Budget Binary Beauty? The Ifi Zen One Signature DAC Review vs. Geshelli Labs J2 DAC

Рет қаралды 50,115

Күн бұрын

Ifi Zen One Signature (Amazon Limited Stock) amzn.to/32BaDnf
Hifiman Edition XS amzn.to/3g0KLEE
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This is a review of the all New Ifi Zen One Signature DAC and direct comparison to the Geshelli Labs J2.
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Recommended Speaker List
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Sony SSCS5 - Lively amzn.to/3pZNnGk
Pioneer AJ First Gen - Laid Back
Neumi BS5 -Neutral amzn.to/3q0SR3B
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Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ - Crystal Clear and Punchy emotiva.com?aff=9
Elac Debut b5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/2WPNQxw
Wharfedale Diamond 11.2 (In and Out of Stock) - Laid Back/Bassy/Detailed amzn.to/37W8hPA
JBL Stage A130 - Neutral/Great All Arounder at $179 the best value amzn.to/3t7gOHe
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Klipsch RP600M - Neutral amzn.to/3pBoXCf (This speaker’s price can fluctuate between $440-630 which is really dumb)
Jamo C93ii Bit - Boosted on Top amzn.to/3beIG6F (Can also be found cheaper at Crutchfield)
Q Acoustics 3030i - Neutral with Punch - amzn.to/2OQkpLo
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SVS Prime bit.ly/2LozJgF
Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 bit.ly/2ZckoD9
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Elac Uni-Fi UB5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/3s3srPG
Elac Debut Reference - Buttery but Detailed amzn.to/39bt6WC
Polk Reserve R100 - Neutral
Aperion Novus - Neutral and probably the best desktop speaker one can get $599 bit.ly/2Q1H9rW
Aperion Novus Open Box $449 bit.ly/3us8zGx
Wharfedale Diamonds Lush and Detailed amzn.to/3aBAso0 Come as singles
Recommended Amp List
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Aiyima A07 - Neutral and Full amzn.to/3g9YLNf
Around $130
SMSL AD18 - DAC/Amp Lively on top but solid tone controls amzn.to/3rVZxkN
SMSL SA300 $140 amzn.to/3u83oLs
Around $250
SMSL DA-9 Balanced Amp amzn.to/34SdbLs
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Emotiva TA-100 - DAC, Phono Stage, Pre Outs - Balanced and Tasty emotiva.com?aff=9
Vista Audio Spark www.vista-audio...
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Subs
Emotiva SE8 emotiva.com?aff=9
Emotiva SE12 emotiva.com?aff=9
SVS SB1000 Pro bit.ly/3scmwsc

Пікірлер: 204

@cheapaudioman 2 жыл бұрын

Ifi Zen One Signature (Amazon Limited Stock) amzn.to/32BaDnf --Hifiman Edition XS amzn.to/3g0KLEE ----Audeze LCDX shop-links.co/cgvg9RiLM0h This is a review of the all New Ifi Zen One Signature DAC and direct comparison to the Geshelli Labs J2. ---CAM Store (New Products!) bit.ly/30Lgu4K -----Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt ------Best Buy Deals shop-links.co/cf9yDZeYtUH -------apos.audio?sca_ref=552340.TY98BPcZ6P

@the-patient-987 2 жыл бұрын

Another great video!! Have you ever used or reviewed the Sennheiser RS 185 RF?? Does it make any sense to get a DAC or an AMP for such headphones? I understand it receives a digital signal and I have it connected to my PC. The motherboard supports the Realtek ALC1200 codec and it's supposed to be high definition. For my ears they're the best headphones I've ever had. But I wonder if connected to something else they could sound even better. Sorry for the long question.

@owenroberts6572 2 жыл бұрын

@cheapaudioman I've got a sennheiser hdvd800 headphone amp ( which has built in dac ) . I'm looking to get a dac to replace the on board sennheiser one can you recommend anything to replace it, without breaking the bank ?

