A DAC with universal connections

iFi's ZEN One Signature delivers exceptional sound from all digital devices in a home audio environment.

Described as a "universal DAC" due to its comprehensive input options, the ZEN One Signature takes the DAC stage from the ZEN DAC V2, adds S/PDIF inputs (optical and coaxial) alongside the USB port, shakes up the Bluetooth technology of the ZEN Blue V2, and spices up the whole with signature circuitry enhancements to create a delightful audio mix. The result is a pure DAC (no headphone output or volume control) that serves as a home audio hub for all your digital devices, from smartphones and tablets to PCs and Macs, CD players and audio servers to TVs and game consoles.

The singular purpose of the ZEN One Signature is to take the digital audio signal from any device, via cable or Bluetooth, and convert it to analog to power an external amplifier and speakers (or headphones). Combining high-quality internal components with IFi's award-winning circuit design provides a brilliant boost to the sound quality that every device will connect to. For many, the ZEN One Signature is the only DAC they will ever need in their home.

The way to make DAC's

ZEN One Signature's "digital engine" is based on a BURR-Brown DAC chipset that iFi uses extensively, selected for its natural-sounding 'musicality' and True Native architecture. iFi's experience with this IC means it knows how to get the most out of it; but although intrinsic to the resulting sound, creating an exemplary DAC stage involves much more than selecting a specific chip.

One of these critical components is the XMOS chip that processes audio data received through the USB and S/PDIF digital inputs. ZEN One Signature uses a 16-core low-latency XMOS microcontroller that provides enhanced processing power; iFi's digital development team programmed the XMOS firmware to optimize sound quality and ensure a seamless partnership with the BURR-Brown DAC. Extensive jitter eradication technologies are also applied in the digital realm, including IFi's latest generation femto-precision GMT (Global Master Timing) clock and intelligent memory buffer.

ZEN One Signature's high-resolution audio credentials span 32-bit/384kHz PCM over USB (192kHz over S/PDIF), all levels from DSD to DSD256, and single- and dual-speed DXD. Thanks to the true native design of the Burr-Brown chip, the PCM and DSD take separate paths - this allows the DSD as well as the PCM to remain "bit perfect" in their native form until analog conversion.

MQA - the hi-res streaming format - is also supported, with full decoding of MQA files up to 384kHz. This means the entire 'three-fold' decoding process is carried out in-house, as opposed to single-folding only as an MQA 'renderer' - making it ideal for Tidal's 'HiFi Plus' tier subscribers, where Tidal Masters (MQA) content can be found.

Bluetooth done perfectly

While Bluetooth's wireless convenience and compatibility are widely recognized, many people don't realize how good Bluetooth audio can sound because they have only experienced it at a basic level through rudimentary SoC (System on Chip) implementations. iFi has gone to great lengths to ensure its Bluetooth technology is cutting-edge, earning it a class-leading reputation.

Fully taking advantage of Qualcomm's latest Bluetooth processing chip, all current high-definition Bluetooth audio formats are supported, including aptX Adaptive and aptX HD, LDAC and HWA/LHDC. Other codes covered include regular aptX and aptX Low Latency, AAC and SBC (the 'simple Bluetooth code'). This means that all possible source devices are handled with the highest audio resolution that their Bluetooth specification allows. ZEN One Signature is compatible with Bluetooth v5. Up to eight paired Bluetooth source devices can be stored in memory, making it easy to switch from one device to another.

Purity is paramount

While 'regular' ZEN devices introduce the benefits of a balanced circuit design - lower noise, higher sonic purity - at remarkably affordable prices, Signature ZENs such as the ZEN DAC Signature and ZEN CAN Signature raise the bar even further with their balanced, truly differential topologies.

ZEN One Signature is no exception - from input to output, every element of its circuitry is designed for pure performance. Key surface-mount components have been upgraded to state-of-the-art devices, including Panasonic OS-CON and Elna Silmic II capacitors, and the design has been refined to ensure short, direct signal paths. This results in even greater detail and sonic expression.

Power can be supplied via USB from a connected device - a laptop, for example - or directly from the mains via an AC/DC adapter. Optimal performance is provided by iFi's ultra-low noise iPower2 DC power supply, included in the price (69 when purchased separately).

External affairs

The ZEN One Signature sports the same 158x35x100mm aluminum case as the rest of the ZEN range, finished in Deep Space Blue - the color iFi uses to differentiate its Signature models - rather than the gray finish of standard ZEN Series devices. This is complemented by dark gray front and rear panels (silver color on standard versions) and blue controls.

On the front are buttons for powering on and switching between USB, S/PDIF and Bluetooth inputs, along with LEDs that change color to indicate the input audio format and sample rate. Another button turns the LEDs on or off, as well as activates Bluetooth pairing mode.

Around the rear resides an asynchronous USB Type-B port, alongside two S/PDIF inputs - optical and coaxial, the latter doubling as a digital output. The RCA analog outputs join a 4.4mm balanced output, allowing a fully balanced connection to an amplifier properly equipped with this type of inputs and circuitry. iFi makes a balanced 4.4 to XLR cable, ideal for connecting the ZEN One Signature to an amplifier with XLR inputs.

Tuned to captivate, with hi-res music, film and video game soundtracks, breaking through all forms of media.