iFi audio ZEN Stream - Streaming elevated to a higher plane

[Zaurux]

Help, in fact it seems to be more serious... the Pegasus is not detected anymore since I connected it to the ZenStream.
I had high frequency interference on my amp after I connected the ZS. I turned off the amp but now the Pegasus is not detected even when connected to my laptop.

 

[takaponxp]

Thank you for feedback. What DAC are you using?

Thank you for your response as well.
DAC used is RME ADI-2 DAC FS.

I've only used it with USB, but when I input it via SPDIF, the sound came back!
Furthermore, for some reason, when I switched back to USB, the sound came out again.

I don't know what caused this, but it's strange, I didn't reboot Stream in this process.
Unfortunately, I don't have an iFi DAC, so I can't test it, but I think it probably has to do with the DAC.

I know it is a beta version and therefore unstable, so I continue to support its development

 

[takaponxp]

I could not get my Tidal Connect client app using ZS 2.3.7 firmware to connect consistently using Ethernet connection for ZS, with Tidal Connect running on Wi-Fi (to same Internet/Wi-Fi router as my ZS is connected to via ethernet). But when I did a reset back to the firmware that shipped with my ZS, it works fine for me (Tidal Connect). But 2.3.7 adds support for MQA passthrough, which I no longer have since I went back to firmware that shipped the unit. When I hit the reset button, I am not sure which release level I went back to.

Here is a description of the fixes in 2.3.7 that shows up when checking for updates in the Settings of the ZS app:

Added MQA passthrough option to Tidal Connect, fixed Spotify Connect not compatible with some DACs, fixed DoP LED color, fixed infinite loop in config wizard, fixed progress bar not working.

2.30.6 -- Fixed light color when playing DoP.
2.30.5 -- Fixed no sound coming out of Spotify Connect with some USB DACs, added hardware volume control to Spotify Connect, added DSD/DoP auto select when switching output.
2.30.4 -- Fixed no sound coming out of Spotify Connect with some USB DACs, added DSD/DoP auto select when switching output.
2.30.3 -- Fixed infinite loop in wizard, added virtual USB DAC entity, enabled logfile upload to cloud.
2.30.2 -- Enabled debug mode switch and logfile generation.
2.30.1 -- Added MQA device auto detection to Tidal Connect, enabling 'Passthrough MQA' setting from UI.
2.29.9 -- Synced with bug-fixed Tidal Connect service(fixing occasionally stops playing), fixed auto detect USB DAC.
2.29.8 -- Suppress Tidal Connect audible noise out of SPDIF, fixed incorrect mdns device name, optimised system update.
2.29.7 -- Suppress Tidal Connect audible noise out of SPDIF, fixed incorrect mdns device name, optimised system update.
2.29.6 -- Optimised UI, updated some translation.
2.29.5 -- Fixed spdif DoP output, fixed error info from Foobar UPnP, optimised UI.
2.29.4 -- Updated pushwifi API, fixed some mixer bugs.
2.29.3 -- Enabled all channels of 5G.
2.29.2 -- Added speed info in system update, optimised OTA update, fixed wifi ESSID not supporting utf-8, hided some unnecessary hotspot configurations, fixed not showing wired IP, revised push wifi API, optimised some codes.
2.28 -- Added APIs for Android/iOS apps, fixed bricking system reset, updated translation, added media server tag, disabled hotspot feedback, optimised some threads.

I lightly tested Tidal Connect with firmware 2.31.3 (Beta) and it plays fine.
I can't confirm if MQA pass-through works correctly because I don't have a DAC that supports it... The light turns purple.
If you don't mind trying a beta version, you could try to introduce it using Post #3,835's method.
If you want to restore the factory defaults, you can do so with the reset switch on the back.

 

[Mark200]

I lightly tested Tidal Connect with firmware 2.31.3 (Beta) and it plays fine.
I can't confirm if MQA pass-through works correctly because I don't have a DAC that supports it... The light turns purple.
If you don't mind trying a beta version, you could try to introduce it using Post #3,835's method.
If you want to restore the factory defaults, you can do so with the reset switch on the back.