@RdandTrk1 2 жыл бұрын

Though I loved the feeling of the old videos, your videos are really becoming quite polished and high quality. Great job!

@JohnScheppler 2 жыл бұрын

Great review, and I'm glad that IFI is finally adding better inputs. It is the biggest issue I had with their other products.

@sopasadena1499 2 жыл бұрын

Nice review, Randy. Have not tried iFi Zen products, but purchased the Geshelli J2 based on earlier reviews by you and others. Just received my Geshelli J2 and put it through the paces. Hooked the J2 to the digital out of my older Pioneer Elite AV-45 DVD SACD player. Hooked to the J2 to Schiit Freya S and Vidar and refurbished AR2ax speakers. Could not believe the level of detail, smoothness of midrange and high end and lower bass extension through the J2 versus the internal DAC in the SACD player. Also there is an analog quality and warmth present in the J2. What an improvement. I am now a Geshelli fan.

@robertmarshall7712 Жыл бұрын

Have just got the Zen One signature. It is nothing short of stellar. I'm using it with a Denon pma 800ne, excellent budget amp, and Triangle Titus EZ speakers. £350 is not a small amount of money, especially these days, but the sound quality and functionality of this product are remarkable. So far I've only used bluetooth, which with LDAC codec, sounds rich and detailed without being fatiguing. Those who despise BT for serious music listening need to hear this!

@odwatchguy 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the great review Randy. I really like the styling of the ifi Zen products and think this looks even better in the dark blue, glad it sounds good to go with it.

@kimbalxyz2 2 жыл бұрын

Yep, in my older years a remote is not a luxury, it is a necessity ! I wish the audio world would realize that. I don't expect to be free, but would gladly pay more for the option.

@nc3419 2 жыл бұрын

For decent units, I wish the remotes were aluminum vs plastic.

@cheapaudioman 2 жыл бұрын

this!

@erics.4113 2 жыл бұрын

@@nc3419 yah I found that really strange when I got back into hifi. You get this 50lb machined case for an integrated and they throw a freebie remote into the box. The ONE thing you will actually handle every time you use the piece, and it makes a Sony consumer remote look like high tech in comparison.

@mattrismatt 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, a physical remote would greatly improve the devices versatility. As it is, it can only be used with an amp with pre-out / volume control. I might even prefer a Bluetooth app to control the devices' source selection and (analog variable) output level. Maybe on the next model...

@welderfixer 2 жыл бұрын

Randy, As always, I sure enjoy hearing your audio gear reviews. Your choice of area to do this review is great! You're becoming a real pro! Keep the reviews coming!

@dougg1075 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah man, definitely hitting your stride. Keep it up bro

@quikspecv4d 2 жыл бұрын

I recently picked up a J2. I couldn’t be happier. I don’t need Bluetooth because it’s plugged into my computer that has all my music anyway. It sounds great too.

@cheapaudioman 2 жыл бұрын

yeah. I love the J2. My favorite in that price range

@mojoneko8303 2 жыл бұрын

I just ordered the iFi Zen One based on your review to pair with the Elekit 8600S 300B tube amp kit and CSS Criton 2TDX tower speaker kit with superior crossovers I am currently building. My burn rate on cash right now is pretty high so the Zen One is about as much as I can afford to spend on a DAC at the moment. I still need a preamp and will probably build the Elekit TU-8500 preamp once they are back in stock.. Thanks for the video! Hope you haven't led me astray on the Zen One! : )

@avro66 2 жыл бұрын

I've just started using a battery to power my mini pc and dac headphone amp, definitely made a big difference and improvement to the overall sound quality,

@fardosh4193 14 күн бұрын

Excellent review. Thanks Randy!

@markcarrington8565 2 жыл бұрын

Great review, Randy. You can add the matching Signature CAN for the headphone amp. I’m using the Signature combo with the Stream plus Sundaras and it is wonderful!

