iFi audio ZEN Stream - Streaming elevated to a higher plane
Jun 25, 2021 at 8:30 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 6,116

iFi audio

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Streaming elevated to a higher plane

Introducing ZEN Stream: a flexible and affordable Wi-Fi audio transport, equipped to unleash the full potential of every digital music source – from online streaming to local network storage

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iFi audio ZEN Stream is our latest addition to the award-winning ZEN Series of compact and affordable audio devices, designed to deliver flexible, high-quality network streaming to any audio environment.

Described as a ‘Wi-Fi audio transport’, the ZEN Stream acts as a bridge between your Wi-Fi network and your audio system. It connects to a router via Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable, and outputs to an external DAC via USB or S/PDIF. Its open-source architecture makes it flexible and future-proof; its purpose-built hardware and software deliver excellent sound quality; and its price makes it an eminently affordable solution for high-performance network audio streaming.

Open-source architecture – audio streaming unleashed

Many audio streaming devices lock users into a specific platform. But, if they want to select their preferred streaming platforms and apps without restriction, with the ability to adapt and evolve as requirements change, a device with an open-source architecture offers clear advantages. Raspberry Pi is a popular open-source single-board computer that's effective, inexpensive and not tied to a specific platform. As such it gives the user plenty of streaming options, but also is complicated to set up and has not been designed and optimised for high-performance audio straight from the box.

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The ZEN Stream offers the best of both worlds in one unique package. Its open-source architecture ensures the user is not tied to a specific platform or app, offering a wealth of options and the ability to add more via programmable firmware. Its Linux-based operating system offers exceptional flexibility, with the streaming community encouraged to work with iFi to create additional features to add down the line via OTA (Over The Air) updates.

The ZEN Stream has been designed from the ground up for the sole purpose of high-quality audio streaming. The hardware has been built to deliver the best possible sound quality, working in perfect harmony with iFi’s in-house software development. From the device drivers, to the kernel (the heart of the operating system), to the shell (which interfaces with the kernel), to the applications and the user interface, everything is fully optimised for seamless operation and excellent sonic performance.

Superb sound, no matter how you stream

The ZEN Stream’s hi-res audio credentials are top-notch, supporting PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD up to 11.2MHz (DSD256) over Wi-Fi – highly unusual – as well as over Ethernet cable. There are multiple ways in which the device can interface with your music collection or favourite streaming service, depending on the user’s preference, and thanks to the ZEN Stream’s open-source architecture these will expand over time. Here are some of the options provided at launch:

§ Integrated Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect
Users of these hugely popular online music services can stream directly from the Tidal and Spotify apps – simple, seamless and effective.

§ DLNA certification
Any DLNA-compatible streaming app – including iFi’s forthcoming Stream-iFi app – can be used to control the ZEN Stream and access audio content from online services and DLNA-certified network storage devices.

§ AirPlay and Chromecast
Integrated Airplay and Chromecast ensures easy streaming from Apple and Android devices. AirPlay is included at launch; Chromecast will be added as a free firmware update later this year.

§ Roon compatibility
The Roon platform has become the standard-bearer for high-quality digital music management and streaming – a great interface, strong flexibility and high-quality sound are all benefits, although Roon-compatible hardware does not tend to come cheap. At launch, the ZEN Stream is compatible with Roon Bridge software, making in suitable for a Roon environment, and full Roon Ready certification is in the pipeline – a tempting proposition given the ZEN Stream’s affordable price point. With the ZEN Stream, you can add Roon compatibility to any DAC on the planet.

§ NAA operation
The ZEN Stream can operate as an NAA (Network Audio Adapter) in conjunction with Sygnalist HQPlayer software – favoured by many serious music streaming enthusiasts. This means it can direct packets of audio data received over Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable straight to the connected DAC without applying any processing whatsoever.

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iFi delivers hot exclusives

An ingenious part of the ZEN Stream’s design is the ability to select between ‘exclusive modes’ – individual settings that deliver fully optimised performance by focusing operation on one particular mode of use. The following modes are provided:

§ All-in-one
This non-specific mode is great for all platforms, audio formats and devices.

§ DLNA streaming
Select this mode to optimise performance when using the ZEN Stream with DLNA-compatible apps and devices.

