iFi Audio ZEN Air DAC 2

Item code: iFi Audio ZEN Air DAC 2

The iFi Audio ZEN Air DAC 2 is a USB DAC, headphone amplifier, and preamplifier featuring a Cirrus Logic DAC, balanced 4.4mm output, PCM 384kHz and DSD256 support, and analogue XBass and PowerMatch controls, in a compact midnight blue desktop form.
£129.00
£107.50
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Qty:

SPEAKER CABLES:

A quantity of 2 means you will receive a pair of speaker cables e.g. for your front left and front right speakers. By entering a quantity of 1, you will get a cable for a single speaker e.g. centre speaker and this option also enables you to vary the length (and termination) of your cable for each speaker.

OTHER CABLES:

A quantity of 1 means you will receive a single cable in the case of aerial, satellite, subwoofer, digital coaxial & optical cables and a pair of cables in the case of 2 rca to 2 rca analogue audio cables.

NON-CABLE PRODUCTS:

A quantity of 1 means you will receive 1 of the specified products.

£107.50 ex. VAT
Available — built to order, dispatches in 3 - 5 Days
Delivery: Royal Mail Tracked 24 FREE  ·  DPD Next Day from £8.95  ·  DPD Saturday from £12.95
Order before 4pm (Mon–Fri) for same-day dispatch
Our promise: 30-day returns · Free burn-in · Built in our UK workshop · 12 Months warranty · Expert support on every order

iFi Audio ZEN Air DAC 2

 

The iFi Audio ZEN Air DAC 2 is a USB DAC and headphone amplifier that replaces the sound card in a PC, tablet, or laptop with something considerably more capable. At its core is a newly selected Cirrus Logic DAC, chosen for the clarity and dynamic expression it brings to the conversion process, and the unit supports hi-res formats up to PCM 384kHz and DSD256 in bit-perfect fashion. The result is a presentation that reflects what is actually in the recording rather than what a basic computer audio chip can manage to extract from it.

A significant addition over the previous model is the balanced 4.4mm headphone output, a feature more commonly found on higher-priced equipment that delivers a cleaner, lower-noise signal path to the headphones. Amplification power has also been increased substantially, providing considerably more headroom for driving demanding or high-impedance headphones without strain. Two analogue controls on the front panel allow further tailoring: XBass adds natural low-end weight that open-back headphones can sometimes lack, while PowerMatch adjusts the gain to suit the sensitivity of whatever headphone is connected, from compact in-ear monitors to full-size over-ear designs. Line outputs allow the ZEN Air DAC 2 to function as a preamplifier when connected to powered speakers or a power amplifier, and the unit is finished in a midnight blue chassis with a metal fascia and a dedicated power button.

 

What iFi Audio say about the ZEN Air Dac 2

The ZEN Air DAC 2 elevates home audio, transforming PCs and tablets into high-resolution hubs. This second-generation model debuts a midnight blue finish with a premium metal fascia and a dedicated power button for added convenience. Driven by a newly selected Cirrus Logic DAC, it provides enhanced clarity and dynamics, ensuring a more natural connection to your music.

A significant upgrade is the inclusion of a balanced 4.4mm headphone output, ensuring a cleaner, noise-free performance. Coupled with a 300% increase in amplification power over the original model, the ZEN Air DAC 2 drives demanding headphones with ease. This added headroom allows your equipment to reveal the full depth and emotion within high-quality recordings.

Users can customise their sound via iFi’s analogue XBass and PowerMatch modes, which adjust low-end weight and gain for a perfect headphone match. Whether streaming from Tidal or Spotify, this compact unit offers a bit-perfect connection. The result is a sophisticated listening experience that prioritises musical engagement over technical complexity.

 

Enhanced Sonic Precision

The unit's core is a newly selected Cirrus Logic DAC. This bit-perfect architecture prioritises clarity and dynamics over technical fluff. It creates a vivid bridge between your digital files and an authentic, engaging performance.

 

Balanced Audio Architecture

A major highlight is the 4.4mm balanced output. Usually reserved for pricier gear, this feature cuts through interference and noise. The result is a cleaner, more detailed soundstage that lets every instrument breathe.

 

Substantial Power Upgrade

Amplification has been boosted by a staggering 300%. This extra headroom means even stubborn, power-hungry headphones are driven with ease. It provides the grip needed to reveal subtle nuances and deep emotional resonance.

 

Bespoke Analogue Adjustments

You can fine-tune your audio experience using the tactile XBass and PowerMatch controls located on the front fascia. XBass restores the low-end weight often missing in open-back headphones without clouding the midrange. Meanwhile, PowerMatch intelligently adjusts the gain to ensure a perfect pairing, whether you are using sensitive in-ear monitors or demanding over-ear cans.

