UK brand iFi has just upgraded their world first Bluetooth receiver – presenting the ZEN Blue V2. Built to support the latest hi-res audio from all streaming services, the wireless audio streamer delivers the best-quality music streaming from smartphones, tablets, PCs and Macs to any audio system. The ZEN Blue V2 features a new antenna for even greater reach and the latest crystal clock system for low jitter.
The V2 supports all the latest 24-bit/96kHz capable Bluetooth audio formats and ‘remembers’ up to eight paired Bluetooth source devices. The V2 hosts the top-of-the-line iFi Bluetooth implementation that avoids the typical 40% quality drop found with standard Bluetooth. The new aerial gives increased coverage up to 70-80% whilst the new and improved low jitter clock gives a >20dB better performance.
A state-of-the-art Qualcomm QCC5100 chip processes the incoming data. The Qualcomm QCC5100 is a ‘system-on-a-chip’ Bluetooth solution with all functions covered including D-to-A conversion as used by others. But the ZEN Blue only uses the QCC5100 to ‘receive’ the signal, thereafter the signal is sent to the ESS Sabre DAC chip and its Hyperstream architecture with Time Domain Jitter Eliminator deliver vanishingly low distortion and high dynamic range, which is then fed to the iFi analogue amplifier stage. Combined, the V2 produces Bluetooth audio that sounds far better than the norm.
One of the most exciting new additions to the V2 is the new upgraded Global Master Timing (GMT) clock circuitry for even lower jitter performance and improved sonics.
The V2 hosts a balanced analogue circuitry design comprised of outstanding components including C0G capacitors from TDK and a precision low-noise power supply IC from Texas Instruments.
With the V2 users can add high-quality Bluetooth reception to any audio system via user-selectable analogue or digital cable connections. For analogue connections, the RCA stereo outputs connect to amplifiers, active speakers and more. The 4.4mm Pentaconn output enables balanced signal transfer to amps/speakers equipped with a balanced input – either a 4.4mm input, or XLR input via a 4.4mm-to-XLR cable Digital connections. The Optical & Coaxial outputs connect to any external DAC, such as an external hi-fi DAC or an AV amp.
The iFi ZEN Blue V2 is available now exclusively via BusiSoft AV and select dealers for RRP AUD $239/NZD $279. Please visit www.busisoft.com.au for more details.
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