@vaos04 2 жыл бұрын

Great review man! I was checking youtube lately on this one, and I do remember you dreamed about a Zen Dac with bluetooth, coaxial and optical. I had a feeling you were gonna cover this one. Aaaannnnddd you did!

@billywindsock9597 2 жыл бұрын

Wow! Allowed in the grown ups room today. Good job, keep the information coming.

@cheapaudioman 2 жыл бұрын

I know! Out of the dungeon, Billy

@aceofspades6667 2 жыл бұрын

oh I'm excited for this one.. big fan of ifi

@jcoffman9518 2 жыл бұрын

Dude, fantastic review. Specificity, objectivity, and some humor for flavor. Very well done.

@cheapaudioman 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, man

@DJMikeron 5 ай бұрын

Great Adverts for ifi Gishelli and hifiman headphones packed into a sneaky review. You sure a good at this😂

@panjiekaputra2508 2 жыл бұрын

Gonna grab one after watching your review. Love your video with your signature humor lol, just my cup of tea. Thanks dudee

@lawpenner Жыл бұрын

Signature humor... good pun

@sudeepsadan 2 жыл бұрын

Was looking for a review, I was planning to get one, The review is just in time. Thanks

@paulwg2112 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Randy. Great Review. This ifi is very good. I don't have the J2 but I compared it to my D30 Pro. The sound stage and imaging was bigger on the ifi than D30 but at the cost of the bass weight and timbre. I also really like the Zen One Signature. The treble seems better but then again sometimes its seems colored or fake like reverb turned up. I need to get a J2. If you're looking for the bass weight and tone try the D30 Pro.

@paulwg2112 2 жыл бұрын

@@johnm3544 soundstage not as wide as some.

@theonlyegg 3 ай бұрын

That USB cable is not an oddity. They used to come with external hard drives for a decade. I have at least 2 laying around.

@jangarcia1338 Жыл бұрын

Between the Ifi Zen One Signature ad the Topping D50S which would you choose and why?

@lawpenner Жыл бұрын

Zen Signature line is sexy to the touch. very tactile both the case surface and the volume pot knob, which makes using it a fun experience. And the dark blue color looks amazing in real life. These are intangibles that add to Pride of ownership, outside of sound. Sound is also amazing. Silent black background, detailed rich sound, plenty power on tap without distortion. I simply think the X-Space feature button they employ is useless though and should get rid of it

@jamesminotto8036 2 жыл бұрын

Would you add a DAC to the new Bluesound Node? If so would it be the Zen One or another? Thoughts? I use a Schitt Modi with my Node2i. Thoughts? Thank you, Randy. James

@biggregyo 2 жыл бұрын

That was one hell of a review you just gave. Went to go buy one, they are currently all sold out.

@eemgee9185 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Randall, just wanted to let you know that you CAN use any of your other USB type B cables to input with iFi DACs. I didn't realize this either until recently when I had to begin using my Zen Dac V1 again but couldn't locate the specific type B 3.0 cable it came with. Backward compatibility is certainly appreciated especially since they're literally the only company that implements a type B 3.0 port. I am hopeful these hifi companies will make the transition to USB type C once and for all and leave these stupid old printer cables in the past! Thanks for the video and all the content you produce by the way.

@cheapaudioman 2 жыл бұрын

great to know. I wasn't aware of that

@twooger 2 жыл бұрын

Some devices have compability issues with USB-B 3.0 cables, so 2.0 is almost always better choice and easier to get if you lose one

@dougg1075 2 жыл бұрын

I have the zen phono.. looks like I need the dac. Love the look

@ramondelgado6778 2 жыл бұрын

Very cool review! This is my budget area and both of these seem to be great options. Looking for something to pair well between my Node 2i and my Emotiva BASX-TA100 (and rotating the Sony Cores and the Wharfedale D320s) Please send me any suggestions. As always, LOVE your videos, and can't wait for the next one. Also, your production quality looks FANTASTIC!!!!!

