iFi Audio Launches Zen Air Series 2: Midnight Blue Entry-Level Trio with Cirrus Logic DAC Debut and World-First aptX Lossless

📝 An Entry-Level Refresh, Done Right

On April 30, iFi Audio officially announced the Zen Air Series 2, the second generation of their entry-level desktop audio lineup. Three products were unveiled: the Zen Air DAC 2 (USB DAC / headphone amp), Zen Air Blue 2 (Bluetooth receiver / DAC), and Zen Air Phono 2 (phono preamp).

The biggest visual upgrade is the new Midnight Blue chassis with a black metal faceplate — a noticeable step up in build quality from the plastic shell of the first generation. iFi has also listened to user feedback and added a dedicated power button to the DAC 2, so you no longer have to unplug the cable to turn it off.

On the technical side, the most significant change: the DAC 2 has abandoned the long-running Burr-Brown chip in favour of a Cirrus Logic DAC. iFi describes the chip’s design philosophy as “connecting you to the music rather than connecting you to the technology” — musicality first.

🎧 Zen Air DAC 2: A New Benchmark for Entry-Level DAC/Amps

The Zen Air DAC 2 uses Cirrus Logic’s bit-perfect DAC chip, with iFi claiming quantifiable improvements in clarity, dynamics, and distortion performance compared to the previous generation. It retains iFi’s signature features: XBass (a one-button bass boost that adds weight and warmth) and PowerMatch (adjustable gain to suit different headphone impedances).

On the output side, you get both 6.35mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced headphone jacks. Connect it via USB-C to a computer or tablet, and you’re ready to unlock Hi-Res streams from Apple Music, Tidal, Spotify, and other platforms.

💡 Kaia’s Take: Switching to Cirrus Logic is an intriguing move. Burr-Brown has long been associated with “musicality,” and iFi built a strong sonic identity around it over the years. This feels less like a raw performance upgrade and more like a deliberate re-voicing — iFi seems to want a more neutral, higher-resolution presentation even at the entry level. The Midnight Blue metal faceplate is a generous touch at this price point.

🔵 Zen Air Blue 2: CD-Quality Wireless Arrives

This is arguably the standout product of the series. The Zen Air Blue 2 packs Bluetooth 5.4 and Qualcomm’s QCC3095 chipset. According to iFi’s official Head-Fi announcement, it claims to be the world’s first device capable of both transmitting and receiving lossless audio over Bluetooth using the aptX Lossless codec (original quote: “It’s the world’s first device capable of both sending lossless audio over Bluetooth using the aptX Lossless codec.”)^[1] — meaning true CD-quality (44.1kHz/16-bit) lossless Bluetooth transmission. It also supports LDAC and LDHC/HWA codecs, reaching up to 96kHz Hi-Res.

Under the hood, iFi employs a triple-stage Bluetooth architecture: the Qualcomm QCC3095 handles Bluetooth reception → an ESS Sabre DAC independently handles the digital-to-analogue conversion → a custom op-amp stage provides the analogue amplification. This approach borrows the division-of-labour logic from high-end home Hi-Fi systems, avoiding the compromises of a single all-in-one chip.

Use it to add CD-quality Bluetooth receiving capability to your existing hi-fi system or car stereo — a genuinely practical upgrade path for older setups that lack wireless connectivity.

💡 Kaia’s Take: aptX Lossless delivering genuine lossless Bluetooth transmission is a milestone, but the bottleneck is on the transmit side — your phone needs aptX Lossless encoding to reap the benefits. With Snapdragon Sound flagship phones steadily gaining traction, the timing feels right. The ESS Sabre + discrete op-amp triple-stage design, at USD $129, is a lot of hardware for the money — you rarely see this level of effort in a Bluetooth receiver.

🎵 Zen Air Phono 2: Built for Vinyl Beginners

The vinyl revival is no joke — LP sales have been outpacing CDs for years now. The Zen Air Phono 2 is designed for newcomers and returning enthusiasts looking for an entry-level phono stage that punches above its weight.

Its core proposition is performance that comfortably outclasses the built-in phono stages in turntables or integrated amps: ultra-low noise floor for richer detail retrieval, a precision RIAA EQ curve for faithful playback, and a built-in Subsonic filter that tackles turntable-induced low-frequency rumble without cutting into the music’s bass. It supports both MM (moving magnet) and MC (moving coil) cartridges, so compatibility is a non-issue for beginners.

💡 Kaia’s Take: The two things that matter most in an entry-level phono stage are noise control and RIAA accuracy — the Phono 2 has clearly done its homework on both. The Subsonic filter is especially valuable for budget turntables, where rumble is a real-world problem that directly impacts the listening experience. Dual MM/MC support at this price is a rarity.

📋 Zen Air DAC 2 — Specifications

📋 Zen Air Blue 2 — Specifications

📋 Zen Air Phono 2 — Specifications

💰 Pricing

* Pricing sourced from iFi’s official Shopify backend (/products/zen-air-*-2.json) — product pages currently do not display prices. USD to HKD approximated at 1:7.8.

🏁 Kaia’s Bottom Line

The Zen Air Series 2 is a solid iterative upgrade. The Midnight Blue metal faceplates give entry-level gear a “worthy of the desk” feel, the Cirrus Logic switch signals a new direction in voicing, and the Blue 2’s aptX Lossless world-first is the undeniable headline feature of the series.

With each model priced at USD $129, iFi has held the line on the entry-level positioning established by the first generation. The gap to the main Zen series (the DAC 3 sells for $229) is clear and deliberate, keeping the lineup well-segmented. The one caveat: these were only announced last week, and official retail channels for Hong Kong have yet to be confirmed. Interested buyers will need to order directly from iFi’s website for now.

In a nutshell: for under a thousand Hong Kong dollars, you’re getting a metal chassis, a world-first aptX Lossless receiver, or a phono stage with a dedicated subsonic filter — iFi remains one of the most compelling brands at the entry level.

🔗 Further Information

🛒 Zen Air DAC 2: ifi-audio.com — Zen Air DAC 2
🛒 Zen Air Blue 2: ifi-audio.com — Zen Air Blue 2
🛒 Zen Air Phono 2: ifi-audio.com — Zen Air Phono 2
📰 Official Announcement: Head-Fi — Something New Is In The “AIR”

📰 Sources

[1] iFi audio official Head-Fi announcement: Something New Is In The “AIR” (2026-04-30) — product specifications, feature descriptions, and the “world’s first aptX Lossless” claim all originate from this post
[2] iFi official Shopify product APIs (ifi-audio.com/products/zen-air-*-2.json) — pricing data source