In this article, I review the iFi ZEN CAN 3 headphone amplifier. The ZEN CAN 3 is the latest release in ifi’s long-running and highly praised ZEN series of desktop components and it’s priced at 229 USD.

Disclaimer: This sample was provided by iFi Audio for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own, based on my experience with the product.

iFi ZEN CAN 3

Design & Features

First impressions? If you’ve seen one ZEN device, you’ve pretty much seen the CAN 3. It sticks to that instantly recognizable lozenge shape and the familiar two-tone finish. And yeah, those Sunlit Bronze buttons and the volume dial are straight out of the ZEN DAC 3 playbook – no points for guessing they’re designed to be desk buddies.

Picking it up, the CAN 3 feels reassuringly chunky. The aluminium case isn’t just for show; it’s properly solid. For something at this price, it feels surprisingly robust – like it could handle a few knocks without breaking a sweat. It’s compact too, mirroring the ZEN DAC 3’s footprint at 158 x 117 x 35 mm and weighing in at a solid 500 grams. Stack ‘em up – they’re practically made for it, sharing the exact same chassis. The gunmetal grey finish with bronze and leather-effect details look both chic and professional.

Functionality-wise, the CAN 3 throws in a couple of interesting tricks. You get those selectable “sonic profiles” – Movie and Gaming modes. Gaming mode is all about sharpening up details – footsteps, gunshots, the whoosh of bullets, that kind of thing, while movie mode is meant to boost vocals.

Then you’ve got the XBass+ and XSpace buttons. XSpace definitely widens things out, it’s subtle but you notice it. XBass+ is, well, XBass+ – a tastefully done bass lift, as you’d expect. The cool bit? iFi is keen to point out all this jiggery-pokery is done in the analogue domain – no digital signal processing here.

Around the back, connectivity is decent. You’ve got RCA, 3.5mm, and a balanced 4.4mm inputs, plus a 4.4mm balanced pre-out and, of course, the power socket. Up front, you’ve got your 6.35mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced headphone sockets. Controls are all front-mounted: power, input select, gain, and the mode selector button cycling through XBass+, XSpace, Game, and Movie modes, plus X-MEMS compatibility. Speaking of controls, everything feels nicely put together. The buttons are tactile and clicky, and that volume knob? Really smooth action and nicely weighted.

Powering the CAN 3 is straightforward with the included adapter. iFi does offer their iPower2 adapter separately, promising even cleaner power. Sure, you could splash out another $70 for that… but for this unit? Honestly, it feels like overkill to me. The standard power supply gets the job done just fine right out of the box.

While we’re on the subject of power, the ZEN CAN 3 can deliver up to 2000mW continuous output power which is enough for pretty much any headphones out there.

Sound

From the moment I started using the iFi ZEN CAN 3, what struck me most was its sheer adaptability. It’s not just about ticking boxes on a spec sheet; it’s about how this amp pairs with different headphones, and that’s where the ZEN CAN 3 really shines. For someone like me who regularly switches between sensitive IEMs and more demanding headphones, the four gain modes are a godsend. Fiddling with those settings, you quickly realize how effortlessly it dials in the perfect level, whether you’re using super-sensitive in-ears or something that typically needs a lot more juice. It just feels…right, no matter what you throw at it.

Now, about the sound itself. To my ears, the ZEN CAN 3 leans into a nicely balanced warmth, but never at the expense of clarity. It’s a sound that’s immediately enjoyable and inviting, and it’s consistent across the frequencies. There’s a real sense of musicality here – it’s not sterile or analytical, but rather engaging and easy to get lost in.

The bass has a satisfying presence. It’s got a good weight and a definite punch when the track calls for it, but it’s also controlled. It’s not just loud bass; it’s textured bass, if that makes sense. Then there’s the XBass+ and iFi’s implementation here is excellent. It adds a touch of richness and warmth where it’s needed, especially for headphones that might be a little light in the low end.

The midrange is smooth and natural, with vocals and instruments sounding present and lifelike. There’s a nice body to the mids, and it avoids any of that harshness that can sometimes creep in with less refined amps. It’s not the last word in hyper-detail, but it’s definitely detailed enough to be revealing, and more importantly, it’s just really pleasant to listen to. Instrument separation is solid, and even with complex tracks, everything holds together nicely.

The treble is where the iFi ZEN CAN 3 shows its smooth side. It’s definitely well-extended, but with a gentle roll-off right at the top. For my listening preferences, this is perfect. It avoids any harshness or sibilance, making it ideal for longer listening sessions – which is definitely a plus when you’re spending hours critically listening like I do.

Select Pairings

Sennheiser HD650 – (Gain 12dB, approx 30-40% volume): This has a Nice, full, but clean bass response. I don’t feel the need for Xbass+, as there’s already sufficient punch and weight in the lows. The mids and vocals are forward and vibrant, with great clarity and natural tone. The treble is crisp and non-fatiguing. Wide soundstage that reaches beyond the headspace.

FiiO FT1 Pro – (Gain 0dB, approx 20-30% volume): Okay, so plugging the FiiO FT1 Pro into the iFi ZEN CAN 3? First of all, these headphones are extremely efficient – I’m on the minimum gain setting and there’s tons of headroom.

You get this really engaging sound that’s super easy to listen to. The planar drivers give you that sense of effortless clarity. The bass is surprisingly punchy for a planar – not earth-shaking, but definitely present and well-defined. Vocals are lush but clear without any grain. Midrange is where these headphones shine; vocals are clear and natural, and instruments have this realistic texture. Treble is crisp, but not harsh at all, just detailed and airy. The soundstage is wide, giving you a good sense of space, and the imaging is spot-on. It’s not end-game in resolution but considering the combined cost, this is a really solid pairing.

I/O Audio Volare – (Gain 0dB, approx 10-20% volume) Honestly, the Volare has really impressed me. It feels like a hidden gem that deserves a lot more buzz. Paired with the iFi ZEN CAN 3, the low-end is exceptional. You get this deep, powerful sub-bass that really rumbles, and the mid-bass is punchy and well-defined – kick drums and bass guitars have real presence. The midrange is where things get really nice; it’s spacious and detailed but still has that warmth that makes vocals and instruments sound natural. The treble? It’s crisp and detailed, maybe even a little bright for some, but it’s super precise. And the soundstage? Wide and open, with pinpoint imaging. It just puts you right in the middle of the music. There’s no need for XBass+ or XSpace with this one.

Verdict

Ultimately, the iFi ZEN CAN 3 is about versatility and sounding genuinely enjoyable. Those selectable gain modes are crucial, ensuring it plays nicely with everything from the most sensitive IEMs to power-hungry planars. It’s an amplifier that adapts to you and your headphones, rather than the other way around, and that’s a quality I really appreciate.

Adding to its appeal is the impressive build quality. The solid, tactile feel of the unit, reinforces the sense of a premium product. It’s clear iFi has paid attention to the details, both inside and out, making the ZEN CAN 3 a great value centrepiece for any desktop audio setup. Recommended.