The Zen was one of my first pieces of audio equipment and my first real DAC (assuming we’re not going to count the DAC in a V20- because its a good little DAC and for what it is people apparently respect it, but you know what I mean). I got so much use out of it- running it balanced and SE out simultaneously at times, always in variable mode to use its superior to everything volume knob, True Bass, and power match that allowed me to run my SP200 on a high gain when I wanted, and allowed me to have a gain on my G111 without opening it up. I had a 4.4 to XLR, the ifi Power supply and the 4.4 to 2.5 adapter. I love it so much I would have rather poured more money into it then change to something else.
I still stand by it, but after almost 2 years it no longer fits my needs given my new amp. It’s cash better invested elsewhere and I don’t have room. I’ve sold a lot of audio equipment, but after picking it up (which I never do- it sits on my desk) I forgot how substantial and quality it was, and packing it up was like packing up a piece of myself. I hope the next owner loves it as much as I do. After all, at the end of the day, all anyone ever really needs is a Zen DAC. Here’s to you old friend.
