--- product_id: 427809831 title: "iFi Zen Air DAC - High Resolution DAC - MQA Renderer - High Resolution Music DAC" brand: "ifi" price: "2356 Lei" currency: RON in_stock: true reviews_count: 5 category: "Ifi" url: https://www.desertcart.ro/products/427809831-ifi-zen-air-dac-high-resolution-dac-mqa-renderer-high store_origin: RO region: Romania --- # 32bit/384kHz PCM & DSD256 native support PowerMatch gain adjustment for perfect headphone level RCA + USB connectivity for versatile setups iFi Zen Air DAC - High Resolution DAC - MQA Renderer - High Resolution Music DAC **Brand:** ifi **Price:** 2356 Lei **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Summary > 🎶 Elevate your sound game — hear what you’ve been missing! ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** iFi Zen Air DAC - High Resolution DAC - MQA Renderer - High Resolution Music DAC by ifi - **How much does it cost?** 2356 Lei with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.ro](https://www.desertcart.ro/products/427809831-ifi-zen-air-dac-high-resolution-dac-mqa-renderer-high) ## 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 - • **Compact & Durable:** Sleek aluminium chassis fits effortlessly into any desktop or audio setup. - • **Smart Gain Control:** PowerMatch automatically optimizes output gain for flawless headphone performance. - • **Tailored Bass Boost:** XBass+ lets you customize bass response to your headphones’ unique profile. - • **Seamless Compatibility:** Plug & play with USB, RCA outputs, and support for MQA, PCM, and DSD formats. - • **Audiophile-Grade Clarity:** Experience pristine high-res audio beyond standard device DACs. ## Overview The iFi ZEN Air DAC is a compact, high-resolution digital-to-analog converter and headphone amplifier that supports native PCM 32bit/384kHz, DSD256, and MQA formats. Featuring PowerMatch gain control and XBass+ bass tailoring, it connects via USB and RCA outputs to deliver audiophile-quality sound from computers, tablets, and other digital sources. Crafted with a durable aluminium body, it’s the perfect entry point for professionals seeking superior audio clarity and customization. ## Description A Breath of Fresh AirImprove the quality of your everyday audio with the ZEN Air DAC. DAC stands for Digital to Analogue converter. In a nutshell a DAC converts the digital info in your source device – your computer games console tablet or smartphone – to music that we can hear through speakers or headphones. Every device that is a source of digital sound has a built-in DAC. External DACs sound much better that the standard DACs used inside these devices.Hearing Is BelievingThe ZEN Air DAC outputs very hi-res (high resolution) quality audio. This is much better that the standard audio you would get from just using your computer games console tablet or smartphone. Imagine the difference in quality from a standard TV to an 4K Ultra HD TV — but in sound! This is the difference an external DAC makes to your music. Once you hear it you’ll be converted (not just your audio)!Simply BetterThe ZEN Air DAC functions as both a DAC and a headphone amp. It’s a great first step if you are just starting on your audio journey. Simply connect it to your computer or smart device via a USB cable. Then connect it to your headphones via the headphone jack at the front or to speakers via the RCA connections at the back. If you already have an amp you can use the ZEN DAC Air as a pure DAC with this amp or speakers.Flexible FormatsThe ZEN Air DAC supports different file formats – PCM 32bit/384kHz fully native DSD256 and MQA.PCM – Pulse Code Modulation is the file format used in CD DVD Blu-ray and other digital audio applications. It’s the next step up from MP3.DSD – Direct Stream Digital is a very high-quality audio format better than CD quality. The higher the number (sample rate) the better the recording – DSD64 128 256 512 and 1024. Fully native means that it hasn’t been altered in any way from the original recording.MQA – Master Quality Authenticated is an award-winning audio technology that enables Review: Excellent for the price - Any of these are going to greatly improve the sound over plugging your headphones directly into the mini-jack on a computer. Listening was done with a few different headphones but mostly with beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X Closed-Back Studio Headphones. Music source was a laptop connected to the DAC/Headphone Amp via USB. If an external power supply was included, I used that. If not, power came via USB. I've kept notes on my impressions brief and included comparisons amongst the DAC/Amp's in this list. They are listed below in my order of preference with my favorites at the top. If you want flowery vocabulary I'm sure in depth reviews are available out there on the web. Headphones make the greatest difference in sound - spend more on them, if necessary. The DAC/Amp is secondary