I've had really good luck with IFi Zen Stream. I'm using software version 2.31.7 It works great for AirPlay, Audirvana (via UPnP), MConnect (UPnP), JPlay (UPnP), HQ Player (NAA), Tidal Connect. --- Audirvana REALLY improves the sound quality! JPlay (iOS app) also sounds quite good. I use an SBooster LPS (15V), COAX out >> going into a Holo Audio Spring DAC. The sound quality of the IFi is remarkable for the price. --- Recently I bought an Innuos Zenith. That's about a 30-40% improvement vs. the iFi, but very expensive. --- I've used it both hard wired to LAN and with Wi-Fi. I couldn't tell the difference in sound quality. I have a Netgear router. No problems or issues of any kind.
I think it's interesting. You can "Bring your own DAC" with it... I however think I prefer the simplicity of the Bluesound Node. Yes, it is a bit more expensive... but "It just works". Not sure I would want to get a screwdriver out to switch between Roon and Spotify... but maybe that's just me. In any case, great review as always :)
You don't need to switch it out of AIO (all in one) mode which is position 1. If you leave it in AIO, then all sources work. The purpose of the dedicated modes is to shut down circuitry not needed, but that is not necessary. You can also control the modes using the software configuration with the Zen Stream App via smartphone or PC (webpage). There is a small plastic screwdriver included.
The robot thing is actually true. It actually talks. 😮😮😮 Regarding decoding - It does fully decode MQA which makes listening to MQA possible albeit using a DAC that does not provide MQA capabilities at all. Cooooool.
just purchased, I just finished my first year working in IT which seems to be not enaugh to get seemlesly this thing work using exclusively wifi, at the end I got it including firmware updete, everithing, but do not ask me how because I do not remember. Sound is considerably better the wiim.
I have had my zen for 2 week. the past couple of days, about every couple of hours the sound will turn up and go to static. Sound like stereo is melting down. Email ifi, yet to get response. Any idea what it might be and can it damage my system?
I'm no longer a Tidal user so I didn't check. But, I believe when the Stream is in Tidal mode, your Tidal app - both mobile and desktop, IIRC - will see the stream as a device you cast to.
Once the Zen Stream is setup, when you are in the Tidal App, you can select the Zen Stream as the output from the PC app or smartphone app (or stream to the PC or smartphone if not using Zen Stream).
Using with Tidal connect for two years via Ethernet. Just discovered that switching from All-in-One setting to Tidal dedicated setting #3 made a significant difference with imaging, sound stage and attack. Free upgrade.
Hello. First of all I want to say how much I appreciate your explaination of this unit. My MBP is 12 yrs old and on it's last legs. I use Audirvana and I knew this could stream Tidal and Spotify among others I didn't know I could use Audirvana.. have you tried the SonEQ Plugin? It's free and I LOVE IT! I'm in typhoon Odette stricken area. My fiber cables got cut. That was Dec 16th. Today is March 10th and no one has come to do the repairs. I'm stuck on a wireless modem with LTE, but their system for damaged too. I'm only getting about 3mbps which is horrific. I know to stream I'd need much better, much faster speed. I could create a 5g hot spot with my phone.. that would work, wouldn't it? This unit is $400 here. Would be a shame if I couldn't use it. I'd be using it work my 2 channel system too and maybe headphones although I'm disappointed with the sound from the Sundara's.. I'm a Maggie's guy. Thanks, JM
Hi! I hope you're doing well and wish a speedy recovery for your area. I have used SonEQ, at least the free version. I found it worked well mid-fi and entry-level equipment, but introduced some grain with more resolving gear. As to the Zen Stream, if your local music library is fairly robust, it can still be worth it. It will stream local files to another sound system just fine. Whenever your internet service is fully restored, you can then add the Tidal/Qobuz/streaming service of your choice back in. Good luck!
@@wavetheorysound Thank you. That's one thing with Audirvana that I don't like.. can't play CD's, so I ripped AIFF files from CD's and then added to Audirvana.. I don't play the mp3's that iTunes made. I also record Qobuz, Tidal and Spotify and play them with Audirvana too. That's interesting on SonEQ. My Maggie's would be the weakest link. I'm too old to do anymore upgrading.. my kids don't care.
@@wavetheorysound So, you mean that playing from computer/laptop needs DDC->DAC in order to produce even SQ with playing through iFi Zen Streamer? If that is the case, what is your professional opinion on whether I should invest on the DDC or streamer? (I am currently use laptop as the player)
I've had really good luck with IFi Zen Stream. I'm using software version 2.31.7
It works great for AirPlay, Audirvana (via UPnP), MConnect (UPnP), JPlay (UPnP),
HQ Player (NAA), Tidal Connect.
--- Audirvana REALLY improves the sound quality! JPlay (iOS app) also sounds quite good.
I use an SBooster LPS (15V), COAX out >> going into a Holo Audio Spring DAC.
The sound quality of the IFi is remarkable for the price.
--- Recently I bought an Innuos Zenith. That's about a 30-40% improvement vs. the iFi, but very expensive.
