IFI ZEN CAN 3

iFi Audio ZEN CAN 3 is a headphone amplifier that delivers exceptional power, up to 2,000 mW, and uncompromising audio clarity thanks to its analog Class A circuitry. It supports the most advanced technologies, such as xMEMS, and is ideal for music, film and gaming enthusiasts.

iFi ZEN CAN 3. Peace of Mind in Every Detail.

Incredible Power. Uncompromising Clarity.

Today the world is frenetic, fast and full of noise. We know that music has the power to transport you to another dimension, to a quiet place where melodies lift you up and voices can move you to tears.

The unparalleled clarity of iFi Audio’s ZEN CAN 3 envelops you in pure, authentic emotion. You’ll hear the quiver of a voice, the crescendo of a choir, the delicate whisper of a piano—every note and nuance is delivered with breathtaking precision. It ignites late-night sessions with its ability to easily drive headphones of all types—from xMEMS-based IEMs to high-end planars—while delivering up to 2,000 mW of power through a Class A circuit.

Isolate yourself from the chaos outside with our new analog EQ modes, allowing you to fully immerse yourself during intense gaming sessions and movie marathons.

Future-proof features.

iFi Audio ZEN CAN 3 now supports IEMs using xMEMS, an innovative micro-speaker technology that redefines headphone performance.

• Ultra-fast mechanical response, 150 times faster than a traditional dynamic driver
• 2° flat phase response for more accurate sound reproduction
• +/- 1° phase matching for more accurate spatial sound
• Silicone speaker diaphragm, 95 times stiffer than plastic, for reduced speaker distortion and cleaner midrange

Incorporating pioneering xMEMS amplification, first introduced in the Diablo-X iDSD, the ZEN CAN 3 provides the voltage needed for optimal operation of this advanced technology, bringing the power of xMEMS to a new audience and ensuring you're ready for the future.

Modes for Every Need.

Have you ever watched a compelling scene, but struggled to hear the dialogue? Many share this frustration, as dialogue in streaming content often gets lost among background sounds and music, and the British brand has thought of every solution.

Movie Mode solves this problem with an EQ designed to improve the clarity of dialogue in streaming content, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the narrative without straining to understand the words.

Game mode is for those who are looking for every little edge in competitive gaming. Gamers know how important it is to hear the faintest sounds that can reveal an opponent’s location or signal an impending threat.

Game Mode EQ amplifies these subtle sound effects, making each sound more distinct and easier to pick out. Whether you’re in intense combat or trying to surprise your enemies, this audio sensitivity helps you stay one step ahead of your opponents.

Modes for Every Need.

With an impressive 2,000mW of output power, iFi Audio’s ZEN CAN 3 delivers a significant improvement in the way you listen to music on headphones, with unprecedented clarity and dynamics.

Its ability to handle dynamic peaks with ease lets you experience music as it was intended: vivid, immersive and deeply emotional. It’s not just about volume, it’s about feeling the music resonate with you, creating a connection that transcends mere sound.

Whether you use planar magnetic headphones that require more power or high-impedance models that need plenty of current, the ZEN CAN 3 is up to the challenge.

At the core of the ZEN CAN 3 circuitry are carefully selected components from quality brands such as Panasonic, TDK, MELF, Texas Instruments and muRata.

The amplifier stage uses 'OV' series op-amps, outperforming commercial chips that use low-quality copper and cheap aluminum wire.

The performance of the ZEN CAN 3 can be further enhanced with an ultra-quiet power supply. The SilentPower iPowerX delivers 10 times quieter performance than other audiophile solutions, ensuring the clarity you seek is never compromised.

Unlike other audiophile solutions, all of the ZEN CAN 3's functionality is achieved through analog circuitry, avoiding the use of DSP (Digital Signal Processing), which manipulates the audio signal before converting it to true analog sound.

Instead, the ZEN CAN 3 takes advantage of the natural advantages of analog circuitry: it maintains sonic integrity, introduces less distortion and phase shifts, and offers more natural frequency response.

Our analog bass enhancement, XBass+, makes bass punchier without compromising midrange clarity, ideal for when you're listening with IEMs or open-back headphones that lack bass response.

XSpace recreates the expansive soundstage of a speaker system, transforming headphone listening from a limited, “in your head” experience to a natural, spacious sound. This technology makes music come alive, delivering a concert-quality sound experience without losing detail or resolution – all thanks to our innovative circuit design.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Input Voltage: DC 5V/ ≥ 2.5A

Analogue Inputs: 

SE RCA L/R: 2.0V nominal @ 0dBFS, 1MegOhm Zin

SE 3.5mm: 1.0V nominal @ 0dBFS, 1 MegOhm Zin

BAL 4.4mm: 4.0V nominal @ 0dBFS, 24kOhm Zin

Max Input Level: 

IF RCA: 3.8V RMS

IF 3.5mm: 1.92V RMS

BAL 4.4mm: 7.4V RMS

Line Output Section:

Output Impedance: <200 Ohms

Output Level: 4Vrms (0dB 200kOhm load)

SNR: ≥125dB (7.3V 4.4mm Input 0dB @ 200kOhm)

DNR: ≥119dB(A)

THD+N: 0.006% (0dB 200kOhm load)

General:

Gain: 0dB, 6dB, 12dB, 18dB

Frequency Response: 10Hz-200kHz (-3dB)

Power Consumption:

No Signal: ~5W

Max Signal: ~13W

Dimensions: 158x117x35mm

Net Weight: 495g

Headphone Output Section:

Output Impedance:

BAL 4.4mm HP: <2 Ohms

IF 6.3mm HP: <1 Ohms

Headphone Output (RMS):

BAL 4.4mm: >11.5V/2,000mW (@ 64 Ohms)

SE 6.35mm: >7.2V/1,600mW (@ 32 Ohms)

Headphone Output (Max.):

BAL 4.4mm: >15.1V/385mW (@ 600 Ohms); >6.2V/1,200mW (@ 32 Ohms)

SE 6.35mm: >7.6V/98mW (@ 600 Ohms); >7.2V/1,600mW (@ 32 Ohms)

xMEMS: BAL 4.4mm >21Vpp, 22 Ohms, 11V DC bias

SNR:

BAL 4.4mm: ≥125dB (7.3V 4.4mm Input 0dB @ 600 Ohms)

SE 6.35mm: ≥122dB (1.9V Input 0dB @ 600 Ohms)

DNR:

BAL 4.4mm: ≥119dB(A) @ 0dBFS

SE 6.35mm: ≥119dB(A) @ 0dBFS

THD+N:

BAL 4.4mm:<0.006% (@ 360 mW/2.4V 16 Ohms)

SE 6.35mm:<0.006% (@ 100mW/1.27V 16 Ohms)