but does add its own flavor to the music. --- iFi Zen DAC V2 | Desktop Digital Analog Converter (Listening only with "TRUEBASS" off.) Very good. Slightly better than the FiiO K7. Better vocal clarity and slightly fuller bass. I ended up comparing this with the FX-Audio DAC-X6 head to head, which continued to surprise me as I put it up against significantly more expensive competitors. Across several hours and many pieces of music, I prefer the iFi... but the difference is infinitesimal. Possibly the iFi has a little more punch to the bass? Maybe a bit more space ans separation? If you're working to a budget, get the FX-Audio and put the extra cash towards better headphones. FX-Audio DAC-X6 Mini HiFi 2.0 Digital Audio Decoder DAC This thing is good. Surprisingly good. I ended up putting it head-to-head with amps costing three times its price. Slightly warmer sound, with slightly less detail in the vocals than the iFi Zen Air, but more space in the music, and more enjoyable to listen to. Slightly better clarity than the Topping. FiiO K7 Full Balanced HiFi DAC Headphone Amplifier This is indeed better than the K5 version. Vocals are more lifelike. And a particular emphasis on the mid-treble heard in the K5 is absent. There is more separation between the instruments. Very close call with the iFi V2, with my preference going to the iFi for better vocal clarity and slightly fuller bass. iFi Zen Air DAC Not quite as good as the V2, but close. Closer than the FiiO K5 is to the K7. There is, again, a comparative emphasis in mid-treble and the vocals get a bit lost. The sound is slightly thin compared to rivals at this price point. FiiO K5 Pro Headphone Amps Portable Desktop DAC and Amplifier Not quite as good as the K7, but at half the price one cannot really complain. Vocals are not quite as lifelike and there is more mid-treble - but not in a good way. Topping DX1 Mini Stereo DAC Headphone Amplifier Combo Very good little unit. Bass is slightly overemphasized. Fosi Audio K5 Pro Gaming DAC Headphone Amplifier I thought this unit was DOA. Turns out that you must long press the volume knob to turn it on. (Short press to select input.) Not terrible, but not as musical as the others in this test. Also, the only one with bass and treble knobs. And only a mini-jack - no 1/4" jack. Pro-Ject Head Box S2 Digital This DAC/Amp had an issue that makes it unlistenable. The sound is very nice... but... there's some faint static. Only in the music, not in silence. A faint crackling.... Can't have that. Review: Époustouflant - D'une simplicité enfantine à mettre en service, cela ne sacrifie en rien la qualité incroyable de ce DAC. Étant habitué à du matériel très haut de gamme (très cher) , je suis surpris par les capacités hors normes de cet appareil au regard du prix planché. Il va révolutionner votre façon d'écouter les sons qui sortent de votre ordinateur. Aussi bien en jeux qu'en musique (streaming qualité HIFI). Associé à une petite paire d'enceintes actives aux alentours des 250€, le résultat est ÉPOUSTOUFLANT. La musique est ciselée, avec une dynamique impressionnante et pas un souffle. Même mon épouse à fait Wouah. Elle en veux bien pour son ordi portable maintenant. Passionné de Hi-Fi depuis 40 ans, je doit dire qu'au vu des éléments matériels utilisés sur la carte électronique, il n'est pas étonnant d'obtenir ce résultat. Mais l'obtenir à ce tarif, quel bonheur. N'hésitez plus. Si votre budget est serré, vous n'aurez pas mieux. Après comptez 800 à 1000€ pour passer au dessus, avec plein de fonctions que vous n'utiliserais jamais. Commandez avant la rupture... Ce sera peut être pour vous l'introduction au monde incroyable de la Hi-Fi 'High end'. ## Features - Get the best high resolution audio quality from the source device - Features RCA outputs to feed a Hi-Fi system or self-powered speakers - PowerMatch adjusts the gain so that it functions at the right level for your headphones - XBass+ allows you to tailor the bass to suit your headphones - Supports PCM 32bit/384kHz fully native DSD256 and MQA formats ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Brand | IFI | | Maximum Supply Voltage | 5 Volts | | Number of Pins | 10 | | Interface Type | USB | | Number of Channels | 1 | | Product Dimensions | 15.7L x 11.7W Centimeters | | Material | Aluminium | | Manufacturer | Abbingdon Music Research | | Country of Origin | USA | | Model number | ZENAIR-DAC | | Item Weight | 550 g | | Item model number | ZENAIR-DAC | | Connectivity Technology | RCA, USB | | Compatible Device | Dvd Player, Tablet | | Are batteries included? | No | ## Product Details - **Brand:** IFI - **Maximum Supply Voltage:** 5 Volts - **Number of Pins:** 10 - **Interface Type:** USB - **Number of Channels:** 1 ## Images ![iFi Zen Air DAC - High Resolution DAC - MQA Renderer - High Resolution Music DAC - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61aPlRriH5L.jpg) ![iFi Zen