But it should be said that the power provided from the connected MacBook Pro (and also an iMac) source over USB proved sufficient enough to drive all manner of headphones we used during testing, from the Grado SR325x to the Beyerdynamic T5 (3rd Gen) and Focal Stellia. We do borrow the mains adapter from a previously tested iFi component as we hook the Zen DAC V2 up to our hi-fi system (via an iFi-supplied 4.4mm Pentaconn to XLR cable), and then in a desktop configuration. Neither of those accessories is on test here, although note that we tried the iPower X with the original Zen DAC and said it “definitely improves the sound in all areas”, so there’s no reason to think it would play ball any differently with this new model. Any 5V AC/DC adapter can be used, but iFi would naturally point you to its own iPower (£49 / $49 / AU$80) or iPower X (£99 / $100 / AU$159) power supplies. The Zen DAC V2 can be powered via its USB socket alone, drawing power from the source connected to it, however the mains route is recommended with tougher-to-drive headphones that require more power. iFi has omitted it to keep costs down – and because one won’t necessarily be necessary for everyone. The final port in the Zen DAC V2 is reserved for mains power, although it should be noted that a mains adapter doesn’t come in the box.

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