience. After I managed to get it working properly in Foobar2000 by downloading it's official driver from the ifi website, as windows automatically installed it's own generic driver that incorrectly runs everything over PCM (the ring around the volume knob will illuminate in various colors showing which audio file type is being processed, ie. cyan for DSD, white for high resolution PCM) the sonic space came alive. The details in the strings, woodwinds, brass, subtle dynamic changes, even the full organ with chamades at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris sounds like you are there... Saint Saëns Organ Symphony at Chartres Cathedral (DSD recording extracted with my old PS3 and played in foobar2000) gives so many details in the orchestra and the acoustics of the space that I had no idea were there when I listened it over Motu... Again, Motu is great, just for different things (and I continue to use it daily!). Even the 320kbps MP3 files sound so much better, more refined and detailed. Amazing device (pair it with good headphones)!
Review: Still a great DAC with minor refinements vs the V2. - Overall the tonality of this DAC is very similar to the V2 but it does have some key differences. My review here will look similar to my review of the V2 so bare with me. What I initially noticed was how tonally balanced this DAC sounds. Bass is slightly dark, like a wave of warmth washing over you, but retains a good amount of texture and rumble. Mids are well placed but vs the V2 they are ever so slightly pushed back. They still come off as slightly dry at times, and this can either be a good thing or a bad thing depending on the music. Highs are well controlled and nicely balanced - very detailed with a gentle airiness to them. The V3 sounds very open despite having a slightly hazy background. Textures and transients have snap and detail, but a notch less so than on the V2. The soundstage is very wide with good depth and imaging - an improvement over the V2. There's even some slight saturation effect at signal peak levels, like how the distortion in a tube amp alters the sound. Overall these effects combine into a fun sounding DAC, a tastefully done wall of sound that keeps you engaged. The DAC begs to be turned up, but beware of listening fatigue. Overall vs the V2 tonality is roughly the same. On the V3 the mid-range is toned down ever so slightly and the treble has a touch more air. The hazy background of the V2 is still present but is slightly reduced. Transient response and sound staging show the largest changes. The V2 transients are very sharp to the point of fatigue, the V3 toned these down a bit. However they're still sharp enough to retain good detail and rumble. The V3 widens the sound stage and preserves the depth and imaging of the V2. Both of these changes are improvements to my ears and result is a more relaxed and more open sound. I have no issues with the build quality, everything feels great and works as it should. I don't use the bass or matching features, but they sound good for what they are. This DAC has some serious improvements with the internal power supply circuit vs the V2. As a result, I feel an LC stage is not beneficial for this DAC and may even make it worse. You'll still want a dedicated power supply, and I still recommend a $35 Meanwell PSU over the overpriced iFi iPower brick.

## Features

- Supports all high-res music formats up to PCM 768kHz, DSD512, and MQA
- Equipped with a USB-C input for plug-and-play connectivity
- Offers both 6.3mm Single - Ended and 4.4mm Balanced headphone outputs, delivering up to 390mW of power for various headphones and earphones
- Features RCA and 4.4mm balanced outputs with variable and fixed volume settings, allowing for seamless connection to your active speakers, preamplifiers, or power amplifiers
- Comes with PowerMatch, a switchable gain to ensure optimal power for the headphones you are using
- Includes XBass+ to restore lost bass frequencies from open headphones
- Improved low-jitter GMT (Global Master Timing) clock provides >20dB better performance
- Easy Setup: Simply install the driver on Windows for optimal audio performance and seamless connectivity with your ZEN DAC 3.
- General Disclaimer: The image colour may differ from the actual product due to lighting. Please refer to the product for accuracy

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B0D1QWKTQ5 |
| Best Sellers Rank | #21,132 in Electronics ( See Top 100 in Electronics ) #41 in Digital-Analog Converters #50 in Signal Converters |
| Brand | iFi |
| Brand Name | iFi |
| Customer Reviews | 4.4 out of 5 stars 297 Reviews |
| Included Components | ZEN DAC 3 |
| Interface | USB |
| Interface Type | USB |
| Manufacturer | ifi |
| Material | Copper |
| Material Type | Copper |
| Model | 311018 |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Number of Pins | 24 |
| Part Number | 311018 |
| Smart Home Compatibility | Not Smart Home Compatible |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Warranty Description | 1 year manufacturer |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** iFi
- **Interface Type:** USB
- **Material:** Copper
- **Number of Channels:** 1
- **Number of Pins:** 24

## Images

![Zen DAC 3 Desktop Digital Analog Converter (Dark Gray) - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71MyzYQwEVL.jpg)
![Zen DAC 3 Desktop Digital Analog Converter (Dark Gray) - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/717XovUlvyL.jpg)
![Zen DAC 3 Desktop Digital Analog Converter (Dark Gray) - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71S9Mz9sQ6L.jpg)
![Zen DAC 3 Desktop Digital Analog Converter (Dark Gray) - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/710e+E6D3kL.jpg)
![Zen DAC 3 Desktop Digital Analog Converter (Dark Gray) - Image 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81+j01UbSOL.jpg)

