Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Offers a very clean and linear sound
- Audibly transparent, it simply converts digital to analogue without issue
- Has absolutely no noise, hiss, or colouration
- Newer model has a full metallic casing, allowing for much easier cooling
- Has an Auto-Standby feature, which means that it automatically enters standby after 15 minutes of inactivity, and wakes up within milliseconds
Product Considerations
- The power brick has a medium length cord, and an outlet is needed nearby
- The DAC has no volume control
- Offers a 2VRMS output rather than 4VRMS
- The Atom+ and the Atom DAC 2 share the same signature, and the same sound quality with no perceived difference between the two
- The changes here just push the specs rather than it being a revolutionary new product
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Atom DAC 2 has better noise control and a more neutral presentation than the Audioengine D1, while the Audioengine D1 sounds less detailed, warmer, and smoother
- Has lower background noise, better detail and resolution, cleaner sound, and a wider soundstage than the SMSL M300 SE
- Has a lower noise floor, a bit more detail, wider soundstage and better instrument separation/definition than the FiiO K11
Takeaway: The JDS Labs Atom DAC 2 is a transparent and linear DAC that delivers clean sound without adding any noise or coloration, allowing one to hear their music as intended. It is a great option for those looking for an affordable and high-performing DAC.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Atom DAC 2
reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Frequency Response, 20Hz-20kHz: +/- 0.12dB
- SINAD @ 1kHz, 20-22.4kHz: 113 dB
- THD+N, 20Hz-20kHz: < 0.0004%
- SNR, 20Hz-20kHz: 117 dB
- IMD CCIF, 19/20 kHz -6 dBFS: -105 dB
- Noise, A-Weighted: -111 dBV
- Dynamic Range, AES17, A-Weighted: 119 dB
- Linearity Error -90 dBFS: -0.05 dB
- Crosstalk, 1kHz, 100k Input: -121 dB
- USB Jitter Components @ 12kHz: -129 dB
- Maximum DAC Line-Output, 100K: 2 VRMS
- Power Consumption: 4W
- Weight: 15 oz (425 g)
- Dimensions: 131 x 130 x 34 mm (5.2 x 5.1 x 1.3 in)
- Audio Formats (USB): 16/44.1kHz thru 32/384kHz PCM, DSD64-DSD128
- Audio Formats (TOSLINK): 16/44.1k thru 24/192k PCM
Description
Atom DAC 2 helps your get the most out of your JDS Labs Atom Amp 2 or Atom Amp+, ensuring that your amp delivers its rated power. Equipped with USB Type C and TOSLINK inputs, Atom DAC 2 runs on our latest upgradeable XMOS-based firmware, supporting UAC2 and UAC1 fallback*. Its subtle light ring glows during use, automatically powers down during periods of inactivity, and wakes up instantly and silently. Additionally, Atom DAC 2 operates cooler due to a more efficient I/V stage, and its new aluminum enclosure is custom engravable!
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- JDS Labs prioritizes objective measurements and a "sound as science" approach, resulting in products that deliver a transparent and uncolored listening experience, allowing headphones to perform as intended.
- They offer custom firmware builds, demonstrating responsiveness to community ideas and enabling enthusiasts to tailor device performance, including experimental options for different sonic signatures.
- The brand offers a balance of value and performance by using high-quality components like Alps potentiometers and Vishay/WIMA capacitors, even in their entry-level offerings.
Select products
Select product comparisons
Atom Amp
- Positioning: Entry-level line, designed for affordability and compactness.
- Description: Offers a streamlined design with a low-noise amplification stage that fits small-room setups and simple audio needs. Has fewer features than the digitally focused Atom DAC 2 and the phono-specialized unit, making it a good choice for buyers with a tight budget who only require basic power amplification.
Atom Phono
- Positioning: Entry-level line, tailored for vinyl enthusiasts with dedicated analog input.
- Description: Offers a dedicated phono preamplifier with built-in RIAA equalization that stands out for its specialized treatment of vinyl signals. Focuses on analog source processing compared with the more digitally oriented Atom DAC 2 or the simple Atom Amp.
Atom DAC 2
- Positioning: Entry-level digital audio converter designed for basic digital source setups.
- Description: Offers digital-to-analog conversion with refined clocking that provides precise signal handling, setting it apart technologically from the simpler Atom Amp and phono-focused variant. Delivers improved digital performance in comparison to the Atom series while remaining more cost-effective than the midrange integrated solutions like the El Amp II.
El Amp II
- Positioning: Midrange integrated amplifier aiming for enhanced control and balanced sound.