§ NAA streaming
Select this mode when using the ZEN Stream as a Network Audio Adapter in conjunction with Signalyst HQPlayer software.

§ Roon Bridge streaming
Select this mode when integrating the ZEN Stream into a ROON environment.

§ Tidal streaming
If you’re a subscriber to Tidal’s Masters Tier and use it exclusively, this is the mode for you.

Built for sonic brilliance

Outwardly, the ZEN Stream is encased in the distinctive dark grey aluminium extrusion that houses every device in iFi’s ZEN Series. Its silver-coloured aluminium faceplate sports two multi-colour LEDs – one to indicate internet/intranet connection and speed; the other to show the incoming audio format and sample rate (these LEDs may be switched off if preferred). There are just two buttons: the power switch and a ‘hotspot’ button, the latter used to join a Wi-Fi network.

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While there is no display other than the status LEDs, all information about the music being streamed will be displayed on the control app selected by the user. iFi has taken the decision that it is better to focus on performance and value-for-money, rather than increase cost by incorporating a display that would arguably be superfluous to the end-user.

Around the back, alongside the Wi-Fi antenna, reside an array of sockets and ports. Dual-band Wi-Fi reception supports 802.11a/b/g/n/ac for a fast, reliable wireless connection, while a high-grade Gigabit Ethernet port supplies a cabled network option of the highest quality. There’s also a USB-A input, giving the option of playing music from HDD and solid-state storage devices, and a USB-C programming port to upload software/firmware updates (an alternative to OTA updates via Wi-Fi).

Two digital outputs – asynchronous USB and coaxial S/PDIF – provide connection to an external DAC, and are regulated by iFi’s femto-precision GMT (Global Master Timing) clock circuitry to eradicate jitter from the digital signal. The USB ports – both input and output – support SuperSpeed USB3.0 and benefit from iFi’s ANC II active noise cancellation to remove distortion from the audio signal. Similarly, the S/PDIF output incorporates iFi’s iPurifier technology.

The ZEN Stream’s circuit design has been painstakingly engineered to deliver superb sound, with processing muscle supplied by a 64-bit, quad-core ARM Cortex microprocessor. This is accompanied by carefully chosen circuit components including discrete, high-grade surface-mounted devices such as TDK C0G multilayer ceramic capacitors and inductors from Taiyo Yuden and Murata.

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Regulators with high PSRR (Power Supply Rejection Ratio), low idle current and low dropout voltage are used, together with a synchronous 1.5MHz high-speed power supply controller, further contributing to the ZEN Stream’s pure, distortion-free performance. As befits an audiophile-grade device, the ZEN Stream does not incorporate a noisy fan – instead, iFi has designed low-profile heatsinks to prevent overheating whilst maintaining the unit’s compact size.

Fab and affordable

Fusing state-of-the-art hi-res sound with open-source versatility, the iFi ZEN Stream is a uniquely specified network audio streaming transport at a refreshingly affordable RRP of £399 (€399, $399) – available from selected retailers from 25 June.
 
iFi audio Stay updated on iFi audio at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
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Jun 25, 2021 at 11:01 AM Post #3 of 6,116
Huh. I'm not a fan of the Zen chassis, but I find the connectivity and capability of the Zen Stream quite intriguing.

I wonder if the USB output would be able to connect to a 5-channel (or greater) system for multichannel audio or to take advantage of Apple's Dolby Atmos tracks.

Either way, this might be the next iFi Audio product I shill shell out for.
 
Jun 25, 2021 at 11:46 AM Post #4 of 6,116
Wohoo!
 
Jun 25, 2021 at 1:20 PM Post #5 of 6,116
Woo Hoo is right! Love my original Zen, and now the new Zen Stream should be here soon!
 
iFi audio Stay updated on iFi audio at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
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Jun 25, 2021 at 1:34 PM Post #6 of 6,116
Bloom Audio Headphones and Personal Audio with Pitch Perfect Service. Stay updated on Bloom Audio at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
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Jun 25, 2021 at 1:36 PM Post #7 of 6,116
iFi audio Stay updated on iFi audio at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
https://www.facebook.com/people/IFi-audio/61558986775162/ https://twitter.com/ifiaudio https://www.instagram.com/ifiaudio/ https://ifi-audio.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@iFiaudiochannel comms@ifi-audio.com
Jun 25, 2021 at 4:24 PM Post #9 of 6,116
My original post got mucked up so here is a screenshot.
Good point, never really looked because I'm a raspberry pi guy, but what is the least expensive steamer on the market that does what this does?

