ifi ZEN CAN, User Manual, Page: 9 / 21

Technologies
Why balanced?
In a single-ended three-wire headphone connection, ground is shared between left and right channels.
That’s why both channels’ wires and connectors have extra resistance, which causes unwanted crosstalk
between them. A four-wire balanced connection eliminates this issue completely.
The iFi audio ZEN CAN’s balanced circuitry completely separates both channels, and its line inputs will work
with balanced output sources and professional equipment. It features Pentaconn connector type because off
its high-quality build and low contact resistance.
XBass
Many open-backed headphones have sub-100Hz bass invariably rolled off due to their open ear cups which let out all frequencies
instead of trapping and redirecting them back to our ears, just as as closed headphones with good bass response do. Open-backed
products also don’t cup up the midrange as their closed types, hence the former is famed for natural sound, but bass extension was
never a strong suit.
The ZEN CAN’s XBass equalisation benefits all headphone types, consists of active and passive
components, and its frequency response curve corrects low-end response problems with precision and
exclusively in the analogue domain. The correction process itself shapes the output without altering the
midrange, worsening SNR or increasing distortion. The result moves any headphones closer to a neutral
presentation with less midrange over-emphasis, with a full and natural bass and no veil over the treble.
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