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- Users: shoaibexpert
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iFi audio ZEN Stream - Streaming elevated to a higher plane
Maybe good for electronics, but not speakers. Isolation can be had for cheap using washing machine sound dampeners for electronics as well... Which I shamelessly use for my DAC and PreAmp. Zen stream already comes with soft rubber feet which are great for isolation....but not good enough for...- shoaibexpert
- Post #5,171
- Forum: Sponsor Announcements and Deals
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iFi audio ZEN Stream - Streaming elevated to a higher plane
Interesting. I am currently using a Linksys Switch and am reading this article where Alpha-audio has measured switches. I have just ordered the Netgear GS108E...as it's the cleanest one in there and as per them sounded close to best. Did you have this Netgear switch? Link to article...- shoaibexpert
- Post #5,163
- Forum: Sponsor Announcements and Deals
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iFi audio ZEN Stream - Streaming elevated to a higher plane
Couldn't resist sharing the next iteration of improving PSUs. I noticed my 8 port Linksys switch took 5V 1A and lo and behold, the P50 LPSU had 5V USB 1A outputs and came with a USB to DC Barrel connector...smooth switch to the LPSU made an even bigger difference in my opinion than switching to...- shoaibexpert
- Post #5,159
- Forum: Sponsor Announcements and Deals
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iFi audio ZEN Stream - Streaming elevated to a higher plane
True. I don't know how this hobby works either. Apparently, changing Ethernet routers make people's TV appear better with darker blacks and stuff. Wonder at what point does it become placebo. I currently noted that my switch that sits between the Roon ROCK and Zen Stream has a 5V PSU.... trying...- shoaibexpert
- Post #5,157
- Forum: Sponsor Announcements and Deals
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iFi audio ZEN Stream - Streaming elevated to a higher plane
Ok, so update on my impressions after trying Topping P50 LPSU, The ifi iPower 15V, the Ifi iPower X 15V and the Ifi Elite 15V...all with the Zen Stream. Topping P50: Flat sound presentation, sorta lifeless music but clean for sure. Ifi iPower 15V and iPower X: Will categorize them...- shoaibexpert
- Post #5,155
- Forum: Sponsor Announcements and Deals
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iFi audio ZEN Stream - Streaming elevated to a higher plane
Interesting. Is it coz of cost or does the X or it sounded better than the Elite with the Zen Stream? I mean the X isn't cheap and therefore I was wondering if the Elite was a real step up, maybe spend once and cry once. But need some opinion on whether this is a true step up from my iPower in...- shoaibexpert
- Post #5,148
- Forum: Sponsor Announcements and Deals
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iFi audio ZEN Stream - Streaming elevated to a higher plane
Thanks- shoaibexpert
- Post #5,147
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iFi audio ZEN Stream - Streaming elevated to a higher plane
Very confused if the IFI Elite Power Supply would be a significant jump in sound quality with the Zen Stream compared to the IFI iPower PSU. Has anyone upgraded via this route and can share some thoughts and if it's worth the $299 upgrade in PSU units in terms of improvement in SQ? Thanks- shoaibexpert
- Post #5,142
- Forum: Sponsor Announcements and Deals
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HIFIMAN Arya - Arya Stealth - Arya Organic :: Impressions Thread
The reason I am not letting go of my Arya V2s. Any issues it has can be EQ'd. I also had the HD800S but after keeping them for years, I decided to downsize and sold the 800S. I am however surprised at the fact that NO ONE upto now has actually said that the V3 is more resolving than the...- shoaibexpert
- Post #6,671
- Forum: Headphones (full-size)
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S.M.S.L SU-9 DAC has dropped at SHENZHENAUDIO store timely, with ES9038PRO chip and MQA supported
I bought both my SU-9 units from HiFiGo and they helped me send these units to US for reinstallation of the software for correcting the SW bug causing high 3rd harmonic distortion. Before that, my DACs did sound bloated in the Bass region and they kinda opened up after coming back. Again, I...- shoaibexpert
- Post #160
- Forum: Sponsor Announcements and Deals
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S.M.S.L SU-9 DAC has dropped at SHENZHENAUDIO store timely, with ES9038PRO chip and MQA supported
Thanks. That was my question ie if someone has compared sub $1K SMSL and Topping DACs both within those product ranges as well as sub $2K DACs subjectively and which areas have they found night and day difference in. So far I've got that R2R are different and in some cases, better but not as...- shoaibexpert
- Post #159
- Forum: Sponsor Announcements and Deals
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S.M.S.L SU-9 DAC has dropped at SHENZHENAUDIO store timely, with ES9038PRO chip and MQA supported
DDCs are my latest crush too 😅 I did notice a huge improvement by switching from PC to a dedicated streamer (Zen Stream) as well streaming via Roon. I do want to try to change to a DDC+better DAC (Not possible per ASR)+same or similar Preamp someday. Very happy with my C298 power amp as well as...- shoaibexpert