Air DAC - High Resolution DAC - MQA Renderer - High Resolution Music DAC - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61U9uquCHAL.jpg) ![iFi Zen Air DAC - High Resolution DAC - MQA Renderer - High Resolution Music DAC - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71juNGEVeLL.jpg) ![iFi Zen Air DAC - High Resolution DAC - MQA Renderer - High Resolution Music DAC - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71-K52oE+YL.jpg) ![iFi Zen Air DAC - High Resolution DAC - MQA Renderer - High Resolution Music DAC - Image 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61m5N7PqUdL.jpg) ## Questions & Answers **Q: Plugged this into my pc via usb and connected the power and plugged in my sennheiser 599s and started music on the pc. silence. drivers?** A: Did you download the iFi Windows driver? Go to the iFi page and download the driver. **Q: How many volts does this put out?** A: Thanks for your question. Line Output: 1V / 3.3V max. Headphone Output: 1V / 3.3V max. (variable) World Wide Stereo – since 1979 – and a proud authorized iFi dealer. **Q: Doe this work with Chromebook with intel chipset?** A: Yes **Q: Does this iFi DAC run very hot, when in use or not?** A: Had mine for 2 years, never ran hot for me. ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent for the price *by P***H on 12 May 2023* Any of these are going to greatly improve the sound over plugging your headphones directly into the mini-jack on a computer. Listening was done with a few different headphones but mostly with beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X Closed-Back Studio Headphones. Music source was a laptop connected to the DAC/Headphone Amp via USB. If an external power supply was included, I used that. If not, power came via USB. I've kept notes on my impressions brief and included comparisons amongst the DAC/Amp's in this list. They are listed below in my order of preference with my favorites at the top. If you want flowery vocabulary I'm sure in depth reviews are available out there on the web. Headphones make the greatest difference in sound - spend more on them, if necessary. The DAC/Amp is secondary but does add its own flavor to the music. --- iFi Zen DAC V2 | Desktop Digital Analog Converter (Listening only with "TRUEBASS" off.) Very good. Slightly better than the FiiO K7. Better vocal clarity and slightly fuller bass. I ended up comparing this with the FX-Audio DAC-X6 head to head, which continued to surprise me as I put it up against significantly more expensive competitors. Across several hours and many pieces of music, I prefer the iFi... but the difference is infinitesimal. Possibly the iFi has a little more punch to the bass? Maybe a bit more space ans separation? If you're working to a budget, get the FX-Audio and put the extra cash towards better headphones. FX-Audio DAC-X6 Mini HiFi 2.0 Digital Audio Decoder DAC This thing is good. Surprisingly good. I ended up putting it head-to-head with amps costing three times its price. Slightly warmer sound, with slightly less detail in the vocals than the iFi Zen Air, but more space in the music, and more enjoyable to listen to. Slightly better clarity than the Topping. FiiO K7 Full Balanced HiFi DAC Headphone Amplifier This is indeed better than the K5 version. Vocals are more lifelike. And a particular emphasis on the mid-treble heard in the K5 is absent. There is more separation between the instruments. Very close call with the iFi V2, with my preference going to the iFi for better vocal clarity and slightly fuller bass. iFi Zen Air DAC Not quite as good as the V2, but close. Closer than the FiiO K5 is to the K7. There is, again, a comparative emphasis in mid-treble and the vocals get a bit lost. The sound is slightly thin compared to rivals at this price point. FiiO K5 Pro Headphone Amps Portable Desktop DAC and Amplifier Not quite as good as the K7, but at half the price one cannot really complain. Vocals are not quite as lifelike and there is more mid-treble - but not in a good way. Topping DX1 Mini Stereo DAC Headphone Amplifier Combo Very good little unit. Bass is slightly overemphasized. Fosi Audio K5 Pro Gaming DAC Headphone Amplifier I thought this unit was DOA. Turns out that you must long press the volume knob to turn it on. (Short press to select input.) Not terrible, but not as musical as the others in this test. Also, the only one with bass and treble knobs. And only a mini-jack - no 1/4" jack. Pro-Ject Head Box S2 Digital This DAC/Amp had an issue that makes it unlistenable. The sound is very nice... but... there's some faint static. Only in the music, not in silence. A faint crackling.... Can't have that. