iFi ZEN Blue V2 Desktop Hi-Res Bluteooth DAC

Bluetooth, Taken Seriously

The iFi ZEN Blue V2 turns any phone, tablet or computer into a source for a real hi-fi system, over Bluetooth, without an app to install or a network to configure. You pair once and it works from then on.

What separates it from the Bluetooth receiver built into a soundbar is that iFi treated it as a hi-fi component. There is a proper converter inside and a proper output stage, and the aerial was redesigned for this version.

The Antenna Is the V2 Change

The improved aerial increases usable range by up to 80 percent over the first ZEN Blue. That reads like a specification detail right up until the phone in your pocket stops dropping out when you walk into the next room.

Every Codec, Including the Ones to Come

It supports aptX and aptX HD, aptX Low Latency and aptX Adaptive, LDAC from Sony and HWA and LHDC from Huawei, plus AAC for Apple devices and SBC as the fallback. Whatever your phone speaks, it is covered.

Updated Over the Air

New codecs can be added later by over-the-air update, so the ZEN Blue V2 is not fixed at the standard it shipped with. That is unusual at this price and it is the reason the codec list is worth reading twice.

Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, Qobuz or Tidal all reach it the same way, because the ZEN Blue V2 does not care which service you use. It only cares about the connection between your device and your system.

Who Is This DAC Best For?

• Your hi-fi predates streaming — an older amplifier gains everything on your phone without replacing anything else in the rack.
• You want no app and no network setup — pairing takes a few seconds and there is nothing to configure afterwards, which matters if the system is shared.
• Your phone is a Sony or a Huawei — LDAC and HWA/LHDC are both supported, so those devices send at the highest quality they are capable of.
• You want it to stay current — future Bluetooth codecs can be added over the air rather than requiring a new box.
• The ZEN Blue V2 is a receiver, not an amplifier — it feeds a line input on your amplifier or a pair of powered speakers. Pair it with one of our integrated amplifiers.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Pair your phone, tablet or computer with it over Bluetooth. The ZEN Blue V2 negotiates the best codec both ends support, and there is no app to install on either side.

Run its outputs to a line input on your amplifier or receiver, or to a pair of powered speakers. From there it behaves like any other source in the system.

Pairs Well With

Building your system? Here are some great companions:

• Integrated Amplifier: The natural partner — browse our Integrated Amplifiers.
• Speakers: To finish the system — see our Bookshelf Speakers.
• Cables: A short run into your amplifier — see our Interconnect Cables.
• DAC: If you would rather use your own converter — see our DACs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Bluetooth codecs does it support?

aptX, aptX HD, aptX Low Latency and aptX Adaptive, LDAC, HWA and LHDC, AAC and SBC.

What changed from the first ZEN Blue?

A redesigned antenna that increases usable range by up to 80 percent.

Do I need an app?

No app and no network setup. You pair a device once and it connects from then on.

Can it get new codecs later?

Yes, by over-the-air update, so it is not fixed at the standard it shipped with.

Which services work with it?

Any of them. Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, Qobuz and Tidal all reach it the same way, because it takes whatever your device sends.

What does it connect to?

A line input on an amplifier or receiver, or a pair of powered speakers.

See It in Action

Audio-In Reviews covers the ZEN Blue V2 and its DAC sibling:

And an overview of what the V2 changed:

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Learn More

Want to learn more about Bluetooth DACs, desktop audio, or getting streaming into a hi-fi system? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.