iFi Audio Zen CAN Signature 6XX

iFi Audio Zen CAN Signature 6XX

The original ZEN CAN, our all-analog headphone amplifier, boasts the ability to drive heavy headphone loads, a balanced circuit design, incredibly low distortion levels and versatile sonic customization.

ZEN CAN Signature 6XX takes sound to a higher level. It further enhances the sound quality with an improved circuit design, keeping the versatile features of the 'regular' version and adding something special - a custom EQ setting precisely tuned to the entire frequency response curve to get the most out of the popular headphone model.

This new feature, called ActivEQ, combines active and passive components to create a specific EQ curve to suit a particular pair of headphones, and performs in the analog domain without a hint of added noise or distortion.

The ZEN CAN Signature 6XX features ActivEQ for the 'MassDrop x Sennheiser HD 6XX' – a popular pair of high quality headphones with over 120,000 sold to date, based on the Sennheiser HD 650 and created exclusively for Drop.com.

These headphones are known for the quality of their midrange performance, but show some shortcomings in the bass and treble areas, which can be seen in the frequency response measurements.

When the 'HD 6XX' button is pressed, the ZEN CAN Signature 6XX calibrates its signal to complement the headphone's response characteristics across the entire frequency range, tailoring its performance to precisely fit the HD 6XX like a tailor-made suit.

Moreover, the benefits of this ActivEQ curve are equally applicable to the Sennheiser HD 650, which shares the same characteristics. It also has an effect on other Sennheiser models - see here.

This feature can be turned on or off. Without ActivEQ turned on, the performance of the ZEN CAN Signature 6XX is expertly balanced to make the most of all types of headphones and in-ear monitors.

Not in the case of the ZEN CAN Signature 6XX. It has four gain settings in six dB steps – 0dB, 6dB, 12dB and 18dB. This allows the amplifier to match the connected headphones exactly. Unique gain (0dB) is useful for ensuring low noise levels with sensitive in-ear monitors, while higher gain settings make the most of heavier headphone loads, providing excellent dynamic headroom.

This analog processing mode compensates for the 'head localization' effect that can occur when using headphones to listen to music that has been mixed using a pair of speakers. Expands the sound stage of the headphones to provide a more spacious speaker-like experience.

The ZEN CAN Signature 6XX circuit is a balanced, symmetrical dual-mono design – a topology usually reserved for high-end headphone amplifiers – with many key elements derived from the discrete Class A circuit developed for iFi's flagship headphone amplifier, the Pro can. Key components have been upgraded to improve performance in line with improvements made to the ZEN CAN Signature 6XX, including the use of Panasonic OS-CON and Elna Silmic II capacitors.

The amplifier offers incredible drive capabilities, delivering 1600mW (7.2V) into 32 ohms from the single-ended output, with 15V+ available for loads of 300 ohms or more through the balanced output, ensuring it can handle even current-hungry planar headphones. . Delivering ultra-low distortion, rich sonic detail, engaging dynamics and the ability to drive all types of headphones with ease, the ZEN CAN Signature 6XX is truly a driving force to be reckoned with.

The ZEN CAN Signature 6XX offers stereo RCA and 3.5mm single-ended inputs, plus a balanced 4.4mm Pentaconn input. A 4.4mm balanced output is also available for connection to power amplifiers equipped with a balanced input.

It provides a pair of headphone outputs – a 6.3mm output for headphones that have a standard single-ended connector (compatible with all headphones) and a 4.4mm Pentaconn balanced output for headphones that offer a balanced connection.

An increasing number of high-quality in-ear headphones and monitors come equipped with this, or offer the option of detaching the cable and upgrading to a 4.4mm Pentaconn connector, and this output makes the most of it (especially recommended for high-impedance headphones).

The ZEN CAN Signature 6XX works well with the ZEN DAC Signature. The products can be purchased separately, but the 'ZEN Signature Set' is now available. This includes both ZEN Signature units plus a high performance 4.4mm Pentaconn cable (worth £69 when bought separately) to connect them together.

When used in tandem, the two ZEN signatures make a fantastic desktop-sized headphone system for digital and analog sources, further extending the reputation of iFi's ZEN series for delivering exceptional performance and versatility at outstanding prices.