Test Setup:
– Audio Precision APx555 B-Series Analyzer
– Van Damme Star-Quad shielded SPC XLR cables with Amphenol Connectors
– Neurochrome Dummy Load
– Full reports containing additional data and test configurations are attached
– Exact analyzer/filter configurations for each measurement are detailed in the full reports
– All measurements shown below are taken with a 32 ohm load unless otherwise specified
Full Reports:
Reports available here:
Reports contain the following measurements:
– 200khz Bandwidth
– THD+N @ Unity gain, 700mv, 50mv
– Maximum Power test (THD+N/Watts)
– Phase Response
– Square Wave
– 1khz FFT
– 50hz FFT
– THD+N / Frequency (20-20khz and 20-30khz)
– Dynamic Range (AES17)
– SNR
– IMD (SMPTE)
– IMD SMPTE vs Output Level
– Linearity
– Linearity (No Bandpass)
– SINAD/Output Level
– Crosstalk / Frequency
– 32 Tone FFT
– And more!
Measurements:
Dynamic Range (AES17): 113.5dB
SNR: 114.8dB
Measured Output Impedance: 0.97Ω Balanced
1khz 4v Unity gain 32 Ohm:
1khz 4v Unity gain 300ohm:
1khz 700mv (Headphone Level) 32 Ohm:
1khz 700mv (Headphone Level) 300ohm:
1khz 50mv (IEM Level) 12 Ohm:
XBass Frequency Response:
3d+:
3d+ is a fully analog crossfeed implementation, which adds a delayed and lower level of the L-channel audio into the right and vice versa, to simulate a speaker-like effect.
The graph below shows the crosstalk when 3d+ is enabled, and a scope view showing how one channel is slightly delayed (intentionally).
This isn’t personally my thing but it’s a nice feature to have and definitely works with some ‘hard-panned’ recordings.
Green: 3d+
THD+N / Frequency:
Linearity:
SINAD/THD+N vs output level:
IMD (SMPTE) vs Output Level:
Crosstalk (no XBass):
1khz Square Wave:
Phase Response:
200khz Bandwidth:
Multitone:
Power:
1% THD reached at ~1.3w
1% THD reached at ~180mw
Hello !
I congratulate you for the initiative you had creating this site where, in addition to “subjective” opinions and reviews, we also have access to objective measurements, in the style of Audio Science Review.
I am one of your followers on your youtube channel and now I will be one of the followers of your site.
I would have a suggestion, if you don’t mind: for those like me, less technical individuals, maybe some comments accompanying the measurements would be good, so that we can better understand what it’s about.
I wish you success in the future in everything you undertake !
(Please excuse my English, it’s not my native language)
Thanks!
I have a video coming which will be a bit of a ‘measurements for dummies’ type thing. And I’ll do a written version as well. Should hopefully be done soon.
For example, in the “1 khz 4v Unity gain 32 Ohm” graph, there is a discrepancy between the L and R channel: THD + N ratio = 0.001745% vs. 0.002740% and SINAD = 95.166 dB vs. 91,245 dB. Is this difference significant ? If the answer is “yes”, can we know where it might come from? And, most important, can this be detected subjectively, by listen to music through HP conducted by iFi Zen Can ?
Also, in the graph with “1khz 700mv (Headphone Level) 32 Ohm” (but also in the ones at other impedances), there are discrepancies between the RMS level of the L and R channel: 675.9 mVrms vs. 709.2 mVrms. Are these differences significant and subjectively detectable in practice ?
Another question: is the performance of the “Multitone” test good or mediocre with that “grass” in the graph going up to – 100 dB SPL?
Thanks a lot !
This isn’t entirely uncommon. In this case, the zen can has a little bit of channel imbalance anyway so that will be a factor. But also no amp is going to have both channels be absolutely 100% identical.
It is a difference that leans on the larger side but not enough to worry about.
In the multitone test, it’s ok, but the fact that it has rising distortion/noise into the upper frequencies (also visible on the THD+N/Frequency graph) is a bit concerning
I may have missed it but is this the balanced or single-ended output being tested?
Good question.. not clear to me either
Sorry should have mentioned that clearly, its balanced in balanced out. Will run and add SE reports later
Cheers!
Congrats on your channel and now website. I look forward to your content. It’s delivered in a way that holds my attention, which for being quite analytical, says a lot. Good luck going forward.
Considering that ifi Zen Can has an analog volume control, it would be helpful a L – R channel balance vs. Volume plot/chart.
Do you think the Zen Can is sufficient enough for Arya v2’s? – maxing out at 0.8w – Thanks!
I’ve heard people claim the Zen DACs have a warm sound due to their use of Burr Brown chips. Is there any objective measurement or A/B test that can back this up? I have not seen these DACs tested specifically but the vast majority of the time it seems people can’t tell the difference between devices in the chain.
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/testing-audiophile-claims-and-myths.486598/