I would assume that MQA passthrough for Tidal works on 2.31.3 beta because it worked on the 2.30.7 official release after I upgraded the firmware via the Settings before I did the Setup. My Zen DAC Signature 2 verified MQA passthrough that with a blue LED.

The problem was it took me about 30-60 minutes of me configuring things to get Tidal Connect on my iPhone to see the ZS (connected via Ethernet), and then every time I powered down and restarted the next day I had to mess with it all over again for another 30-60 minutes.

I have a ticket open with iFi support on this to ask them if upgrading to a newer firmware after the Setup forces me to do the Setup all over again. If a new firmware update would require a new Setup procedure, I think I will wait on that because I want to enjoy the music for a while longer before I have to do a possible reset and reconfigure the whole thing again if it doesn't work correctly.

 

[hash70]

Tidal connect is f*ckd,whoever the person in charge of the software ought to be sacked ASAP,this software is the laughing stock on multiple forums,its that bad I'm lost for words

 

[kenjamin0523]

Stupid question from me. I have a power bank with 16V/4.7A DC output. Can I use it as power supply for Ifi Zen stream? Is there any problems if I use over power (1V) on it?

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Stupid question from me. I have a power bank with 16V/4.7A DC output. Can I use it as power supply for Ifi Zen stream? Is there any problems if I use over power (1V) on it?

I wouldn't do that as it may void any warranty you have. The unit is rated for 9v-15v.

I am sure someone who knows about power may be able to help on specifics....

Cheers!!

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Currently I use Rpi3 w Digi+ hat. Hifiberry works flawlessly as Roon endpoint. Sounds pretty good too when I combine it with ifi spdif purifier to Mojo 2. Do you think ZS will improve sound quality over what I have?

I had done a comparison of the ZS vs. Digione HAT way...way back, lol

Myself and a few others saw improved performance in overall dynamics, and some perceived a much better soundstage using the ZS.

If it means anything I don't remember using my Digital hat in quite awhile...

Cheers!!

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

I have linear power supply and wiim does improved just like stream. I asked them many things and Amazon Ultra HD is the next big update coming very soon. So far, their updates are on the right track being delivered on time.

@smartplug

Just wanted to chime in on that unit...

I am going to wait and post any thoughts until after the next upgrade, especially in terms of the promised update to some services.

While I do agree it's a very inexpensive option to solve the Qobuz issue for some, I am not convinced in it's merits of SQ, I am however very appreciative of the interface it offers! Simplicity and functionality! but at the moment I would say it's not up my ally, but that may change!! Gonna try linear.

Cheers!!

 

[smartplug]

@smartplug

Just wanted to chime in on that unit...

I am going to wait and post any thoughts until after the next upgrade, especially in terms of the promised update to some services.

While I do agree it's a very inexpensive option to solve the Qobuz issue for some, I am not convinced in it's merits of SQ, I am however very appreciative of the interface it offers! Simplicity and functionality! but at the moment I would say it's not up my ally, but that may change!! Gonna try linear.

Cheers!!

@smartplug

Just wanted to chime in on that unit...

I am going to wait and post any thoughts until after the next upgrade, especially in terms of the promised update to some services.

While I do agree it's a very inexpensive option to solve the Qobuz issue for some, I am not convinced in it's merits of SQ, I am however very appreciative of the interface it offers! Simplicity and functionality! but at the moment I would say it's not up my ally, but that may change!! Gonna try linear.

Cheers!!

For most people if just slight differences they would rather have working device unless your hardcore audiophile which most people just want casual music to listen while doing some work. Stream is great but updates after updates it fix something and break something plus it has no apps like wiim. I put the stream on closet as I don’t like problems. It doesn’t look like it will be upgraded to volumio v3 so in my opinion the issue won’t go away no matter how many updates it just version 2 has the problem. This is probably the reason why volumio went to v3.

 

[hash70]

For most people if just slight differences they would rather have working device unless your hardcore audiophile which most people just want casual music to listen while doing some work. Stream is great but updates after updates it fix something and break something plus it has no apps like wiim. I put the stream on closet as I don’t like problems. It doesn’t look like it will be upgraded to volumio v3 so in my opinion the issue won’t go away no matter how many updates it just version 2 has the problem. This is probably the reason why volumio went to v3.

