iFi audio ZEN Stream - Streaming elevated to a higher plane

[GuiltyRocker]

Hi all, apologies if this has been covered before. I recently got the Zen Steam to use on Roon mode, before updating the firmware Roon was able to pick up the USB or Coax as outputs, after updating to the most recent firmware Roon only see the Coax output on Roon mode on the Zen stream. If i go to AIO mode Roon can see both outputs, I want to use this streamer in Roon mode and use the USB output, any solutions to this?

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Hi all, apologies if this has been covered before. I recently got the Zen Steam to use on Roon mode, before updating the firmware Roon was able to pick up the USB or Coax as outputs, after updating to the most recent firmware Roon only see the Coax output on Roon mode on the Zen stream. If i go to AIO mode Roon can see both outputs, I want to use this streamer in Roon mode and use the USB output, any solutions to this?

Using Roon Ready Mode is a bit different in accessing it, see if this helps you out...



Cheers!!

 

[GuiltyRocker]

Using Roon Ready Mode is a bit different in accessing it, see if this helps you out...



Cheers!!

I'm going to try this, thanks.

 

[stlblue]

Is there an audible difference if the SSD is connected somewhere else in the network other than directly to the ZS? I am not sure how to test this by moving it away from the ZS. Are there instructions posted anywhere? - Thanks

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Is there an audible difference if the SSD is connected somewhere else in the network other than directly to the ZS? I am not sure how to test this by moving it away from the ZS. Are there instructions posted anywhere? - Thanks

I used to use my hard drive connected directly (Samsung T7 SSD) and about a year ago migrated the contents to my Roon Rock hard drive, I would be hard pressed to hear a difference.

The easiest way (Sorry not very techy at times) would be to install it as NAS (Network attached storage) say to a router, and then add the drive in the settings menu of the Zen Stream-iFi app to test it for differences in your system.

So I would suggest if you have a USB port on a router look up how to create a NAS drive and go from there!

Someone here may be able to give you more direction than I can! Good Luck!

Cheers!!

 

[OCC7N]

Is there an audible difference if the SSD is connected somewhere else in the network other than directly to the ZS? I am not sure how to test this by moving it away from the ZS. Are there instructions posted anywhere? - Thanks

I think the principle of the ZS can not be compared to the enviroment in a pc where separate disk makes sense. I would use the ports provided on the ZS over anything else. Its the shortest path and optimized by iFi.

But get a SLC based thumb drive or SSD. My EVO 870(TLC) and Samsung PRO 980(SLC) are very close, but 980 is noticeable more 3D/engaging/thicker texture in the sound.

You will hear the differences.

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

I think the principle of the ZS can not be compared to the enviroment in a pc where separate disk makes sense. I would use the ports provided on the ZS over anything else. Its the shortest path and optimized by iFi.

But get a SLC based thumb drive or SSD. My EVO 870(TLC) and Samsung PRO 980(SLC) are very close, but 980 is noticeable more 3D/engaging/thicker texture in the sound.

You will hear the differences.

Sound advice as always! I am going to look into those drives for comparison myself, as I am now (and once again ripping CDs).

Thank you!

Cheers!!

 

[OCC7N]

Sound advice as always! I am going to look into those drives for comparison myself, as I am now (and once again ripping CDs).

Thank you!

Cheers!!

Thanks to @Jandu correcting me Im wrong about the SLC because the disk Im talking about have SLC cache they are actually TLC base memory. EVO and Pro series of Samsung. Interestingly 980 Pro sound better anyway.

 

[OCC7N]

Is there an audible difference if the SSD is connected somewhere else in the network other than directly to the ZS? I am not sure how to test this by moving it away from the ZS. Are there instructions posted anywhere? - Thanks

I have a scenario here I just tried. I placed foobar installation(usb) on the NAS where my files are stored.

This means I mapped the share/usb drive in my windows and starting the portable/foobar.exe there.

It sounds good different kind of energy

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

I have a scenario here I just tried. I placed foobar installation(usb) on the NAS where my files are stored.

This means I mapped the share/usb drive in my windows and starting the portable/foobar.exe there.

It sounds good different kind of energy

Interesting, I wonder why that would be, but we folk are always trying and learning...

Cheers!!

 

[OCC7N]

Interesting, I wonder why that would be, but we folk are always trying and learning...

Cheers!!

Interestingly it sounds better than the same usb on the JCAT.....even though everything goes through the JCAT.

But the Samsung 980 Pro takes the cake. JCAT vs 980 vs Synology NAS. NAS and JCAT has same brand/model thumbdrive

 

[shoaibexpert]

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

 

[JjB067]

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

I bought the Zen Stream and it was supplied with an iPower 15V 1.2 A supply. I upgraded to the iPowerX 15v 1.5A supply and it was a definite step up in sound quality. I decided to not experiment further with the Elite, a bit expensive compared to the Zen Stream itself. Maybe others can comment on the Elite vs the X for the Zen

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

@iFi audio has posted a new thread that may be of interest to Zen Stream Users!

See Here...

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/crowd-design-for-ifi-app.967869/

All comments are welcome as this is a new venture, and we are at the starting gates so get your opinions in!

Cheers!!

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

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

My .02 cents...

I have always preferred the iPower X with the Zen Stream, I have the Elite and pretty much it stays with my NEO stream as I prefer it there.

In terms of the X it just seemed to me to provide a slightly Blacker background with the Zen.

Now here is what I recommend you do, Order both from someplace like Amazon or the Equivalent that will offer you a No questions asked return policy. The reason I say this (and yes I know it's an expensive suggestion) is because having both side by side for a month is going to tell you which one "you" prefer far better than we can tell you! As well as this, you get to see what each one brings to the table, listen to the X for a day, then change to the elite for a day, extended listening is going to give you far more info than having one for a while then trying the other.

My suggestion remains the X for the Zen Stream, but that's just me, and it won't stop the wondering if you don't hear both!

Cheers!!