iFi Audio Zen Blue 3 Bluetooth DAC - Detailed Wireless Sound — hifisoundgear
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iFi Audio Zen Blue 3 Bluetooth DAC

$299.00
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Experience the best wireless audio streams with the iFi Audio ZEN Blue 3 Bluetooth DAC

iFi Audio is back with the new and improved ZEN Blue. New for version 3 is aptX Lossless Bluetooth support made possible by Qualcomm's Flagship QCC518x audio chip for hi-res CD-quality audio streams.

Also new for the ZEN Blue V3 is USB-C support, allowing you to connect your laptop, mobile phone, or TV and enjoy hi-res audio like never before.

ifi audio zen blue 3 bluetooth dac front view with blue ifi logo

What's In The Box?

Everything you need is included with the iFi Audio ZEN Blue 3:

  • iFi Audio ZEN Blue 3
  • Power Adapter
  • USB-A to USB-C Cable (1.2m)
  • RCA Cable
  • Instruction Card
  • Quick Start Guide
ifi audio zen blue 3 bluetooth dac box contents and accessories

Enjoy CD-quality audio without the cables - iFi ZEN Blue 3

The iFi Audio ZEN Blue 3 packs Qualcomm QCC518x Bluetooth Audio chip and supports aptX Lossless codec for hi-res CD-quality audio streams.

Boasting a maximum bitrate capability of up to 1,200kbps, the ZEN Blue 3's aptX Lossless support ensures you hear your music with zero loss in quality, for the cleanest music playback.

If you're happy listening to music through lower-quality codec streams, you'll be glad to know the ZEN Blue 3 supports all popular Bluetooth codecs such as LDAC, LHDC/HWA, aptX Adaptive, AAC, and SBC out of the box.

ifi audio zen blue 3 bluetooth dac front close up view

Hear everything in real-time - iFi ZEN Blue 3

Aside from aptX Lossless support, the iFi ZEN Blue 3 also sports aptX Low Latency mode for enhanced immersion.

Whether you're watching fast-paced action-packed movies or playing your favorite games, the ZEN Blue V3 ensures you hear sounds right as the action appears onscreen.

ifi audio zen blue 3 bluetooth dac back view with white antenna

Bleeding-edge Qualcomm Chipset and ESS Sabre DAC for unbeatable sound quality

The ZEN Blue V3 DAC offers outstanding audio quality for both wired and wireless playback.

Connect the ZEN Blue 3 to your Bluetooth device and enjoy aptX Lossless streams at wireless data rates of up to 1,200kbps. Alternatively, you can connect your USB-C or SPDIF and enjoy audio streams up to 96kHz/24-bit and 192kHz/24-bit, respectively.

Plug in your favorite headphones or IEMs via the Balanced 4.4mm output, or connect your amplifier via RCA outputs and use the ZEN Blue 3 to power your speakers. The possibilities are endless.

ifi audio zen blue 3 bluetooth dac circuit board

ifi audio zen blue 3 bluetooth dac ess dac logo

ESS Sabre DAC

The iFi Audio ZEN Blue 3 sports an ESS Sabre Hyperstream DAC chipset for a dynamic sound.

The ESS Sabre DAC is equipped with a time domain jitter eliminator for cleaner sound playback and up to 112dB of dynamic range for a more detailed listening experience.

ifi audio zen blue 3 bluetooth dac balanced logo

Balanced Circuitry

The ZEN Blue 3 features reduced noise and crosstalk, courtesy of iFi Audio's Balanced Circuit design.

Typically only found in higher-end iFi products like the Pro iCAN, the ZEN Blue 3 enjoys the same balanced circuitry for unmatched audio playback to your headphones or IEMs.

ifi audio zen blue 3 bluetooth dac tdjr logo

Time Domain Jitter Reduction

The ESS Sabre DAC chip in the iFi ZEN Blue 3 features TDJR or time domain jitter reduction for low distortion performance.

Another benefit of the time domain jitter eliminator is enhanced dynamic range for a more detailed sound.

ifi audio zen can headphone amplifier op amp logo

Custom OV Series Op-Amp

iFi Audio uses custom OV Series Op-amps for the iFi Audio ZEN Blue 3.

The custom Op-amp offers low noise and low distortion levels, effectively enhancing overall sound clarity.