@cheapaudioman 2 жыл бұрын

with the Wharfedales you can add even a harsher dac to those and have them sound good. In the long run though I think either of these, the topping e50, smsl m500 ii, Geshelli J2, are all a great deal. Gustard X18 is over priced and so is the topping d90se. All sound very similar

@ramondelgado6778 2 жыл бұрын

@@cheapaudioman Thank you so much for helping me narrow down my search! You have been such a great help so far in my journey!!!!! I think I'm leaning towards the J2. Keep kicking a$$ brother!!!!!

@ramondelgado6778 2 жыл бұрын

Also, FYI, current rotation is Emotiva BASX-TA100, Node 2i, Wharfedale D310 bookshelves, Definitive Technology 8" powered sub, Maze Audio cabling! Super awesome, smoothe sounding set up!!!

@turtlet7201 2 жыл бұрын

Hey, love how the camera is placed while taking this video. Good job Randy!

@turtlet7201 2 жыл бұрын

Very comfortable view, almost like watching television lol. High definition capture too. Good camera work.

@turtlet7201 2 жыл бұрын

I see an increase in nice video editing. My favorite are simple but informative edits, good job again!

@markpenland 2 жыл бұрын

Today's balance of carefully considered shallow depth of field and tasty color grading is very easy on the eyes.

@cheapaudioman 2 жыл бұрын

I try it again on tomorrow's video

@Nick-kp3rg 6 ай бұрын

@cheapaudioman , Hi Randy, any opinions on iFi ZEN Blue V2? Right now, I have integrated amps with dacs built-in (NAD C700 and C388 w/BluOs). I am considering moving towards separates. I have a iFi ZEN Blue V2 collecting dust no in use. If I move towards separates, will I be happy with the iFi ZEN Blue V2 as a DAC if paired with Rogue, PrimaLuna, Cayin, etc? Thank you

@tedthomas9809 2 жыл бұрын

I have the Zen Blue and Jnog ( akm chipset ) and run through smsl ho2oo. Good combo.

@jamesk5323 2 жыл бұрын

Where is the Truebass that we like about iFi DAC?

@cheapaudioman 2 жыл бұрын

I think that's the function of the headphone amp portion of the zen v1/2. I was hoping that it would have a headphone amp with that feature too

@ingalook 2 жыл бұрын

Nice review Randy, please check out the Aiyima T9, it looks to be market disrupting like the Sony SSCS5

@V1ralB1ack 2 жыл бұрын

Those aren't disrupting anything. They're soundbar killers but not worth anymore than their actual price. People just don't grow up with good speakers these days.

@gordoa172 2 жыл бұрын

Great review my friend. I really like the new setting - This is the way. Keep Trailblazing brother.

@rikamaulana2787 2 жыл бұрын

video looking great!

@tomaszkarczewski1886 2 жыл бұрын

Ifi Zen One Signiature break MQA TIDAL When will the Ifi Zen One Signature firmware update be available to fix the Tidal MQA issue? The problem is playing MQA Tidal files. There is a 2-second pause towards the end of the piece. The IFI logo changes color from magenta to white. I pause on ios and windows only in the case of MQA. Both on the USB and S / PDIF cable.

@ginom407 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Randy!!! 👍

@zerotwo_.002 2 жыл бұрын

Hi the Usb connector is not a fancy connector its just a simple using 3.0 connector slave . also that connector will work with usb 2.0 slave as well

@edd2771 2 жыл бұрын

I don’t know if you saw/remember the old SNL sketch where Will Ferrell plays cubs announcer Harry Caray, but every time you say “grab a cup of coffee” you sound just like him. 🤣

@edd2771 2 жыл бұрын

You can always count on me to make the salient points regarding these reviews…

@greenbeginner9221 2 жыл бұрын

Hey, you're out of the dungeon / basement and upstairs! The fam must be out shopping.

