iFi Zen DACv2 Desktop USB DAC Amplifier

The Desktop DAC That Started the Queue

The iFi ZEN DAC V2 is the reason the ZEN shelf exists. One USB cable from your computer, a Burr Brown bit-perfect converter inside, and two headphone jacks on the front. It replaced a lot of laptop headphone outputs, and it is still doing that job.

Both headphone connections are here. The 4.4mm balanced output gives more than 380mW into 50 ohms and is rated from 12 to 600 ohms. The 6.3mm single-ended jack gives more than 280mW into 32 ohms and covers 12 to 300 ohms.

PowerMatch and TrueBass, Both on the Front

PowerMatch changes gain rather than volume, so sensitive earphones stay hiss-free and harder-going headphones get the drive they need. TrueBass lifts the low end through an analog circuit, which means it works on anything you play without touching the file.

Formats are not the limit. PCM runs to 384kHz, DSD to DSD256, DXD is handled natively and MQA decodes on board, so a streaming subscription and a folder of downloads both arrive intact.

Two Sections, Measured Separately

The headphone section keeps output impedance under 1 ohm, with distortion below 0.005% at 125mW into 32 ohms and signal-to-noise better than 113dBA. Low impedance is what stops a sensitive earphone from being reshaped by the amplifier driving it.

The Line Outputs Are a Second Machine

Round the back, a 4.4mm balanced output and an RCA pair run to an amplifier. Signal-to-noise measures better than 116dB(A) and distortion under 0.0015%. A rear switch sets them fixed or variable, so the front knob either runs your speakers or stays out of the way.

Power arrives over the same USB cable that carries the music, or from a separate 5V supply if your computer's port is noisy. The chassis is 158 by 117 by 35mm and weighs 491 grams.

Who Is This DAC Best For?

• You are still on your laptop's headphone jack — one cable puts a real converter and a real amplifier in the chain, and the change is not subtle.
• You own balanced headphones — the 4.4mm output is on the front, rated to 600 ohms, so the cable you already have plugs straight in.
• You switch between IEMs and full-size cans — PowerMatch sets gain for each, so neither is left hissing or gasping at the wrong end of the dial.
• You want speakers as well as headphones — the rear outputs switch to variable and drive powered speakers directly from the front knob.
• Your source is a computer — USB in, and the ZEN DAC V2 is built around that single connection

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Run USB from your computer and the ZEN DAC V2 appears as an audio device. Headphones go in the front, balanced or single-ended. If you want speakers, run the rear outputs to an amplifier or a powered pair and choose fixed or variable to decide who holds the volume.

Set PowerMatch once for the headphones you own, and leave it.

Pairs Well With

Building a desk system around the ZEN DAC V2? These are the natural companions:

• Headphones: The balanced output rewards a good pair — see our Headphones.
• Powered Speakers: Straight off the variable rear outputs — see our Powered Speakers.
• Headphone Amplifier: For the demanding pair you buy later — see our Headphone Amplifiers.
• Interconnects: A tidy RCA pair for the run to your amp — see our Interconnect Cables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which headphone connections does it have?

A 4.4mm balanced jack rated 12 to 600 ohms and a 6.3mm single-ended jack rated 12 to 300 ohms, both on the front panel.

Which formats does it decode?

PCM to 384kHz, DSD to DSD256, DXD at 353 and 384kHz, and MQA.

What do PowerMatch and TrueBass do?

PowerMatch switches gain to suit sensitive or hard-to-drive headphones. TrueBass is an analog bass lift that works on any source without touching the mid-range.

How is it powered?

Over the USB cable that carries the audio, or from a separate 5V DC supply if you prefer to keep it off the computer's power rail.

What warranty does it carry?

iFi covers it for one year in the US. Register the product on iFi's website within 30 days of purchase to activate the cover.

See It in Action

ian fann unboxes one and runs through the controls:

Audio-In Reviews puts it on a desk alongside its ZEN Blue sibling:

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Learn More

Want to learn more about USB DACs, balanced headphone connections, or desk audio? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.