A desktop Bluetooth 5.4 receiver, transmitter and DAC built on Qualcomm's QCC5181 that can both send and receive aptX Lossless, with LDAC and LHDC support and 4.4mm balanced, RCA and S/PDIF outputs. It suits hi-fi owners who want lossless Bluetooth from a phone, or a way to send TV or CD audio to wireless headphones.
Who the iFi audio ZEN Blue 3 is for
Streaming from a phone to a hi-fi: In receive mode it takes aptX Lossless at CD quality, plus LDAC, LHDC/HWA and aptX Adaptive at up to 24-bit/96kHz, and feeds your amp or powered speakers.
Wireless headphones at home: Transmit mode sends audio from a TV, CD player or console (via USB, optical, coaxial or RCA) to Bluetooth headphones in aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, LDAC and more.
Movies and gaming: A front button switches transmit mode to aptX Adaptive/Low Latency to cut audio delay with compatible receivers.
Wired desktop DAC: DAC mode decodes USB up to 24-bit/96kHz and optical or coaxial up to 24-bit/192kHz through an ESS ES9023 DAC.
Balanced systems: A 4.4mm balanced line output (4.1Vrms) sits alongside RCA (2.05Vrms) and S/PDIF outputs, and iFi recommends the balanced output.
Skip it if: You want to plug headphones in directly; every analog output is line level, so it needs an amp, powered speakers or Bluetooth headphones.
Inputs: USB-C (audio and power), optical, coaxial (3.5mm jack), RCA analog
Outputs: 4.4mm balanced line (4.1Vrms), RCA (2.05Vrms), optical, coaxial
Max sample rate: 24-bit/96kHz Bluetooth and USB; 24-bit/192kHz optical/coaxial in DAC mode
Power: 5V via USB-C or the included DC adapter (≥0.5A, center positive)
Size and weight: 158 × 106 × 35mm; 447g
In the box: ZEN Blue 3, antenna, RCA cable, USB-A to USB-C cable, power adapter, quick start guide
Genuine iFi audio stock. Free shipping on every order, 45-day returns.
iFi audio ZEN Blue 3 vs similar options
vs FiiO BTA30 Pro: Also receives and transmits over Bluetooth, adds USB playback to 384kHz and DSD256, and costs less; pick the ZEN Blue 3 for aptX Lossless, Bluetooth 5.4 and a 4.4mm balanced line output.
vs FiiO BR15 R2R: Uses an R2R DAC and Bluetooth 6.0 on a QCC5181 chip to add a wireless input to an analog system; pick the ZEN Blue 3 if you also want to transmit to Bluetooth headphones.
Yes. Every unit we sell is genuine and brand-new, shipped in its original packaging, and backed by our 1-year TonePier warranty and 45-day returns.
Where does my order ship from, and how long does it take?
Every order ships from our warehouse in China, with full tracking, and most orders ship within 3 business days. Shipping is free on every order; most US orders arrive within 7–15 business days and most orders to other countries within 7–20 business days — see our shipping policy for details.
What if it isn't for me?
You get 45 days to decide. Keep the packaging, keep it in like-new condition, and send it back for a refund. Ear tips unsealed for hygiene reasons are fine — we expect you to actually listen.
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