Just for everyone to not repeat and lose money, I got the Node 2021 and then compared to the Zen Stream. I returned the Node 2021 same day...there was no comparison! Mind you, I only used these devices in streamer only mode...just to play music. Just throwing it out there...
What about problems with connections? Bluos is in opinion the best audio software (except expensive Roon) and it's very important part of audio system nowadays For me all the purifiers, boosts and other fancy systems from iFI were strange... But I'm almost 50 so a bit oldschool :) Too much magic for me.
If you want just a streamer to connect to an existing system this is the best value option. I already have a DAC, Preamp, Amp and speakers and wanted to replace my computer as the digital source. I just took out the pc and plugged in the Zen Stream and the difference was immediately noticeable. I just did not expect such an improvement. After a good few months of use it has been rock sold and setup was straight forward and fast. At this price it is a steal and I would highly recommend it.
Yes! That's exactly what I'm looking for too . Can I ask you... Is Tidal/Qobuz built in? Do I have to send the music signal via Bluetooth from say my iPhone or Android? Thanks
@@jayem1826 I use it mainly with Roon, so can play Tidal,and Qobuz via that. Tidal you can play via Tidal Connect and I believe Spotify too. I do not know about playing Qobuz as I do not use it. If it has airplay and I think chromecast that should work. I play everything over Ethernet and the quality is excellent via this route. You can also play via DNLA if you wish. I have played from Tidal to the stream this does work. I hope this helps.
@@colinwilby8803 YES! It did help. I need to find a video showing what you're explained. If I don't get this Zen I can just use my phones connected to my DACs. I still need to figure out HOW he (original poster) uses Audirvana without a computer. Thank you very much.
@@jayem1826 I must admit I do not use Bluetooth, Chromecast or Airplay much. However, before I got the Stream I did use Bluetooth to my Dac too and set up the same at a relatives house. That works fine for casual listening for me and them but the sound is much better over my network. Good luck I hope you find the right solution for you.
@@colinwilby8803 My Android connects via type c to type c and the iPhone needs one of those adapters that accepts a charging cable and USB. I have never streamed using Bluetooth. Sorry if I gave you that impression
I had one of these and didn’t have a good experience. A ton of cutting out and disconnecting from my network. It didn’t have a ready for prime time feel to it. I returned it and went with a Bluesound Node 2i. Rock solid.
It’s definitely possible. I think I had one of the first retail units. I had a new Ares 2 DAC and didn’t have the patience to see if iFi could solve the problems or not. You’re right though, it did sound fantastic when it was working correctly!
@@AudioFixation what is the SN# of your review unit? wonder when it was produced? i have been having connection problems as well, but it sounds awsome. thanks
My first unit would not stream Spotify, but the second unit seems to be OK. I agree that it feels like a work in progress. The reason that I have stuck with it is the superb sound quality which was obviously a step up from my 2 other streamers.
the ONLY reason I spent 2hr trying to get this thing set up was because everyone kept saying how great it sounded. I finally just did a factory reset, did the software upgrade, and finally it connected to where it was functional. Tidal now recognizes it and it does sound better than the NAD 658 BluOS streamer I was using.
I got a Tangent Ampster Bt2 which is an integrated amp/dac. However, in order to connect a streamer to it without the need of an external dac I need one with optical output. My question is, seeing as the bt2 was released in 2019 or so, what the hell were they thinking? It has a USB port for charging only but now it severly limits my streaming selection and since chromecast audio is worth gold I am left with others' either too expensive (some with their own DACs which are likely better than the one embedded on the tangent which makes the optical cable useless as I could just plug them in via the aux port and use their internal dac as a source) or whose reviews are not stellar. I just ordered a btr5 so will likely use it and an old tablet to stream Tidal from and connect it to either the aux entry or to the tuner entry. Not the greatest solution but the two dacs inside the btr5 should be better actually and I solve my mobile and Hi-Fi needs for now.
Love that animal magic bonobo shot. I don’t think most people are saying it is easy to set up and/or having connection problems. You made a reference to no drop outs indicating you knew of the issue or potential of same (maybe?). This unit stutters more than Michael Palins character in a fish called Wanda, as lots of people are saying.
@Audio Fixation I was interested in the other means too. Spotify connect and tidal connect and dlna, so wondered if you tested that? You made a reference to drop outs by saying they didn’t exist for you and I wonder if you could clarify in what context you mentioned that.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 he needs to see the masters review ! Maybe he could do some coffee making in the video. Oh and some weights from amazon won’t go a miss.
