iFi ZEN Blue V2 - HiFi Bluetooth 5.0 Streamer Receiver Desktop DAC for Streaming Music to any powered speaker, A/V Receiver, Amplifier - Outputs - Optical/Coaxial/SPDIF/BRCA/4.4 Balanced (UK Version)

This unit is extremely well made, robust and simple to use. For those with Android, you can listen to the highest quality LDAC or Aptx-HD codecs sent digitally over an optical connection to your speakers. This gives stunning high definition sound that is miles beyond SBC, base AptX or AAC. I was connected within five minutes and delighted with the sound quality. Fans of hi-fi sound will be pleased so long as they are using Aptx-HD or especially LDAC at its highest rate. It supports the new lossless Apple streaming but I do not have experience of that.The unit is far smaller than I thought it would be having measured before it arrived, that's because it tapers at the sides, so the footprint is less than the top. It doesn't need much room. I confirm also that the light isn't too bright on it. The unit will go to sleep and turn off its lights when not connected for five minutes. The voice indicating connection can be turned off easily with a double tap of the pair button.I have mine within the room I am playing from so there has never been any bluetooth drop out at all, even running constantly at the very highest LDAC rates. The unit is provided with two aerials to choose from for best signal strength, I have only needed the small one so far.It's not IFI's fault that Apple devices only support the okay but out of date AAC codec, but for anyone on Android this is the way to go. It's quick to set-up but if you want the optical connected, you need to buy a separate cable.I have been able to update the software and firmware on the unit, but I didn't really need to, it worked well out of the box and I doubt most will ever both doing so. Updating means downloading the Gaia app from IFI's product page at the website.This unit is recommended without hesitation. If using an Apple based sound source, it's not really of any extra benefit for you as AAC codec you're stuck with doesn't need it. If someone uses successfully for Apple lossless or you want to try, give it a go. For those seeking Apx-HD or LDAC at the highest qualities, this really is the way to go.Tip:1. Go into Bluetooth settings on your Android soundsource, then settings for the IFI and click LDAC to use that codec.If there is a setting for either stable connection or sound quality, go for the latter.2. Then look up opening up Developer options in your soundsource (Settings > About > 7 taps on Build Number) and you can set to HD and check the codec quality being used. That will give you the highest quality way of transmitting to the IFI or any earphones. You can also force what Codec to use here too.The sound quality of LDAC at highest rates going through the unit here sounds brilliant over optical out. The sound stage is wide, the sound has depth and is detailed. In fact, it sounds far better than wireless Chromecast that should also support 24/96 hi-res itself. There is audio magic inside this unit, it outperforms its price point by a long way if sure you unlock high resolution LDAC as I described above. It also operates at the highest rates, so any restriction is from your source.So good, I've bought another one too for another room.

This is an excellent bit of kit. I found it very easy to set-up and link my various devices to stream music. I connected it to an old HiFi which wasn’t getting much use (Musical Fidelity Pre-amp (30 years old), Naim power amp (recent) and B&W speakers (recent-ish). I have to say it sounds very good considering it is operating over Bluetooth. It saves up to 8 devices and so various members of the family have linked to it also. Most of our devices are Apple and the codec it links to the Ifi with produces a good quality sound. The aluminium casing and connections are of really good quality and even the supplied interconnects are also nicely finished.Overall I can’t fault it and it has revitalised an old hifi which is great. Good job IFI - you have produced a lovely quality item that works well at a price point that is entirely reasonable.

I love my Linn hi fi system and didnt want to comprimise on quality but wanted to add bluetooth connectivity. I reviewed and listened to a number of options but the ifi zen just nailed it. The build quality is really excellent with lots of metal giving a reassuring heft to it and its so easy to use. It has excellent range too which isnt the case for lots of its comptitors and it supports almost all the best codecs. Even the supplied interconnect is really nice quality which shows a real understanding of their market. (I ended up replacing with a QED I already had but the cable supplied is really very good indeed.) Sound-wise its very 'true' and i couldnt detect any noticable colour to the sound. Lively timing and bass continuation throughout whether listening to BBC Sounds, Spotify HiRes or 24 bit streams. With a DAC this good, this thing really is a hifi separate in its own right rather than an accessory! Buy with confidence and enjoy...

Good (not outstanding) sound quality when streaming from any bluetooth device. Small, feels solid. Works well.

I was wanting a bluetooth dac to use with my vintage receiver. This ticked all the boxes for me, simple, functional and discrete. Out of the box it plugged in and paired very easily. Sound is better than I had expected. Only wee niggle for me was the need to purchase separately a US style power source to plug into the two prong switched outlet on the back of my receiver. I was under the illusion it would come with a the American style electric plug, and not the UK style that was shipped with it. Otherwise a good product, does what it says on the tin and feels robust to last as long as my 70's receiver has.