Outboard DACs

There are lots of DACs available that can also act as a Bluetooth receiver for a set of wired speakers or other hi-fi equipment, including iFi’s own GO Blu (HFC 483) and Zen Blue V2. However, the new ZEN Blue 3 casts its net much wider, with the company claiming it is the first DAC to act as both Bluetooth receiver (RX) and transmitter (TX) with support for lossless audio as well as a conventional wired DAC for hi-res. It’s more expensive than its predecessor – with the Blue V2 remaining on sale at £200 – but its additional features mean that it earns its keep as part of a wider home entertainment setup.

The basic design remains unchanged, with a low-profile metallic case that feels very sturdy although the control panel is more busy than before. The most important addition is the new Mode button for switching between RX, TX or DAC, along with an Input button that lets you choose between several wired connections. There’s a switch for Bluetooth pairing and a Low Latency mode for gaming or video.

As you’d expect, receiver mode (RX), allows the ZEN Blue 3 to receive Bluetooth audio from mobile devices such as a laptop or smartphone and then output to an amp or speakers via 4.4mm balanced, RCA or optical/coaxial connectors located on the back of the unit. In transmitter mode (TX) the Blue 3 provides additional RCA, optical/coaxial and USB-C inputs for wired audio, allowing you to connect a computer, CD player or other devices. It can transmit wireless audio to suitably equipped speakers and headphones, with Bluetooth 5.4 supporting aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, AAC, LDAC and LHCD.

Finally, there’s a wired DAC mode, based on an ESS Sabre ES9023 chip. This allows you to use any of the in and outputs with devices of your choice. The USB-C port supports formats up to 24-bit/96kHz, while 24-bit/192kHz is available via optical/coaxial. The sheer range of connectivity is a little daunting at first, but the ZEN Blue 3 seems to know what it’s doing and is able to automatically pair with my Bluetooth headphones and speakers with no trouble. It also throws up one extra surprise, as there’s a mains power supply bundled, but the USB-C port can also be used to simultaneously power it while providing a wired audio input as well.

Sound quality
Sound quality when using Bluetooth will largely depend on the devices you’re partnering the ZEN Blue 3 with as well as their support for various codecs. However, the wired DAC mode provides a welcome boost for my FiiO desktop speakers as I listen to a lossless recording of The Waves by Max Richter. I immediately notice a healthy boost in volume, although the ZEN Blue 3 additionally brings poise and restraint to the sombre intro, catching the slowly swirling sound of the waves while giving a gossamer-light touch to the electronic chimes. The introduction of the strings is carefully handled, allowing them to emerge slowly from the depths, but the iFi doesn’t hold back as soprano Grave Davidson enters, allowing her voice to cut through the mix.

Conclusion
The forceful sound of the ZEN Blue 3 is also right at home on the more boisterous The Big Sky by Kate Bush. The compact FiiO speakers don’t have the strongest bass output, but the DAC brings out the rich, woody texture of the didgeridoo that opens the track and there’s a satisfying weight to the accompanying funky slap-bass riff. The ZEN Blue 3 holds its balance as the avalanche of drums and percussions piles up in the closing section, but it still manages to find room for important lighter touches, such as the gentle shimmer of the tambourine as the final chorus goes galloping off into the sunset. CJ    

DETAILS
Product: iFi Audio ZEN Blue 3
Type: DAC, Bluetooth transmitter/receiver

FEATURES
● Inputs: USB-C; RCA; optical/coaxial
● Outputs: 4.4mm balanced; RCA; optical/coaxial
● Bluetooth 5.4, aptX Lossless/Adaptive; AAC; LDAC; LHDC; SBC

Read the full review in  Issue 521