@cheapaudioman 2 жыл бұрын

Ha. kids at school!

@mattkalis1567 2 жыл бұрын

Been looking forward to this one. Looks like a win for the G2 based on my own preference Of having forward vocals

@R1Zig 2 жыл бұрын

How long did you burn the Zen One Signature in for? I recently bought the Zen Blue version 2 and Ifi recommend a week of continuous burn-in time. I did this but after 2 days the only change I noticed after a week was the bass was more punchy. I had no need to run my sub in stereo mode. Never knew the Wharfedale EVO 4.3's had so much bass on offer. I'm super impressed, but am considering the Zen One Signature now. Great review thanks!

@tomb375 2 жыл бұрын

What chip did you have in your J2 ? Thank you, keep these great Video's coming.

@miclinda256 2 жыл бұрын

Now i have One ! And it sounds better than a ifi zen blue , and THE range with bluetooth is doubble , going to conect my Arcam Alpha 7 CD to it ! And i have chord clearway RCA between ifi and amplifier

@spandel100 Жыл бұрын

I have the Arcam Alpha 7 amp.Sweetest sound you have ever heard.

@ebenezerjebaraj 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your detailed review. Can you review SMSL D300 DAC which sounds similar tip J2 / Bifrost 2 / Zen signature?

@turtlet7201 2 жыл бұрын

Think you might be the first to call a dac sexy 😂. But gotta agree with you, ifi gear is built so fine.

@lawpenner Жыл бұрын

It's true through. I just want to touch it. And feel it's texture. It gets me excited. And that knob... I just love running my finger over it

@treyhorn5645 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I've been waiting for this review. 👍

@CompetentSalesUSA 8 ай бұрын

Love Sith audio products

@stonefree1911 Жыл бұрын

I like the Geshelli for what it offers. Thinking of paring one with a Schiit Jotenheim 2 headphone amp with HiFiMan Sundaras. I think..

@burghelvasile3313 Жыл бұрын

I bought Ifi zen one signature. It sounds good, I like it, but it gives me background noise in the speakers. I turned the amplifier to maximum with no sound and there is a buzzing sound with the dock connected. With Cambridge magic 100 it was not audible. Thank you.

Ай бұрын

Not stoked to read this, I've just put a deposit on this model. If there's audible background noise when listening to music (I'll pre-test it without sound to get an idea of what this noise sounds like), I'll be taking it back.

@ufarkingicehole 2 жыл бұрын

My eye is now set on the smsl d300.. any thoughts ? I have been looking at RME but being able to perform basic room correction doesn't seem to be worth the $1300ish price.

@klepp19 Жыл бұрын

I got D300 it's really good!

@johnnixon2504 2 жыл бұрын

HOLY COW! I think my dentist supports aliens. The cup from their office looks exactly like your Roswell cup!

@sorysrgee 2 жыл бұрын

Thats just a standard usb b connector they are relative cheap and you can get them anywhere that sells printers cause they all love that connector too

@miclinda256 2 жыл бұрын

If i only going to use it with My phone! Sony Ldac . Zen blue V2 or this new one??? Conected to a Roksan caspian MK I and elac debut reference 62. Have tried the ifi zen blue and wow !! It sounds Good.

@the382house 2 жыл бұрын

With the admitted comment that it is difficult to tell the sonic quality of DAC's apart, I would like to see a review of power supplies for the DAC of your choice.

@walterrizzoli6536 2 жыл бұрын

You upgraded your setting. Seems like you you completely changed your view on this youtube video stuff: I still like you though.

@adaboy4z 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks I needed that XLR switch.

@oscarfernandocastanedaroja2171 Жыл бұрын

Hi i love your videos . Who is better ifi one signaturoe vs ares 2???

@doug753 Жыл бұрын

excellent and fun vid Brotha, your my go to guy for equipment .