 

Sophisticated Design Language

The ZEN Air DAC 2 moves away from basic materials, opting for a sleek midnight blue finish and a robust metal fascia. A dedicated power button has been added based on direct customer feedback, allowing you to shut down the system without constantly fiddling with cables. It is a compact, stylish device that adds a touch of professional flair to any desktop or home listening station.

 

Seamless High-Res Integration

This unit serves as a versatile gateway to high-resolution audio formats like PCM 384kHz and DSD256. It effortlessly unlocks the potential of premium streaming services such as Tidal, Apple Music, and Qobuz. By bypassing the often-dismal sound cards found in standard computers, it ensures your audio remains pure, vibrant, and exactly as the artist intended.

 

Specifications

Technical Specifications
  • DAC: Cirrus Logic
  • Hi-Res Support: PCM 384kHz / DSD256
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz-90kHz (-3dB)
  • SNR: 118dBA (both outputs)
  • Dynamic Range: 118dBA (both outputs)
  • THD+N: <0.0011% (6.3mm, 1.27V @ 16Ω) / <0.0015% (4.4mm, 2.4V @ 32Ω)
  • Line Output Voltage: 2V / 3.4V max (variable gain)
  • Headphone Output Power (RMS):
    • 4.4mm (balanced): >5.57V / 484mW @ 64Ω
    • 6.3mm (single-ended): >3.02V / 286mW @ 32Ω
  • Headphone Output Impedance: <0.7Ω (3.5mm) / <1.4Ω (4.4mm)
Power
  • Power Supply: USB-C 5V / >1A
  • Power Consumption: ~0.55W (no signal) / ~3.55W (max signal)
Weight and Dimensions
  • Dimensions: 158 x 100 x 35mm
  • Weight: 315g
In the Box
  • iFi Audio ZEN Air DAC 2
  • USB-A to USB-C cable (1.2m)
  • Quick Start Card
  • Instruction Card

 

About iFi Audio 

iFi is a brand new line of electronics with trickle-down technology licensed from AMR and aimed primarily at the future, Computer Audio generation. All iFi products boast Class A analogue circuitry with no DSP and the signal stays ‘Bit Perfect’ throughout.

How a product looks and performs matters, but so does its impact on the environment. That’s why nearly every iFi product and its packaging are made from highly recyclable materials like aluminum, paper, recycled plastic and why we refuse to use harmful toxins in our components. iFi Audio do this to ensure that every product they release meets their environmental standards.

 

About iFi Audio

British-heritage maker of DACs, headphone amplifiers and streamers, from pocket dongles to home systems.

iFi audio is the sister brand of Abbingdon Music Research, which is headquartered in Southport, UK. The catalogue covers home audio, with DACs, amplifiers, DAC and amplifier combinations and streamers, and portable audio, including Bluetooth and USB-C dongle DACs. It also makes digital and audio cables, adapters and an Elite Audio range.

Read more about iFi Show less

Home audio lines with clear names

The ZEN series includes the ZEN Air DAC, ZEN DAC, ZEN CAN, ZEN Phono and ZEN Stream. The iDSD series includes the Valkyrie, Phantom and Diablo, and the NEO range includes the NEO iDSD and NEO Stream. The iCAN Phantom and the Hip-dac sit alongside them.

Portable products for your phone or laptop

The GO series covers the GO pod, GO link, GO bar and GO blu, which are small units for phones and laptops. Larger portable models include the xDSD Gryphon. Bluetooth and USB-C versions mean you can choose the connection that matches the device you already own.

Cables and adapters complete the catalogue

iFi lists digital cables, audio cables and adapters in its accessories range, including the GO cable. These are the parts that link an iFi unit to the rest of your system, so you can pick up the right lead from the same brand when you buy the DAC or amplifier.

Why we stock iFi

iFi solve specific problems rather than selling you a whole system. Noise on a USB feed, a laptop that cannot drive your headphones properly, hum from a ground loop. Each unit does one job well at a price that does not require a long think, which is why they turn up in so many systems.

