Click to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions
iFiaudio.com
95
iFi Audio
Jul 18, 2020
Stickied
Hi all, we just wanted to share more info on the two products. Whilst they are not mutually exclusive and can certainly work standalone- the best set up to drive your HD 6XX is to have both. Let us explain why: THE ENDGAME SET UP- ZEN DAC Signature + ZEN Can Signature 6XX + Drop HD 6XX 
(TL;DR)  Your Sennheiser HD6XX headphones give you a smooth, laid-back presentation. Its neutral response provides a pleasant listening experience with any music genre. Though connecting to a laptop or average digital converter/headphone amplifier will always mean the last 20-30% of the full potential is not fully realised. 
 
The 'endgame' solution is the iFi dedicated ZEN DAC Signature and ZEN CAN Signature 6XX. These premium versions of the ZEN series were uniquely developed for Drop customers. 
 
This magical combination means Drop HD 6XX* enjoyment is ‘turbocharged’ to eleven: 

  • ZEN DAC Signature gives far superior music enjoyment from TIDAL Masters to Spotify. Instead of average audio quality in your phone, tablet or laptop you get music quality that befits the best setups. Built with the best components such as Sanyo OSCONs, it is a premium version of our ZEN DAC 
  • ZEN CAN Signature 6XX is the only one on the market with dedicated equalisation and 15v@300 Ohms output power. Both of which are a bit special. All underpinned by boutique components such as Elna Silmics II. 
 
Before, your HD6XX sounded a bit like using a Mini to pull an Airstream. 
search

You are moving, but always wishing if you could ‘floor it?’ 
With the iFi combo, as the saying goes, ‘there is no replacement for displacement’ so the ZEN DAC Signature and the ZEN CAN Signature give you turbocharged sound quality AND oomph to properly drive your Sennheiser HD6XX. 
search

When you ‘drive’ your Sennheiser HD6XX with the premium DAC & CAN Signatures, the full potential will be realised. We are talking 15v at 300 Ohms which gives the poise and power not found anywhere else.       *Please see Compatibility chart to check other models. 
search

  Hope this helps, as always any questions please!
(Edited)
knorris908
47
Jul 21, 2020
iFiaudio.comI've been reading the discussions and, "wow"... Pretty polarized opinions. I will stay away from the commentary regarding pricing/value, and age of chipsets. All that matters to me is "sound quality", so that is what I'll stick to: So in full transparency, I was selected to TRY the ZEN CAN SIGNATURE 6XX AMP because I've bought and offered feedback on multiple iFi products in the past. I've only had the unit since Friday 7/17, (It's now evening 7/20) so I can only offer my INITIAL impressions and ideas of benefit(s). Does the amp have plenty of power? Yes. Is the amp quiet enough for iems? Yes (With my Thieaudio Legacy 3 iems both 0db and 6db are dead silent for "noise", and I feel that the 0db setting was plenty powerful enough for them, with 6db maxing-out my loudest listening threshold by 12 o'clock on the volume.) With my original 6 year old HD650, the straight performance was comparable to my THX SP200 or iFi iDSD Black Label, (Single-Ended only) and superior to my Cavalli LCX +SDAC with no iFi "enhancements" enabled. However, when I turned on the "HD6xx" and "X Space" features the HD650 felt "corrected". Yes, my iDSD has "X-boost", and "3D" enhancements as well, but they don't sound purpose-built to my HD-650 like the Zen CAN's enhancements sound to me. The soundstage spreads "dynamically" appropriate to what is being played, which I can't reproduce manually with a single EQ on any other amp. (That's including my Schiit Audio Asgard II, iFi xCAN, or iCAN Micro as well.) The bass gains a bit more authority, yet is crisp with sharp attacks, and not bloated or smeared sounding on the decay. The treble extends and opens without becoming harsh, sibilant, or "shouty", and the midrange feels a bit less recessed and "fuller" without feeling busy or compressed. How I wish the HD650 sounded from the start without going to the extremes of the HD600. (Which still would lack the bass I'm hearing.) I hear no HD650 "veil" at all. So do I have other amps that power my HD650 well? Yes. Do some cost more while other cost less? Yes. Do ANY of the others "fix" my HD650 sound signature to be more to my liking with the touch of a button? No. Does this amp increase the versatility of my HD650s for more types of listening to music? Definitely. My HD650s are more "all-rounders" with the Zen CAN Signature. Before I only used them for jazz and mostly female club singers because their "quirks" lent themselves towards that type of atmosphere and vocal range. For Analytical; Beyer T1(ver2), for Rock; ThieAudio Phantoms, for "general listening"; HiFiMan Sundara, for JPOP/EDM; Modhouse Argon. Nice thing is that the Zen CAN Signature drives all of these equally-well too. (Especially using the "HD 6xx" and "X Space" effects with my ThieAudio Phantom!) Just thought it would add value to hear someone speak about their actual experience regarding performance of this device with their personal headphones. Hope this helps someone.
search
search
search
search