@mrkitewine7700 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve looked at this dac but I can’t work out how to switch between the optical and coaxial spdif inputs, the front selection has an option for Bluetooth, usb or spdif, but I can’t see a way to select which of the 2 spdif inputs to use.

@drewpknutz1410 2 жыл бұрын

Randy, are you running the Usb Audio Player Pro app on your Android devices? Im trying to stream with some old phones but the quality is worse than on my PC, even when using the same external dongle Dac. Just wondering if the UAPP is worth it for the $8 or so for the app.

@cheapaudioman 2 жыл бұрын

I went down that rabbit hole and bought the app and then also bought the mqa plugin and I never use it.

@hmrowland6114 2 жыл бұрын

I understand Digital Analog Conversion but what does a "DAC" do? What would I do with it? What's an optical input; a Bluetooth input? You ran the RCA to the pre am but where does the music source come from?

@cheapaudioman 2 жыл бұрын

you'd run a computer, CD player, streamer, or DVD player to this device and then take the RCA output to your amplifier or receiver. improves upon the sound quality of a computer, tv, or affordable CD player/DVD player

@sevsev1712 2 жыл бұрын

Would it sound better than schiit modi multibit v2? Good video 👍

@dialecticalmonist3405 2 жыл бұрын

"It's an older phone, but it checks out..." First, you are the boss for that reference. Second, is the Zen One Signature dac much different than using the ZEN dac/amp combo as a stand-alone DAC fed into the Geshelli amp?

@NikoTimbaldi 2 жыл бұрын

Great review, quick question. How does the zen dac V2 pairs with The Sundaras with balance cables. Does it opens them up to it full potential? I just got this combo even though it sounds good and louder I still feel if sounds muffle. I also use the Fidelio x2hr and they do sound pretty good with the Dac.

@cricket4life249 Жыл бұрын

I have the same setup just with the iFi Zen Can also with it. I run the Zen Dac V2 to the Zen Can balanced and then balanced again from the Zen Can to the Sundaras and all I can say it is AMAZEBALLS

@NikoTimbaldi Жыл бұрын

@@cricket4life249 Thanks so much for the reply, will try to get it then!!!!! So you use 2 balanced cables right? which brand you got? Thanks

@lawpenner Жыл бұрын

@@NikoTimbaldi I have IFI Zen Can V2 signature amp and notice that there is a definate sonic difference between balanced and unbalanced headphone output. For example on my hd650 headphones they sound smoother/tamer on the balance 4.4 out, but more lively and I would say BETTER on the Single End 6.3 out. I lose some of that rich texture while using the balanced I'm not convinced balanced headphone cables are better than unbalanced. (Maybe for driving speakers, yes) but I've read a white paper explaining why simpler is better with headphones. and that a standard unbalanced headphone cable is preferable. ... only requires one amp circuit rather than 2 for each L R channel

@miguelfons6790 Жыл бұрын

I was trying to decide between the VMV D1se and the IFi Neo. But after watching this review, I'm not so sure anymore. Does anyone know if this little can compete with the Neo in terms of SQ? I just care for the Dac part I'm not a headphone guy.

@WildCJ5 2 жыл бұрын

Randy, is there a way to use a tablet as the interface connected to a dac? Wired would be fine, just for desktop use. I ask because like you, I want to see the album art.

@cheapaudioman 2 жыл бұрын

for an iPad with a lightning connector all one needs is the "apple camera adapter" which is about $30. then a usb cord to your dac. on a android tablet you'd need an "otg" cable and it should connect right in

@beezlebub3955 2 жыл бұрын

I love my apples, but I really hate the dynamics they put out

@dimitriskontos858 2 жыл бұрын

Is there any difference between this and the Ifi zen DAC V2 older version, for the sound from the USB input ?

@cheapaudioman 2 жыл бұрын

I have a buddy who owns both and he said he couldn't hear much of a difference

@dimitriskontos858 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks.... Do you have any idea if this would be a good upgrade for the internal dac of an old Marantz CD-5001 cd player ?

