iFi Audio has launched new versions of the members of the iFi ZEN Air series. The V2 versions bring improvements to the Bluetooth receiver, phono amplifier, and DA converter, which also functions as a headphone amplifier.
iFi Audio has released three new, affordable components under the ZEN Air brand name: the ZEN Air Blue 2 Bluetooth receiver, the ZEN Air Phono 2 phono amplifier, and the ZEN Air DAC 2 USB DAC and headphone amplifier. All three are intended as simple additions to existing systems, featuring functions that utilize technology borrowed from iFi's more expensive product lines.
The ZEN Air series is iFi's entry-level model for desktop and compact hi-fi systems and offers the most common extras that many systems still need, i.e. a Bluetooth connection, a solid phono amplifier, and a capable USB DAC/headphone output for desktop setups.
iFi Audio ZEN Air Blue 2: Bluetooth receiver
The ZEN Air Blue 2 is designed to add Bluetooth to systems that do not yet have it. It is a compact wireless receiver with a built-in DA converter.
The manufacturer states that the Blue 2 is equipped with Bluetooth 5.4 and supports aptX Lossless (up to 1200 kbps with compatible sources), in addition to more common options such as SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, and LDAC (up to 990 kbps).
iFi Audio also continues to use a three-stage Bluetooth architecture instead of an all-in-one solution, in which wireless (radio) reception, DA conversion, and analog output are separated. The company says this approach is intended to limit noise and distortion at an affordable price.
The ZEN Air Blue 2 is equipped with a Qualcomm QCC3095 Bluetooth chipset, an ESS Sabre DAC stage, and custom-made operational amplifiers for the output section.
For more placement options, the Blue 2 accepts a 5-12V DC power supply, which, according to iFi, is suitable for vehicle electrical systems and other batteries. The device can also be switched on automatically (useful for installations in a car, caravan, or camper) and features a physical on/off button for manual operation and pairing.
iFi Audio ZEN Air Phono 2: MM/MC phono amplifier
The ZEN Air Phono 2 is iFi's latest entry-level phono amplifier, intended as an improvement over the standard phono amplifiers built into many turntables and budget amplifiers. For vinyl beginners, iFi states that the Phono 2's tighter RIAA equalizer (±0.15 dB) should ensure that the tonal balance remains consistent.
On the rear, there is a volume control for Moving Magnet and Moving Coil cartridges, while the subsonic filter is designed to reduce low-frequency energy caused by distortion without making the bass noticeably thinner.
iFi also points to a balanced channel layout and the OV series operational amplifiers as part of the circuit design. According to iFi, this helps to minimize crosstalk and maintain stereo separation, a design approach that is more frequently emphasized in higher-end phono amplifiers.
Phono amplifiers amplify very weak signals, making background noise a concern. If a phono amplifier produces noise, subtle musical details can be lost, particularly in the pauses between notes. iFi specifies an EIN (Equivalent Input Noise) of -151 dBV for the ZEN Air Phono 2, aiming to push the noise further beneath the music so that you hear more texture and ambiance from your records. The company states that this is made possible by a high-current power supply isolated from the amplification stage.
iFi Audio ZEN Air DAC 2: USB DAC and main amplifier
The ZEN Air DAC 2 is an update to iFi's entry-level USB DAC/headphone amplifier, featuring a balanced 4.4mm headphone output, a new Cirrus Logic DAC stage, and a refreshed look. The most significant addition is the balanced 4.4mm headphone output, a connection previously available only on iFi's more expensive ZEN models. According to iFi, this output, in combination with balanced headphones and cables, can reduce noise and crosstalk. Headphones with an unbalanced connection are still supported, allowing users to get started easily and upgrade later.
iFi states that the new Cirrus Logic DAC is designed to deliver a natural, non-fatiguing sound. Furthermore, the balanced circuit of the DAC 2 ensures a noticeable improvement in gain performance.
According to the company, the ZEN Air DAC 2 delivers up to 300% more output power than its predecessor, making it aimed at headphones that are harder to drive and require a larger dynamic range.
On the front panel, iFi retains the familiar analog sound adjustment capabilities, with dedicated buttons for quick access. XBass+ boosts the low frequencies, while PowerMatch adds 6 dB of extra gain for quieter sound sources and headphones that are harder to drive.
The ZEN Air DAC 2 comes in a midnight blue color with a metal front panel and features a separate power button. According to iFi, this is a change that was implemented based on user feedback.
iFi Audio reports that all three new ZEN Air models are now available, each priced at 149 euros.
