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0 Few products in the world of desktop audio gear have made as much noise in the budget audiophile space as iFi’s Zen series. Known for delivering excellent sound quality at a price that doesn’t scare off newcomers, the Zen DAC line has steadily evolved. Now, with the third iteration—the iFi Zen DAC V3—the company brings modern updates while keeping the spirit of the original intact. But does this compact DAC/amp combo still deliver enough value to justify the upgrade? Let’s dive in.
Design & Features
At first glance, the Zen DAC V3 doesn’t stray far from the now-familiar silhouette of its predecessors. The curved metal chassis still sports that premium, sturdy feel and fits neatly on any desktop without hogging space. It’s stylish enough to blend in with minimalist setups, yet distinct enough to stand out with its sleek black finish and central volume knob.
One of the most welcomed changes is the move to a USB-C input. This simple tweak makes it much more user-friendly, especially with modern laptops and smartphones. On the front panel, you’ll find both a 6.3mm single-ended headphone jack and a 4.4mm balanced output. There are also two tactile buttons: one for ‘Power Match’ (iFi’s gain adjustment to better pair with different headphones) and one for ‘XBass+’, a subtle but effective bass enhancement.
Around the back, there’s a pair of RCA outputs, a 4.4mm balanced line-out for amplifiers, and a switch that lets you toggle between fixed and variable output. This is a great touch for those who want to use it as either a standalone DAC into a separate amp or as a preamp into powered speakers. The device draws power through the USB port, keeping things simple, though an external power supply can still be used for a potential bump in performance.
Under the hood, the Zen DAC V3 continues to lean on iFi’s trusted Burr-Brown DAC chip, which supports high-resolution formats all the way up to PCM 768kHz and DSD512. For those into MQA streaming via Tidal, full MQA decoding is also onboard—ideal for extracting every bit of detail from studio-quality recordings.
Performance
Let’s get straight to it: the Zen DAC V3 sounds fantastic, especially for its price point. It delivers a clear, engaging sound that doesn’t lean too heavily in any direction. The highs are crisp without being sharp, the mids are smooth and natural, and the lows—especially with XBass+ on—are full and weighty without overwhelming the mix.
What really stands out is how controlled and spacious everything feels. Whether you’re listening to acoustic jazz, punchy EDM, or layered orchestral tracks, there’s a sense of clarity and separation that makes each instrument pop in its own space. It handles complex tracks with ease and keeps the soundstage wide, giving a surprisingly immersive experience for such a small unit.
On the headphone output side, there’s more than enough power for the average user. The single-ended output comfortably drives most headphones, while the balanced output gives you that extra oomph for high-impedance or planar magnetic cans. The Power Match button comes in handy here—if you’re switching between sensitive in-ear monitors and power-hungry over-ears, you’ll appreciate the ability to tailor the output accordingly.
XBass+ deserves a special mention too. Unlike many bass boost features, it’s subtle and smart—it adds depth without drowning out detail or turning everything into a bass-heavy mess. For headphones that are a little light on the low end, it genuinely enhances the experience.
Conclusion
The iFi Zen DAC V3 doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel—it just makes it roll smoother. With thoughtful upgrades like USB-C, a continued focus on balanced outputs, and subtle improvements in processing and power, this third-gen model cements the Zen DAC’s place as a top pick in the under-£300 bracket.
Its sound quality punches well above its weight, it’s built like a tank, and it packs just enough features to satisfy both beginners and more demanding users. Whether you’re looking to upgrade from onboard audio or want a compact but capable DAC/amp to anchor your desktop setup, the Zen DAC V3 is a compelling option.
Is it worth the price? At around £229, it’s a solid yes. You’d have to spend considerably more to get a meaningful leap in performance. For anyone dipping their toes into high-quality audio, or even as a secondary setup for seasoned audiophiles, the Zen DAC V3 delivers on all fronts.
The iFi Zen DAC V3 receives the Thumb Culture Platinum Award!
Disclaimer: A code was received in order to write this review.
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