iFi Zen Air DACFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 40 mentions across 11 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment41%
PROS 41%
CONS 59%

Rank based on 40 mentions across 11 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a natural, lightly-bassed sound signature on a tight budget
  • You mainly use headphones like DT770/DT990/HD560S/HD6XX and want a compelling XBass boost
  • You're comfortable applying firmware or software workarounds if lag issues arise

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need seamless Windows master-volume/keyboard control
  • You want simultaneous independent RCA and headphone outputs without interference
  • You're not willing to risk the reported audio-lag/mute-on-pause bug

What users complain about

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Based on user comments

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You are here
31Budget
iFi Zen Air DAC
Drives popular headphones wellEffective XBass buttonStrong value at its price pointAudio dropout / lag bugCompany response to the bug frustrated buyersConfusing external power adapter behavior
iFi Zen Air DAC
Drives popular headphones well
Effective XBass button
Strong value at its price point
Audio dropout / lag bug
Company response to the bug frustrated buyers
Confusing external power adapter behavior

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Sound quality impresses well beyond its $99-129 price. Multiple commenters say the Zen Air DAC's lighter bass weight makes it sound more tonally natural and better saturated than the pricier Zen DAC V2, which some feel weighs down timbre with heavier low end. One reviewer called it probably the best converter under $200. The XBass button is repeatedly singled out as tighter and more precise than iFi's TrueBass, and multiple headphone owners (DT770, DT990, HD560S, HD6XX, HyperX 560S) reported satisfying volume and clarity.

A widely reported firmware bug causes audio dropouts and lag. Many users describe a near-identical issue: the unit mutes briefly after pauses or at the start of tracks, clipping the first second of audio, sometimes with popping sounds. Commenters tried firmware updates, ASIO buffer tweaks, disabling safe mode, or running Soundkeeper software to work around it. Several found iFi's claim that it's an isolated unit issue unconvincing given how many people reported the same bug, and some sold or returned their unit over it.

Output and volume-control quirks frustrate some owners. Several commenters note the RCA output stays live and doesn't mute when headphones are plugged in, causing distortion or unwanted power-match interference on speakers. Others report the DAC bypasses Windows' master volume control entirely, forcing manual adjustment via the front knob only. The external 5V power adapter also reportedly makes the DAC disappear from Windows playback devices for some users, leaving its purpose unclear.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?