I can say one thing believe it or not a Raspberry pi initially seems like a daunting task to do, it isn't till you've actually done it few times that you start to go "just build a pi" in comment sections lol.

I'm already seeing people say a pi is way under 399, without taking into consideration how the majority of people view what we all know to be "easy as cake" lmao
 
iFi audio Stay updated on iFi audio at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
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Jun 25, 2021 at 5:02 PM Post #10 of 6,116
Good point, never really looked because I'm a raspberry pi guy, but what is the least expensive steamer on the market that does what this does?

I can say one thing believe it or not a Raspberry pi initially seems like a daunting task to do, it isn't till you've actually done it few times that you start to go "just build a pi" in comment sections lol.

I'm already seeing people say a pi is way under 399, without taking into consideration how the majority of people view what we all know to be "easy as cake" lmao
The thing is I haven't had a computer of any kind for 4/5 years so no way of trouble shooting a system that requires it in any way.
So an app based interface right out of the box is part of my here and now, I've been streaming using two tablets with usb audio player pro and bubble upnp into my dac.
A bluesound node 2021 version is my current streamer because it had that straight out the box usability, I've done streaming with all sorts of devices computers, ios and android they all have their idiosyncrasies.
 
Jun 25, 2021 at 6:35 PM Post #11 of 6,116
The thing is I haven't had a computer of any kind for 4/5 years so no way of trouble shooting a system that requires it in any way.
So an app based interface right out of the box is part of my here and now, I've been streaming using two tablets with usb audio player pro and bubble upnp into my dac.
A bluesound node 2021 version is my current streamer because it had that straight out the box usability, I've done streaming with all sorts of devices computers, ios and android they all have their idiosyncrasies.
Agreed, but what you just said doesn't quite cover it. I too wish It had an app that would be killer, like Blue OS although I never used it.
Anyway my point is you said you "I haven't had a computer of any kind for 4/5 years so no way of trouble shooting a system that requires it in any way" , and I would like to point out that a computer is not required for troubleshooting. All that is needed is a browser connection, now please correct me if I'm wrong, but I am not aware of any tablets that do not have any web browser! You're simply opening your browser to do the settings.

Hope that clears up any confusion, and again you are correct, no app certainly hurts this particular kind of product.

Cheers! :beerchug:
 
iFi audio Stay updated on iFi audio at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
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Jun 25, 2021 at 6:52 PM Post #12 of 6,116
Nice! This is just what I was looking for. A small, simple WiFi streamer with Tidal Connect and USB out. Nice and simple without having to go the Pi route. I'll wait for some reviews and then pick one up for my modest 2-channel system to replace an ancient Airport Express with optical out / Airplay.
 
Jun 25, 2021 at 7:09 PM Post #13 of 6,116
Nice! This is just what I was looking for. A small, simple WiFi streamer with Tidal Connect and USB out. Nice and simple without having to go the Pi route. I'll wait for some reviews and then pick one up for my modest 2-channel system to replace an ancient Airport Express with optical out / Airplay.
Just got my delivery notice, scheduled for tomorrow! Hopefully I can get a chance to grasp the basics and initial sound impressions for you by tomorrow night!
 
iFi audio Stay updated on iFi audio at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
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Jun 25, 2021 at 8:18 PM Post #15 of 6,116
Agreed, but what you just said doesn't quite cover it. I too wish It had an app that would be killer, like Blue OS although I never used it.
Anyway my point is you said you "I haven't had a computer of any kind for 4/5 years so no way of trouble shooting a system that requires it in any way" , and I would like to point out that a computer is not required for troubleshooting. All that is needed is a browser connection, now please correct me if I'm wrong, but I am not aware of any tablets that do not have any web browser! You're simply opening your browser to do the settings.

Hope that clears up any confusion, and again you are correct, no app certainly hurts this particular kind of product.

Cheers! :beerchug:
If I hadn't bought a new bluesound node I'd be looking at the zen stream.
 

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