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Époustouflant *by H***N on 5 May 2022* D'une simplicité enfantine à mettre en service, cela ne sacrifie en rien la qualité incroyable de ce DAC. Étant habitué à du matériel très haut de gamme (très cher) , je suis surpris par les capacités hors normes de cet appareil au regard du prix planché. Il va révolutionner votre façon d'écouter les sons qui sortent de votre ordinateur. Aussi bien en jeux qu'en musique (streaming qualité HIFI). Associé à une petite paire d'enceintes actives aux alentours des 250€, le résultat est ÉPOUSTOUFLANT. La musique est ciselée, avec une dynamique impressionnante et pas un souffle. Même mon épouse à fait Wouah. Elle en veux bien pour son ordi portable maintenant. Passionné de Hi-Fi depuis 40 ans, je doit dire qu'au vu des éléments matériels utilisés sur la carte électronique, il n'est pas étonnant d'obtenir ce résultat. Mais l'obtenir à ce tarif, quel bonheur. N'hésitez plus. Si votre budget est serré, vous n'aurez pas mieux. Après comptez 800 à 1000€ pour passer au dessus, avec plein de fonctions que vous n'utiliserais jamais. Commandez avant la rupture... Ce sera peut être pour vous l'introduction au monde incroyable de la Hi-Fi 'High end'. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Quality! *by G***G on 11 September 2023* Just got mine today, sound is FULL & ALIVE, No worries about the presumed noise from not using overly expensive power supply, I have zero noise, although i am not a headphone user, nor will i be, i have quality, large 3 way bass reflex speakers, along with vintage sony amp, which are linked to my PC tower, not a gamer, only interested in Music sound, not a gamer. Read in one review that noise can happen if too many usb ports are in use, well I am using most of mine, yet zero interferance, thankfully. can't imagine ever having to climb higher up the price ladder with regard to quality music sound, now that i have this device. Super simple connection using supplied usb cable & in my case 2 RCA cables from my amp into the unit, i have previously always used twin phono from amp to a single 3.5 jack to system/sound card, already had twin phono to twin phono , so no need to buy anything. Had to restart PC for couple of my music players (Pot player + WMP) to output sound. Cannot imagine anyone requiring the bass boost, this device is FULL sounding. Had been looking at various expensive sound cards which are said to be a bit iffy with drivers, so very pleased to have opted for this gem at a 3rd the cost. Full, clear, well defined sound, yet smooth, no harshness at all, Fabtastic! Update since having it a few days:Although playing music fine i would keep getting Aidio rendered error when clicking on youtube videos, which i new was relating to the unit, as i'd previously never encountered that & having to restart computer to remedy the problem as suggested is just a nuisance i wasn't prepared to put up with, after searching online about it & pottering around i realized that changing usb port solved it, for a time, but came to conclusion that usb cable simply wasn't sufficient for the unit so opted to buy a 5v power supply & as i had no intention of paying for the high priced recommended power supply, got a basic one here on Amazon for £5.99, i had read that others had used a basic unit also with success, it arrived lastnight and all was well, no noise or anything, however i got up this morning and had no sound at all? even though it was working fine lastnight, i opted to troubleshoot sound on my win11 & after a couple of steps it opted to Reinstal driver which had it working again, so im not Positive i required the power supply, but feel better having it & hope this info is of use if anyone encounters similar. Really superb clear full sound, i've found myself playing lots of songs in my collection i hadn't for some time, as they all sound so Alive and renewed now, music enjoyment is greatly elevated:) Whatever you listen to. Well, yet another update, it seems that my issues were relating to win11 speaker properties/system, where you must deselect Exclusive box, or it will not allow more than 1 device to output sound, which is why i was getting an error attempting to play youtube video, when music was playing, also need to select highest audio output of 38400hz, as windows will default to far lesser output, so it now seems power supply was not required & usb would have been fine & not the cause of my issue. Does anything ever go smooth:) jeez ## Frequently Bought Together - iFi Zen Air DAC - High Resolution DAC - MQA Renderer - High Resolution Music DAC - Monoprice 1.5ft Premium 2 RCA Plug/2 RCA Plug M/M 22AWG Cable - Black - iFi Zen Air CAN - High Resolution Headphone Amplifier for PC/Mac/Smartphone/Tablet/TV's/Streamers | 3.5mm Audio and RCA Outputs to Speakers | US --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.ro/products/427809831-ifi-zen-air-dac-high-resolution-dac-mqa-renderer-high](https://www.desertcart.ro/products/427809831-ifi-zen-air-dac-high-resolution-dac-mqa-renderer-high) --- *Product available on Desertcart Romania* *Store origin: RO* *Last updated: 2026-07-08*