# iFi Zen DAC 3 vs Schiit Magni Unity: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the iFi Zen DAC 3 (iFi Audio) and Schiit Magni Unity (Schiit Audio) among dac amps. Schiit Magni Unity is the cheaper of the two at $119.

## Side by side

| Spec | iFi Zen DAC 3 | Schiit Magni Unity |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $229 | $119 |
| Brand | iFi Audio | Schiit Audio |
| Form factor | desktop | desktop |
| Dac chip | Burr-Brown True Native | — |
| Max pcm (kHz) | 768 | — |
| Max dsd | DSD512 | — |
| Max power mw | 300 | 2500 |
| Snr (dB) | 113 | 122 |
| Thdn percent | 0.005 | 0.0001 |
| Balanced output | Yes | No |
| Headphone jacks | 6.35mm/4.4mm | 6.35mm |
| Digital inputs | USB-C | — |
| Weight grams | 456 | — |

## Key differences

- Max power mw: iFi Zen DAC 3 300 vs Schiit Magni Unity 2500
- Snr (dB): iFi Zen DAC 3 113 vs Schiit Magni Unity 122
- Thdn percent: iFi Zen DAC 3 0.005 vs Schiit Magni Unity 0.0001
- Balanced output: iFi Zen DAC 3 Yes vs Schiit Magni Unity No
- Headphone jacks: iFi Zen DAC 3 6.35mm/4.4mm vs Schiit Magni Unity 6.35mm

## What reviewers say

**iFi Zen DAC 3** — Two whitelisted testers (TechRadar, What Hi-Fi) reviewed the exact iFi Zen DAC 3. Both praise its refined, detailed and spacious sound, flexible connectivity and the USB-B to USB-C upgrade. TechRadar is enthusiastic and rates it near-flawless value; What Hi-Fi is noticeably cooler, finding the sound smooth but lacking verve and punch and not a clear step up over the V2. Neither outlet published lab measurements. (2 sourced reviews.)

## Sources

- iFi Zen DAC 3: https://ifi-audio.com/products/zen-dac-3/ (ifi-audio.com, verified 2026-07-11)
- Schiit Magni Unity: https://www.schiit.com/products/magni-unity (schiit.com, verified 2026-07-11)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/dac-amps/ifi-zen-dac-3-vs-schiit-magni-unity/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, iFi Zen DAC 3 ($229) vs Schiit Magni Unity ($119) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/dac-amps/ifi-zen-dac-3-vs-schiit-magni-unity/
License: CC BY 4.0.