Description
ifi Zen Blue 3
The ifi Zen Blue 3 is a superbly flexible high-performance audiophile Bluetooth DAC amplifier at a bargain price.
The wired world is changing. Where once cables were king, Bluetooth audio is now carving out a place for itself, and with the advent of Lossless Bluetooth audio, the gap between wired and wireless audiophile options is narrower than ever.
The ZEN Blue 3 brings these two worlds together in spectacular fashion. Building on the resounding success of the ZEN Blue range, we took everything that made them great and dared ourselves to do more.
Adding aptX Lossless was our ‘small step’. Our ‘giant leap’ came when we added USB DAC capability, and Bluetooth transmission. With USB, optical and even analogue inputs available, there have never been more ways to connect to the music you love, while enjoying the freedom of wireless Hi-Res audio.
Cut the Cord. Keep the Quality.
The ZEN Blue 3 offers wireless audio that is free of compromise by incorporating Lossless Bluetooth audio, courtesy of Qualcomm’s Flagship QCC518x Bluetooth audio chip and the aptX Lossless codec.
Offering a maximum bitrate of 1,200kbps aptX Lossless is the first and only Bluetooth codec currently capable of wirelessly sending and receiving CD-quality audio without losing data during compression. For instance, if your phone supports aptX Lossless, you can stream high-quality lossless music from your phone to your hi-fi system.
Not ready to join the Lossless party just yet? Not to worry, we’ve got you covered. The ZEN Blue 3’s extensive backwards compatibility ensures that all current major Bluetooth codecs are supported: aptX Lossless, LDAC™, LHDC/HWA, aptX Adaptive, aptX, AAC and SBC.
Forging New Connections.
In this increasingly wireless world, high resolution Bluetooth headphones and TWS (True Wireless Stereo) earbuds are an essential for audio enthusiasts. However, the need for a Bluetooth connection can often make them incompatible with your home audio setup.
The ZEN Blue 3 tears down this wall with Bluetooth transmission in all supported codecs, including CD-quality aptX Lossless.
Connect your ZEN Blue 3 to audio sources such as laptops, mobile phones or TVs, via USB-C, SPDIF or even analogue RCA, and introduce your favourite Bluetooth headphones or earbuds to the rest of your audio world.
Whether it’s a late-night vinyl session without the speakers, enjoying your aptX Lossless earbuds while working on your laptop, or marathoning your favourite Netflix series on the TV via headphones, the ZEN Blue 3 offers new opportunities for listening enjoyment.
Specifications:
| Chipsets | Bluetooth | Qualcomm QCC518x Series |
| DSP | CT5302 | |
| DAC | ES9023 | |
| Amp | MAX97220 | |
| Inputs | RX Mode | Bluetooth 5.4 (aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC, SBC) |
| TX Mode | USB | |
| Optical | ||
| Coaxial | ||
| RCA L/R (Analogue) | ||
| DAC Mode | USB | |
| Optical | ||
| Coaxial | ||
| RCA L/R (Analogue) | ||
| Outputs | RX Mode | Optical |
| Coaxial | ||
| RCA L/R | ||
| Balanced 4.4mm | ||
| TX Mode | Bluetooth 5.4 (aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC, SBC) | |
| DAC Mode | Optical | |
| Coaxial | ||
| RCA L/R | ||
| Balanced 4.4mm | ||
| Maximum Supported Sample Rate | RX Mode | 96kHz/24Bit |
| TX Mode | 96kHz/24Bit | |
| DAC Mode | 96kHz/24Bit (USB) | |
| 192kHz/24Bit (Optical/Coaxial) | ||
| Output Voltage | Balanced 4.4mm | 4.1Vrms (0dBFS@1kHz) |
| Single-Ended RCA | 2.05Vrms (0dBFS@1kHz) | |
| Output Impedance | Balanced 4.4mm | ≤102Ω |
| Single-Ended RCA | ≤51Ω | |
| SNR | 109dB | |
| DNR | 109dB (0dBFS @ 1kHz) +A | |
| THD+N | < 0.005% (10K Load)@(20-20kHz) | |
| Frequency Response | ||
| Power Supply Requirement | USB-C or DC 5V/≥0.5A (centre +ve) | |
| Power Consumption | <1W | |
| Dimensions | 158 x 115 x 35 mm (6.2″ x 4.5″ x 1.4″) | |
| Net Weight | 447 g (0.99 lbs) | |
| Limited Warranty | 12 Months* |
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.