- Description: Offers a balanced power supply and integrated preamplifier functions that deliver robust signal control, giving it a technological edge over the entry-level Atom models. Provides a wider range of features and power handling compared with the Atom Amp, Atom Phono, and Atom DAC 2 while being positioned below the premium Element IV.
Element IV
- Positioning: High-end integrated system designed for premium performance and advanced connectivity.
- Description: Offers groundbreaking processing and high-quality analog circuitry that deliver superior signal handling and connectivity options, setting a high standard within the lineup. Exceeds the feature set and build quality of the Atom series and the El Amp II.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
8
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
236
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
6
Founding Year
2007
Our take on the brand
JDS Labs is a USA-based hifi brand known for its quantitative approach to electronics development, focusing on achieving signal chain transparency through engineering optimization rather than specification overkill. The brand offers custom engraving on their products and has been influential in the "objective" movement in audio, supporting designs like the Objective2 headphone amplifier that emphasize measurable audio performance.
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Our interview with the brand
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What if you spend more?
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EverSolo
DMP-A6
769
769
/
25
Reviews
EverSolo is a newer hifi audio brand that makes affordable, high-performance DACs and streamers. The brand appeals to budget-conscious audiophiles by offering features typically found in more expensive equipment, such as dual AKM4499EX DAC chips and R2R volume control, at more accessible price points.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent and responsive touchscreen display, and user-friendly interface that is intuitive and easy to navigate
- Versatile as an all-in-one device, functioning as a streamer, DAC, pre-amp, and media storage server with a competitive price point
- High build quality, featuring a solid aluminum alloy chassis
- Supports a wide variety of streaming services, including Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, and more
- Rock solid as a streamer, especially when going into a separate DAC
Product Considerations
- Customer support from Eversolo may be limited, with some reviewers noting slow or nonexistent responses to inquiries
- Internal DAC, while good, is not on par with higher-end—more expensive DACs
- Lack of a traditional I/R remote could be a drawback for some users
- Some unusual control procedures are noted, such as the inability to power on the unit from the mobile app
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The DMP-A6 sounds just as good as the Lumin U2 Mini as a streamer
- The A6 beats the Bluesound Node when used only as a streamer
- The A6 has similar features, a similar control/display, and a similar size and shape
- The Lumin U2 has more "shine", dynamics, solidity and is a touch more refined than the A6
- The Eversolo is favored over the iFi Neo Stream, especially as a streaming DAC
- Eversolo proves it can play with Cambridge Audio CXN (V2) in many ways
Takeaway: The Eversolo DMP-A6 is a versatile and user-friendly streamer that delivers great value, and it provides a great streaming experience with its screen. It is a great entry point into high-resolution digital audio and can serve as the center of a modern hifi system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
EverSolo is a newer hifi audio brand that makes affordable, high-performance DACs and streamers. The brand appeals to budget-conscious audiophiles by offering features typically found in more expensive equipment, such as dual AKM4499EX DAC chips and R2R volume control, at more accessible price points.
Product Page
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iFi
NEO iDSD 2
899
899
/
20
Reviews
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
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Product Strengths
- The NEO iDSD 2 functions as a versatile all-in-one (AIO) solution, working as a DAC, headphone amplifier, and preamplifier
- It has a significantly more powerful amplifier section than its predecessor, making it better at driving a wider range of headphones
- Includes sound-shaping features such as XBass and XSpace, plus selectable digital filters, allowing users to customize the sound
- Comprehensive connectivity options include USB, S/PDIF (coaxial/optical), Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless, and both balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs
Product Considerations
- The amplifier section may not be powerful enough to drive some very power-hungry headphones to their full potential
- The Nexis app only works with a 2.4ghz WiFi signal
- There is a slight click or noise when switching inputs as a pre-amp
- Some reviewers would have preferred the inclusion of the iPower X power adapter instead of the iPower V2, considering the unit's price
- The variable volume output may not save the last used settings
Takeaway: The iFi Audio NEO iDSD 2 combines a high-quality DAC with a significantly improved headphone amplifier, making it a good all-in-one solution for desktop audio. With its wide range of features, solid build quality, and pleasing sound, the NEO iDSD 2 is a worthwhile upgrade.
Video review
Our take on the brand
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
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Matrix Audio
Mini-i 4
649
649
/
16
Reviews
The all-new music streamer mini-i 4 does not only have a rich set of digital inputs with excellent digital audio processing capabilities, but also supports various network streaming protocols. Combined with a self-developed high-quality digital audio/streaming playback system MA Player and the controller app MA Remote App, it easily plays a vast amount of online streaming music, provides you with an exceptional high-fidelity listening experience.