@jeremymegit968 2 жыл бұрын

Does anyone experience a harshness in the mids and highs with this Dac? I just bought the DAC; maybe it takes time to break it in?

@smartsmartov2287 Жыл бұрын

How does it sound now? I still sound harsh(((

@JP1050x 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! Would the Ifi Zen Signature be an upgrade to my Schiit Modi 3+ ?

@cheapaudioman 2 жыл бұрын

Going to have a bit of a warmer sound. May loose a little detail on top but it also won’t be quite as sharp as the modi can sometimes be

@JP1050x 2 жыл бұрын

@@cheapaudioman awesome, thanks! 🙏 …. Hmm, if going with the Zen Sig won’t be a big jump in sound quality, I’ll probably save up for a Denafrips Ares II.

@johnt2442 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the review.

@7sagarraut 4 ай бұрын

Is ifi zen have flat signature?

@donvittoriosierra 2 жыл бұрын

That background squeal is annoying though. It starts at 3:50

@cheapaudioman 2 жыл бұрын

you must have good hearing because I just played it back and couldn't hear anything. but be happy you could hear it. most of us can't

@Aioah... 2 жыл бұрын

Just received mine today. Kinda unreal… the fact that the power supply actually introduced more noise! Like wtf Tried on several different outlets and 2 furman power conditions with linear.. lol 😂 Now that’s pure snake oil!

@Aioah... 2 жыл бұрын

I’d definitely stick with zen dac v2 and get a discounted Amazon echo and just run a line out. Crazy ifi crazy !

@stoneager90 2 жыл бұрын

Hey there Randy, how would you say the Zen one Signature stacks up against the DAC portion of the NEO IDSD?

@cheapaudioman 2 жыл бұрын

Neo is more detailed focus and not as warm

@mikes121 2 жыл бұрын

Where would this fit on the DAC tier list?

@mrmemo2k5 Жыл бұрын

Which chip was used in the Geshelli?

@AJL713 2 жыл бұрын

Looks cool but, I wish it had a streamer built in.

@JohnPerez-fn2ok 2 жыл бұрын

I'm looking at this and the FiiO BTA30 Pro. Is there a big improvement in sq over the FiiO?

@miguelfons6790 Жыл бұрын

Yes. The IFI is leagues above the BTA30 Pro. I own both, I use the Fiio for BT transmission and the SQ can't even be compared.

@michaelblumfield3933 2 жыл бұрын

To clarify, the iFi has MQA but the Geshelli doesn't, correct? I know there's a lot of disagreement about the value of MQA, but for those seeking it, the distinction between these two DACs on that basis seems worth noting.

@cheapaudioman 2 жыл бұрын

correct. Geshelli doesn't have MQA. I don't put a lot of stock into MQA so I didn't mention it. I should have though. and thanks for commenting

@michaelblumfield3933 2 жыл бұрын

@@cheapaudioman thanks. At that price, it's one of the less expensive desktop DACs to have MQA decoding, so I can imagine it could be a selling point for some buyers.

@EclecticMusicMan 2 жыл бұрын

Now unavailable, what a surprise 🤣

@joseaavila1909 2 жыл бұрын

Try it or Compare this please, the Auris Blume HD Long Range Bluetooth 5.0 Music Receiver Hi-Fi Audio Adapter with Audiophile DAC & AptX HD for Home Stereo, AV Receiver or Amplifier

@patricaomas8750 2 жыл бұрын

Wanted to get Edifier 300 pro powered speakers would this work as a dac

@xstensl8823 2 жыл бұрын

how would this sound compared to my old NAD D1050? i can go up to $1500

@biancadekker6678 2 жыл бұрын

Can i connect my android phone as player by usbc to usb ?

@markpogisobra5089 Жыл бұрын

is it compatible to raspberry pi 4 running Volumio?

@qqsrx 2 жыл бұрын

Does it come with the Burr-Brown chip?

