iFi Zen DAC V2 | Desktop Digital Analog Converter with USB 3.0 B Input only / Outputs: 6.3mm Unbalanced / 4.4mm Balanced / RCA - MQA DECODER - Audio System Upgrade (Unit only)

The power output of a good amp is impressive. There were no problems at all. It's a significant improvement over the audio on my motherboard. I use it with hd599 and x2hr headphones for gaming and music. I was considering getting a fulla 3 because I was already borrowing one from a friend or the hel, but I think the zen dac v2 sounds better to me than the fulla, so I'm satisfied. br>br>Creative+ paraphrase: After using this product for a few weeks, it's clear that there's a problem with the unbalanced output. The right output is significantly louder than the left, even at low volumes. While the power to the right speaker is still on, the left speaker will turn off. When pink noise is played, it is very noticeable.

Cooper Cherry

| Mar 17, 2021

There is a channel imbalance for me; the left channel is louder, and the volume cuts out to the right channel at 9 and 1 o'clock. br>br>Everything else about the unit is excellent, but this is a deal breaker, and it must be returned.

Faith Booker

| Jul 06, 2021

The other reviews that complain about channel imbalance aren't just coincidences! I assumed it would be a minor issue, but I also got one with the right channel being noticeably louder than the left - This is especially noticeable at the low end, where the left channel will completely cut out while the right remains audible. Furthermore, the device will disregard Windows' audio control - This is by design, as there are no controls for volume, mute, or unmute. This will vary depending on your serial number range, but any newer production devices (such as those you'll get from Amazon) will all have this "feature" that cannot be disabled. br>br>The build quality is excellent, and the Zen DAC Signature performs admirably without the issues that plagued the V2, but it is also significantly more expensive. Instead of the V2, opt for the V1 (which does not have these issues) or the Signature (which has fewer features but costs more).

Arya Curtis

| Nov 12, 2021

I won't speak to hobbyist audiophiles like myself because we've all heard of the zen dac. br>br>However, for those who want to upgrade their audio without having to worry about it, the zen dac is fantastic. I have pieces of equipment that can do a lot more, from a measurement standpoint, but they can only be heard through very high-end headphones with the best files. However, I am blown away by the price. br>br>Apart from the performance, the volume knob is one of my favorite features. Wonderfully analog. Yes, at the very lowest volumes, there will be some channel imbalance, but that is to be expected. br>br>With this gem, Windows 10 is a dream. br>br>If you need a lot of power, like a lot of power, you can use an ifi can or an xduoo mt-602. But, wow. br>br> br>br>Once again, I have better dacs and amps, but they cost thousands of dollars and don't always have the same cohesion. br>br>This is beautifully tuned. What a delight it is to see. br>br>If I wasn't a sick audiophile who lived for sound, I could see this being a long-term headphone solution. br>br>For the price, it's exceptional.

Pierce Wallace

| Sep 08, 2021

My MacBook Pro is equipped with a pair of AudioEngine A5 speakers. By using the iFi Zen DAC V2 as my primary audio output, I hoped to improve the quality of my audio. Although it sounded lovely when playing music, it brought with it a slew of issues: 1) There is no way to adjust the system volume with the keyboard when using this DAC; the keyboard volume up/down buttons have no effect, the volume dial on my Logitech keyboard has no effect, and adjusting the volume from the menu bar has no effect. The volume knob on the DAC must be used for all volume adjustments. Some people have told me that this is how all external DACs work, but this isn't the case. The AudioEngine D3 and the DragonFly DACs both don't do that. br>br>2) When using this DAC, it is possible that short sounds will not play at all. System alerts, Xcode beeps, and other apps, for example, will not function. It's as if the DAC takes a second to process the sounds and then doesn't have time to play them if they're too short. There were times when I didn't hear anything at all, or when the beginning of a sound was cut off. This is only an issue with short sounds, such as when text messages arrive; playing music solves the problem perfectly. This has happened to me with other DACs as well, but not all of them. The DragonFly DACs, for example, suffer from the same issue, but to a greater extent. The AudioEngine D3, on the other hand, does not have this issue. In any case, I'm still looking for a DAC that lets me control the volume with a keyboard and doesn't clip short sounds. The AudioEngine D3 is not affected by these issues, but it does occasionally fail to work with Mac OS Big Sur. The Schiit Modius is next on my list. That one might be the answer to all of our problems. So, I'm hoping.

Julie MARSDEN

| Aug 16, 2021