Matrix Audio is a hifi brand known for their DACs and streamers that feature a unique H-shaped chassis design for mechanical stability and circuit optimization. Their products include built-in NVMe SSD storage slots and natively integrate HIGHRESAUDIO streaming, while offering control through their proprietary MA Remote App and MA Player software system.
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Product Strengths
- Excellent sonic performance, characterized by neutrality, transparency, and detail retrieval
- The MA Remote app is intuitive and feature-rich, offering access to various streaming services and settings
- Solid build quality with an aluminum chassis, though the sides are plastic, and a bright, clear LCD screen
- Versatile connectivity with a wide array of inputs, including USB-C for external storage, HDMI ARC, optical, coaxial, and analog RCA inputs
Product Considerations
- Lacks wireless connectivity—no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
- Does not come with a physical remote, the RM5 is sold separately
- Some users have experienced issues with navigating large local music libraries
- Some reviews mention the touch screen controls being a bit fiddly
- No digital output to support an external DAC
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bluesound Node (2021): Mini-i 4 has better detail retrieval and is cleaner sounding
- Vs EverSolo DMP-A6: DMP-A6 sounds more natural with bolder bass and better soundstaging, while Mini-i 4 sounds tonally and spatially flatter
- Vs Matrix Audio Mini-i 3 Pro: Mini-i 4 has a wider range of source repositories and USB storage reader
Takeaway: The Matrix Audio Mini-i 4 is a great sounding device for anyone wanting a DAC and streamer that can do it all. With its comprehensive set of features and focus on audio quality, enjoying music becomes easy.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Matrix Audio is a hifi brand known for their DACs and streamers that feature a unique H-shaped chassis design for mechanical stability and circuit optimization. Their products include built-in NVMe SSD storage slots and natively integrate HIGHRESAUDIO streaming, while offering control through their proprietary MA Remote App and MA Player software system.
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EverSolo
DAC-Z8
699
699
/
15
Reviews
EverSolo is a newer hifi audio brand that makes affordable, high-performance DACs and streamers. The brand appeals to budget-conscious audiophiles by offering features typically found in more expensive equipment, such as dual AKM4499EX DAC chips and R2R volume control, at more accessible price points.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Exceptional build quality, with a premium feel thanks to the aluminum chassis and attention to detail
- Clean, crisp, and clear sound, with a neutral presentation that resolves detail well
- Well-implemented headphone amplifier that can drive a wide range of headphones, and the headphone level reverts to the last used
- Bright and crisp LCD screen with VU meters adding to its visual appeal
- Versatile connectivity with USB-B, USB-C, optical, coaxial, and Bluetooth inputs, as well as balanced XLR and RCA outputs
Product Considerations
- Lacks HDMI ARC input, which would be useful for hybrid setups
- Some reviewers find the treble a little aggressive and fatiguing with certain recordings or speakers
- No Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectivity, meaning a computer or other network streaming device is needed
- No dedicated subwoofer output
- Not a tone control, those looking for a colored or editorialized sound should look elsewhere
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Z8 has a more nuanced presentation and better separation than the Cambridge Audio DACMagic 200M
- The Z8 is smoother with a darker background on the headphone output, but the SMSL M500 MKII is warmer and fuller sounding on the line outputs
- The Z8 has a cleaner sound, darker background, and deeper soundstage on the line-outs than the Topping DX5, but the DX5 has more powerful headphone amplification
- Java Hi-Fi gives a slightly cleaner presentation with more authority in the bass than the Z8
Takeaway: The Eversolo DAC-Z8 is a well-built and versatile DAC that delivers a clean and detailed sound. It is a great option for users looking for a high-quality DAC with a range of features, including a headphone amplifier and preamp capabilities.
Video review
Our take on the brand
EverSolo is a newer hifi audio brand that makes affordable, high-performance DACs and streamers. The brand appeals to budget-conscious audiophiles by offering features typically found in more expensive equipment, such as dual AKM4499EX DAC chips and R2R volume control, at more accessible price points.
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What competes at this price?
JDS Labs
EL DAC II+
149
/
Released
2022
We designed the Element Line for precision fit and function. EL DAC II+ furthers the exceptional performance of its predecessor with relay muting, an XMOS based UAC2 engine with PCM and DSD support, transformer isolated coaxial input, and a higher performance optical input. Optionally choose Balanced Outputs for the flexibility of connecting to any amplifier, or choose a BT5 Module for wireless streaming. Stack with EL Amp II+ or EL Amp II+ Balanced for single button switching between headphones and speakers.
