iFi Audio
iFi Audio ZEN CAN Signature MZ99
Best dedicated amplifier for Meze 99 headphone enthusiasts seeking optimized sound.
The iFi Audio ZEN CAN Signature MZ99 is an upgraded, all-analogue headphone amplifier designed to elevate your listening experience. It features enhanced circuitry and audiophile-grade components for superior sound quality. Tailored specifically for Meze 99 headphones, it includes an Act ivEQ button to optimize treble and bass. With a powerful Class A discrete balanced circuit, it delivers significantly more power than typical laptop or smartphone outputs, unlocking the full potential of your headphones. It offers versatile connectivity with multiple inputs and outputs, including balanced options, and provides adjustable gain settings for compatibility with a wide range of headphone sensitivities.
$299.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
255
/ 733
#255 in Headphone Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
-79%
Below average
Model
ZEN CAN Signature
/ ZEN CAN Signature
Who it's for
- Meze 99 owners seeking a perfectly matched sonic pairing
- Audiophiles needing versatile power for diverse headphone collections
- Listeners wanting natural sound enhancements without digital processing
Who should skip it
- Users owning headphones other than the Meze 99
- Budget-conscious buyers avoiding extra DAC hardware costs
- Generalists seeking broader value beyond a single headphone model
Performance breakdown
Meze Optimization
Dedicated ActivEQ curve perfectly complements the Meze 99 sound signature.
Power Output
Class A circuitry drives demanding headphones with effortless authority and headroom.
Signal Purity
Included iPower2 supply ensures a remarkably clean, noise-free audio floor.
Connectivity Versatility
Balanced and single-ended options provide excellent flexibility for diverse setups.
Gain Precision
Four adjustable gain settings accommodate everything from sensitive IEMs to power-hungry cans.
Soundstage Enhancement
XSpace and XBass modes add tangible depth without compromising tonal integrity.
Key Specs
Model
ZEN CAN Signature
Input Voltage
5V/2.5A
Max Output (Balanced)
>15.1V/385 mW (@ 600 Ohm), >11.0V/1890 mW (@ 64 Ohm), >6.2V/1200 mW (@ 32 Ohm)
Max Output (Single-Ended)
>7.6V/98mW (@ 600 Ohm), >7.4V/870 mW (@ 64 Ohm), >7.2V/1600 mW (@ 32 Ohm)
THD&N
<0.006% (@ 360 mW/2.4V 16 Ohm), <0.005% (@ 100 mW/1.27V 16 Ohm)
SNR (Balanced)
>121dBA (@ 15.2V )
SNR (Single-Ended)
>120dBA (@ 7.6V )
Gain
0dB, 6dB, 12dB and 18dB
Features
- Tailored sound profile for Meze 99 headphones with dedicated Act ivEQ.
- Enhanced circuitry and audiophile-grade components for superior audio fidelity.
- Powerful Class A discrete balanced circuitry delivers ample power for demanding headphones.
- Versatile input options including stereo RCA, 3.5mm single-ended, and 4.4mm balanced.
- Multiple output options: 4.4mm balanced, 6.3mm jack, and analogue balanced output.
- Four switchable gain settings (0dB to 18dB) for optimal compatibility with all headphone types.
- Analogue processing modes (XSpace and XBass) to enhance soundstage and bass response.
- Includes iFi iPower2 power supply with Active Noise Cancellation II for a clean audio signal.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the iFi Audio ZEN CAN Signature MZ99 for its exceptional sound quality and remarkable value. Many highlight its ability to powerfully drive a wide range of headphones, delivering a clear, dynamic, and engaging audio experience. Users appreciate the noticeable improvement in their music, often describing it as bringing new life to their favorite tracks. The amplifier is frequently lauded for offering high end performance without the premium price tag, making it a standout choice for serious listeners seeking an upgrade.
Know before you buy
Yes, while the 'ActivEQ' button is specifically tuned for the Meze 99 series, the amplifier is a high-performance, all-analogue device that works excellently with a wide range of headphones. You can simply leave the ActivEQ feature off when using other models.
The four gain settings (0dB, 6dB, 12dB, and 18dB) allow you to match the amplifier's power output to the sensitivity of your specific headphones. This ensures you have enough volume headroom for demanding gear while maintaining a low noise floor for more sensitive in-ear monitors.
The unit comes with the iFi iPower2 power supply included in the box. This power supply is specifically designed to provide a clean, noise-free signal using Active Noise Cancellation II technology, which is essential for maintaining the amplifier's audio fidelity.
XBass is an analogue bass correction system that enhances low-frequency response without muddying the midrange. XSpace is an analogue spatializer that widens the soundstage, helping to create a more 'speaker-like' listening experience when using headphones.
Yes, the ZEN CAN Signature features versatile connectivity, including stereo RCA and 3.5mm single-ended inputs for standard sources, as well as a 4.4mm balanced input for high-end DACs. This allows it to integrate easily into almost any desktop audio setup.
The 4.4mm balanced output provides a more powerful, cleaner signal with better channel separation and reduced interference. It is recommended for use with headphones that have a balanced cable to take full advantage of the amplifier's Class A discrete circuitry.
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$299