Ifi Zen Air Blue Bluetooth Receiver

Product Code: eq98803
Availability: In Stock

$297.00 $442.53

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Description
Reviews (8)

Give your wired devices the ability to receive streaming music while preserving maximum quality with the iFi ZEN Air Blue Bluetooth Receiverfrom iFi audio. Essentially, the ZEN Air Blue is a DAC, receiving your digital Bluetooth stream from a smartphone or tablet, converting and improving the signal, and outputting the resulting analog signal. The signal is output via a stereo RCA connection to a component, such as an amplifier or active speaker. The ZEN Air Blue supports a wide range of Bluetooth codecs and uses a variety of separate elements, rather than an integrated system-on-a-chip, to optimize your audio's quality.

Receives Digital Audio via Bluetooth 5.1 Outputs Analog Audio via Stereo RCA ESS SABRE HyperStream DAC Separate Elements for Optimal Quality Supports AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC & More

Parameters
Power Supply Requirement	5 VDC, 0.5 A (Center Positive)
Chipset	Qualcomm QCC 5100 Series
Input	Bluetooth 5.0 with SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX LL, LDAC, and LHDC/HWA Codec
Output	1 x Stereo RCA
Frequency Response	20 Hz to 20 kHz +0/-0.5 dB (44.1 kHz) 1 Hz to 44 kHz +0/-3.0 dB (≥88.2 kHz)
Output Voltage	@ 0 dBFS: 2.05 V (±0.05 V)
Dynamic Range	109 dB (A)
Signal to Noise Ratio	109 dB (A) @ 0 dBFS
THD + N	<0.0015% 10k Load @ 0 dBFS
Output Impedance	<50 Ohms
Power Consumption	<2.5 W
Dimensions	6.2 x 3.9 x 1.4" / 158 x 100 x 35 mm
Weight	0.65 lb / 295 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight	1.18 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)	10.8 x 6.7 x 2.3"

A wide variety of standard to hi-res codecs are supported for incoming Bluetooth signals, such as SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX LL, aptX Adaptive, LDAC, and LHDC.

The ZEN Air Blue uses a selection of independent elements to convert and clean up Bluetooth signals, such as a Qualcomm chip, SABRE discrete DAC, and more.

ESS SABRE HyperStream DAC: A Qualcomm chip routes raw digital Bluetooth audio to the discrete ESS SABRE HyperStream DAC, where jitter is eliminated as it's converted to an analog signal by a GMT femto-precise clock system, discrete oscillator, and 112 dB dynamic range. The integrated Time Domain Jitter Eliminator within the DAC helps to deliver exceedingly low distortion together with a high dynamic range.

Texas Instruments Low-Noise ICs: These ICs offer great unity-gain bandwidth, very low noise and distortion, and high output drive capability. They also produce common-mode and power supply rejection ratios of over 100 dB, with wide maximum-output-swing bandwidths and high slew rates.

TDK C0G (Class 1 Ceramic) Capacitors: These capacitors offer high stability and low losses for resonant circuit applications. They work to get closer to a pure, frequency-constant capacitance by reducing capacitor-induced distortion to low levels.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. is the Zen Stream power adaptor 9v or 12v?

A: According to page 01 in the manual for the iFi Zen Stream, the power adapter is DC 9V. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/lit_files/723691.pdf

Q: 2. Is the balanced output on the back intended to be plugged into powered speakers (like JBL 305's)?

A: Yes, the balanced output on the back of the iFi audio ZEN CAN Signature Premium Desk-Fi Headphone Amplifier would be used to connect a powered speaker like the JBL 305.

Q: 3. I bought the Nissin Air commander kit (A. Comm. with the matched i700A flash. I have an older Nissin Di622 Mark II flash. Will this Air Receiver work with it? (The Di622) I'm shooting a Nikon system. Thanks!

A: I shoot Canon and it works perfectly for there flashes on a Sony system. I am positive they would work for Nikon flashes. The older flash I can not say because they are system dependent.

Q: 4. Can this be used with an einstein strobe, and if so can i use hss? I have the nissin air commander and di700 flash and would like to use both together with shutter speeds 1/200.

A: No, Amy, it can't. The way Sony's HSS protocols work, the signal is transmitted via a TTL command that's only accessable from a MI compatible shoe. You will have to buy a transmitter made by your strobe manufacturer with a MI shoe.

Q: 5. Is the output from the balanced output on the back muted when you plug in balanced headphones on the front?