(Edited)
knorris908
47
Jul 30, 2020
iFiaudio.com
search
For those that have asked, "Yes" the Zen Can Sig. enhancements work equally well with both 6xx and 650s!
search
So for ME, I can answer the question of, "Is it worth it?" when I've got similarly-priced/tiered amps.
  • Schiit Asgard II (I don't have the III yet) - The amp section performs comparably. Not as "quiet" a soundfloor, though still not bad. Slightly more balance with the iFi while the Asgard II beefs-up the bass response VERY slightly. Add in the iFi Enhancements and you get more subject separation, less "in your head" subject placement and the bass catches up to the Asgard II and then some. Difference is the bass sounds tighter on the iFi.
  • S.M.S.L SP200 - While rated for more MAX power, there isn't much difference when it comes to the HD-6xx/650 performance. Certainly not the night and day variance that I was expecting. I personally hear less accurate instrument placement vs the iFi. (There is a right-bias that skews the soundstage in my S.M.S.L unit.) Add in the iFi enhancements and I clearly prefer the Zen Can Sig. for its placement accuracy and reduction of the "in your head" characteristic.
  • Drop Cavalli LCX + SDAC - Not even close. Zen Can Sig. hands down. Cleaner noise floor, tighter instrument separation (Cavalli can get congested in comparison) and more power to clear what I assume is the oft-referenced "veil" people refer to when talking about Sennheisers. My assumption is that the "veil" is actually improperly matched impedance... Add in the iFi enhancements and I found the headphones both, 6xx & 650 are clearly more enjoyable.
To be clear; I'm not trying to say that the headphones are not enjoyable on the other amps. I have years of enjoyment with the Asgard II, and no serious complaints from the Drop Cavalli. I got the SP200 specifically to drive my Modhouse Argons, for which I still am satisfied with it. The thing is that for me the plain Zen Can Sig. combines what I like about my favorite comparable amps into one device: *Power, Clean noise floor, and instrument/subject agility of the S.M.S.L *Stage and placement accuracy of the Schiit Asgard II Add-in the "HD6xx" and "3D" enhancements and the HD6xx &HD650 sound better than I've ever heard them on ANY amp. This includes iFi's own iDSD Micro, Micro Black Label, & even slightly better in the 3D & bass precision than their much-higher tier iDSD Pro and iCAN Pro. (Literally 10 times the price.) So my conclusion: If you have Sennheiser HD-6xx or 650, this is worth it. Nothing else makes them as enjoyable. If you have other headphones, then the PLAIN Zen CAN Sig. amp's performance punches above its price bracket. It performs in the same realm as THX amps for clean backgrounds, and provides all the power at the specific ohms ratings for headphones I ACTUALLY have, (Not much that needs super-high wattage is rated at 16ohm.) and dynamics to provide full, rich sound experiences with the best iems I have.
(Edited)
SPOOPY
4
Aug 1, 2020
iFiaudio.comSo what's the difference between this and the zen can on your site for almost half the price? Seems to be almost exactly the same product at first glance minus the blue color and 6xx branding
SPOOPYSpoopy, yes valid question. Will formally reply in next day or so, once we have information sorted. Much apprec.
Debt
35
Aug 3, 2020
ifiaudio_VinceHaving ordered one and Living in the Uk is there any chance this can be shipped directly from ifi in the UK and saving me customs charges?
Emulle
6
Aug 4, 2020
DebtWould like to know this also, as someone living in Europe(Sweden). HD6XX from U.S. had me shelling out big bucks in custom charges.
Jallison
56
Aug 9, 2020
iFiaudio.comWondering if you did any tinkering in the lab with connecting streaming solutions. I’m thinking about setting up a listening “station” for Tidal Hi-Fi streaming. iPad with lighting to usb dongal, connecting the Zen DAC then 4.4mm connect to the Zen CAN. Any thoughts?
EmulleHi Emulle, sorry for the delay in replying to you, I have been looking at options of trying to get this direct to you but unfortunately it needs to be shipped from Drop so I can not help sorry! However, I can advise that we will be selling this towards the end of the year/early next year via our normal dealers at which point you may be able to get it more local to avoid the custom charges but it wont be now sorry, hope that helps :-)
Emulle
6
Aug 28, 2020
iFiaudio.comWonderful! Thanks for the response. Can I assume both the DAC & AMP will be available through normal dealers?
EmulleYes both of them will be :-)
Jallisonhi Jallison, yes we have tested this and the following works fine 👇🏻 iPAD>Apple OTG > ZEN Dac Signature > Zen Can Signature 6xx
AlexPT777
19
Sep 7, 2020
iFiaudio.comWhoop, might be a chance of me getting them in Spain then at some point? Yes!
LukasKim
15
Sep 18, 2020
iFiaudio.comCan you make more of this product?? I want to buy this amp....
LukasKimIt is going on sale again very soon on drop!
LukasKim
15
Sep 23, 2020
iFiaudio.comI just pre-ordered this amp yesterday ! :) By the way, I'm residing in Seoul, South Korea, so I need 220V type ipower X. Can you provide 220V type ipower X instead of 110v type for my order ?
ifi-audio_Vic
11
Sep 23, 2020
LukasKimHi there. I'm checking this out with our team. I'll get back to you asap.
LukasKim
15
Sep 23, 2020
ifi-audio_VicThanks for your kind reply. I'll be waiting for your answer !
ifi-audio_Vic
11
Sep 28, 2020
LukasKimHi there, please send our support team a message explaining the circumstances on support@ifi-audio.com. Many thanks.
ifi-audio_Vic
11
Sep 29, 2020
ifi-audio_VicHi again. I understand that our support team responded to you yesterday but I just wanted to make sure you got the message. All SMPS, including our iPower, can take 100v all the way to 240v! You just need to make sure you get the right set of pins for the country to you are in. I hope this helps. Any more questions, please drop us a line.
ifi-audio_Vic
11
Sep 29, 2020
LukasKimHi there. I know that our team responded last night but I'll just reiterate here. All SMPS, including our iPower, can take 100v all the way up to 240v/ All you need to do is make sure you get the right pins for Korea and you should be okay. I hope that helps.
search

