As a long-time audiophile and tech enthusiast with a knack for seeking out the best in high-fidelity sound, I must say that the iFi ZEN Blue 3 has caught my attention. Having witnessed the evolution of wireless audio over the years, it’s truly refreshing to see a device that promises lossless audio transmission without compromise – something many thought was impossible with Bluetooth technology.
With more people becoming interested in lossless audio, iFi has introduced a groundbreaking device: the world’s initial wireless digital-to-analog converter (DAC), called the ZEN Blue 3. This innovative gadget can send and receive high-quality, lossless sound without data compromise.
The British brand – a self-described “a trailblazer in high-fidelity audio” – has had a busy year filled with releases, including the GO Bar Kensei crafted from Japanese stainless-steel that we previously featured.
Recently, iFi unveiled their durable and stylish DAC, the ZEN Blue 3, in a predominantly gray, mostly metal design. Despite its affordable price, it boasts premium quality. The device sports brass-toned buttons for an elegant feel and a central display that lets users easily monitor their settings. Equipped with the latest Bluetooth 5.4 module, this DAC can transmit and receive high-resolution audio of up to 1200kbps, making it capable of bidirectional data transfer.
iFi ensures comprehensive codec compatibility with their latest DAC, offering support for LHDC/HWA, aptX Adaptive, aptX, AAC, and SBC. Additionally, users can enjoy high-resolution 96kHz streaming through LDAC. This variety of features makes the ZEN Blue 3 a remarkably versatile device, demonstrating iFi’s commitment to future-proofing this DAC by selecting premium materials for its exterior and carefully choosing top-tier internal components.
It’s not often that Bluetooth and lossless audio are spoken of in the same breath. For most people, the convenience of using an audio device over Bluetooth outweighs the cost – that is to say that going wireless in exchange for a dip in audio quality is generally considered a fair trade. This is especially true for those amongst us who are less inclined to notice (or care) if a song they’re playing is a 192kbps MP3 file or an uncompressed WAV. And, generally speaking, audio transmitted and listened to over a wireless connection will incur some level of quality loss owing to the inherent compression that comes with territory.
In contrast to many other devices, iFi has chosen to incorporate Qualcomm’s innovative QCC518x system-on-chip (SoC) into the ZEN Blue 3. This cutting-edge SoC, which Qualcomm terms a “breakthrough”, is designed specifically for high-resolution audio applications. When paired with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound aptX Lossless codec, this superb SoC enables users to enjoy CD-quality music wirelessly across multiple devices.
As a long-time audiophile with a penchant for high-quality audio equipment, I can confidently recommend the ZEN Blue 3. With my years of experience testing various devices, I have come to appreciate the balance of quality and affordability that this product offers. The convenience of purchasing it directly from iFi’s online store is an added bonus, as it saves both time and effort in finding a physical store. At £299 GBP / $299 USD / €299 EUR, it is priced reasonably for the level of performance you can expect. If you are looking to elevate your audio experience without breaking the bank, I wholeheartedly suggest giving the ZEN Blue 3 a try.
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2024-08-16 15:56