## Available Options

This product comes in different **Color** options.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great device for a detailed and rich sound!
*by A***R on April 8, 2026*

This device delivers! The sound is something I had no idea that can be possible. Clean, accurate, detailed in all ranges, it brings everything to life... I have used Motu m2 (also an amazing device!) mostly for virtual instruments and MIDI input and output. Motu has super low latency and makes playing very precise. The headphone out port is good, just a bit underpowered for my k712 pro headphones. It does deliver detailed sound, almost analytical. What it somewhat misses is the low range, and the upper range is a bit too present. Nevertheless, I enjoyed using it for the last several years almost daily. But this thing... It is a completely different world, completely different sonic experience. After I managed to get it working properly in Foobar2000 by downloading it's official driver from the ifi website, as windows automatically installed it's own generic driver that incorrectly runs everything over PCM (the ring around the volume knob will illuminate in various colors showing which audio file type is being processed, ie. cyan for DSD, white for high resolution PCM) the sonic space came alive. The details in the strings, woodwinds, brass, subtle dynamic changes, even the full organ with chamades at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris sounds like you are there... Saint Saëns Organ Symphony at Chartres Cathedral (DSD recording extracted with my old PS3 and played in foobar2000) gives so many details in the orchestra and the acoustics of the space that I had no idea were there when I listened it over Motu... Again, Motu is great, just for different things (and I continue to use it daily!). Even the 320kbps MP3 files sound so much better, more refined and detailed. Amazing device (pair it with good headphones)!

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Still a great DAC with minor refinements vs the V2.
*by D***N on July 8, 2025*

Overall the tonality of this DAC is very similar to the V2 but it does have some key differences. My review here will look similar to my review of the V2 so bare with me. What I initially noticed was how tonally balanced this DAC sounds. Bass is slightly dark, like a wave of warmth washing over you, but retains a good amount of texture and rumble. Mids are well placed but vs the V2 they are ever so slightly pushed back. They still come off as slightly dry at times, and this can either be a good thing or a bad thing depending on the music. Highs are well controlled and nicely balanced - very detailed with a gentle airiness to them. The V3 sounds very open despite having a slightly hazy background. Textures and transients have snap and detail, but a notch less so than on the V2. The soundstage is very wide with good depth and imaging - an improvement over the V2. There's even some slight saturation effect at signal peak levels, like how the distortion in a tube amp alters the sound. Overall these effects combine into a fun sounding DAC, a tastefully done wall of sound that keeps you engaged. The DAC begs to be turned up, but beware of listening fatigue. Overall vs the V2 tonality is roughly the same. On the V3 the mid-range is toned down ever so slightly and the treble has a touch more air. The hazy background of the V2 is still present but is slightly reduced. Transient response and sound staging show the largest changes. The V2 transients are very sharp to the point of fatigue, the V3 toned these down a bit. However they're still sharp enough to retain good detail and rumble. The V3 widens the sound stage and preserves the depth and imaging of the V2. Both of these changes are improvements to my ears and result is a more relaxed and more open sound. I have no issues with the build quality, everything feels great and works as it should. I don't use the bass or matching features, but they sound good for what they are. This DAC has some serious improvements with the internal power supply circuit vs the V2. As a result, I feel an LC stage is not beneficial for this DAC and may even make it worse. You'll still want a dedicated power supply, and I still recommend a $35 Meanwell PSU over the overpriced iFi iPower brick.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ One of the best desktop DACs on the market right now (mid 2025)
*by W***E on July 15, 2025*

One of the best desktop DACs available in this price range, for sure. It processes the audio with neutral sound signature and outputs extremely high quality audio. The volume dial is absolute perfection. The color and finish are beautiful. Ease of use: you connect it to your source via USB-C and... start listening! Functionality: 4.4 balanced headphone/IEMs jack = my favorite output so - personally - that's all I need but you can connect powered speakers, as well. It will handle any of these devices beautifully. I used low impedance IEMs with it and I used power hungry HiFiman Ananda = everything performs at the top if its possible output. One more feature worth mentioning is the Xbass that ifi uses in a lot of their equipment. It does a truly wonderful job bringing the low end richness to headphones and IEMs that lack the low end frequency response. Overall, this is a fantastic device - well worth your money!

## Frequently Bought Together

- iFi Zen DAC V3 -Desktop DAC Preamp, Digital to Analog Audio Converter - Supports All high-res Music formats up to PCM 768kHz/DSD512 & MQA
- iFi SilentPower iPower2 - Low Noise DC Power Supply - Upgrade Your Audio/Video/Electronics (5V / 2.5A)…
- iFi Zen CAN 3 – High-Resolution Analogue Headphone Amplifier with xMEMS, Gaming & Movie EQ Modes, 4.4mm Balanced and 6.35mm Outputs

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*Product available on Desertcart Italy*
*Store origin: IT*
*Last updated: 2026-05-14*