JDS Labs is a USA-based hifi brand known for its quantitative approach to electronics development, focusing on achieving signal chain transparency through engineering optimization rather than specification overkill. The brand offers custom engraving on their products and has been influential in the "objective" movement in audio, supporting designs like the Objective2 headphone amplifier that emphasize measurable audio performance.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The L-STACK looks nice and is practical, leaving enough space for a monitor
- The L-DAC sounds extremely clean, crisp, detailed, and linear
- L-DAC has excellent and outstanding dynamics and impact
- L-AMP 2 sounds warmer, fuller, thicker, and more impactful, with better weight for each musical note, and sounds more bodyful and plentiful
- EL DAC II+ is super transparent, clean, clear, crisp, and ultra detailed
- EL DAC II+ is extremely quiet over both the Single Ended and Balanced outputs, has good control, and one will not hear random beeps while using it
Product Considerations
- Stacking the L-Amp and L-DAC can get quite hot
- L-Amp, in particular, can get really hot if power is connected, but no input cables are connected
- The corners on the L-DAC are sharp, but not enough to cut a hand
- L-AMP 2 Plus has only one headphone output (6.3mm single-ended)
- EL DAC II+ gets a bit warm during usage, and quite hot if the EL AMP II+ is stacked on top of it
- If one gets the balanced version of the amp (EL2), it can only be fed balanced
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs HIFIMAN EF400–the reviewer connected both to Cyrus One Cast, as EF400 has some noise, digital, that EL DAC II+ does not have
- Vs Pro-Ject DAC BOX DS–EL DAC II+ has almost infinitely better dynamics, a much wider soundstage, better clarity, better resolution, better control and much better instrument separation
- Vs SMSL DO200 MKII–the overall resolution and sonic quality is higher on EL DAC II+, which has a more dynamic sound, a more neutral and cleaner presentation, with better detail and resolution
- Vs JDS Labs ATOM DAC+–EL DAC II+ is much better
Takeaway: The L-STACK, especially thanks to the L-AMP 2 Plus, has more body to the music, and the L-DAC is clear and detailed. The EL DAC II+ is a simple and effective DAC with outstanding clarity and low noise, making it a worthwhile addition to any audiophile setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
JDS Labs is a USA-based hifi brand known for its quantitative approach to electronics development, focusing on achieving signal chain transparency through engineering optimization rather than specification overkill. The brand offers custom engraving on their products and has been influential in the "objective" movement in audio, supporting designs like the Objective2 headphone amplifier that emphasize measurable audio performance.
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iFi
GO bar
329
/
Released
2022
The GO bar may be the size of a USB stick, but with powerful sound customisation and 10x the output power of your iPhone, it's your portable audio powerhouse - ready for any adventure.
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Comprehensive specifications, aiming to equal or improve upon existing portable DACs
- Features a balanced 4.4mm output and a single-ended 3.5mm headphone output
- High power output, described as the most powerful headphone amp of its size
- Includes XBass+ and XSpace analog processing for sound enhancement
- Supports PCM up to 384kHz, DSD up to 256, and DXD
Product Considerations
- The blue text on the blue chassis is hard to read in almost any lighting condition
- Can be considered chunky compared to other dongle DACs
- Can be noisy and produce audible hiss with sensitive IEMs, though IEMatch can help mitigate this
- High power consumption potentially impacts battery life of the source device
- The digital filters can be tricky to access, according to one review
Takeaway: The iFi Audio GO bar is a powerful and versatile portable DAC/amp that can drive most headphones, providing a clean and detailed sound. It is packed with features and offers good sound quality, making it a great option for enjoying high-resolution music on the go.
Video review
Our take on the brand
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
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Cambridge Audio
DacMagic 200M
399
/
Released
2021
Digital audio files can be packed with incredible musical detail, but they need to be converted to analogue first for you to hear it. And how good it sounds will depend on how well the digital audio from your computer, network player or CD is converted. DacMagic 200M's twin ESS DACs decrease crosstalk and improve separation because there's a DAC dedicated to both left and right channels. These fully balanced, optimised, and efficient signal paths reveal previously hidden glittering musical prizes.
