iFi ZEN CAN Signature MZ99 Headphone Amplifier

A Headphone Amp Voiced for One Headphone

Most headphone amps try to suit every headphone. The iFi ZEN CAN Signature MZ99 is tuned for one: the Meze 99 Classics. iFi measured that headphone and built an analog correction curve, called ActivEQ, into the amplifier. Switch it on and the amp fills in exactly where that headphone needs help.

Underneath is the ZEN CAN Signature, a balanced, dual-mono analog amplifier. Its Class-A circuit comes from the Pro iCAN, iFi's flagship. Balanced output reaches 1,890 milliwatts into 64 ohms and 15 volts into 300 ohms or more. The single-ended output delivers 1,600 milliwatts into 32 ohms.

Four gain settings, from 0 to 18 dB, match in-ears, dynamic headphones and planars. XSpace widens the stage in the analog domain. Inputs are RCA, 3.5mm and 4.4mm balanced. Outputs are a 4.4mm balanced jack and a 6.3mm jack on the front, plus a 4.4mm balanced line output on the back.

Signature-Grade Parts

The Signature version upgrades the standard ZEN CAN with Panasonic OS-CON and Elna Silmic II capacitors and a refined power supply. Distortion stays below 0.006 percent balanced, and signal-to-noise exceeds 120 dB. The case is the familiar ZEN shape, 6.2 inches wide and 1.4 tall, weighing 1.2 pounds. It runs from a 5-volt supply.

ActivEQ is a switch, not a rule. Leave it off and the amp is a neutral ZEN CAN Signature for any headphone you own. The MZ99 curve also suits the Meze 99 Neo and the Meze 99 by Drop.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Julie Mullins reviewed the ZEN Signature pairing for Stereophile on December 31, 2021, and the magazine listed it in its 2022 Recommended Components. She found the amplifiers "powerful," with "highly resolved, clean, pristine, dynamic sound," and wrote that they "sounded more expensive than they are." Her one note: with sensitive headphones, the gain can run high, which iFi's iEMatch attenuator solves.

Who Is This Amplifier Best For?

• You own the Meze 99 Classics — ActivEQ was measured and voiced for it specifically.
• You want balanced power from a small box — 1,890 milliwatts balanced from a dual-mono Class-A circuit.
• You own several headphones — four gain settings and a switchable EQ cover sensitive and demanding loads alike.
• You want a balanced line output — the rear 4.4mm output feeds a balanced power amp or active speakers.
• You own Sennheiser or HiFiMAN headphones — the ActivEQ curve is for one headphone only, so pick the matching Signature model or the standard ZEN CAN from our headphone amplifiers.

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 front jack and choose a gain setting that gives comfortable volume around the middle of the knob. Press the ActivEQ button when using the matched headphone, and XSpace for a wider stage.

The rear 4.4mm balanced output can feed powered speakers or a power amplifier. Power comes from the included 5-volt supply; iFi's iPower supply is an optional upgrade.

Pairs Well With

Building your system? Here are some great companions for the ZEN CAN Signature MZ99:

• Headphones: The Meze 99 Classics first, then anything else — see our Headphones.
• DAC: The ZEN DAC Signature is its designed partner — see our Digital-to-Analog Converters.
• 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

What is ActivEQ?

An analog correction curve built for the Meze 99 Classics. It is a switch on the front panel and can be turned off for other headphones.

How much power does it have?

1,890 milliwatts into 64 ohms balanced and 1,600 milliwatts into 32 ohms single-ended, with 15 volts available into high-impedance loads.

Does it have a DAC?

No. It is an analog amplifier. Pair it with the ZEN DAC Signature or any DAC with RCA or balanced outputs.

What are the inputs and outputs?

Inputs: RCA, 3.5mm and 4.4mm balanced. Outputs: 4.4mm balanced and 6.3mm headphone jacks, plus a 4.4mm balanced line output.

Will it work with other headphones?

Yes. With ActivEQ off, it is a standard ZEN CAN Signature with four gain settings.

What's the warranty?

iFi covers it with a one-year manufacturer's warranty.

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Learn More

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