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Just got the ifi Zen Stream
- Thread starter Frank Sol
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Frank Sol
Lunatic Member
@uofmtiger
I doubt it
But I will put the ifi up against the 2i this weekend going into same DAC in the same system
Right now using it just with headphones
I doubt it
But I will put the ifi up against the 2i this weekend going into same DAC in the same system
Right now using it just with headphones
Frank Sol
Lunatic Member
@chicks
So far I havent had the glitches some people have reported (Fingers Crossed) - Mainly been JRiver via WiFi since I updated the ifi
Also... I moved it from the Desktop to where it was intended to be in my mind
Plugged into my Schiit Ragnarok 2
The Ragnarok 2 has a decent DAC but its USB only
So far I havent had the glitches some people have reported (Fingers Crossed) - Mainly been JRiver via WiFi since I updated the ifi
Also... I moved it from the Desktop to where it was intended to be in my mind
Plugged into my Schiit Ragnarok 2The Ragnarok 2 has a decent DAC but its USB only
cpt_paranoia
Addicted Member
Moode, I think.
I confess I lose track of the forking in these projects...
I confess I lose track of the forking in these projects...
Frank Sol
Lunatic Member
I dont care for it... Clunky
Other than setting up the device I dont use the interface
I use other apps to connect to the Zen Stream over WiFi. JRiver for file playback on computers -- Amazon HD and SiriusXM on smart devices
All in all a good companion to the Schiit Rag2
This is the one issue I had wondered about since Amazon HD is my service of choice. I left Tidal a couple of years back and have no desire to return. I do have Spotify also but am looking for a direct connection with a lossless service. I had the new Bluesound Node but returned it due to a channel imbalance & wasn't totally happy with it anyway. The SMSL SD-9 streamer looks to be just a little more versatile but the reviews about its finicky OS scares the crap out of me. Did just pick up the SMSL SU-9n so the SD would look good on top of it but if it doesn't work well that would be a day ruiner. Is there a way to get in touch with iFi's service section without going through customer support? I tried that but the only option there was to create a support ticket, which wouldn't work on a product I don't own. But it would be good to be able to communicate the potential customer desire for a direct Amazon connection.
Frank Sol
Lunatic Member
@BenWaB3
As of right now today... If AmazonHD is you main streaming source I would go with a Node 3 unless you have to have USB Out
BluOS is Tops with AmHD
ifi Zen Stream is still quirky... But if you dont mind CD (16/44.1) quality via Amazon's own app over AirPlay then you'll be fine with Zen Stream. Most likely ifi will update their UI with AmazonHD but when?
As of right now today... If AmazonHD is you main streaming source I would go with a Node 3 unless you have to have USB Out
BluOS is Tops with AmHD
ifi Zen Stream is still quirky... But if you dont mind CD (16/44.1) quality via Amazon's own app over AirPlay then you'll be fine with Zen Stream. Most likely ifi will update their UI with AmazonHD but when?
Frank Sol
Lunatic Member
Also... if the Zen Stream is in anyone's future I would highly recommend getting an older one on the used market which came with a quality power supply -- The new supplied PS is crap
Thanks for the reply, Frank. I did have the Node 3 but returned it. I did like its range of features though. My SMSL SU-9n DAC does have bluetooth
capability so it looks like for now streaming Amazon from the phone to the SU would work just as well by itself as having the Zen in the chain. I guess I'll just have to wait to see if SMSL works out the glitches in their SD-9 streamer. SInce they don't have MQA in the SU-9n if they came out with an SD-9n that would be even better. Not holding my breath on it though. Thanks again.
Frank Sol
Lunatic Member
A WiFi Range Extender made good even better
So I plugged in a WiFi Range Extender into an AC outlet near the audio system containing the ifi Zen Stream. Directly Wired the Stream from the Extender.
The Extender picked-up the 5G from Router
I'm not sure if the ifi Stream did on its own ?Anyway... Internet Speed picture from the ifi Zen Stream UI
It's good to hear positive reports about the iFi ZEN Stream. Over on the diyaudio forum there was an experienced electronics designer who struggled with its setup and usage -
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/...expensive-streamer.377596/page-3#post-6802936
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/...expensive-streamer.377596/page-3#post-6802936
Frank Sol
Lunatic Member
@linuxfan
Trying to use ifi UI (Volumio ?) for 100% uses of the Zen Stream is a PITA big time
I used the UI just for setup to my internet connection then to download updates (Do not do those via wifi. Be wired to Router)... After that I'm using other apps/software for playback
Right now I'm using JRiver/flac files from my desktop streaming to ifi listening to xmas music (notice the "IFi" in pic)
Trying to use ifi UI (Volumio ?) for 100% uses of the Zen Stream is a PITA big time
I used the UI just for setup to my internet connection then to download updates (Do not do those via wifi. Be wired to Router)... After that I'm using other apps/software for playback
Right now I'm using JRiver/flac files from my desktop streaming to ifi listening to xmas music (notice the "IFi" in pic)
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Frank Sol
Lunatic Member
OK... Ready ?
Not a night/day difference for sure
However , if I had to pick one streamer of these two for total all-around SQ it would be the ifi Zen Stream
Just in my opinion the Zen has better clarity and wider/deeper soundstage
For functionality the Node wins out