Exactly,I mentioned this before,and this is this the reason volumio gave up with v2 and totaly rewrote all there software for v3,there words,as tidal intergration is totaly ****ed and can't be fixed no matter how many updates they throw at it,why theve hindered this great device with software not fit for use jst shows how incompetent there software devs are,they ruined a great sounding streamer from the get go and these problems will never get fixed,theve lost the trust of there customers and there the butt of jokes all over the net

 

[qsk78]

Here is my thoughts on Volumio Primo vs ZEN Stream comparison :

- ZS sounds deeper, with better dynamics, bringing more weight to the sound
- Primo sounds more linear, more airy, slightly wider

The final performance depends on the equipment and the power supply used.

So I did not find a reason for myself to upgrade to Volumio from ZS unless you need an integrated DAC or wider functionality.
Sound wise I'm happy with what ZS gives to me. And I prefer stand alone DACs anyway.

Here is my full review in Russian (please use Google translate if needed)

 

[Zaurux]

I took out my RME ADI-2 dac but I can't get DSD256, only DSD128 at max with HQplayer.. and with cuts, I have to restart networaudiod via ssh.
And Alsamixer shows me as "default" = rockchip-spdif (x0), and x1 for ADI. (?)

So, howto update networkaudiod ??

volumio@ifi:~$ sudo apt list -a networkaudiod
[sudo] password for volumio:
Listing... Done
networkaudiod/now 3.6.0-42 armhf [installed,local]

Last version is 4.20.
The hardware (ZS) is undoubtedly excellent but I think that my Allo USBridge with kernel 5.13 and NAA 4.2-50 is more flexible to use !
ZS under Debian/Jesse and 4.4.167 kernel (?).
There could be specific images to mount ??
I don't know if it's the behind wheel system. But in that case rely on newer kernels and updated software versions.
The Allo under piCorePlayer 8.1/NAA 4.2 is quite amazing. For me, the ZenStream update is a superior piece of hardware, but it can't fully express itself.

And also... how to get the IPV6 enable ?
Thx

 

[smartplug]

For most people if just slight differences they would rather have working device unless your hardcore audiophile which most people just want casual music to listen while doing some work. Stream is great but updates after updates it fix something and break something plus it has no apps like wiim. I put the stream on closet as I don’t like problems. It doesn’t look like it will be upgraded to volumio v3 so in my opinion the issue won’t go away no matter how many updates it just version 2 has the problem. This is probably the reason why volumio went to v3.

After using linear power supply on wiim, the stream advantage is no longer there. However using wall wart that came from the wiim is ok but it will elevate its sound on better power supply. Listening to Paul Mauriat title tocatta on amazon music sound great, this is just 44.1khz. Wiim has amazon ultra hd update on end of April plus tidal master at same time! This company has solid road map update that delivered on time. Best part just 99!

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

For most people if just slight differences they would rather have working device unless your hardcore audiophile which most people just want casual music to listen while doing some work. Stream is great but updates after updates it fix something and break something plus it has no apps like wiim. I put the stream on closet as I don’t like problems. It doesn’t look like it will be upgraded to volumio v3 so in my opinion the issue won’t go away no matter how many updates it just version 2 has the problem. This is probably the reason why volumio went to v3.

Agreed, but try to remember I am not having any issues with the ZS. It has been working for me for the whole time I have had it without issues. I agree I have seen and experienced the issue many have come across here and tried to help them out by giving what has proven to be (so far) an almost foolproof setup method to avoid issues.

I believe that many of the issues with Tidal are not all iFi fault, and some lie with the Tidal app themselves. I also would like to point out that perhaps I have no issues because I am not a menu digger, If it sounds good out of the box settings, I leave it alone!! If I have no need for buffer settings, upsampling, or the like, I have often found that sometimes the factory settings are best. In fact I have very rarely found a need to change the dial on the back. Now that may be just me not hearing any huge difference to warrant those changes, so take that for what it's worth.

I agree that it would be wonderful to have an app like Wiim for the ZS, but I never expected that type off app so I am not missing it. Just Me!

Cheers!!