Cambridge Audio pioneered the use of toroidal transformers in power amplifiers, a technology now widely adopted by high-end audio companies. The brand stands out for using premium amplification technology across their product range, from Class A/B amplifiers in their wireless earbuds to Hypex Ncore modules in their EVO series, while maintaining accessible price points between their CX and Edge product lines.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Rich feature set is its ace card
- Presents a very clean, detailed, and dynamically punchy sound
- Tonal smoothness and expansive soundstage
- Balanced and unbalanced outputs, plus a headphone output
Product Considerations
- Front fascia is a wee bit cluttered
- Lacklustre feel of the volume control
- No remote control
- The headphone output is a useful convenience feature, but it doesn't live up to the unit's performance in other areas
- Auto-shut-off feature turns it off after a little while of not being used
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Chord Mojo: Chord edges ahead in performance, delivering even greater subtlety and rhythmic precision, but it can't match the DacMagic 200M's impressive feature versatility
- Vs Schiit Bifrost: Bifrost offers more meat on music's bones, making the DacMagic 200M sound comparatively lighter weight, presenting a skinnier version of the music at hand
- Vs Denafrips ARES II: The DacMagic 200M sounds pale as it does its best to tease out music's kaleidoscope of tone colors
- Vs Audiolab M-DAC+: Rhythmically the DacMagic 200 does a good enough job, it can't compete with the next tier up of DACs costing close to twice its price
- Vs Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital: The sound of the Pro-Ject DAC was not as different from that of the DacMagic
Takeaway: The DacMagic 200M is a feature-rich device with good sound, offering balanced and unbalanced outputs, plus a headphone output. Its versatile feature set makes it a great all-rounder at its price point.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Cambridge Audio pioneered the use of toroidal transformers in power amplifiers, a technology now widely adopted by high-end audio companies. The brand stands out for using premium amplification technology across their product range, from Class A/B amplifiers in their wireless earbuds to Hypex Ncore modules in their EVO series, while maintaining accessible price points between their CX and Edge product lines.
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iFi
GO bar Kensei
449
/
Released
2024
Forged for masters of audio. Like a true Kensei, this GO bar is a skilful master of power and performance. Adorned with K2HD Technology and crafted from Japanese stainless steel, the Kensei represents the pinnacle of our refinement in the GO bar range.
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Detailed, organized, and spacious sound.
- Strong output power for a dongle.
- Premium build quality with tactile Japanese stainless steel.
- Feature-rich with exclusive sound-tuning options, like K2HD processing, XBass, XSpace, and digital filters.
- Improved clocking and circuitry contribute to less background noise, no jitter, and increased audio quality.
Product Considerations
- Treble can sound rather relentless—overstated, hard-edged, and thin.
- The device can get quite warm during use.
- High power draw can drain a mobile phone battery quickly.
- Stainless steel exterior is prone to collecting fingerprints and scratches.
- Controls can be difficult to understand at first, necessitating the manual.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Kensei offers slight improvements in clarity and bass accuracy compared to the original GO Bar, with less warmth in the lower mids.
Takeaway: The iFi GO Bar Kensei is a premium, well-built portable DAC/amp that delivers a detailed and powerful sound experience. It's packed with features and offers a noticeable upgrade for those serious about high-quality mobile hifi listening.
Video review
Our take on the brand
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
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iFi
ZEN DAC 3
229
/
Released
2024
Amid the rush of everyday life, the ZEN DAC 3 is your escape to pure harmony. This multi award-winning desktop DAC delivers high-end, Hi-Fi performance to your headphones and speakers - all in a simple, plug-and-play design.
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers clean, musical, and entertaining sound
- Features a new USB-C input
- Good build quality and aesthetic design
- Includes XBass+ for bass enhancement
- Simple to set up and use
Product Considerations
- Audible noise floor reported, especially with sensitive IEMs
- May not have enough power for demanding planar headphones
- Simultaneous output to all connected devices may require manual switching
- XBass+ may be too much for some users or cause distortion at higher volumes
- Some reviewers feel the power output is a downgrade from previous models
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- ZEN DAC 3 has more practical outputs for desktop use, but Go Bar has lower noise floor and is more portable
- ZEN DAC 3 is more colorful, dynamic, and crisp, while C200 sounds flatter
- Similar vivid sound, but ZEN DAC 3 has warmer, punchier bass
- ZEN DAC 3 sounds warmer and punchier, while X5 creates a wider soundstage
- DX3 Pro+ offers more power and a more neutral sound, while ZEN DAC 3 offers a more musical sound signature
Takeaway: The iFi ZEN DAC 3 is a stylish and easy-to-use DAC/AMP that delivers a musical and engaging sound, making it a good all-around choice for desktop audio. It offers a lot of features for the price, like balanced outputs and XBass+, so listeners can enjoy music with great sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
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