[Vitor Goncalves]

I’ve a Dragonfly Red, and a ZEN Dac V2, and to my ears the ZEN is the superior amp for driving full size headphones, HiFiman Sundara in my case. I’ve tried both units with an ancient pair of HD-580, and they are much more listenable with the ZEN.

Thanks for sharing. That's good to know because I've already ordered one unit. I've found it new for less than 150 bucks. I already own an IpowerX 5v and a USB audioquest carbon cable that I used with another iFi dac, in addition to the ZS, so I guess the Dac V2 is a way of making the most out of what I've got for a really good value.

 

[Mike Foley]

iPower Elite has the huge advantage that it can be greatly improved by using a high quality power cable. I'm using Cardas Clear.

Still no new firmware, so I can't listen to DSD files since Zen Stream at the moment can't be used in DSD direct mode, but only in DoP which sounds HORRIBLE.

Mine works in DSD direct mode. It’s under Playback Options in the set up menu.

 

[Mward2205]

Mine works in DSD direct mode. It’s under Playback Options in the set up menu.

Of course it is there. I just can't select it, and it's not just me.

 

[jjazzy]

Of course it is there. I just can't select it, and it's not just me.

Correct

 

[TheR0v3r]

iPower Elite has the huge advantage that it can be greatly improved by using a high quality power cable. I'm using Cardas Clear.

Still no new firmware, so I can't listen to DSD files since Zen Stream at the moment can't be used in DSD direct mode, but only in DoP which sounds HORRIBLE.

No experience of the iFi Elite but I’m sure it’s great

My experience is with external linear lower supplies. I’ve also used better and better power cables. All of the sudden the power supply with cable is costing $$$ and a multiple of the actual component you’re powering.

One day, just for joy of tweaking, you switch back to a lowly SMPS only to discover that it sounds better than your now very expensive LPSU

Edit: spelling

 

[Mike Foley]

Of course it is there. I just can't select it, and it's not just me.

That is strange. On mine I can select it. Have you contacted iFi about it?

 

[Mward2205]

That is strange. On mine I can select it. Have you contacted iFi about it?

Several people in this thread have, with no results.

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Several people in this thread have, with no results.

What DAC are you connecting to? Are you using USB?

Here are screenshots of my Zen Stream connected Via USB to my SMSL DO200MKII

It works for me, perhaps your DAC is not reporting info properly, worth reaching out to your DAC maker for clarification as well.

Cheers!!

 

[Flm09]

I'm a guy with a decent analog set up and I feel the Zen with Musician Pegasus using Furutech USB cable is close to analog sound when streaming Hi Rez. I used Anne Bisson Be My Lover album. As I also own her vinyl album mastered with 45 rpm. When I used my Blusound Node N130 into Pontus II sounded clearly digital with a bit of glare or brightness. I will try Node with Pegasus this weekend. I am convinced Zen is very neutral and has above par imaging. Solid vocalist that with right amplification you can see right around a singer's head almost. Only other set up I heard recently at an audio show that is better was using Aurrender streamer and Tambaqui DAC with Songer speakers streaming Qobuz. They were playing Boz Scaggs Thanks to You! Very analog sounding.

 

[Mward2205]

What DAC are you connecting to? Are you using USB?

Here are screenshots of my Zen Stream connected Via USB to my SMSL DO200MKII

It works for me, perhaps your DAC is not reporting info properly, worth reaching out to your DAC maker for clarification as well.

...

Cheers!!

The DAC is Ayre QB9 Twenty, upgraded recently from stock QB9 which behaved the same, my friend uses Wadia di322 and has the same problem. Using the older firmware by doing the factory reset fixes the issue, but then I loose Roon compatibility and Roon doesn't recognize my DAC correctly, so I have to use the new firmware since using Roon is a must.

 

[ctrlm]

After moving house I can not find the WiFi antenna for my ZS anywhere and I can't see this being an easily available spare part from iFi. I'm assuming it is possible to use a router antenna as a replacement?

 

[jjazzy]

After moving house I can not find the WiFi antenna for my ZS anywhere and I can't see this being an easily available spare part from iFi. I'm assuming it is possible to use a router antenna as a replacement?

In my experience that does not matter that much

This looks similar, but there are many shapes available
https://a.aliexpress.com/_EQnXWkR

 

[ctrlm]

In my experience that does not matter that much

This looks similar, but there are many shapes available
https://a.aliexpress.com/_EQnXWkR

Thanks!

Yes I tried one of the antennas from my Asus router this morning and apart from being a lot longer - it worked fine.

I'll do the rounds of the local stores first and if I have no luck I'll order online.

 

[SHXMD]

Quick question:

I am wanting to stream Qobuz and need to know if I can download M connect and then Qobuz or do I have to download a DNLA software player plus MConnect plus Qobuz. Using Mac Mini M1 which often does not play well with others so trying to avoid software snarl. If player required-recommendations? Plex?

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Quick question:

I am wanting to stream Qobuz and need to know if I can download M connect and then Qobuz or do I have to download a DNLA software player plus MConnect plus Qobuz. Using Mac Mini M1 which often does not play well with others so trying to avoid software snarl. If player required-recommendations? Plex?

MConnect is an app for Android our IOS all you need is your phone or tablet to use it, simpler sign in they app access your Qobuz acct, then used the play-to button to stream to the Zen.

That being said if remeber correctly itt can be used with your M1 due to it's ability to use some mobile applications, you would have to select it in your app menu on the mini and download the mobile version.

Cheers!!