As a purely analog headphone amplifier the ZEN CAN does not possess a digital input. However, it can be combined with the ZEN Blue or ZEN DAC to provide Bluetooth or to upgrade the ZEN DAC's headphone amplifier. It can also be used as a preamplifier for a power amplifier or active loudspeakers.
The ZEN CAN has three analog inputs – a balanced 4.4 mm pentaconn, a 3.5 mm jack and cinch. A headphone can be connected to the ZEN CAN via the 6.3 mm jack or the balanced 4.4 mm Pentaconn connector. The gain can be adjusted in four steps (0 dB, 6 dB, 12 dB and 18 dB) using a button on the front panel.
A button on the front of the device activates iFis "XBass" and "3D Holographic Sound" sound adjustments for headphones. The 3D Holographic Sound Matrix is intended to create a louder and deeper sound stage and to position the music more realistically in the room surrounding the headphones. The XBass analog correction system is designed to deliver tighter, deeper and richer bass through both headphones and speakers. The output stage of the ZEN CAN is derived from iFi's reference, the Pro iCAN, with a fully balanced dual mono amplifier circuit that delivers a maximum of 1,600 mW, which should be able to easily power headphones from 32 to 600 Ohms.
The ZEN CAN is available immediately*. The first 1000 units are offered with iFi's ultra low noise plug-in power supply iPower in a bundle for 185 Euros*. When these units are sold out, the ZEN CAN with standard plug-in power supply comes at a price of 165 Euros*.
*Availability, offers and prices for Germany