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
- Generally neutral sound signature, enhancing the audio of connected devices without overly coloring the sound
- Simple to use, plug-and-play functionality is often highlighted
- Compact and sturdy build quality, making it a suitable desktop DAC
- Significant improvement over internal DACs in computers, receivers, and other devices, representing a gateway to high-fidelity sound
- Versatile connectivity with coaxial, optical, and USB inputs, making it compatible with various devices
Product Considerations
- Some reviewers mention the lack of a remote control for input switching or volume adjustment
- Lack of Bluetooth connectivity, and some users might desire wireless streaming options
- Sibilance may come through on some recordings
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Modi is preferred for a more natural and balanced sound compared to the SMSL Sanskrit and Topping E30, which are potentially harsher sounding DACs
- The Modi 3e has a similar tuning to the Bifrost 264
Takeaway: The Modi is a versatile and accessible DAC that significantly enhances digital audio sources, offering a clear upgrade over integrated solutions. It is easy to set up and use, making it a great entry point into better sound quality.
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
Modi
reviews
[{"title":"Schiit Dethroned as the Budget Hifi King?","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3ipQJe8dhU","source":"cheapaudioman","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Budget Audiophile DAC you CAN'T Own! Schiit Modi Multibit Review and other Options","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5Q9Yi2eqvs","source":"YouTube","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"Schiit Modi Multibit review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v13KX3hOc_Q","source":"YouTube","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"Why are people are paying more for fewer bits? Schiit Modi Multibit 2 R2R DAC Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laXvec1BW48","source":"YouTube","datePublished":"2025"},{"title":"Review - Schiit Modi 3+ Best $99 DAC For The Rest of Us!","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lN_F6WSv8w","source":"YouTube","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"Schiit Modi 3+ - Is this the best $99 DAC out there?","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36NHr4LRpzw","source":"YouTube","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"Hifi review – Schiit Modi 3: The DAC That Made Me Think ...","link":"https://herbnhifi.wordpress.com/2020/11/10/schiit-modi-3-the-dac-that-made-me-think-about-dacs","source":"herbnhifi.wordpress.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"Schiit Audio Modi 3e DAC Reviewed","link":"https://futureaudiophile.com/schiit-audio-modi-3e-dac-reviewed","source":"futureaudiophile.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"Schiit Audio Modi 24/96 DAC review","link":"https://darko.audio/2013/01/schiit-audio-modi-2496-dac-review","source":"darko.audio","datePublished":""},{"title":"Schiit Audio Modi 3 - Desktop DAC - Review","link":"https://headphones.com/blogs/reviews/schiit-audio-modi-3-desktop-dac-review?srsltid=AfmBOooTVOqk2uchbe01kF3_P2X_clkGtRCfaKt6ev2cQJhpdXNaven8","source":"headphones.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"Modi Review","link":"https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/schiit-modi-1-usb-dac-review.10273/","source":"audiosciencereview.com","datePublished":""}]
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
- Inputs: USB, Toslink SPDIF, Coaxial SPDIF
- Sample Rates and Bit Depths: 16/44.1 to 24/192 via USB, Coax, and Optical
- Input Receiver: Schiit Unison USB
- D/A Conversion IC: ESS ES9018
- Output: RCA Stereo Analog (single-ended)
- Output Impedance: 75 ohms
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20KHz, +/-0.1dB
- Maximum Output: 2.0V RMS
- THD: <0.0002%, 20Hz-20KHz, 0dB
- IMD: <0.0002%, CCIR
- S/N: >119dB, referenced to 2V RMS, unweighted
- Crosstalk: > -130dB, 20-20kHz
- Size: 5 x 3.5 x 1.25"
- Weight: 1 lb
Description
Ten years ago, we introduced the first Modi. Now, we've pushed the limits of what you can expect from a small, affordable DAC, to the point where Modi+ is a true no-excuses device. Whether you want better sound from your computer, TV, streamer, tablet, CD player, or many other sources, Modi+ delivers.
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:
- Schiit Audio offers product modularity, allowing users to upgrade individual components like DAC and USB boards within their existing devices, extending product lifespan and enhancing performance over time.
- They directly challenge industry norms by releasing new versions of flagship products (like the Yggdrasil) at lower prices than existing models.
- The brand focuses on in-house design and manufacturing, keeping production and component sourcing largely within the US.
