iFi Audio ZEN Can 3 Headphone Amplifier

Flagship Circuitry in a Desktop Box

The iFi ZEN CAN 3 is a pure analog headphone amplifier. There is no DAC inside. You feed it from a DAC or any line-level source and it does one job: drive headphones with power and finesse. Its discrete Class-A circuit is borrowed from the iCAN Phantom, iFi's flagship amplifier.

The balanced 4.4mm output delivers up to 2 watts. The 6.3mm single-ended output delivers up to 1.6 watts. That covers sensitive in-ears at one end and demanding planar headphones at the other. Four gain settings keep the volume knob in its useful range whatever you plug in.

Inputs are RCA, 3.5mm and 4.4mm balanced. A 4.4mm balanced line output on the back feeds powered speakers or a power amplifier. Ten of iFi's custom OV-series op-amps sit around the output stage and volume control.

New in the Third Generation

The ZEN CAN 3 adds two sound presets. A Movie mode lifts dialogue. A Gaming mode sharpens detail and placement. XBass+ and XSpace carry over, both done in the analog domain rather than with digital processing. All four are switches on the front panel.

It can also drive xMEMS in-ears, which use a solid-state driver that needs a different kind of output. Hold the multifunction button for two seconds to switch modes. The case is the ZEN shape, 6.2 inches wide, with metal buttons and a knurled metal volume knob. It runs from the included 5-volt supply.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Headfonics reviewed the ZEN CAN 3 and found it "kicks pretty hard when it has to," with mids that are "rich" and highs delivered in a relaxed manner. The reviewer also noted a lower noise floor than earlier ZEN CANs. Criticisms were minor: the volume knob's indicator is hard to see, and a generic power adapter is in the box rather than iFi's own.

Headfonia noted the same point about power: iFi's optional iPower2 supply improves noise further, at extra cost. The reviewer found the amp a strong value even with the standard supply.

Who Is This Amplifier Best For?

• You already own a DAC and want more power — 2 watts balanced from a discrete Class-A stage, at a desktop price.
• You own planar or high-impedance headphones — four gain settings and real current reserves drive them properly.
• You watch films and game at your desk — Movie and Gaming presets are built in, switched from the front panel.
• You own xMEMS in-ears — a dedicated drive mode for solid-state drivers is rare at any price.
• You need a DAC in the same box — the ZEN CAN 3 is analog only, so pair it with the ZEN DAC 3 or another unit from our digital-to-analog converters.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Connect a DAC to the RCA, 3.5mm or 4.4mm balanced input. Plug headphones into the 4.4mm balanced or 6.3mm jack and pick the gain setting that gives comfortable listening near the middle of the knob. Switch XBass+, XSpace or a preset to taste.

To run speakers, connect the rear 4.4mm balanced output to powered speakers or a power amplifier. The included 5-volt supply powers it; iFi's iPower2 is an optional upgrade.

Pairs Well With

Building your system? Here are some great companions for the ZEN CAN 3:

• DAC: The ZEN DAC 3 is its designed partner — see our Digital-to-Analog Converters.
• Headphones: Planars and high-impedance dynamics both work — see our Headphones.
• Headphone Cables: A 4.4mm balanced cable for the balanced output — see our Headphone Cables.
• Interconnects: RCA or 4.4mm from DAC to amp — see our Interconnect Cables.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much power does it have?

Up to 2 watts from the 4.4mm balanced output and 1.6 watts from the 6.3mm output.

Does it have a DAC?

No. It is an analog amplifier that needs a DAC or line-level source.

What are XBass+ and XSpace?

Analog sound-shaping circuits. XBass+ adds low-end weight; XSpace widens the stage. Both switch off completely.

What do the Movie and Gaming modes do?

Movie lifts dialogue clarity. Gaming sharpens detail and spatial cues. They are analog presets, not digital EQ.

Can it drive speakers?

Yes, through the rear 4.4mm balanced line output to powered speakers or a power amplifier.

What's the warranty?

iFi covers the ZEN CAN 3 with a one-year manufacturer's warranty.

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Learn More

Want to learn more about headphone amplifiers, Class-A circuits, or building a desktop headphone system? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.