@shawnm1856 2 жыл бұрын

Does it have the same chip as the Ifi Zen Blue V.2?

@alee3875 Жыл бұрын

Hi my question is Ifi Zen One Signature able to connect to PS5 or PS4?

@Shawn-fu3mp Жыл бұрын

I gotz da Zen Air Blue.

@michaelwitt1733 Жыл бұрын

Randy ... please advise as to the dac chip used in each of these units... ty

@tonyt.5771 8 ай бұрын

Burr Brown.

@michaelwitt1733 8 ай бұрын

@@tonyt.5771 RESPECTFULLY.. THAT ONLY TELLS ME THE BRAND NAME .. NOT THE EXACT CHIP IDENTIFICATION

@tonyt.5771 8 ай бұрын

Look it up buddy.

@zenos.5315 2 жыл бұрын

The Zen One Signature is $349.00 on Amazon.

@1959ludo 2 жыл бұрын

Great review. I want to buy the ifi dac because they are sold buy European Internet shops. I have an IPad and a MacBook Air M1. I use Apple Music and Spotify to stream the Music. For listening with my headphones I use an Audioquest Dragonfly Cobalt so that is ok. I stream to my Marantz PM7000N streamer receiver using my WiFi network and using Airplay 2. Now that I have Apple Music I can only stream in Cd quality but for the higher quality I need a dac and my Marantz hasn’t an USB input. But how can I connect my IPad and my MacBook using USB to the ifi dac? There are cables from Audioquest switching usb a ore usb c to usb b. Is that the way I should go ore are there other possibilities? There no real shops in Belgium that are selling affordable dac’s s. Thanks in advance for your help. Ludo Belgium

@JR-ho5qm 2 жыл бұрын

Does anyone know if this will hook up to a Yamaha RS202? I’m looking to improve the DAC and Bluetooth sound for my shop system thanks! 🔈👍🏻

@cheapaudioman 2 жыл бұрын

if you have an open set of analog RCA inputs it will for sure

@jeffjefferson7384 2 жыл бұрын

Nice ROTJ callback :)

@leo11877 2 жыл бұрын

Can you do a review on Fiio BTR5?

@cheapaudioman 2 жыл бұрын

I can see if I can get one in but I'd probably steer you to the Quadelix instead. better functionality with the LDAC and much better eq settings.

@leo11877 2 жыл бұрын

@@cheapaudioman I already have the Fiio BTR5 but I never used another DAC so I don't know how it compares. BTR5 also has LDAC and USB native DSD so it has all the bells and whistles. The Fiio app gives some customization options too.

@intheknow3431 Жыл бұрын

These DAC'S are a bunch of money to add to a system for a relatively simple product. I frankly don't know how much of an increase in audio quality they represent compared to the regular DACs in most of the receivers etc, etc. I would want to hear the differences before I plunk down $400+ and this will be difficult at best, given where you can hear these, ALMOST NOWHERE!

@tonyt.5771 8 ай бұрын

I just got it , its outstanding buddy.

Ай бұрын

@tonyt.5771 I'm just about to take the plunge on one of these zen one sigatures, put a deposit down today. I'm looking forward to the massive upgrade from the dac in my Yamaha a-s701. If I'm still not happy with the sound which I doubt will be the case, I'll be going back to my Nakamichi 3 receiver ahaha. I'm using a pair of Krix Apex Mk3.1's atm. Have you found anything with the unit that would be handy to know regarding firmware updates? Some have recommended not updating the firmware, some have recommended doing it...

@kennethoransky4881 2 жыл бұрын

The power supply is nothing to sneeze at either. It looks like a Signature version of the ifi ipower2 which goes for 69 dollars by itself.

@nc3419 2 жыл бұрын

I wonder if the Sbooster BOTW P&P ECO MKII Power Supply would bring this and other dacs to a new level. Good reviews on it though it isn't inexpensive.