LukasKim
15
Sep 29, 2020
ifi-audio_Vicokay, i got it. i understand. thanks very much for your kind reply. have a nice day :)
LinebackerU
65
Nov 19, 2020
iFiaudio.comDrop has been totally non-responsive on the status of these shipments. Do you have any insight?
LinebackerUHi linebacker, let me look into this and I’ll come back to you! I know they left our factory a long time ago but with the times we are living in shipping freight leadtimes aren’t as consistent as normal. I’ll let you know asap thanks Jules
Jallison
56
Nov 19, 2020
iFiaudio.comI’m going to be honest I contacted customer support about this their approach was cancel your order or we will get back to you when we get back to you. How they have conducted themselves with this entire product launch has a lot to be desired. I sorry to say I canceled my order.
JallisonI can’t tell you how disappointed I am to read this Jallison as I know you were excited about the product. We are urgently seeking a meeting with Drop team to clarify the situation for everyone who is outstanding their orders as we are as disappointed as you guys that you haven’t received them. we will revert by tomorrow latest with an update for everyone. I fully appreciate everyone has been so patient already, we, iFi, just ask for your patience a bit longer.
LinebackerU
65
Nov 19, 2020
iFiaudio.comThank you for your engagement and these updates, Jules!
Jallison
56
Nov 19, 2020
iFiaudio.comThank you, I’m sorry your product is being treated this way. I hope it’s truly exceptional experience for those who have more patience then I.
Beltane
2
Nov 20, 2020
iFiaudio.comThanks Julie, it looks like the 'emergency meeting' between iFi and Drop had an effect. At least, a followup email from Drop today was a bit more apologetic and customer friendly than the first one I received today (which was basically, hey, too bad, we are now trying to get it to you by 2nd Dec, but no promises). I almost canceled my order after receiving this first email.
(Edited)
raymets1
36
Jan 10, 2021
knorris908I actually was able to pick up the Signature stack for $170 each on ebay costing $340 which I find more reasonable. already owning the regular IFI Zen Can and Dac stack, I was able to compare the sound difference. After going back and forth with both stacks, I must say the Signature Can does sound much better then the regular Can. I can hear the sound is fuller and brighter on the Signature stack and the bass is also more pronounced. I needed to have bass boost on all the time on the original Zen Can, to get what is the normal sound of the Signature Can, which offered a richer fuller sound. I actually shipped back the normal IFI Zen Can/Amp back.
ChumbWumba
271
Aug 2, 2021
iFiaudio.comThe internal combustion similes/metaphors are all over the place but I’ll let it slide. This time.
PRODUCTS YOU MAY LIKE
Trending Posts in Audiophile