ZEN Blue 3 Technical Specifications

Chipset

Bluetooth: Qualcomm QCC518x Series

DSP: CT5302

DAC: ES9023

Amp: MAX97220

Inputs

RX Mode: Bluetooth 5.4 (aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC, SBC)

TX Mode: USB, Optical, Coaxial

DAC Mode: USB, Optical, Coaxial, RCA L/R (Analogue)

Outputs

RX Mode: Optical, Coaxial, RCA L/R, Balanced 4.4mm

TX Mode: Bluetooth 5.4 (aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC, SBC)

DAC Mode: Optical, Coaxial, RCA L/R, Balanced 4.4mm

Maximum Supported Sample Rate

RX Mode: 96kHz/24Bit

TX Mode: 96kHz/24Bit

DAC Mode: 96kHz/24Bit (USB) / 192kHz/24Bit (Optical/Coaxial)

Output Voltage

Balanced 4.4mm: 4.1Vrms (0dBFS@1kHz)

Single-Ended RCA: 2.05Vrms (0dBFS@1kHz)

Output Impedance

Balanced 4.4mm: ≤102Ω

Single-Ended RCA: ≤51Ω

SNR

109dB

DNR

109dB (0dBFS @ 1kHz) +A

THD+N

< 0.005% (10K Load)@(20-20kHz)

Power Supply Requirement

USB-C or DC 5V/≥0.5A (centre +ve)

Power Consumption

<1W

Dimensions

158 x 115 x 35 mm (6.2" x 4.5" x 1.4")

Net Weight

447 g (0.99 lbs)

Limited Warranty

12 Months*

*12 months typical or as permitted/required by local reseller laws.

**Specifications are subject to change without notice.

ZEN Blue 3 Quick Start Guide

Quick Start Guide

Shipping is FREE on all orders to customers within the USA.

We don't want to mess around with fine print and extra charges. We like things to be simple and easy. 

Here's how shipping works around here:

  1. Place your order
  2. You'll receive a confirmation e-mail. This means we've received your order and have pre-authorized your payment method.
  3. We check the stock levels on your product.
    • If it's available, we'll get it shipped within 3 business days.
    • If it's not available, we'll reach out by email and make alternate arrangements.
  4. You'll receive another email with shipping/tracking information.

Learn More

While we fully stand by every product that we sell, we understand that sometimes you might change your mind or realize the product you ordered wasn't exactly what you were hoping for.

Here's a quick rundown of our return policy.

  • 60 Day Returns, for ANY reason.
  • You will pay NOTHING for the return.
    • ZERO Restocking Fees
    • ZERO Return Shipping Cost
  • HiFiSoundGear will pay for shipping defective, damaged, or incorrect merchandise at our cost.

Learn More

We get it. You've got a lot of choice when it comes to online retailers. Here's why we think you should shop with us at HiFiSoundGear.

  • Free Shipping in the USA. No extra charges. Ever.
  • Price Match Guarantee. Best prices online guaranteed.
  • Zero Shenanigans. If we can't help you, we won't pretend like we can.
  • 60 Day Easy Returns. Not happy with your product? We'll take it back - no questions asked. We also won't charge you restocking fees on returns. Ever.
  • We don't play around. Other stores offer "365 day returns" - but they'll charge you a restocking fee and give you store credit. With us, you'll get your real money back.
  • Great Service. We pride ourselves on the best service, anywhere.
  • Your Satisfaction Guaranteed. We handpick our products for quality, and we know you'll love them. But if there is ever something wrong, we'll fix it.
Ship happens. We'll deliver the goods - at zero cost to you.
Easy breakup guarantee. FREE 60-day returns, with ZERO fees.
Friendly service. We might even make you blush.
Zero shenanigans. If we can't help you, we won't say we can.

iFi Audio Zen Blue 3 Bluetooth DAC Reviews

Want the best price on this product?
CALL OR TEXT US
Your Ears Deserve a Vacation 1 Month of TIDAL HiFi Plus, free with every purchase.
60 Day Easy Breakup Guarantee Not feeling it? Send it back within 60 days. On us.
Free Extended Warranty Bad cable? Weird rattle? We've got you covered. Shop confidently with our complimentary 5-year extended warranty.
Discount for Duty Are you Military/Police/Fire?
GET DISCOUNT
Ship happens. We'll deliver the goods - at zero cost to you.
Price Match Patrol We dare you. Find a better price.
Authorized Dealer We're an authorized retailer of this product, so you'll get a full warranty and product support.
Ship happens. We'll deliver the goods - at zero cost to you.
Easy breakup guarantee. FREE 60-day returns, with ZERO fees.
Friendly service. We might even make you blush.
Zero shenanigans. If we can't help you, we won't say we can.
Military/Police/Fire We appreciate you. Contact us today.
Price Match Promise We dare you. Find a better price.
Secure Checkout We'll make sure your info is safe.
Authorized Dealer Standard warranties included.