- Post #152
- Forum: Sponsor Announcements and Deals
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HIFIMAN Arya - Arya Stealth - Arya Organic :: Impressions Thread
I am in Canada, wondering if Dekonis can be returned if it doesn't sit well with my taste... Very interested to know Dekonis frequency response changes...- shoaibexpert
- Post #6,667
- Forum: Headphones (full-size)
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S.M.S.L SU-9 DAC has dropped at SHENZHENAUDIO store timely, with ES9038PRO chip and MQA supported
I often think about going R2R but may need to wait till I afford at least the Pontus II and untill there is a proper preamp that measures like the Topping Pre90 and has compatibility with higher output impedence DACs. Currently Pre90 only allows for DACs with output impedence of no more than...- shoaibexpert
- Post #150
- Forum: Sponsor Announcements and Deals
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HIFIMAN Arya - Arya Stealth - Arya Organic :: Impressions Thread
Hi, My Arya V2, with which I am very happy with, paid full price and never looked back has had it's pad skin coming off after 2 years of use. Has anyone tried off market pads and do they sound good with the Arya's? Or should one pay full $$$ for the Serenity pads? Thanks- shoaibexpert
- Post #6,665
- Forum: Headphones (full-size)
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S.M.S.L SU-9 DAC has dropped at SHENZHENAUDIO store timely, with ES9038PRO chip and MQA supported
Hi Guys, I have had the SU-9 for a year now in DAC only mode with Topping Pre90 as the preamp to my NAD C298 Poweramp. Also had it reflashed for correcting the 3rd harmonic issue and it does sound great. Having some more budget available now, I am wondering if more $$$ will buy me better...- shoaibexpert
- Post #148
- Forum: Sponsor Announcements and Deals
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iFi audio ZEN Stream - Streaming elevated to a higher plane
I had both the P50 and the iPower stock PSU and preferred the stock PSU in terms of dynamics. On another note, I do hear a slight buzz from my other IFI Zen Stream unit (I have 2) that is currently powered by their 9V Stock PSU. The buzz increases as the unit starts to stream music/tidal and...- shoaibexpert
- Post #2,895
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iFi audio ZEN Stream - Streaming elevated to a higher plane
Ok so I need to fact correct my comment for the P50 Linear PSU being better than the IFI supplied iPower brick. The fact is that Topping P50 is rated at 1milivolt and iPower is rated a 1microvolt noise and so the iPower is cleaner...also in my subjective opinion the iPower sounds better as well...- shoaibexpert
- Post #1,290
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iFi audio ZEN Stream - Streaming elevated to a higher plane
Thanks. I presume you have to update via the portal link as this device doesn't come with any front facing app as such. Thanks- shoaibexpert
- Post #1,195
- Forum: Sponsor Announcements and Deals
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iFi audio ZEN Stream - Streaming elevated to a higher plane
Thanks. In terms of updates, dies it do it automatically once connected to the internet? Thanks- shoaibexpert
- Post #1,193
- Forum: Sponsor Announcements and Deals
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iFi audio ZEN Stream - Streaming elevated to a higher plane
Hi, maybe I am oversimplifying it but I got my Zen Stream to a LAN cable and it worked. Didn't see any firmware upgrade happening? Is there a right way to update it without bricking it o hope? Has anyone noticed any difference between the All in one and Tidal/Roon exclusive modes? I have my...- shoaibexpert
- Post #1,190
- Forum: Sponsor Announcements and Deals
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iFi audio ZEN Stream - Streaming elevated to a higher plane
Alright so I am listening to the Zen Stream via my Linear PSU now as I am typing. Suffice to say I returned my Bluesound Node 2021...that device just didn't compare. Watch the audio excellence video and believe in what Vilip says to the letter if you wanna compare...I don't want to repeat what...- shoaibexpert
- Post #1,104
- Forum: Sponsor Announcements and Deals
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iFi audio ZEN Stream - Streaming elevated to a higher plane
Super. I did use USB before but the noisy PC didn't have a low noise floor I feel....now from the Zen Stream powered by a Linear PSU...I believe it will be great. My Stream is on its way... By the way I have very revealing Headphones:HD800S and Arya on a very revealing system. For some reason...- shoaibexpert
- Post #1,087
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iFi audio ZEN Stream - Streaming elevated to a higher plane
Thanks. SMSL and Gustard are very similar in implementation so I can see coax working better. It's just that I like to upsample things to DSD in Roon and I would imagine that is only possible with USB.- shoaibexpert
- Post #1,084
- Forum: Sponsor Announcements and Deals
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iFi audio ZEN Stream - Streaming elevated to a higher plane
So between the community...USB or SPDIF - which one is better mmfor most in terms of SQ. I use Roon and Tidal Connect to my SMSL SU-9 DAC. Thanks- shoaibexpert
- Post #1,082
- Forum: Sponsor Announcements and Deals