Have you heard of and would you please try the Audioengine B-Fi streamer (Not the B-1 Bluetooth model, this is a newer better model). The B-Fi is WiFi in, toslink or analog RCA out. Built in Tidal, Qobuz, etc. It can be an all in one or used with a separate DAC. Only $189. I’d love to know how it stacks up to this one and others. Thanks
I have now watched 3 different reviews on this streamer... I still don't get why I would want one... it doesn't do any more that what my fiio M11Pro does and the M11Pro actually does more than the zen stream.... its like you put this streamer in your bedroom to listen to headphones... and yet you can do the same thing with the M11 or other DAPS.... seems to be just one more way for companies to get to your wallet...
Please please tell me you didn't use Senjitsu as a test track. There's no way in the world that horrible compressed Iron maiden album can do the Zen or any other source justice in any way, shape, or form.
Holy shit… just go to CL, buy an old 1970s 25-50 watt Pioneer, Marantz or Sansui receiver… a belt drive turntable of the same brands .. all for les than $500 and never worry about the latest digital streaming. Check back in 10 years when the digital dust has settled
First time watching your channel. The moment I saw the Smashing Pumpkings, The Aeroplane Flies High boxset behind you I subscribed.
SP fans always got to stick together!
I picked one of these up and found that it did sound better than my Allo USBridge Signature. I will be keeping this. Great review
Friendly and informative also - thank you. These units are seriously nice.
Just for everyone to not repeat and lose money, I got the Node 2021 and then compared to the Zen Stream. I returned the Node 2021 same day...there was no comparison! Mind you, I only used these devices in streamer only mode...just to play music. Just throwing it out there...
What about problems with connections? Bluos is in opinion the best audio software (except expensive Roon) and it's very important part of audio system nowadays
For me all the purifiers, boosts and other fancy systems from iFI were strange...
But I'm almost 50 so a bit oldschool :)
Too much magic for me.
I own Node USB but need a second one so decided on the Zen.
If you want just a streamer to connect to an existing system this is the best value option. I already have a DAC, Preamp, Amp and speakers and wanted to replace my computer as the digital source. I just took out the pc and plugged in the Zen Stream and the difference was immediately noticeable. I just did not expect such an improvement. After a good few months of use it has been rock sold and setup was straight forward and fast. At this price it is a steal and I would highly recommend it.
Yes! That's exactly what I'm looking for too .
Can I ask you... Is Tidal/Qobuz built in? Do I have to send the music signal via Bluetooth from say my iPhone or Android?
Thanks
@@jayem1826 I use it mainly with Roon, so can play Tidal,and Qobuz via that. Tidal you can play via Tidal Connect and I believe Spotify too. I do not know about playing Qobuz as I do not use it. If it has airplay and I think chromecast that should work. I play everything over Ethernet and the quality is excellent via this route. You can also play via DNLA if you wish. I have played from Tidal to the stream this does work. I hope this helps.
@@colinwilby8803 YES! It did help.
I need to find a video showing what you're explained.
If I don't get this Zen I can just use my phones connected to my DACs. I still need to figure out HOW he (original poster) uses Audirvana without a computer.
Thank you very much.
@@jayem1826 I must admit I do not use Bluetooth, Chromecast or Airplay much. However, before I got the Stream I did use Bluetooth to my Dac too and set up the same at a relatives house. That works fine for casual listening for me and them but the sound is much better over my network. Good luck I hope you find the right solution for you.
@@colinwilby8803 My Android connects via type c to type c and the iPhone needs one of those adapters that accepts a charging cable and USB. I have never streamed using Bluetooth. Sorry if I gave you that impression
Always love your videos, thanks for the review!
I had one of these and didn’t have a good experience. A ton of cutting out and disconnecting from my network. It didn’t have a ready for prime time feel to it. I returned it and went with a Bluesound Node 2i. Rock solid.
Very interesting. Mine is rock solid. Maybe they updated the firmware since you got yours?
It’s definitely possible. I think I had one of the first retail units. I had a new Ares 2 DAC and didn’t have the patience to see if iFi could solve the problems or not. You’re right though, it did sound fantastic when it was working correctly!
@@AudioFixation what is the SN# of your review unit? wonder when it was produced? i have been having connection problems as well, but it sounds awsome. thanks
My first unit would not stream Spotify, but the second unit seems to be OK. I agree that it feels like a work in progress. The reason that I have stuck with it is the superb sound quality which was obviously a step up from my 2 other streamers.