Shop all iFi Audio →

Specifications

Technical Specifications
  • DAC: Cirrus Logic
  • Hi-Res Support: PCM 384kHz / DSD256
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz-90kHz (-3dB)
  • SNR: 118dBA (both outputs)
  • Dynamic Range: 118dBA (both outputs)
  • THD+N: <0.0011% (6.3mm, 1.27V @ 16Ω) / <0.0015% (4.4mm, 2.4V @ 32Ω)
  • Line Output Voltage: 2V / 3.4V max (variable gain)
  • Headphone Output Power (RMS):
    • 4.4mm (balanced): >5.57V / 484mW @ 64Ω
    • 6.3mm (single-ended): >3.02V / 286mW @ 32Ω
  • Headphone Output Impedance: <0.7Ω (3.5mm) / <1.4Ω (4.4mm)
Power
  • Power Supply: USB-C 5V / >1A
  • Power Consumption: ~0.55W (no signal) / ~3.55W (max signal)
Weight and Dimensions
  • Dimensions: 158 x 100 x 35mm
  • Weight: 315g
In the Box
  • iFi Audio ZEN Air DAC 2
  • USB-A to USB-C cable (1.2m)
  • Quick Start Card
  • Instruction Card

We use Royal Mail 1st Class services for our Standard Delivery.

Orders received before 4.30 pm Monday to Friday are usually dispatched the same day by FIRST CLASS post (unless premium postal or timed courier services are selected), subject to stock availability. This does not apply to custom-length cables and speaker cables as these require a longer timescale to terminate. This also excludes all cables selected for the burn-in service. Please note, we do not process orders on national holidays in the UK. Over 98% of our orders are delivered the next working day including Saturdays.

 

Standard delivery is usually within 2 working days, although 98% of all orders are delivered the next working day including Saturdays. In extreme cases, such as delivery to the Highlands and Islands, this may take 3 days.

 

All items are fully insured and come with an invoice from Future Shop. We use the Royal Mail for delivery of small packages and DPD Local or DHL for items that weigh over 2KG. Items over 2KG are fully insured and will usually be delivered within 48 hours of placing your order subject to stock availability. For international orders, we use FedEx or DHL services where customers have selected this option.

 

 

Please note, special orders for non-standard cable lengths may be subject to longer deliver time-scales. This may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

 

We offer 'Free delivery on orders over £99' subject to the following terms & conditions:

  • Applies only to orders with £99 or more of items (including VAT at the UK rate), at Future Shop
  • Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD or DHL next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK (excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by DPD or DHL).
  • Applies only to deliveries to addresses within mainland UK and Northern Ireland addresses. Applies only to orders that are to be delivered to a single Mainland UK delivery address.
  • You will not be eligible for free delivery on your order if any items are cancelled or returned for a refund, bringing the total order amount below £99. Where items are returned, the refund due will be the cost of the item less any postage costs.
  • We reserve the right to change or discontinue 'Free delivery on orders over £99 promotion at any time.
  • FREE DELIVERY FOR ORDERS OVER £99 OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO TRADE CUSTOMERS.

 

UK Postal & Delivery Charges - FIRST CLASS

Free UK delivery on all orders over £99*

Weight Price (FIRST CLASS UK POSTAGE)
0g - 1000g £3.95
1000g - 1400g £4.95
1400g - 1800g £5.95
1800g - 2000g £6.95
2000g - 3000g £8.95


* Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD or DHL next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK.

Free Delivery for orders over £99 excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by DPD or DHL.

 

Special Delivery UK - Guaranteed Next Working Day

We have 99.9% of the UK covered With Royal Mail Next Day Special Delivery. We guarantee delivery to most UK addresses by 1pm the next working day. This includes Northern Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey. Some places take longer to deliver to but we still guarantee delivery within three working days by 5.30 PM.

 

Please note, Royal Mail Special Delivery for next working day may not be possible where non-standard cable lengths are ordered. If this is the case, the item will be shipped via The Royal Mail Special Delivery service as soon as the cable is custom made.

 

For orders weighing over 2KG, we reserve the right to ship items using Next Day Pre-Noon Courier Services where Royal Mail Special Delivery option has been selected.

 

Channel Islands & Northern Ireland

We accept orders from all Channel Islands including Alderney, Jersey, Guernsey and Sark. Unless you select a premium service, Items weighing under 2KG are delivered using our standard UK delivery option above. For items weighing over 2KG, a surcharge may be applied for all deliveries to the Channel Islands as well as Northern Ireland.

 

European Countries

Deliveries to EU member states are not subject to 20% VAT after December 31st 2020 and therefore the 20% VAT on items is automatically deducted when you log-in, register or proceed to place an order.

 

The customer will be liable for the VAT at the local VAT rate, duty on the import and the brokerage service fee if applicable. This may need to be paid in advance to your local Customs &amp; Excise office or the delivery company before your order can be delivered.

