iFiZen DAC V2 | Desktop Digital Analog Converter with USB 3.0 B Input only/Outputs: 6.3mm Unbalanced / 4.4mm Balanced/RCA - MQA DECODER - Audio System Upgrade (Unit only)

I've owned this DAC for over 6 months now and listened to it daily, so I'll get right into sound impressions.What I initially noticed was how tonally balanced this DAC sounds. Bass is slightly dark, like a wave of warmth washing over you, but retains a good amount of texture and rumble. Mids aren't recessed or forward, just right where they belong. They come off as slightly dry at times, but this can either be a good thing or a bad thing depending on the music. Highs are well controlled and nicely balanced - very detailed with nothing missing but there's a slight grain present.The V2 sounds open despite having a slightly hazy background. Textures and transients have snap and lots of detail. The soundstage is moderately wide with good depth - not the best but not the worst. There's even some slight saturation effect at signal peak levels, like how the distortion in a tube amp alters the sound. Overall these effects combine into a fun sounding DAC, a tastefully done wall of sound that keeps you engaged. The DAC begs to be turned up, but beware of listening fatigue.I have no issues with the build quality, everything feels great and works as it should. I don't use the bass or matching features, but they sound good for what they are.The power supply is the weakness on this DAC. Don't bother with the overpriced iFi iPower brick, pick up a $35 Meanwell power supply instead. What really helps this DAC is an LC power filtering stage in between the power supply brick and the DAC itself. You can build this yourself if you're so inclined and you'll be rewarded with snappier bass and a clearer, less grey background.

Any of these are going to greatly improve the sound over plugging your headphones directly into the mini-jack on a computer.Listening was done with a few different headphones but mostly with beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X Closed-Back Studio Headphones. Music source was a laptop connected to the DAC/Headphone Amp via USB. If an external power supply was included, I used that. If not, power came via USB.I've kept notes on my impressions brief and included comparisons amongst the DAC/Amp's in this list. They are listed below in my order of preference with my favorites at the top. If you want flowery vocabulary I'm sure in depth reviews are available out there on the web.Headphones make the greatest difference in sound - spend more on them, if necessary. The DAC/Amp is secondary but does add its own flavor to the music.---iFi Zen DAC V2 | Desktop Digital Analog Converter(Listening only with "TRUEBASS" off.)Very good.Slightly better than the FiiO K7. Better vocal clarity and slightly fuller bass.I ended up comparing this with the FX-Audio DAC-X6 head to head, which continued to surprise me as I put it up against significantly more expensive competitors. Across several hours and many pieces of music, I prefer the iFi... but the difference is infinitesimal. Possibly the iFi has a little more punch to the bass? Maybe a bit more space ans separation? If you're working to a budget, get the FX-Audio and put the extra cash towards better headphones.FX-Audio DAC-X6 Mini HiFi 2.0 Digital Audio Decoder DACThis thing is good. Surprisingly good. I ended up putting it head-to-head with amps costing three times its price.Slightly warmer sound, with slightly less detail in the vocals than the iFi Zen Air, but more space in the music, and more enjoyable to listen to. Slightly better clarity than the Topping.FiiO K7 Full Balanced HiFi DAC Headphone AmplifierThis is indeed better than the K5 version. Vocals are more lifelike. And a particular emphasis on the mid-treble heard in the K5 is absent. There is more separation between the instruments.Very close call with the iFi V2, with my preference going to the iFi for better vocal clarity and slightly fuller bass.iFi Zen Air DACNot quite as good as the V2, but close. Closer than the FiiO K5 is to the K7. There is, again, a comparative emphasis in mid-treble and the vocals get a bit lost. The sound is slightly thin compared to rivals at this price point.FiiO K5 Pro Headphone Amps Portable Desktop DAC and AmplifierNot quite as good as the K7, but at half the price one cannot really complain. Vocals are not quite as lifelike and there is more mid-treble - but not in a good way.Topping DX1 Mini Stereo DAC Headphone Amplifier ComboVery good little unit. Bass is slightly overemphasized.Fosi Audio K5 Pro Gaming DAC Headphone AmplifierI thought this unit was DOA. Turns out that you must long press the volume knob to turn it on. (Short press to select input.)Not terrible, but not as musical as the others in this test. Also, the only one with bass and treble knobs. And only a mini-jack - no 1/4" jack.Pro-Ject Head Box S2 DigitalThis DAC/Amp had an issue that makes it unlistenable. The sound is very nice... but... there's some faint static. Only in the music, not in silence. A faint crackling.... Can't have that.

This is one secret I with I'd known about before. I've always used Fiio and Diablo's etc. Then I got these recommended. I thought "why do I need mid tier DAC"? Because this is amazingly good, that's why! I mean beyond $1000+ DAC's easily! I put on Pink Floyd DSOTM with Sennheiser HD600's and nearly fell over! Sound is truly incredible with clarity and depths I was not expecting! Then I hit the "Truebass" button expecting the usual muffed scrubbed highs and mids, but no. Truebass is actually amazingly good and adds without taking anything away! Punchy pure clean sounds that are so good I cannot believe it. Build quality is really sturdy with a really interesting shape. Brushed metal and a volume knob so smooth you'd expect in a Bentley. Has balanced and non balanced front and back, digital in and USB can be supported with a DC (not included) power brick. There is a led behind the volume knob that detects with the input is flac, mp3, MQA, MQA studio etc and will change colour so you can see instantly with your listening to, really nice touch. In fact, I would say try this Zen DAC V2 before you break your bank account. I'm the most fussy audiophile on the planet. For me to be this enthusiastic about any sound tech after 50 years of audio engineering means it's good, really really good! Remember, this doesn't come with a power brick. The Zen power bricks are very expensive! It will run, very well without one. Just the USB (check the type. It's not anything you probably have) will run just fine. Zen does supply the USB but it's very very short. Don't fall for the gold USB from Mars nonsense. Digital is 1's and 0's and just a regular cable is plenty. But add the power brick and it's got more oomph. All power is handled automatically, there is no on switch, if you add a power brick to the USB it's automatically dealt with. Just sit back and enjoy... It's amazing.