iFi Expands ZEN Air range with Blue 2, Phono 2 and DAC 2

iFi audio has rolled out three new budget-friendly components under its ZEN Air banner: the ZEN Air Blue 2 Bluetooth receiver, the ZEN Air Phono 2 phono preamp, and the ZEN Air DAC 2 USB DAC/headphone amp. All three are aimed at straightforward upgrades for existing systems, with feature sets that lean on trickle-down tech from iFi’s pricier ranges.

The ZEN Air series is iFi’s entry point for desktop and compact hi-fi, covering the common add-ons many systems still need: wireless reception, a proper phono stage for vinyl, and a capable USB DAC/headphone output for desktop set-ups.

ZEN Air Blue 2: Bluetooth Receiver

Designed to add Bluetooth to systems that don’t already have it, the ZEN Air Blue 2 is positioned as a compact wireless receiver with on-board D/A conversion.

Featuring Bluetooth 5.4, iFi says the Blue 2 supports aptX Lossless (up to 1200kbps with compatible sources), alongside more widely supported options including SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, and LDAC (up to 990kbps).

iFi also continues to use a three-stage Bluetooth architecture rather than an all-in-one solution, separating radio reception, D/A conversion and analogue output. The company says this approach is intended to keep noise and distortion in check at an affordable price.

iFi lists a Qualcomm QCC3095 Bluetooth chipset, an ESS Sabre DAC stage and custom op-amps for the output section.

For broader placement options, the Blue 2 accepts 5–12V DC power, which iFi says is suitable for vehicle electrics and other battery supplies. The unit can also power on automatically (useful for in-car installs) and includes a physical power button for manual control and pairing.

ZEN Air Phono 2: MM/MC Phono Stage

ZEN Air Phono 2 is iFi’s latest entry-level phono preamp, aimed at improving on the basic phono stages built into many turntables and budget amplifiers.

For vinyl newcomers, iFi says the Phono 2’s tighter RIAA EQ (±0.15dB) should help keep tonal balance consistent from record to record.

There’s a rear gain selector for Moving Magnet and Moving Coil cartridges, while the subsonic filter is designed to reduce warp-induced low-frequency energy without noticeably thinning the bass.

iFi also points to a symmetrical channel layout and its OV-series op-amps as part of the circuit design. iFi says this helps keep crosstalk low and preserve stereo separation — a design approach more commonly highlighted on pricier phono stages.

Phono stages amplify very small signals, so background noise matters. If a phono stage is noisy, quiet musical detail can get masked — especially in the gaps between notes. iFi quotes an EIN (Equivalent Input Noise) of -151 dBV for the ZEN Air Phono 2, aiming to push noise further below the music so you hear more texture and ambience from your records.

The company says this is supported by a high-current power supply design that’s isolated from the amplification stage.

ZEN Air DAC 2: USB DAC/Head Amp

The ZEN Air DAC 2 updates iFi’s entry-level USB DAC/headphone amp with a 4.4mm balanced headphone output, a new Cirrus Logic DAC stage, and a revised look.

The headline addition is a 4.4mm balanced headphone output, a connection previously reserved for iFi’s higher ZEN models. Used with balanced headphones and cabling, iFi says the output can help reduce noise and crosstalk. Single-ended headphones are still supported, allowing users to start simple and upgrade later.

iFi says the new Cirrus Logic DAC is intended to deliver a natural, non-fatiguing sound. Additionally, the DAC 2’s balanced circuitry brings a notable lift in amplification performance.

According to the company, ZEN Air DAC 2 delivers up to 300% more headphone drive than its predecessor, targeting harder-to-run cans and higher dynamic headroom.

On the front panel, iFi retains its familiar analogue sound-shaping tools, with dedicated buttons for quick access.

XBass+ boosts low frequencies, while PowerMatch adds 6dB of gain for quieter sources and harder-to-drive headphones.

The ZEN Air DAC 2 arrives in a midnight blue finish with a metal fascia, and it adds a dedicated power button — a change iFi says was made in response to user feedback.

Blues and Twos

At this price, iFi’s ZEN Air trio targets common system bottlenecks—offering better Bluetooth, a more serious phono stage, or a flexible USB DAC/headphone hub—without requiring a full upgrade and an overdraft. Features such as aptX Lossless, MM/MC support, and a 4.4mm balanced output make them compelling entry points. The key, as always, will be how well they perform in typical setups.

iFi says all three new ZEN Air models are available now, each priced at £129 | US$129 | €149 | CA$189

For more information visit iFi Audio