When using the USB input, that cable is both the power and audio source otherwise, the included micro USB to USB-A cable plugs into the dedicated 5V USB power input. The balanced output stage is based on a Texas Instruments LME49724 op-amp and the SE output is a TI OPA1662 (both outputs are independent). It has micro USB, optical, RCA, and XLR digital inputs – the analog outputs are RCA and balanced XLR (rare for a budget DAC). (There is no MQA decoding, but 44.1kHz MQA files don’t need the “unfold”). The new $199 Modius multibit DAC, available in silver and black finishes, utilizing the popular AKM AK4493 converter chip, handles audio up to 192kHz/24bit resolution. Schiit’s products appear feature-packed, but does the sound live up to the specs? Or are Schiit products, well, total shit? Their direct-to-consumer standalone components, some advertised for gaming and office setups, start at just $99.
ZEN DAC VS SCHIIT STACK UPGRADE
Offering a significant upgrade over computer sound quality in an era where people need it most, the Zen DAC V2 is another feather in the cap for iFi’s budget Zen series.Unlike many of their competitors, Schiit Audio seemingly intends to guide hi-fi beginners up the quality/price ladder. Zen DAC owners with price-compatible headphones may not feel an urge to rush out and upgrade to the V2 unless they can get a decent return on their original – the V2 is, despite pedalling performance forward, evolution over revolution – but for newcomers to the company or type of product, iFi is offering a good jump in quality here to keep performance and features best in class. Nothing in life is free, of course, so iFi asks a £30 ($30 / AU$30) premium over the defunct Zen DAC. Over to Tyler, The Creator’s I THINK and the opening crackling is more atmospheric, the background piano pattern and drum beat sample are more present, and the dynamic inflections in his vocal delivery are more apparent.Įven listening through the Grados, the least revealing pair of the trio of headphones we mainly use, the V2’s sonic step-up is plain as day. Greater clarity instantly pulls you into the pop ballad, making her delivery of its important, timely message all the more poignant, and fleshing out piano notes that consequently convey that extra emotion. Play a Tidal Master of Billie Eilish’s Your Power between the two, and the new Zen DAC offers a wider window into a recording. The Zen DAC V2 is notably better: still open, smooth and nicely judged in its handling of frequencies, only this time dynamic expression and clarity are confidently taken to the next level, with the bass a little tighter and the presentation slightly more refined too. Indeed, what’s most pleasing is that iFi hasn’t launched a pricier sequel that only brings subtle improvements. We hailed the Zen DAC for offering a significant upgrade on a computer’s audio quality for not much money, and the Zen V2 achieves that to an even greater extent.
We familiarise ourselves once again with the Zen DAC’s clear, tonally even-handed and insightful sound – all pleasing characteristics that we’re happy if not surprised to hear materialise in the Zen DAC V2’s performance when we switch to it.
ZEN DAC VS SCHIIT STACK PRO
But it should be said that the power provided from the connected MacBook Pro (and also an iMac) source over USB proved sufficient enough to drive all manner of headphones we used during testing, from the Grado SR325x to the Beyerdynamic T5 (3rd Gen) and Focal Stellia. We do borrow the mains adapter from a previously tested iFi component as we hook the Zen DAC V2 up to our hi-fi system (via an iFi-supplied 4.4mm Pentaconn to XLR cable), and then in a desktop configuration. Neither of those accessories is on test here, although note that we tried the iPower X with the original Zen DAC and said it “definitely improves the sound in all areas”, so there’s no reason to think it would play ball any differently with this new model.
Any 5V AC/DC adapter can be used, but iFi would naturally point you to its own iPower (£49 / $49 / AU$80) or iPower X (£99 / $100 / AU$159) power supplies. The Zen DAC V2 can be powered via its USB socket alone, drawing power from the source connected to it, however the mains route is recommended with tougher-to-drive headphones that require more power. iFi has omitted it to keep costs down – and because one won’t necessarily be necessary for everyone. The final port in the Zen DAC V2 is reserved for mains power, although it should be noted that a mains adapter doesn’t come in the box.
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