Tech
iFi ZEN Air Blue 2 DAC Debuts with Bluetooth 5.4 and aptX Lossless Support
iFi Audio is updating its entry-level wireless DAC lineup with the ZEN Air Blue 2, a $129 Bluetooth receiver designed to replace the original ZEN Air Blue while adding meaningful upgrades where it counts. The new model introduces Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless alongside LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC, and SBC support, giving it broader high-resolution codec compatibility than most options at this price.
Rated for a 10-meter (approximately 30 feet) range, the ZEN Air Blue 2 also benefits from an improved antenna design for more stable connections at the edge of that distance, making it a practical way to add modern wireless streaming to amplifiers, AV receivers, or powered speakers via RCA outputs without changing the rest of the system.
The ZEN Air Blue 2 uses a dedicated three stage internal design built around a Qualcomm QCC3095 Bluetooth chipset, an ESS Sabre DAC reportedly the ES9023 for digital to analog conversion, and iFi AMR custom “OV” Operationsverstärker op amps to maintain signal integrity through the output stage.
It also supports a wide 5 to 12V DC input range, making it suitable for home systems as well as automotive, marine, or other battery powered setups. An automatic power on function is included for vehicle use, allowing the unit to start with the engine.
Comparison
| iFi Model | ZEN Air Blue 2 (2026) | ZEN Air Blue (2022) |
| Product Type | Bluetooth DAC | Bluetooth DAC |
| Price | $129 | $99 |
| DAC | ESS Sabre | ESS Sabre |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.4 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Formats | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, LDAC, |
SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX LL, LDAC, LHDC/HWA Codec |
| Bluetooth Chipset | Qualcomm QCC3095 | Qualcomm QCC 5100 Series |
| Bluetooth Connection Distance | 10m | 10m |
| Output | RCA L/R | RCA L/R |
| Output Voltage | 2.1Vrms @ 0dBFS | 2.05V (+/-0.05V ) |
| Output Impedance | ≤51Ω | <50Ω |
| SNR | 109dB (A) | 109dB (A) |
| DNR | 110dB (A) @ 0 dBFS | 109dB (A) @ 0 dBFS |
| THD+N | <0.005% 10k Load @ 0dBFS | <0.0015% 10k Load @ 0dBF |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz-20kHz (-3dB @ 44.1kHz)
20Hz-40kHz (-3dB @ 96kHz) |
20Hz – 20kHz +0/-0.5dB @ 44.1kHz)
1Hz – 44khz +0/-3.0dB (>= 88.2kHz) |
| Power Supply Requirement | DC 5-12V/≥0.5A (centre +ve) | DC 5V, ≥ 0.5A (centre +ve) |
| Power Consumption | 5V ≤0.25W; 9V ≤0.34W; 12V ≤0.45W | <2.5W |
| Dimensions | 158 x 100 x 35 mm (6.2” x 3.9” x 1.4”) | <50Ω |
| Net Weight | 305g (0.67lbs) | 295g (0.65 lbs) |
| Limited Warranty | 12 months; 24 months in EU |
12 months; 24 months in EU |
| In The Box | 1x Zen Air Blue 2 1x USB to DC Cable 1x Quick Start Guide 1x Warranty Card 1x Short Antenna 1x Long Antenna |
1x Zen Air Blue 1x USB to DC Cable 1x Quick Start Guide 1x Warranty Card |
The Bottom Line
The iFi Audio ZEN Air Blue 2 succeeds by keeping things simple and focused. At $129, it delivers a rare combination at this price point: Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless, broad codec support, and a stable wireless connection that makes it easy to bring modern streaming into older systems without replacing core components. That’s the angle—it’s not trying to be everything, just a clean bridge between your phone and your existing hi-fi.
What it doesn’t offer is just as clear. There’s no headphone output, no balanced connections, and no advanced control over DAC settings or outputs. If you want a more flexible desktop DAC or preamp, options like the Topping E50 II or Fosi Audio S3 give you more to work with for not a lot more money.
The ZEN Air Blue 2 is for listeners who already have an amplifier, receiver, or powered speakers they like and just need a reliable, high quality Bluetooth front end. It also makes sense in secondary systems or even in a car or boat where its wide voltage support and auto power on are actually useful. If your goal is straightforward wireless playback with minimal fuss, it fits. If you want control and expandability, look elsewhere.
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