However, in terms of sound signature, any differences are highly debatable, subjective, and hard to pin down. The bottom line is that in terms of sound quality, you will be able to tell a difference when using the Zen DAC V2. That being said, it’s equally possible that both the Zen DAC and Zen DAC V2 have some very subtle coloring to them in addition to their high quality sound. However, what seems more likely is that it’s so loyal to the sound of the original file that I’m hearing audio with so little added coloring, it sounds vaguely different from what I’m used to. My original impression of the first Zen DAC was that it was ever so slightly colored. The main intention of both the original and updated Zen DAC seems to be transparency, clarity, and power. Where your ears fall on that spectrum is of course a matter of taste, and each amp is made with a different intention. In the world of amps there’s a spectrum of transparency and coloring. If you’re using a source that doesn’t already decode MQA, the Zen DAC V2 has you covered. One other important altercation is that thanks to its 16-core chip, the Zen DAC V2 is an MQA Decoder, instead of just an MQA Renderer like the original Zen DAC. Second, it houses a low-jitter crystal clock, updated to provide >20dB better performance. The doubling of the core power is meant to enhance processing power, clock speed, and memory. This is in contrast to the 8-Core XMOS chip in the original Zen DAC. First, the Zen DAC V2 features an XMOS 16-Core chip to process audio data. Most elements under the hood of the Zen DAC V2 are the same as the original, with a few key differences. Finally, on the back we have a Variable/Fixed switch, which is to be used with the rear unbalanced 4.4mm and RCA outputs, either enabling or disabling the Zen DAC’s volume control. We also have a TrueBass button, which is an analogue circuit that is meant to compensate for any headphones with inadequate low end response. We get a PowerMatch button, the high setting mostly for on/over ear headphones, namely those harder to drive, and the low setting geared towards IEMs. For inputs we have a USB audio and power input along with a DC 5V power input. For outputs, we get two 4.4mm balanced Pentaconn outputs, a 6.3mm S-Balanced output, and an RCA analogue output. Both models have the same inputs and outputs. It’s not meant to be a pocket unit but would fit easily in any small bag. I did a video review of the Zen DAC V2, you can watch it here.īoth Zen DACs have identical outer builds, made of matte-black metal and having a relatively low profile and light weight. Let’s see what new features are being brought to the table with the Zen DAC V2. At $159, the upgraded Zen DAC sits slightly above the $129 price tag of the original. However, while they may share the same build, there’s a reason iFi has decided to release a new iteration of this DAC/Amp. When looking at the brand new Zen DAC V2, it’s indistinguishable from its originator. The original Zen DAC sat at a very low price point for its quality and build, and offered great clarity, consistency, and power to headphones. IFi decided they had a few adjustments to make to their much-loved Zen DAC with the new upgraded Zen DAC V2.
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