[Flm09]

I have read it a couple of times also in use with spotify and tidal. But others reported no issue also.

However I am ONLY going to use the SPDIF out of ZS, I may use a USB disc to see if anything changes in quality.

search results for "ifi zen stream spdif noise"
https://www.head-fi.org/search/12718726/?q=ifi+zen+stream+spdif+noise&o=relevance

I used coax and now use only USB 1.5 meters to my Pontus II no DDC. Just straight from Zen stream to DAC.

 

[shoaibexpert]

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

Thanks

 

[shoaibexpert]

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.

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 both cases. I can do Amazon, but wanted to see if majority of people who have done this upgrade have an opinion...

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

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 both cases. I can do Amazon, but wanted to see if majority of people who have done this upgrade have an opinion...

Too me the X sounds better with the Zen, but opinions vary.

If I was only focusing on my preferred sound with the Zen and X, but your ears aren't mine.

A big step up from the standard which I also have.

Hope that helps!

Cheers!!

 

[OCC7N]

I have 1 X and 3 Elites. From my experience, elite is faster responding and the X is more forgiving/relaxed/slower, but generally better overall, its a better recommendation in general. Elite is more serious sounding to me, it takes all the charm away and give you the hardcore/authority sound. Very good for EDM.

I would recommend the X for slow pace music

 

[rgs9200m]

When using a directly-connected SSD as a music source, is AIO mode OK, or should I use another mode? Thanks.

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

When using a directly-connected SSD as a music source, is AIO mode OK, or should I use another mode? Thanks.

No AIO mode is just fine, and don't forget in the Stream-iFi menu (in AIO mode) you can also turn off unused functionalities! Simply because I occasionally use Spotify I am usually always in AIO mode.


Cheers!!

 

[rgs9200m]

OK, great, thanks. Love the Zen streamer, especially with my Power Elite. And thanks so much for allowing usage with an external drive, a real must-have feature for me. I'm shocked at how good the sound is.

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

OK, great, thanks. Love the Zen streamer, especially with my Power Elite. And thanks so much for allowing usage with an external drive, a real must-have feature for me. I'm shocked at how good the sound is.

Glad to hear that, and of course Enjoy!

Cheers!!

 

[shoaibexpert]

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 similarly...with the X sounding a bit cleaner in the highs with slightly better instrument separation.... slightly to my ears. Not worth the upgrade from iPower standard I guess.

Ifi Elite: Now that is where bits are not bits. Clarity across the frequency range with Bass having more definition and impact, mids slightly recessed with depth in presentation and a bit of sparkle with clarity in the highs. Better instrument separation, too! Not night and day though.

I'd say the X is the sweet spot but it is more similar to the iPower standard than the Elite.


What I don't understand is having more capacitors and real time power delivery with Elite, how does this impact a streamer that basically does digital to digital conversion. I know with audio amps and DACs, maybe more available power is better for those high impact notes...doesn't make sense how does a streamer benefit from this. Or is it just that the Elite is cleaner...but then all ipowers and Elite say they are <1microv noise or something... similar noise rating...any ideas on what is causing this difference in sound quality?

Thanks

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

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 similarly...with the X sounding a bit cleaner in the highs with slightly better instrument separation.... slightly to my ears. Not worth the upgrade from iPower standard I guess.

Ifi Elite: Now that is where bits are not bits. Clarity across the frequency range with Bass having more definition and impact, mids slightly recessed with depth in presentation and a bit of sparkle with clarity in the highs. Better instrument separation, too! Not night and day though.

I'd say the X is the sweet spot but it is more similar to the iPower standard than the Elite.


What I don't understand is having more capacitors and real time power delivery with Elite, how does this impact a streamer that basically does digital to digital conversion. I know with audio amps and DACs, maybe more available power is better for those high impact notes...doesn't make sense how does a streamer benefit from this. Or is it just that the Elite is cleaner...but then all ipowers and Elite say they are <1microv noise or something... similar noise rating...any ideas on what is causing this difference in sound quality?

Thanks

Fuuny, I also had the P50 (before it died) and always had the same impression compared to others (same as you).

This is where are own ears always come into play, and why I have always recommended that if it is possible in your budget to try both at the same time. As you pointed out for you it's the Elie, for me it's the X, just personal preferences here is my guess. I am a big believer in product Synergy, some stuff just works for some folks where other stuff makes you go...Huh? lol

Synergy is why I always hated to get rid of gear, I can't tell you how many times I have put a DAC or something similar into the back room thinking my journey with it was over, only to bring it back out later with some other piece of gear and go... "Why did I put this in the back exactly?"

Hopefully, someone else will shed light on your specific questions, in the meantime, Enjoy the Journey!

Cheers!!

 

[shoaibexpert]

Fuuny, I also had the P50 (before it died) and always had the same impression compared to others (same as you).

This is where are own ears always come into play, and why I have always recommended that if it is possible in your budget to try both at the same time. As you pointed out for you it's the Elie, for me it's the X, just personal preferences here is my guess. I am a big believer in product Synergy, some stuff just works for some folks where other stuff makes you go...Huh? lol

Synergy is why I always hated to get rid of gear, I can't tell you how many times I have put a DAC or something similar into the back room thinking my journey with it was over, only to bring it back out later with some other piece of gear and go... "Why did I put this in the back exactly?"

Hopefully, someone else will shed light on your specific questions, in the meantime, Enjoy the Journey!

Cheers!!

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 to find a cheap audiophile grade PSU to see if it makes a difference in sound quality if powering that switch. Is ifi the only company making such PSUs?

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

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 to find a cheap audiophile grade PSU to see if it makes a difference in sound quality if powering that switch. Is ifi the only company making such PSUs?

Well, I have never tried things like that on the video side, apart from some better cables, streamers etc, lol

In regards to power supplies, although I have tried many different power supplies over the years, some of the better ones were Allo Nirvana, and many folks have pointed to TeraDak in terms of Linear power supplies.

In terms of iFi I seem to have had very good luck and quality has been Top Notch in terms of making an audible difference, and also longevity, stability so I have kind of stuck there with them.

Ali Express may be a starting point for you in terms of (not ridiculously expensive) Power supplies, most on here will tell you they are mostly reliable, and I always purchase using PayPal for added protection.

Cheers!!

 

[shoaibexpert]

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 the Ifi Elite....and I think for the worst. Highs are like hyper clear...to the point of being edgy with shouty mids...tgia could also be coz maybe I have my speakers a bit tiled and KEF R7s are supposed to be laid front facing with no tilt.

PS. I have a Lenovo M73 4th Gen i5 as my Roon server connected via CAT 6 to this switch which is the same switch connected to the Zen Stream.

Lemme know if anyone has tried this and what their observations were...did you feel the music got extra shouty or was it just more details? Thanks

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Quite a while ago I went thru a fair number of different power supplies in regard to network switches (after reading an article somewhere on the topic) and for me "in most cases" I couldn't pick up any major differences unless they were towards the negative, so I sort of ended my journey thinking that in regards to switches, it seemed that end result would have been just buying an "Audiophile" type switch, LHY or the likes.

Then someone suggested in another thread I change my switches (always used Netgear) and when I did I perceived a more cohesive sound with better detail.

Here is the switch they suggested...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B086384H7C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

Very inexpensive, but very good (IMO, lol)

Is this the one you have?

Cheers!!