I couldn't get the Zen to set up. Blue Sound 2021, no problem.
the ONLY reason I spent 2hr trying to get this thing set up was because everyone kept saying how great it sounded. I finally just did a factory reset, did the software upgrade, and finally it connected to where it was functional. Tidal now recognizes it and it does sound better than the NAD 658 BluOS streamer I was using.
Super helpful as usual, thanks
I get mine in Jan from Amazon! Fingers crossed it works flawlessly!😊
I think you'll love it
@@AudioFixation Thank you! Looking for a giant killer. I don't believe in spending $6k on a transport/streamer for streaming Spotify and Tidal.😊
Thanks for the details -- as a novice I would have had little idea as to how to connect it to a DAC...
I got a Tangent Ampster Bt2 which is an integrated amp/dac. However, in order to connect a streamer to it without the need of an external dac I need one with optical output. My question is, seeing as the bt2 was released in 2019 or so, what the hell were they thinking? It has a USB port for charging only but now it severly limits my streaming selection and since chromecast audio is worth gold I am left with others' either too expensive (some with their own DACs which are likely better than the one embedded on the tangent which makes the optical cable useless as I could just plug them in via the aux port and use their internal dac as a source) or whose reviews are not stellar. I just ordered a btr5 so will likely use it and an old tablet to stream Tidal from and connect it to either the aux entry or to the tuner entry. Not the greatest solution but the two dacs inside the btr5 should be better actually and I solve my mobile and Hi-Fi needs for now.
Good review thank you :)
Love that animal magic bonobo shot. I don’t think most people are saying it is easy to set up and/or having connection problems. You made a reference to no drop outs indicating you knew of the issue or potential of same (maybe?). This unit stutters more than Michael Palins character in a fish called Wanda, as lots of people are saying.
Whilst I appreciate your metaphor I couldn’t disagree more. The thing didn’t stutter at all for me; rock solid connectivity as a roon ready endpoint.
@Audio Fixation I was interested in the other means too. Spotify connect and tidal connect and dlna, so wondered if you tested that? You made a reference to drop outs by saying they didn’t exist for you and I wonder if you could clarify in what context you mentioned that.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 he needs to see the masters review ! Maybe he could do some coffee making in the video. Oh and some weights from amazon won’t go a miss.
i have been having connection problems with mine. what is the serial number of your review unit? do you know when it was made? thanks.
Thanks for this. What type of power adaptor did yours come with?
Can I ask you.. the WiFi card on my very old MBP is dead. Would I be able to set up the Zen if both are connected by LAN to the same network?
Thanks
Super Review !!
Are chromecast now fully supported? Ifis homepage still says that it will come in a future update. Mostly streaming from Qobuz
I’m getting the blue sound node. I would be concerned with the ifi that it would be too buggy.
Have you heard of and would you please try the Audioengine B-Fi streamer (Not the B-1 Bluetooth model, this is a newer better model). The B-Fi is WiFi in, toslink or analog RCA out. Built in Tidal, Qobuz, etc. It can be an all in one or used with a separate DAC. Only $189. I’d love to know how it stacks up to this one and others. Thanks
Sounds intriguing. Will email them and see if they will send me one to test!
@@AudioFixation Any news? Thanks
It doesn’t have usb so will not sound as good if the ifi usb is used.
Saw the SP boxset, hit Subscribe 👌🏼
how this will stand with FiiO K3S ? 🤔
Try it with a linear power supply and see if that makes it sound better...
It will
I have now watched 3 different reviews on this streamer... I still don't get why I would want one... it doesn't do any more that what my fiio M11Pro does and the M11Pro actually does more than the zen stream.... its like you put this streamer in your bedroom to listen to headphones... and yet you can do the same thing with the M11 or other DAPS.... seems to be just one more way for companies to get to your wallet...
Please please tell me you didn't use Senjitsu as a test track. There's no way in the world that horrible compressed Iron maiden album can do the Zen or any other source justice in any way, shape, or form.
No, but I love the album!
How can a streamer sound at all?! The streamer just feeds data to the DAC... It has no sound signature.
Exactly my thoughts….it has a spdif out. Hmmm
It sounds different.
Kraftwerk fan!
yep - love them!
@@AudioFixation I saw them in 2017 live in Antwerp. One of the best concerts I ever attended.
I’m jealous!
Great but unstable software.
Holy shit… just go to CL, buy an old 1970s 25-50 watt Pioneer, Marantz or Sansui receiver… a belt drive turntable of the same brands .. all for les than $500 and never worry about the latest digital streaming. Check back in 10 years when the digital dust has settled
Nah doesn't sound right
Even with the power supply, sounds papery