iFi Audio Zen Can HFM Headphone Amplifier for HiFi Man

Zen Can Signature HFM has been specifically tailored to the match the remarkable HiFi man headphones. The balanced circuit design can drive difficult loads with low levels of distortion and amazing sonics. Additionally, switching in the custom ActivEQ setting will tune the entire frequency range to bring out the best in HiFi man headphones. Moreover, a balanced 4.4mm output is available to go with the balanced input on HiFi man headphones.

ActivEQ for finely tuned sound

The ActivEQ circuit uses active and passive components to tune the sound to best match the HiFi man headphones. The sound is never digitised. As a result, the processing, avoids the addition of any noise or distortion. HiFi man headphones have remarkable transparency and a wide sound stage. Now there is a headphone amp that can bring out the best in the HiFi Man, hi-end headphones.

HFM button

Press the HFM button on the Zen Can Signature HFM headphone amp and the unit will calibrate the output to match the response characteristics of the connected headphones. The unit can also drive other headphones and there is a gain switch with four settings. Unity gain (0dB) is best used with sensitive earphones, as less gain means less noise. This is known as Powermatch and has another four gain settings up to 18dB.

Xspace mode

There is also Xspace mode. Notably, most music is mixed using speakers, this can cause headphone sound to be closed in with the ” in head localization” effect. Xspace widens the sound stage to give a more realistic wider sound. The HFM headphone amp delivers 1.6W (7.2v) into 32 ohms so can drive any headphones. Additionally, more than 15v is available on the balanced output.

Balanced outputs

Balanced outputs reduce noise and distortion. The Zen Can Signature HFM uses a balanced dual mono design, normally used with high-end headphone amps. This unit also uses a discrete class A amplifier for pure sound. Finally, key components have been upgraded including in the power supply. Now reliable and long life Panasonic OS-CON capacitors are used. Moreover, the audio path uses audio grade Elna Silmic II capacitors.

Great connectivity

Connectivity is good with RCA and single ended 3.5mm inputs. There is also a 4.4mm balanced input. Additionally there is a balanced output that can connect to power amps with a balanced input. Finally there are two outputs a standard 6.3mm headphone socket as well as a balanced 4.4mm output. More and more headphones come with the option of using a balanced cable to get the best sound.