iFi audio ZEN Stream - Streaming elevated to a higher plane

[Luvdac]

@ Sebastien Chiu, do you or ifi have any input on this for me? Why am I being made to wait? How long does it take for ifi to give the go ahead to the dealer??

 

[ckhirnigs113]

I’m having an issue that I haven’t had in a while. On many songs I start playing on Tidal they will occasionally skip ahead a few seconds in the track. It seems like a buffer issue. I have tried different buffer settings in the iFi app, but no settings seem to make a difference.

Some songs play all the way through with no issues at all. I suppose it could be a wifi issue or a Tidal issue. Anyone experienced this and found a solution?

 

[endless402]

I’m having an issue that I haven’t had in a while. On many songs I start playing on Tidal they will occasionally skip ahead a few seconds in the track. It seems like a buffer issue. I have tried different buffer settings in the iFi app, but no settings seem to make a difference.

Some songs play all the way through with no issues at all. I suppose it could be a wifi issue or a Tidal issue. Anyone experienced this and found a solution?

I have this once in a while in the past week. Might have something to do with the recent update to the tidal software….ifi might need to push out an update

 

[smartplug]

Stream is good if you use roon to do the heavy lifting but if you use their own software I’m afraid you will get issue here and there. My stream gets slower after subsequent updates being released as the codes get bigger. Another that stream don’t have is software like blueos that play different music services instead you use upn/dlna third party app like mconnect.

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

I have this once in a while in the past week. Might have something to do with the recent update to the tidal software….ifi might need to push out an update

I am currently working on a quick Troubleshooting Q/A sheet to help better understand and address some of the issues that come to this thread and the Trouble thread.

I am looking for simplicity and a quick view of what you are working with, so we can all possibly help quickly solve new/old issues as they arrive.

Here's where I am with it.....

I think in this products lifespan, after a year that "My ZS not playing TC, Help!" is not working, so we need more specifics! We need this info first!!

All help is appreciated!!

Cheers!!

 

[beardyweirdy]

Is anyone using the zen with a mojo 2?
How does the mojo 2 connect to it?
Cheers

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Is anyone using the zen with a mojo 2?
How does the mojo 2 connect to it?
Cheers

Don't have the Mojo 2 but I do use the Mojo. They connections should be the same. I have used USB, and Coax in on the Mojo.

So either one, according to your ears from the ZS should work fine!

Cheers!!

 

[Zaurux]

They connections should be the same. I have used USB, and Coax in on the Mojo.

As with all usb_audio compatible usb dacs (linux) directly

 

[beardyweirdy]

I am using the iPhone 8 as a source and Mojo 2 connected to my Topping A30pro amp (via 3.5mm to Analogue cable.)
Do you think a dedicated streamer connected via Coax would sound any better?

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

As with all usb_audio compatible usb dacs (linux) directly

The only linux I know anything of is that character from Peanuts!!

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

I am using the iPhone 8 as a source and Mojo 2 connected to my Topping A30pro amp (via 3.5mm to Analogue cable.)
Do you think a dedicated streamer connected via Coax would sound any better?

A question best left for others! Except for a test or two I rarely ever use my phone or tablet!

Good luck!

Cheers!!

 

[smartplug]

A question best left for others! Except for a test or two I rarely ever use my phone or tablet!

Good luck!

Cheers!!

You mention wiim sound bright. Audio science review just had a review and using optical. The measurements are transparent using digital out and the limitations was dac itself. Wiim just gave you the true sound of your dac and speakers which you did not like. I have both unit I do side by side same volume properly calibrated. Stream has smooth top end which will not cause fatigue but lack the clarity to hear crashing cymbals. I wish ifi has app where you can stream most popular music services without going third party unp/dlna like mconnect.

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

You mention wiim sound bright. Audio science review just had a review and using optical. The measurements are transparent using digital out and the limitations was dac itself. Wiim just gave you the true sound of your dac and speakers which you did not like. I have both unit I do side by side same volume properly calibrated. Stream has smooth top end which will not cause fatigue but lack the clarity to hear crashing cymbals. I wish ifi has app where you can stream most popular music services without going third party unp/dlna like mconnect.

I have my opinion of what I heard, period and I didn't even want to do that, as I said.

And quite honestly this is tiresome!

For someone who doesn't use the ZS and are so happy with the Wiim, you sure are here for comment quite a bit.

So if your saying my DACs are bright, and the 99 dollar Wiim is perfect, please carry on, the ignore button is waiting for you, I have tried.

So last time please start your own thread about the Wiim so others may learn why you love it so. But continuing to pop in here and crap on the ZS is just silly.

Cheers!!

 

[Attila88]

Hi everyone,

I have a strange question, maybe someone from ifi can answer to this, is there any possible way, to install an older firmware like 2.28 to the streamer?

I'm interested in especially the 2.28 version.

Thank you in advance!

 

[Mike Foley]

I am using the iPhone 8 as a source and Mojo 2 connected to my Topping A30pro amp (via 3.5mm to Analogue cable.)
Do you think a dedicated streamer connected via Coax would sound any better?

I’ve tried this in the past, and to my ears the answer is “yes”.
I have my Node 2i running through a Mojo mk1, using coax, and it sounds far cleaner than iPhone through usb into the Mojo. I see no reason why Zen Stream shouldn’t also sound superior to the phone. It certainly does through my Zen DAC.