IFI ZEN AIR BLUE 2

Bluetooth receiver with an integrated DAC, designed to add wireless connectivity to home audio systems and other compatible installations, while maintaining a signal path divided into dedicated stages for reception, digital-to-analogue conversion and amplification. Support for the aptX Lossless codec and Bluetooth 5.4 technology allows CD-quality audio to be transmitted at 44.1 kHz and 16-bit without data loss, with bitrates of up to 1,200 kbps.

Compatibility with different Bluetooth sources includes, in addition to SBC and AAC, the Qualcomm aptX Classic, aptX Adaptive and aptX HD codecs. LDAC and LDHC/HWA are also supported, allowing high-resolution audio streams of up to 96 kHz to be handled, with bitrates of up to 990 kbps in the case of LDAC. This range of supported formats allows the receiver to be used with a wide variety of mobile devices and wireless sources.

The internal architecture separates the main stages of signal processing rather than relying on a single SoC system. Bluetooth reception is handled by the Qualcomm QCC3095 chipset, which transfers the digital signal to a dedicated ESS Sabre DAC for digital-to-analogue conversion. The following stage uses custom OV-series op-amps to handle the analogue signal before the RCA L/R output.

Signal timing is handled by a GMT femto-precision clock, designed to reduce jitter and maintain a stable timing reference during processing. The separation of the three stages allows dedicated circuitry to be used for the different functions along the signal path, from Bluetooth reception through to the analogue output stage.

The power supply configuration also allows the unit to be used in environments without a conventional mains power supply. The DC input accepts a voltage between 5 and 12 V, making it possible to integrate the receiver into vehicles, boats and other battery-powered systems without necessarily requiring a conventional power adapter.

For automotive use, an automatic power-on and power-off function is provided, synchronised with engine start-up. The system can therefore switch on and off without manual intervention, facilitating the integration of the receiver into a vehicle's audio system.

Technical specifications:

• Bluetooth version: Bluetooth 5.4
• Bluetooth formats: aptX Lossless; LDAC; aptX Adaptive; aptX HD; aptX; AAC; SBC
• Outputs: RCA L/R
• Output voltage: 2.1 V RMS at 0 dBFS
• Output impedance: ≤51 Ω
• Signal-to-noise ratio SNR: 109 dB (A)
• Dynamic range DNR: 110 dB (A) at 0 dBFS
• THD+N: <0.005% into 10 kΩ load at 0 dBFS
• Frequency response: 10 Hz-20 kHz (-3 dB at 44.1 kHz); 20 Hz-40 kHz (-3 dB at 96 kHz)
• Power supply: 5-12 V DC
• Bluetooth audio compatibility: CD quality via aptX Lossless
• Limited warranty: 12 months; 24 months in the EU
• Dimensions: 158 × 100 × 35 mm
• Net weight: 305 g