The Story
AptX Lossless Bluetooth DAC and transmitter for Hi-Fi setups
The ZEN Blue 3 is a versatile Bluetooth DAC that both receives and transmits CD-quality audio wirelessly, and doubles as a high-resolution USB/S/PDIF DAC. With support for the new aptX Lossless codec and audiophile hardware design, it brings high-fidelity flexibility to your home audio or desktop setup.
Bi‑Directional Lossless Bluetooth
The ZEN Blue 3 is the first device able to both receive and transmit CD-quality (44.1 kHz/16‑bit) audio via aptX Lossless using Qualcomm’s QCC518x chipset and Bluetooth 5.4. That means you can stream from your phone to your Hi-Fi or wirelessly send music from your CD player to headphone speakers without quality loss.
Hi‑Res Codec Compatibility
The Zen Blue 3 also handles LDAC, LHDC/HWA, aptX Adaptive/HD/Classic, AAC, and SBC. LDAC and LHDC support up to 96 kHz/24‑bit hi-res streaming, ideal for audiophiles and non‑Apple devices.
USB‑C & S/PDIF Wired DAC Mode
In DAC mode, connect via USB‑C or optical/coaxial S/PDIF and enjoy wired playback up to 96 kHz (USB) or 192 kHz (S/PDIF). Balanced 4.4 mm Pentaconn and RCA outputs feed amplifiers or active speakers with minimal noise and excellent channel separation.
Low‑Latency Mode for AV Use
A front-panel low-latency button enables aptX Low Latency when transmitting, minimizing delay for movies and games—so sound stays in sync with picture.
Audiophile‑Grade Circuitry
Internally, the Bluetooth, DAC (ESS Sabre ES9023), and amp (MAX97220) are distinct. This separates functions, reduces interference, and uses a GMT femto-precision clock to limit jitter for clearer audio.
Product highlights
- AptX Lossless Receive & Transmit for CD‑quality Bluetooth audio
- Hi‑Res codecs: LDAC, LHDC/HWA, aptX variants, AAC, SBC
- Three usage modes: Bluetooth RX/TX and wired DAC
- Low-latency button for AV sync during TX mode
- Balanced 4.4 mm & RCA outputs via wired or wireless input
- Dedicated DAC & amp chips with precision clock
- USB‑C (96 kHz) and S/PDIF (192 kHz) input support
- Rear antenna for broader Bluetooth range
Specs
- Bluetooth: v5.4, Qualcomm QCC518x
- DAC chip: ESS ES9023
- Amp chip: MAX97220; SNR 109 dB; THD+N <0.005%
- Sampling rates: RX/TX 96 kHz; DAC USB 96 kHz, S/PDIF 192 kHz
- Outputs: 4.4 mm Pentaconn balanced (≤102 Ω), RCA (≤51 Ω)
- Inputs: USB‑C, optical, coaxial, RCA
- Dimensions: 158 × 115 × 35 mm; Weight: ~447 g
What’s included
- ZEN Blue 3 unit
- USB‑A to USB‑C cable
- RCA stereo cable
- DC 5 V power adapter
- Quick‑start guide
- 12‑month warranty card
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Description
AptX Lossless Bluetooth DAC and transmitter for Hi-Fi setups
The ZEN Blue 3 is a versatile Bluetooth DAC that both receives and transmits CD-quality audio wirelessly, and doubles as a high-resolution USB/S/PDIF DAC. With support for the new aptX Lossless codec and audiophile hardware design, it brings high-fidelity flexibility to your home audio or desktop setup.
Bi‑Directional Lossless Bluetooth
The ZEN Blue 3 is the first device able to both receive and transmit CD-quality (44.1 kHz/16‑bit) audio via aptX Lossless using Qualcomm’s QCC518x chipset and Bluetooth 5.4. That means you can stream from your phone to your Hi-Fi or wirelessly send music from your CD player to headphone speakers without quality loss.
Hi‑Res Codec Compatibility
The Zen Blue 3 also handles LDAC, LHDC/HWA, aptX Adaptive/HD/Classic, AAC, and SBC. LDAC and LHDC support up to 96 kHz/24‑bit hi-res streaming, ideal for audiophiles and non‑Apple devices.
USB‑C & S/PDIF Wired DAC Mode
In DAC mode, connect via USB‑C or optical/coaxial S/PDIF and enjoy wired playback up to 96 kHz (USB) or 192 kHz (S/PDIF). Balanced 4.4 mm Pentaconn and RCA outputs feed amplifiers or active speakers with minimal noise and excellent channel separation.
Low‑Latency Mode for AV Use
A front-panel low-latency button enables aptX Low Latency when transmitting, minimizing delay for movies and games—so sound stays in sync with picture.
Audiophile‑Grade Circuitry
Internally, the Bluetooth, DAC (ESS Sabre ES9023), and amp (MAX97220) are distinct. This separates functions, reduces interference, and uses a GMT femto-precision clock to limit jitter for clearer audio.
Product highlights
- AptX Lossless Receive & Transmit for CD‑quality Bluetooth audio
- Hi‑Res codecs: LDAC, LHDC/HWA, aptX variants, AAC, SBC
- Three usage modes: Bluetooth RX/TX and wired DAC
- Low-latency button for AV sync during TX mode
- Balanced 4.4 mm & RCA outputs via wired or wireless input
- Dedicated DAC & amp chips with precision clock
- USB‑C (96 kHz) and S/PDIF (192 kHz) input support
- Rear antenna for broader Bluetooth range
Specs
- Bluetooth: v5.4, Qualcomm QCC518x
- DAC chip: ESS ES9023
- Amp chip: MAX97220; SNR 109 dB; THD+N <0.005%
- Sampling rates: RX/TX 96 kHz; DAC USB 96 kHz, S/PDIF 192 kHz
- Outputs: 4.4 mm Pentaconn balanced (≤102 Ω), RCA (≤51 Ω)
- Inputs: USB‑C, optical, coaxial, RCA
- Dimensions: 158 × 115 × 35 mm; Weight: ~447 g
What’s included
- ZEN Blue 3 unit
- USB‑A to USB‑C cable
- RCA stereo cable
- DC 5 V power adapter
- Quick‑start guide
- 12‑month warranty card