A: The iFi audio ZEN CAN Signature Premium Desk-Fi Headphone Amplifier (BH # IF0311016) offers two active balanced outputs. Both remain active regardless of which one is connected.

Q: 6. Is this receiver compatible with the Yongnuo 600rt flash (canon compatible) allowing me to use the x100f Fuji camera and trigger the Yongnuo with TTL capability? Thanks!

A: If this receiver is Canon compatible it will work with any Canon shoe flash.

Q: 7. Could I use the Nissin Air 1 Commander for Fuji Cameras on my X100F in conjunction with the Nissin Air R Receiver for Canon Flashes attached to my Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT ?

A: Unfortunately, this receiver can only be triggered by a Nissin Air 1 Commander for Canon.

Q: 8. Hello. I have a basic manual flash which supports S1 and S2 modes. Can I use this receiver to sync with my Nissin i60A in HSS mode? I have the air 1 commander. Thank you.

A: Using the Manual flash on the Nissin Air receiver will not give you HSS in the S1 or S2 setting.

Q: 9. Can we use the iFi audio ZEN CAN Signature Premium Desk-Fi Headphone Amplifier as a Preamp connected to a separate power Amp?

A: The iFi audio ZEN CAN Signature Premium Desk-Fi Headphone Amplifier is not intended to be used with anything other than a pair of headphones. The impedance of the current it puts out can reach the 600 ohms maximum of standard line output, but there would really be no purpose in connecting it to a speaker power amplifier and results are likely to vary based on the specifics of the use case. You also risk "loading down" a line level input if the output impedance is not set correctly, which will degrade signal quality.

Q: 10. I have several Metz 64 ttl flashes for Sony. Would I be able to use the Nissin air R and a Nissin air transmitter to trigger my Metz 64 ttl flashes?

A: It should work according to Nissin as long as all of the flashes have the same multi-interface hotshoe.but only testing will tell.

Timothy	15/09/2024
[<50 Ohms] The headline says it all. One caveat: if your computer has a noisy power supply the noise will likely turn up in the output. 5

Scott	02/09/2024
[1 x Stereo RCA] As soon as you open the box this product is impressive for its build quality, simplicity, and ease of set up. Just download the app and complete a few easy steps and your streaming. 5

Daniel	25/08/2024
[109 dB (A)] I was surprised how well this sounds for the price. It is a great way to listen to Apple Music in High Res, as it is compatible with iOS. I use the Lighting to USB 3 Type-A Camera adapter. Highly recommended. 5

Jose	18/06/2024
[1.18 lb] If you're looking for a not breaking your bank -Hi-Res streaming device that can do all in one, THIS IS THE ONE. 5

Russell	26/04/2024
[109 dB (A)] I needed to add a separate streaming Roon end point for headphone use via a DAC. I looked at what was available to stream with a noise free and good time output to a DAC. iFi ticked all the boxes at a very low price point when compared to other options. The Zen has SPDIF and USB for the digital DAC outputs. I used the USB. Both Outputs have tech to insure that noise/timing issues has been limited to a minimum which is very important ( Rubbish in means rubbish out). Ethernet used since this ensures no dropouts or throughput issues. You will have to set the system mode selector (Roon for me) so again one should know what you are using or plan to. It was straight forward to set up by going to ifi websight (internet search if in doubt). Performance wise this sends a very good digital stream to my DAC. No issues with timing or noise. The imaging and musical enjoyment match my Roon driven /SSD NAS / Meridian MS600 endpoint. So full thumbs up for very little money. 5

jeffrey	23/04/2024
[109 dB (A)] Love the features and the simplicity of this gem. 5

Alex	30/11/-0001
[0.65 lb / 295 g] I wanted a device to transmit audio to my analog amp from phone in bed room. I was debating between this air or the regular version. At the end I picked this air version because the two are exactly the same other than the digital output and metal finishing. The sound is very neutral, a bit on the warm side to my ear and love the flexibility to connect different codec. I'm very happy with purchase. The only thing I wish be better is the power cable is only two feet long. I have to place it behind my speaker to reach the outlet. 5

Hunter	30/11/-0001
[0.65 lb / 295 g] The iFi Zen Dac V2 met and honestly exceeded my expectations on a few fronts. Easily powers my Sennheiser 560s at 12 o'clock. If you have headphones with lighter bass, TrueBass is AMAZING. It did turn some of my IEMs into bass heavy sledgehammers. This is a very versatile product that puts any person in a good position in the entry audiophile game. 5