[iFi audio]

'Morning,

so I disconnected the USB C entirely, but it still stays powered on when connected to the power. It's very strange. at this point, my question is is it something with this model (in which case there are things I can do) or is there a problem with my particular Zen DAC 3.

And Just for clarity (in my reporting)...

When you have the ZD3 connected with both USB C and With Power cable, shutting the Mac down does not cause it to go into a power off state?

Thanks for clarifying.

Cheers!!

 

[faustus67]

And Just for clarity (in my reporting)...

When you have the ZD3 connected with both USB C and With Power cable, shutting the Mac down does not cause it to go into a power off state?

Thanks for clarifying.

Cheers!!

That's correct. The short way of saying that is whenever the power cord is connected, the amp is on. As far as i can tell, there's no power control, if the USB-C is connected or not, and if the Mac is on or not.

Thanks for your help with this!

 

[iFi audio]

That's correct. The short way of saying that is whenever the power cord is connected, the amp is on. As far as i can tell, there's no power control, if the USB-C is connected or not, and if the Mac is on or not.

Thanks for your help with this!

No Problem, I have one (ZD3) on the way (as well as asking) and I think it is an issue with Mac (preliminary thought) but I will get to the bottom of it!

Cheers!!

I also have Mac mini, Windows Mini PC, (Wife) Macbook Air, and a Chromebook.

 

[iFi audio]

That's correct. The short way of saying that is whenever the power cord is connected, the amp is on. As far as i can tell, there's no power control, if the USB-C is connected or not, and if the Mac is on or not.

Thanks for your help with this!

Just an update on testing,...

With A MacBook Air approx 30 seconds after powering down with iPower connected the Zen Dac V2 also powered down. No lights on front.

I will also report this finding along with yours with the ZD3

Cheers!!

 

[Vitor Goncalves]

Just an update on testing,...

With A MacBook Air approx 30 seconds after powering down with iPower connected the Zen Dac V2 also powered down. No lights on front.

I will also report this finding along with yours with the ZD3

Cheers!!

Same here, with the Zen Dac V2 +IPower X 5V, connected to the Zen Stream (with IpowerX 12v). When the latter is switched off, the V2 is also powered down and there's no front light on.

 

[faustus67]

Same here, with the Zen Dac V2 +IPower X 5V, connected to the Zen Stream (with IpowerX 12v). When the latter is switched off, the V2 is also powered down and there's no front light on.

That’s interesting - my stays on regardless;ess of the state of my Mac or even if it’s not connected to the computer at all. I’m guessing it’s either something with the design or that there is something with my particular example.

 

[Vitor Goncalves]

That’s interesting - my stays on regardless;ess of the state of my Mac or even if it’s not connected to the computer at all. I’m guessing it’s either something with the design or that there is something with my particular example.

Is it possible that your mac is on standby mode or something similar (I'm a windows user, so I don't know)? I also noticed the following in the description of this product (v3): "The ZEN DAC 3, powered by USB-C, simplifying cable management. However, for audiophiles seeking to elevate their system, the 5V power input offers an upgrade path.
When an external power supply is connected, the USB-C port will only transmit data, ensuring a purer signal.". Was this the same for the V2? I don't know.

 

[iFi audio]

Same here, with the Zen Dac V2 +IPower X 5V, connected to the Zen Stream (with IpowerX 12v). When the latter is switched off, the V2 is also powered down and there's no front light on.

Is it possible that your mac is on standby mode or something similar (I'm a windows user, so I don't know)? I also noticed the following in the description of this product (v3): "The ZEN DAC 3, powered by USB-C, simplifying cable management. However, for audiophiles seeking to elevate their system, the 5V power input offers an upgrade path.
When an external power supply is connected, the USB-C port will only transmit data, ensuring a purer signal.". Was this the same for the V2? I don't know.

I would think it would be the same, as they operate in the same way.

On both my Chromebook and the MacBook it was using the physical power button for shutdown, as just closing both has them still in a standby mode.

Cheers!!

 

[faustus67]

I would think it would be the same, as they operate in the same way.

On both my Chromebook and the MacBook it was using the physical power button for shutdown, as just closing both has them still in a standby mode.

Cheers!!

Nope, my Mac isn’t in standby. As I mentioned, it stays on even when the USB C cable is disconnected, so I’m not sure what more I can do to see if it’s something to do with the computer. When it’s plugged in and nothing else is, it’s on. I can turn it off at the socket but thats a bit of a pain.

 

[Assationater]

Nope, my Mac isn’t in standby. As I mentioned, it stays on even when the USB C cable is disconnected, so I’m not sure what more I can do to see if it’s something to do with the computer. When it’s plugged in and nothing else is, it’s on. I can turn it off at the socket but thats a bit of a pain.

For what it's worth the zen DAC prob doesn't use much power at all at idle. And I think the ipower will be sucking power even when unplugged from the zen DAC and still connected to the wall. This is assuming you care about the power aspect.

 

[faustus67]

For what it's worth the zen DAC prob doesn't use much power at all at idle. And I think the ipower will be sucking power even when unplugged from the zen DAC and still connected to the wall. This is assuming you care about the power aspect.

Yeah, I’m not really bothered about it. I just find it odd that there appears to be no way to turn it off. It will be interesting to see if it’s an issue with the design or something with my particular one. It sounds great and that’s all I’m concerned with.

 

[Assationater]

Yeah, I’m not really bothered about it. I just find it odd that there appears to be no way to turn it off. It will be interesting to see if it’s an issue with the design or something with my particular one. It sounds great and that’s all I’m concerned with.

I vaguely remember my zen DAC being on at all times too when I had it, but don't quote me on this

 

[BS5711]

Any chance that having a computer or laptop plugged into a USB hub might be affecting the behaviour ?

I have observed odd behaviour with some connected gear due to using a monitor with a built in hub that goes back to normal as soon as I unplug the USB-C cable between the laptop and monitor.

 

[Jose in Jersey]

Congrats on the launch and thank you iFi for supporting (voluntarily or involuntarily) MQA. Any rational, well-adjusted child or nominally functioning member of society can figure out what they like or don’t like.

However, if you’re being held against your will, blink twice…

 

[nioh]

Still no sign of Zen DAC 3 in the EU.

@iFi audio One of the things I love about IFI products is that they have always supported both UAC1 and UAC2 audio. Could you please confirm if the Zen DAC 3 supports UAC1 as well ? This is needed for it work with consoles like PS5.