---
product_id: 622223433
title: "Zen DAC 3 Desktop Digital Analog Converter (Dark Gray)"
brand: "ifi"
price: "$486.42"
currency: USD
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 8
category: "I Fi"
url: https://www.desertcart.us/products/622223433-zen-dac-3-desktop-digital-analog-converter-dark-gray
store_origin: US
region: United States of America
---

# 390mW headphone power Supports PCM 768kHz, DSD512, MQA USB-C plug & play Zen DAC 3 Desktop Digital Analog Converter (Dark Gray)

**Brand:** ifi
**Price:** $486.42
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🎶 Elevate your desktop audio game — hear every detail, feel every beat.

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Zen DAC 3 Desktop Digital Analog Converter (Dark Gray) by ifi
- **How much does it cost?** $486.42 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.us](https://www.desertcart.us/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

- • **Hi-Res Audio Mastery:** Supports ultra-high resolution formats including PCM 768kHz, DSD512, and MQA for pristine sound.
- • **Seamless Connectivity:** USB-C input ensures effortless plug-and-play setup for your desktop or laptop.
- • **Audiophile-Grade Power:** Up to 390mW output powers a wide range of headphones with crystal-clear dynamics.
- • **Versatile Output Options:** Balanced 4.4mm and single-ended 6.3mm headphone outputs plus RCA and balanced line outs for flexible system integration.
- • **Customizable Sound Profile:** PowerMatch gain and XBass+ let you tailor bass and volume to your exact listening preference.

## Overview

The iFi Zen DAC 3 is a premium desktop digital-to-analog converter designed for discerning listeners. It delivers powerful 390mW headphone output, supports all major high-resolution audio formats up to PCM 768kHz, DSD512, and MQA, and features versatile connectivity with USB-C input and multiple balanced and single-ended outputs. Enhanced with PowerMatch gain control and XBass+ bass restoration, it offers customizable sound tailored to your headphones. Its improved low-jitter GMT clock and refined soundstage provide a warm, detailed, and immersive listening experience, making it a top-tier choice for audiophiles and professionals upgrading their desktop audio setup.

## Description

iFi Zen DAC 3 Desktop Digital Analog Converter (Dark Gray): desertcart.com: Industrial & Scientific

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.
Review: Outstanding DAC for the price – clean, warm, and detailed sound - The iFi ZEN DAC V3 exceeded my expectations. It delivers clear, detailed sound with a touch of warmth—great for jazz, classical, and vocals. I use it with both powered speakers and headphones, and the soundstage and dynamics are noticeably improved over my previous DAC. The build quality is solid and premium-feeling, and the front volume knob is smooth and responsive. Setup was easy using the USB-C input, and it works flawlessly with my Mac Mini M4 Pro. I really appreciate the features like the Variable/Fixed output switch, PowerMatch for headphones, and the X-Bass option. MQA and high-res file support up to PCM 768kHz and DSD512 is a bonus at this price. Highly recommended for anyone looking to upgrade their desktop audio setup without breaking the bank.

## 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 | #23,798 in Electronics ( See Top 100 in Electronics ) #53 in Signal Converters #55 in Digital-Analog Converters |
| Brand | iFi |
| Brand Name | iFi |
| Customer Reviews | 4.5 out of 5 stars 250 Reviews |
| Included Components | ZEN DAC 3 |
| Interface | USB |
| Interface Type | USB |
| Manufacturer | ifi |
| Material | Copper |
| Material Type | Copper |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Number of Pins | 24 |
| Warranty Description | 1 year manufacturer |

## Product Details

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

## Images

![Zen DAC 3 Desktop Digital Analog Converter (Dark Gray) - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71MyzYQwEVL.jpg)

## Available Options

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

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Outstanding DAC for the price – clean, warm, and detailed sound
*by S***G on June 2, 2025*

The iFi ZEN DAC V3 exceeded my expectations. It delivers clear, detailed sound with a touch of warmth—great for jazz, classical, and vocals. I use it with both powered speakers and headphones, and the soundstage and dynamics are noticeably improved over my previous DAC. The build quality is solid and premium-feeling, and the front volume knob is smooth and responsive. Setup was easy using the USB-C input, and it works flawlessly with my Mac Mini M4 Pro. I really appreciate the features like the Variable/Fixed output switch, PowerMatch for headphones, and the X-Bass option. MQA and high-res file support up to PCM 768kHz and DSD512 is a bonus at this price. Highly recommended for anyone looking to upgrade their desktop audio setup without breaking the bank.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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 United States of America*
*Store origin: US*
*Last updated: 2026-02-09*