- Schiit is known for its idiosyncratic, humorous marketing and branding. This aims to counter hifi audio pretentiousness and appeal to a broader customer base.
Select products
Select product comparisons
Modi Plus:
- Positioning: The entry-level DAC, offering a budget-friendly option for those new to high-fidelity audio.
- Description: Features Schiit's Unison USB for superior connectivity. It stands out with its ESS ES9018 DAC chip, providing a clean and detailed sound that competes with more expensive models. Compared to the Modius, it lacks balanced outputs, making it more suitable for simpler setups or smaller spaces where budget is a priority.
Modius:
- Positioning: A step up from the Modi Plus, offering balanced outputs for enhanced audio performance.
- Description: Features balanced outputs and high performance, using the ESS ES9028 DAC chip and Schiit's Unison USB. It provides a more refined sound than the Modi Plus, with better soundstage and connectivity options.
Bifrost:
- Positioning: A mid-range DAC in Schiit's lineup, offering advanced features like True Multibit technology.
- Description: Uses True Multibit architecture, providing a rich and detailed sound that surpasses the Modius. It includes Schiit's proprietary digital filter, enhancing both time and frequency domains.
Gungnir 2:
- Positioning: A high-end DAC, offering advanced features and modular design for serious audiophiles.
- Description: Uses Schiit's Multiform architecture, providing exceptional sound quality with its balanced multibit design. It includes two USB inputs and the Forkbeard system for enhanced control and future-proofing. Compared to the Bifrost, it offers more connectivity and modularity.
Yggdrasil:
- Positioning: Schiit's flagship DAC, offering the pinnacle of audio performance and modularity.
- Description: Features True Multibit architecture and proprietary digital filter, delivering groundbreaking sound quality. It offers a fully modular design, allowing for future upgrades and customization. Compared to the Gungnir 2, it provides even greater precision and detail.
See All Products
Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
36
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
62
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
31
Founding Year
2010
Our take on the brand
Schiit Audio, an extremely popular direct-to-consumer hifi brand, specializes in entry-level DACs and amps for both headphones and speakers. Through their distinctive, authentic voice and low-price philosophy, they've built a very loyal customer base.
Look inside the brand
Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
From our interview with
.
Brand Page
Used
Schiit
All of the Brand's Used Products
What if you spend more?
.jpeg){kind=small}
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.
Expand Details
.svg)
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
Product Page
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.
Expand Details
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.
Product Page
Product Page
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.
Expand Details
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.
Product Page
Product Page
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.
Product Page
Product Page
What competes at this price?
Schiit
Syn
299
/
Released
2023
Imagine surround sound that's easy, fun, and works with everything. That's Syn. Well, Syn is also a DAC, remote control preamp, and headphone amp as well. Oh yeah, and it won't become a paperweight when standards change.
Schiit Audio, an extremely popular direct-to-consumer hifi brand, specializes in entry-level DACs and amps for both headphones and speakers. Through their distinctive, authentic voice and low-price philosophy, they've built a very loyal customer base.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- It's a DAC, headphone amp, and surround processor all in one device
- Very flexible to configure and grow with
- Allows for tuning the sound for different music or moods, giving the ability to fit the moment
- Fully analog surround sound processor, compatible with anything with an analog stereo output
- Easy to tweak the levels
- Sound quality is neutral, but smooth
Product Considerations
- The remote is tiny, and the labels are cryptic
- The SYN is too small and light for all those cables
- Preamp volume control is unavailable on the USB, so you have to use the remote
- Not for audiophiles looking for absolute top quality audio
Takeaway: The SYN is great for someone who wants an all-in-one device that's versatile and allows one to tweak the sound. It's especially useful for those wanting to create their own custom multi-channel mixes of two-channel content.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Schiit Audio, an extremely popular direct-to-consumer hifi brand, specializes in entry-level DACs and amps for both headphones and speakers. Through their distinctive, authentic voice and low-price philosophy, they've built a very loyal customer base.
Product Page
Product Page
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.
Expand Details
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.
Product Page
Product Page
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.
Expand Details
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.
Product Page
Product Page
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.
Product Page
Product Page
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.
Product Page
Product Page
How to buy
DACs
Search all hifi products
Explore our database of 10,000+ new and 25,000+ used hifi products.