 

We offer the following shipping services:

  • Royal Mail First Class International Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 3 to 5 working days
  • Royal Mail Standard International Mail Services - Items are usually delivered within 7-10 working days
  • DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
  • Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
  • Federal Express International Economy - Item are usually delivered within 48 to 72 hours

We reserve the right to change your shipping method without notification if you select a method that we cannot use for your shipment (for instance, we cannot ship via postal services for items over 2 Kg to International destinations). If we need to change your shipping method, we will choose the least expensive shipping method for your order.

 

Worldwide - Excluding UK & Europe

Deliveries outside of the UK are not subject to 20% VAT and so the 20% tax on items is automatically deducted when you log-in, register or proceed to place an order.

 

If applicable, the customer will be liable for the taxes at the local tax rate, duty on the import and the brokerage service fee. This may need to be paid in advance to your local Customs &amp; Excise office or the delivery company before your order can be delivered.

 

We offer the following shipping services:

  • Royal Mail First Class International Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 7 to 10 working days
  • Royal Mail Standard International Mail Services - Items are usually delivered within 15 working days
  • DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
  • Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm in order to ship items the same day, subject to stock availability
  • Where the actual weight of the package significantly exceeds the shipping cost charged on orders, we may write to you for an additional shipping charge. For larger orders, items may be shipped in multiple packets at our discretion

We reserve the right to change your shipping method without notification if you select a method that we cannot use for your shipment (for instance, we cannot ship via postal services for items over 2 Kg to International destinations). If we need to change your shipping method, we will choose the least expensive shipping method for your order.

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iFi Audio ZEN Air DAC 2

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Frequently Asked Questions

Start with power (cables & distribution), then upgrade signal cabling, support (Hi-Fi Racks) and isolation accessories. These incremental changes can unlock more from your existing gear. Once you have the basic essentials, then you can look at further upgrades, such as fuses, cartridges, better isolation and more!
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It is usually best to address obvious issues first, such as unstable equipment placement or poor isolation, before adding more specialised accessories. Call (0208 905 1555) or Email (sales@futureshop.co.uk) one of our consultants to identify an ideal upgrade path for your system.
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A high-quality hi-fi system is built around a few core elements working together. At its heart is a source, such as a streamer, turntable, CD player, or digital audio player, which provides the music. This signal is then shaped and boosted by amplification, which may include an integrated amplifier, headphone amplifier, or phono stage depending on the system. The sound is delivered through speakers or headphones, which have a major influence on the overall character of what you hear. Supporting components also play an important role. DACs improve digital playback quality, cartridges and phono stages are vital for vinyl, and hi-fi racks, speaker stands, and isolation products help equipment perform consistently. A balanced system does not rely on one standout component, but on how well everything works together.
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Isolation and support products can make a clearly audible difference, especially in resolving systems. Vibrations from floors, speakers, and even airborne sound can interfere with sensitive components like turntables, DACs, and amplifiers. Proper speaker stands help speakers perform as intended by improving stability, positioning, and bass control. Hi-fi racks and isolation platforms reduce unwanted resonance, helping systems sound cleaner, more focused, and more consistent. While these products may not change the sound as dramatically as speakers or cartridges, they often unlock performance that is already there but being masked by vibration or poor placement.
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That depends on the starting point of the system. If the fundamentals are weak, such as entry-level speakers, poor setup, or missing core components, starting with the basics usually brings the biggest gains. A well-matched foundation allows later upgrades to shine. If the system is already balanced, upgrading individual components can be very effective. Improvements such as a better cartridge, DAC, phono stage, or isolation can refine detail, clarity, and realism. The most rewarding upgrades tend to be those that address the system’s weakest link rather than focusing on one category alone.
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In many systems, the biggest improvement comes from upgrading speakers or headphones, as these shape the sound more than any other component. For vinyl systems, the cartridge and phono stage are often the most influential upgrades. In digital systems, a higher-quality DAC or streamer can significantly improve clarity and timing. Beyond electronics, addressing setup, isolation, and support is often overlooked but highly effective. Improving speaker positioning, adding proper stands, or isolating sensitive equipment can deliver noticeable gains without changing core components. The best first upgrade is usually the one that removes the most obvious limitation in the current system.
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There are lots of components and tweaks that can offer a lift in performance, however, our current favourite is the UK 13A mains fuse from your wall socket to your distribution block or amplifier. This is an often overlooked component in most systems but the improvements far outweigh it's size and cost.
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Write Your Own Review

iFi Audio ZEN Air DAC 2

We are interested in your opinion of this product. let us and other customers know how you feel by filling in the comment field below. Your review will appear in this section within 3 working days.

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iFi Audio
Amplifier
DAC
Headphones
4.4mm Single
6.35mm Single
RCA Pair
USB Type C

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