iFi Audio iFi Zen Blue V2chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Owners upgrading from older Bluetooth receivers consistently found the Zen Blue V2 a clear improvement. Multiple commenters moved from the Audioengine B1 or FiiO BTA30 Pro and reported better build quality and sound from the Zen Blue V2. One called the FiiO 'riddled with bugs' by comparison, while another described the Audioengine as 'long in the tooth' relative to the iFi's newer codec support and design, despite being a bit larger.

The V2's updated clock and antenna are the standout hardware changes over V1. Commenters explained the V2 has an upgraded oscillator near the clock chip and a Bluetooth-tuned antenna replacing V1's generic Wi-Fi antenna, extending range. One user paired it with a Zen Can via a 4.4mm balanced interconnect and called the resulting sound 'another level of quality,' while another questioned whether the clock upgrade alone justifies switching from V1 if range isn't a problem.

A few recurring quirks and one failure temper otherwise positive impressions. Several users asked about the front lights dimming after just 5 seconds during playback, seemingly by design but unwanted. One reported distortion when leaving the room and another noted it can't pair two devices at once. A channel imbalance question at low volumes on unbalanced output went unanswered, and one unit reportedly died after two years, losing a channel.