iFi Audio Updates ZEN Air Series and Introduces Three Second-generation Devices

British company iFi Audio has expanded its affordable ZEN Air line with three new second-generation components. The series now includes the ZEN Air Blue 2 Bluetooth receiver, the ZEN Air Phono 2 phono stage, and the ZEN Air DAC 2 USB DAC with headphone amplifier. All three devices are aimed at users who want to upgrade a compact desktop or home Hi-Fi system without moving into a more expensive segment.

The iFi ZEN Air Blue 2 is designed for situations where an existing audio system needs wireless connectivity. The model features Bluetooth 5.4 and supports a wide range of codecs, including SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC with transmission up to 990 kbps, as well as aptX Lossless up to 1,200 kbps when used with compatible sources.

In the ZEN Air Blue 2, the company has retained its signature three-stage Bluetooth architecture. Radio reception, digital-to-analogue conversion and analogue output are separated into individual sections inside the chassis. According to iFi Audio, this design helps reduce noise and distortion even in an entry-level device. The hardware section includes a Qualcomm QCC3095 chip, an ESS Sabre DAC and the company’s own operational amplifiers.

The second new product is the iFi ZEN Air Phono 2, an entry-level phono stage for owners of vinyl turntables. It is intended for systems where the capabilities of a built-in phono stage in a turntable or an inexpensive amplifier are no longer sufficient. The device works with both MM and MC cartridges, while gain selection is placed on the rear panel.

For more precise handling of vinyl records, the ZEN Air Phono 2 uses RIAA equalisation with an accuracy of ±0.15 dB. A subsonic filter is also provided to suppress low-frequency vibrations caused, for example, by uneven or warped records. At the same time, the filter should not noticeably reduce bass performance. The stated equivalent input noise level is -151 dBV.

iFi Audio also highlights the symmetrical channel layout and the use of OV-series operational amplifiers. This solution is intended to reduce mutual interference between channels and help preserve accurate stereo separation – an approach more commonly found in higher-class phono stages.

The iFi ZEN Air DAC 2 is an updated version of the affordable USB DAC and headphone amplifier. One of the main changes is the addition of a balanced 4.4 mm Pentaconn output, previously associated primarily with iFi’s higher-end models. When used with compatible headphones and cables, this output should reduce noise and crosstalk. Support for standard unbalanced headphones is also retained.

At the heart of the ZEN Air DAC 2 is a new Cirrus Logic DAC chip. According to the manufacturer, its tuning is focused on a natural, comfortable and non-fatiguing presentation. In addition, the redesigned balanced circuit has significantly increased amplification capability: iFi claims up to a 300% increase in headphone power compared with the previous-generation model.

The front panel of the ZEN Air DAC 2 retains the company’s familiar quick sound-adjustment features. XBass+ boosts the low-frequency range, while PowerMatch adds 6 dB of gain for quieter sources and headphones that require more confident drive. The device also receives a midnight blue finish, a metal front panel and a dedicated power button, added in response to user feedback.

The new iFi Audio components cover three basic scenarios for a compact Hi-Fi system: wireless signal reception, turntable connection and a high-quality USB audio path for a computer or headphones. The ZEN Air Blue 2, ZEN Air Phono 2 and ZEN Air DAC 2 are already available at a unified recommended retail price of $129 or €149 per component.