The headphone is the best start line in a single’s audiophile journey. pair of wired headphones makes such an enormous distinction to the standard of the sound. The great factor is headphones can be found at each value level and that actually makes it straightforward for one to start out. The largest grievance one hears about headphones encompass two main gadgets: they don’t seem to be loud sufficient and there’s hardly any bass. And that’s the place a headphone amplifier comes into the image. iFi Audio just lately launched the Zen Air DAC in India. An entry-level DAC and headphone amp at a really enticing value level.
Product description
A part of the ZEN sequence of DACs the Air DAC is a straightforward and efficient strategy to get nice sound high quality. The design could be very easy, largely made in plastic aside from the amount knob and the enter and output connectors. After all the internals would have extra metallic in them however regardless of being plastic, it does have a little bit of a heft to it. Weighing in at just below 400 grams, it’s not fairly transportable. The truth is, it’s ideally suited as a desktop DAC/amp.
The field accommodates the primary unit and a USB-B connector, the sort that printers used to have. In 2022, that does appear to be an odd selection and a USB-C would have been a lot better, however the cable supplied, although very quick, does the job relatively nicely. I used to be in a position to join my laptop computer, iPad, and telephones as a supply with none points.
The Zen Air has simply two outputs, a single-ended 6.3mm port for headphones and a normal RCA output on the again, which may be linked to an amplifier or energetic audio system. I did really use it with each a number of headphones and with an amplifier and audio system as nicely. It sounded nice in all circumstances.
The sound signature is extra on the impartial facet, which implies it neither provides nor detracts from the unique sound. There may be additionally an XBass+ change on the entrance, which supplies a major bass enhance with out overwhelming or muddying the sound.
The entrance of the unit has a Energy Match change, which can be utilized with headphones that want extra energy, however do do not forget that the unit is definitely powered by way of the USB supply until you purchase the additional energy provide that iFi sells. In my case, I didn’t want it and the headphones I used to be driving have been very nicely supported.
Codecs and pricing
When it comes to codecs, the Zen Air actually shines. It might playback a wide range of codecs with ease and rivals lots of the way more costly DACs. The Zen Air is able to taking part in again Hello-Res PCM as much as 32-bits/384 kHz together with DSD256 and helps MQA, utilizing the Burr-Brown DAC chipset to ship bit-perfect sound.
Lastly, there’s a colored indicator mild on the entrance, which helps you to know the bitrate of the music being streamed. It begins with a inexperienced for 44.1kHz and goes to a purple when taking part in MQA. Good and easy indicator. Whereas streaming from numerous sources, one can visually see the bitrate by color.
iFi Audio companions with Headphone Zone to promote it’s merchandise in India and the Zen Air DAC may be purchased by way of https://www.headphonezone.in Whereas the MRP reveals ₹9,999, there appears to be an introductory supply or particular value at simply ₹7,999, which could be very a lot worth for cash and an excellent begin to your audiophile journey.
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