--- I've used it both hard wired to LAN and with Wi-Fi. I couldn't tell the difference in sound quality. I have a Netgear router. No problems or issues of any kind.
Man you are truly a brother from another mother...I use Audirvana as well so I would have the same experience.
I think it's interesting. You can "Bring your own DAC" with it... I however think I prefer the simplicity of the Bluesound Node. Yes, it is a bit more expensive... but "It just works". Not sure I would want to get a screwdriver out to switch between Roon and Spotify... but maybe that's just me. In any case, great review as always :)
You don't need to switch it out of AIO (all in one) mode which is position 1. If you leave it in AIO, then all sources work. The purpose of the dedicated modes is to shut down circuitry not needed, but that is not necessary. You can also control the modes using the software configuration with the Zen Stream App via smartphone or PC (webpage). There is a small plastic screwdriver included.
@@mark9118 Thanks for the clarification!
Not much of audible difference between modes
@@mark9118 - Yes, and I've read that the wifi issue in setup is best when set to AIO mode. People who set it elsewhere had run into issues, fwiw.
@@mark9118 Would there be an increase in sound quality going from Bluesound Node USB to Zen USB using Tidal connect?
Neat product definitely looks like a close competitor to the microRendu.
The robot thing is actually true. It actually talks. 😮😮😮
Regarding decoding - It does fully decode MQA which makes listening to MQA possible albeit using a DAC that does not provide MQA capabilities at all. Cooooool.
just purchased, I just finished my first year working in IT which seems to be not enaugh to get seemlesly this thing work using exclusively wifi, at the end I got it including firmware updete, everithing, but do not ask me how because I do not remember. Sound is considerably better the wiim.
Hi i also have a hugo 2, which spdif to coaxial cable do u use?
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
Liked and subscribed.. BlueSound node might be a good review as well.
I have had my zen for 2 week. the past couple of days, about every couple of hours the sound will turn up and go to static. Sound like stereo is melting down. Email ifi, yet to get response. Any idea what it might be and can it damage my system?
I think I have the same, volume of sound going down and sound stage gone, and some distortion on hights in tweater
I`ve got the same problem with this Zen Streamer. Could not connect. Going to bring it back unfortunately.
Robot head… I can’t get that image out my head now. Thanks for that. 😉
I don't think it works with amazon music.
How Does Tidal connect sound on the Stream?
I'm no longer a Tidal user so I didn't check. But, I believe when the Stream is in Tidal mode, your Tidal app - both mobile and desktop, IIRC - will see the stream as a device you cast to.
Once the Zen Stream is setup, when you are in the Tidal App, you can select the Zen Stream as the output from the PC app or smartphone app (or stream to the PC or smartphone if not using Zen Stream).
Using with Tidal connect for two years via Ethernet. Just discovered that switching from All-in-One setting to Tidal dedicated setting #3 made a significant difference with imaging, sound stage and attack. Free upgrade.
Hello. First of all I want to say how much I appreciate your explaination of this unit. My MBP is 12 yrs old and on it's last legs. I use Audirvana and I knew this could stream Tidal and Spotify among others I didn't know I could use Audirvana.. have you tried the SonEQ Plugin? It's free and I LOVE IT!
I'm in typhoon Odette stricken area. My fiber cables got cut. That was Dec 16th. Today is March 10th and no one has come to do the repairs. I'm stuck on a wireless modem with LTE, but their system for damaged too. I'm only getting about 3mbps which is horrific. I know to stream I'd need much better, much faster speed. I could create a 5g hot spot with my phone.. that would work, wouldn't it?
This unit is $400 here. Would be a shame if I couldn't use it.
I'd be using it work my 2 channel system too and maybe headphones although I'm disappointed with the sound from the Sundara's.. I'm a Maggie's guy.
Thanks,
JM
Hi! I hope you're doing well and wish a speedy recovery for your area. I have used SonEQ, at least the free version. I found it worked well mid-fi and entry-level equipment, but introduced some grain with more resolving gear. As to the Zen Stream, if your local music library is fairly robust, it can still be worth it. It will stream local files to another sound system just fine. Whenever your internet service is fully restored, you can then add the Tidal/Qobuz/streaming service of your choice back in. Good luck!
@@wavetheorysound Thank you.
That's one thing with Audirvana that I don't like.. can't play CD's, so I ripped AIFF files from CD's and then added to Audirvana.. I don't play the mp3's that iTunes made. I also record Qobuz, Tidal and Spotify and play them with Audirvana too.
That's interesting on SonEQ. My Maggie's would be the weakest link. I'm too old to do anymore upgrading.. my kids don't care.
It does fully decode MQA !!
Does it sound better than the computer? Thx.
From a direct USB? Yes. I did an A/B against my Singxer SU-2 and thought they were pretty even.
@@wavetheorysound So, you mean that playing from computer/laptop needs DDC->DAC in order to produce even SQ with playing through iFi Zen Streamer? If that is the case, what is your professional opinion on whether I should invest on the DDC or streamer? (I am currently use laptop as the player)
@@lanx0003 I think so yes. USB noise is often difficult and expensive to remove so if you can avoid it, do so.