iFi ZEN BLUE 3

iFi ZEN Blue 3 external sound card with lossless Bluetooth 5.4 and three operating modes for any Hi-Fi system

Until now, wireless music has meant compromising on sound quality compared to a wired connection. The iFi ZEN Blue 3 external sound card eliminates this compromise, using the aptX Lossless codec to transmit audio wirelessly in CD quality at speeds of up to 1200kb/s, while Bluetooth 5.4 with an external antenna ensures a stable connection. The device operates in three modes – Bluetooth receiver, Bluetooth transmitter, or wired DAC – so you can integrate it into your setup exactly as you need. The signal is processed by an ESS Sabre ES9023 DAC chip in a fully balanced design and is output via a balanced 4.4mm jack or RCA. Digital optical and coaxial inputs and outputs are also available, as is a USB-C input for a wired connection. A low-latency switch complements the compact body, keeping the audio in sync with the picture for films and games.

Key features of the iFi ZEN BLUE 3 external sound card

Functions as a network Bluetooth D/A converter, transmitter, and receiver for both wireless and wired Hi-Fi system connections
Supports Bluetooth 5.4 with an external antenna for a stable wireless connection
Transmits audio using the aptX Lossless codec at up to 1200kb/s in CD quality
Also supports aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, LDAC, and LHDC/HWA codecs
Offers three operating modes: RX for receiving, TX for transmitting, and DAC for wired signal processing
Processes the signal using an ESS Sabre ES9023 DAC chip in a fully balanced design
Features analogue RCA and balanced 4.4mm jack outputs
Equipped with digital optical and coaxial (3.5mm) inputs and outputs
Enables a wired connection via the USB-C input
Low-latency switch ensures synchronised audio when watching films and playing games

Wireless transmission in CD quality thanks to the aptX Lossless codec

Until now, Bluetooth music transmission has meant a compromise on sound quality. The iFi ZEN Blue 3 external sound card eliminates this compromise. It supports the aptX Lossless codec with a transfer rate of up to 1200kb/s, so audio travels wirelessly in CD quality with no data loss during compression. A stable connection is ensured by Bluetooth 5.4, supplemented by an external Bluetooth antenna for better range. If your headphones or receiver do not support aptX Lossless, the ZEN Blue 3 remains backwards compatible with aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, LDAC and LHDC/HWA codecs.

Three separate stages and a fully balanced design

High-quality sound starts with the circuit design. The iFi ZEN Blue 3 divides signal processing into three separate stages: the Bluetooth receiver, DAC, and amplifier are each designed and optimised separately, much like in full-fledged hi-fi systems. An ESS Sabre ES9023 DAC chip handles the digital-to-analogue conversion, incorporated into a fully balanced design that suppresses noise and distortion. The processed sound is output via a balanced 4.4mm jack or an RCA output. Digital optical and coaxial inputs and outputs are also available, along with a USB-C input for a wired connection to a computer.

Three operating modes and low latency for films and games

Audio delay can ruin the experience of watching a film or playing a game. That's why the iFi ZEN Blue 3 features a low-latency switch which, when paired with a receiver that supports aptX Low Latency, significantly shortens the audio transmission time, keeping the picture and sound in sync. The device operates in three modes. As a Bluetooth receiver (RX), it sends audio from your phone or computer to your headphones or speakers. As a Bluetooth transmitter (TX), it sends audio from a wired source wirelessly to your headphones. And in DAC mode, it functions as a wired converter connected via USB-C, optical, or coaxial input. This versatility makes the ZEN Blue 3 ideal for both wireless and wired hi-fi connections, while its 158×35×108mm body fits easily next to an amplifier or on a desk.

Specifications

Inputs and outputs

Inputs USB-C, Coaxial, Optical

Outputs RCA, Jack 4,4 mm, Optical

Features

Features Display, DAC functions

Compatibility Windows, Mac, iOS

Supported formats AAC, SBC, aptX

Power supply

Power supply Adapter

Connection

Connection Wireless, Cable

Bluetooth version 5.4

Dimensions and weight

Width 158 mm

Height 35 mm

Depth 108 mm

Weight 500 g

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