iFi Audio has made a significant leap in audio technology with the launch of its Zen Blue 3 wireless digital-to-analog converter (DAC), claimed to be the world’s first DAC that can both transmit and receive lossless CD-quality audio over Bluetooth. This innovation follows their recent releases of the Zen DAC 3 and Zen Phono 3, further expanding their Zen series.
World-First Lossless Bluetooth Transmission
The Zen Blue 3 stands out with its support for Qualcomm’s aptX Lossless codec, allowing for lossless 16-bit/44.1kHz (CD-spec) audio transmission over Bluetooth at bitrates ranging from 1100kbps to 1200kbps. This represents the highest transmission data rate for a Bluetooth codec, surpassing the LDAC codec’s maximum of 990kbps. The Zen Blue 3 also supports a variety of other codecs, including aptX Adaptive, LDAC, AAC, and SBC, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of Bluetooth devices.
Enhanced Connectivity and Features
Equipped with Bluetooth 5.4, the Zen Blue 3 offers three operation modes:
- RX Mode: Receives Bluetooth streams from source devices.
- TX Mode: Sends Bluetooth streams to other devices.
- Wired DAC Mode: Functions as a traditional wired DAC with USB-C or S/PDIF inputs.
This flexibility allows users to receive audio from their phones or computers and send it to hi-fi components either as analog or digital output. Conversely, it can transmit audio from hi-fi systems to wireless headphones or earbuds using the highest quality codec supported by the receiving device.
For gamers and movie enthusiasts, a low latency mode is available to minimize audio-video sync delays. Wired connections include RCA stereo inputs, a USB-C input, S/PDIF optical and coaxial inputs/outputs, and balanced outputs to reduce signal noise and crosstalk.
High-Quality Internal Components
The Zen Blue 3 incorporates premium components, such as an ESS Sabre chip and iFi/AMR’s ‘OV’ series op-amps, which outperform commercial chips using low-grade materials. The device’s internal architecture avoids the use of a system-on-a-chip design, opting instead for separate Bluetooth, DAC, and Op-Amp chips to enhance sound quality.
Pricing and Availability
Set for release on July 9th, the Zen Blue 3 is priced at $299 / £299 / AU$299. It comes with a power supply, a USB-A to USB-C cable, and a stereo RCA patch cord, making it a competitive option compared to other high-end DACs like the McIntosh MB25, which retails for $600.
Complementary Product: Zen Can 3 Headphone Amplifier
Alongside the Zen Blue 3, iFi Audio is also launching the Zen Can 3 headphone amplifier. Priced at $229 / £229 / €229, the Zen Can 3 features xMEMS solid-state drivers for exceptional response times and precision, making it ideal for gaming and movie audio enhancements. It boasts up to 2,000mW output power and adjustable gain settings to accommodate various headphone types.
The Zen Can 3’s design aligns with the Zen series’ aesthetic, featuring a two-tone finish and a smiley button layout. The amplifier’s circuitry includes high-quality components from Panasonic, TDK, MELF, Texas Instruments, and muRata, along with iFi/AMR’s ‘OV’ series op-amps.