What headphones can the ZEN Air DAC 2 drive?

It outputs up to 484mW RMS over the balanced 4.4mm output, enough for most planar and high-impedance dynamic headphones. PowerMatch raises gain for harder-to-drive models and lowers it for sensitive ones.

Does it work with a phone or only a computer?

It is a USB DAC, so it works with any USB host that supports USB audio, including computers and some phones with the right adapter. There is no Bluetooth.

XBass+ is iFi's analog bass boost. It adds low-end weight without the midrange bleed a simple EQ boost can cause. It is switched on and off on the unit.

Is the 4.4mm output truly balanced?

Yes. The ZEN Air DAC 2 has a fully balanced circuit and a 4.4mm balanced headphone jack, alongside the standard 3.5mm output.

The unit and a USB cable for connecting to a computer. Check the listing for the exact cable type included.

How does it compare with the original ZEN Air DAC?

The second generation uses a new Cirrus Logic DAC and adds balanced circuitry with a 4.4mm output. iFi claims gains in clarity, dynamics and distortion.

iFi Audio ZEN Air DAC 2 Desktop USB DAC & Headphone Amp

Best price now

$129.00at WalmartChecked Nov 10

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

iFi Audio ZEN Air DAC 2 Desktop USB DAC & Headphone Amp

Best price now

$129.00at WalmartChecked Nov 10

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

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Price facts

Last seen at $129.00 at Walmart on Nov 10.

Our take on the iFi Audio ZEN Air DAC 2 Desktop USB DAC & Headphone Amp

The ZEN Air DAC 2 is a desktop USB DAC and headphone amp that takes digital audio from a computer and drives wired headphones. It uses a Cirrus Logic DAC chip, a fully balanced circuit with a 4.4mm balanced output, and iFi's XBass+ bass boost and PowerMatch gain switch. It suits listeners who want cleaner, louder headphone sound from a laptop without a stack of gear. Against budget USB dongles it adds balanced output, analog bass boost and more power; against pricier iFi models it drops the display, Bluetooth and other extras.

Best forDesktop and laptop headphone listeningOwners of harder-to-drive wired headphonesListeners who want a simple plug-and-play DAC/ampBuyers wanting a balanced 4.4mm output on a budget

Pros

Cirrus Logic DAC tuned for a natural, non-analytical sound
Fully balanced circuitry with a 4.4mm balanced headphone output
Up to 484mW RMS output for demanding headphones
XBass+ adds low-end weight without muddying mids
PowerMatch gain switch matches sensitive and hard-to-drive headphones
Simple USB setup with no software needed

Cons

No Bluetooth or wireless input
No display or remote; settings are switches on the unit
Single-ended 3.5mm output is less powerful than the balanced one
Bass boost and gain are manual, not app-controlled

iFi Audio ZEN Air DAC 2 Desktop USB DAC & Headphone Amp prices at every store

WalmartNew
In stockSold by World Wide Stereo (Authorized)Returns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.
$129.00Free shippingChecked Nov 10
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What reviewers say

Owners of iFi's ZEN Air line generally praise the clean, engaging sound and the balanced output at this level. Many note the XBass+ and PowerMatch switches make it flexible across headphones. Some wish for more inputs and a display.

What people mention

Sound qualityPraisedListeners describe a natural, engaging presentation that avoids sounding harsh or analytical.
Bass boostMixedXBass+ adds weight to thin headphones, but some find it unnecessary or too much.
PowerPraisedThe amp drives harder headphones well, especially over the balanced output.
InputsCriticisedIt is USB-only, with no optical, coaxial or Bluetooth input.
ControlsMixedThe gain and bass switches are useful but manual, with no display or app control.

About the iFi Audio ZEN Air DAC 2 Desktop USB DAC & Headphone Amp

The ZEN Air DAC 2 is a desktop USB DAC and headphone amplifier for listening to music at home. This second generation is built around a new bit-perfect DAC from Cirrus Logic.

It has balanced circuitry with a 4.4mm output. It also includes XBass+ and PowerMatch, and it delivers up to 484mW RMS output.

Type: Desktop USB DAC and headphone amplifier
Generation: 2
DAC: Cirrus Logic, bit-perfect
Balanced output: 4.4mm
Output power: Up to 484mW RMS
Features: Balanced circuitry, XBass+, PowerMatch

Specifications

color: BlackSource

Questions and answers

What headphones can the ZEN Air DAC 2 drive?: It outputs up to 484mW RMS over the balanced 4.4mm output, enough for most planar and high-impedance dynamic headphones. PowerMatch raises gain for harder-to-drive models and lowers it for sensitive ones.
Does it work with a phone or only a computer?: It is a USB DAC, so it works with any USB host that supports USB audio, including computers and some phones with the right adapter. There is no Bluetooth.
What is XBass+?: XBass+ is iFi's analog bass boost. It adds low-end weight without the midrange bleed a simple EQ boost can cause. It is switched on and off on the unit.
Is the 4.4mm output truly balanced?: Yes. The ZEN Air DAC 2 has a fully balanced circuit and a 4.4mm balanced headphone jack, alongside the standard 3.5mm output.
What's in the box?: The unit and a USB cable for connecting to a computer. Check the listing for the exact cable type included.
How does it compare with the original ZEN Air DAC?: The second generation uses a new Cirrus Logic DAC and adds balanced circuitry with a 4.4mm output. iFi claims gains in clarity, dynamics and distortion.
Where is the iFi Audio ZEN Air DAC 2 Desktop USB DAC & Headphone Amp cheapest?: At Walmart, for $129.00, as of our latest check.