[iFi audio]

how can this be enabled on zen stream? @iFi audio

I do not believe it can be, the Zen uses a version of Volumio not full-blown Volumio (The program software).

I have not had Volumio for years now, but third-party software would be the best route to do that.

Cheers!!

 

[aakashk]

If you sent this using our "submit a ticket" link on this page...

https://support.ifi-audio.com/

Then I may be able to get things moving, please PM me your ticket number and I will try.

If you didn't do it thru there please fill that out first and then send me the number

Cheers!!

Thanks! I did not raise it on the link earlier, just sent an email to the Email ID. My bad.

I have raised the support ticket now, sending you the ticket number on PM.

 

[iFi audio]

Thanks! I did not raise it on the link earlier, just sent an email to the Email ID. My bad.

I have raised the support ticket now, sending you the ticket number on PM.

I know you have tried the reset but if you didn't follow it exactly using wired then it may not have taken correctly.

First post here...

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ifi-zen-stream-setup-tips-tricks.961425/

Then follow this video...



Hopefully, it will work while you are waiting.

Cheers!!

 

[mindhead1]

Zen Stream/Zen DAC v2 a Surprisingly Good Combo

I picked up a Zen Stream a couple of months ago to use in my main system with the intention of getting a 'higher' end DAC to use with it. Maybe something from Schiit, Denafrips, Topping or Geshelli. In the meantime I took the Zen DAC v2 off my desk and connected it to the Stream to test out in my main system. Wow!

The Zen DAC has been performing headphone and powered speaker preamp duties on my desk for the past couple of years and doing it well. I never thought to try it out in my main system and wish I had done so sooner. Suffice it to say, I'm no longer in the market for a DAC from another company the Zen Stream/Zen DAC v2 is an excellent match for my main system (Kinky Studio EX-M1+ and Buchard s400 MKII).

I'm using the Stream as a Roon End Point. Setup was easy and I have had no issues with connectivity and stability over Wifi since I started using it in my system. I also upgraded to a iPowerX for the Stream and it made a slight noticeable difference to the sound in terms of soundstage.

Overall, I'm very happy with the Zen Stream/Zen DAC v2 combo and highly recommend this setup for those that don't need the tiny screen or AIO convenience of the Neo Stream. The $700 combo of a Zen Stream/Zen DAC v2/iPowerX is a streaming solution that can hold it's own with the likes of Bluesound Node and CA CXNv2 or MXN10 streamers (ones I've heard and used) and probably other in the sub $1000 range in terms of sound quality. However, Bluesound and CA options provide a better native software solution for those that don't use Roon.

 

[Flm09]

Hi,

I recommend if you don't mind seeing the two round light indicators I suggest turning it off for even more transparent sound!

 

[Thetaburn]

IFI stream vs Wiim Pro

I have owned an IFI Stream for about a week now.

IFI stream chain is: Flac - USB output to Gustard 18 DDC to Gustard X26pro and LHY OCK2 to Burson Soloist 3x to He1000se. Audivanna player.

Vs

Wimm Pro ( plus Linear Power Supply) connected to the X26pro through Toslink to Soloist 3x to He1000se. Audirvana player.

The Wimm Pro sounds cleaner. Probably due to the linear power supply.
IFI streamer sounds fuller but less
clean and precise.
The Wiim Pro's app is significantly easier to use.

A bit surprising since I thought running the signal through a DDC would sound better.

I ordered a 12v LHY linear power supply in hopes the IFI stream will sound better.

 

[Flm09]

Thanks for your response @iFi audio

I had to reset my unit, I’m assuming that takes off any firmware updates? This is what it says. But when I try checking for updates, it doesn’t move.

Is there any other way to manually download and installed the firmware?



No matter how many times I try to connect it, it keeps coming back to this. Basically, no notification light on the right.


Everytike it switches back to my home wifi, from the IFi Streamer WiFi, it loses connection and comes back to this (2nd image). It also plays music sometimes while connected to IFi wifi.

I sent an email to IFi Support email address, a ticket is yet to be opened.

Let me know if I am missing something.

I only use Stream via hardwire!

 

[pulsedriver]

IFI stream vs Wiim Pro

I have owned an IFI Stream for about a week now.

IFI stream chain is: Flac - USB output to Gustard 18 DDC to Gustard X26pro and LHY OCK2 to Burson Soloist 3x to He1000se. Audivanna player.

Vs

Wimm Pro ( plus Linear Power Supply) connected to the X26pro through Toslink to Soloist 3x to He1000se. Audirvana player.

The Wimm Pro sounds cleaner. Probably due to the linear power supply.
IFI streamer sounds fuller but less
clean and precise.
The Wiim Pro's app is significantly easier to use.

A bit surprising since I thought running the signal through a DDC would sound better.

I ordered a 12v LHY linear power supply in hopes the IFI stream will sound better.

I did compare ZS+ifi iPower+USB(audiophile one) to Wiim Pro+stock power+stock optical as a streamer only at exactly the same conditions. ZS sounded with more depth/width/details/musical. Not miles ahead but noticeable better. Come to think about it .....maybe the USB cable+iPower could have been the cause?!?

Damn, now I have to do the test again. I now got my hands on some good COAX cables so I can make even better, more accurate comparison.

 

[Thetaburn]

I did compare ZS+ifi iPower+USB(audiophile one) to Wiim Pro+stock power+stock optical as a streamer only at exactly the same conditions. ZS sounded with more depth/width/details/musical. Not miles ahead but noticeable better. Come to think about it .....maybe the USB cable+iPower could have been the cause?!?

Damn, now I have to do the test again. I now got my hands on some good COAX cables so I can make even better, more accurate comparison.

The wiim pro's stock power adaptor and optical cable is of poor quality.

A Blue Rigger toslink cable from Amazon ( $12cad ) was a noticable improvement over stock.

As others have stated and I also believe, these streamers can improve with clean power.

Will update to see if the 12v linear power supply will make a difference.
As of now, the Wiim pro with LPS edges out the IFI ZS with stock power supply ( a generic one, not the Ipower) to my ears.

 

[Flm09]

I agree I use to stack my Zen on top of my DDC and when I placed it beside my DDC and rerouted my aftermarket power supply cord I noticed sonic gains. I still own Bluesound Node N130 and I don't understand why someone thinks Wiim Pro is better than Zen. My Zen is more musical and transparent than the Node. I haven't even plugged my Node as I hear they have so many firmware issues since last update.

 

[iFi audio]

Zen Stream/Zen DAC v2 a Surprisingly Good Combo

I picked up a Zen Stream a couple of months ago to use in my main system with the intention of getting a 'higher' end DAC to use with it. Maybe something from Schiit, Denafrips, Topping or Geshelli. In the meantime I took the Zen DAC v2 off my desk and connected it to the Stream to test out in my main system. Wow!

The Zen DAC has been performing headphone and powered speaker preamp duties on my desk for the past couple of years and doing it well. I never thought to try it out in my main system and wish I had done so sooner. Suffice it to say, I'm no longer in the market for a DAC from another company the Zen Stream/Zen DAC v2 is an excellent match for my main system (Kinky Studio EX-M1+ and Buchard s400 MKII).

I'm using the Stream as a Roon End Point. Setup was easy and I have had no issues with connectivity and stability over Wifi since I started using it in my system. I also upgraded to a iPowerX for the Stream and it made a slight noticeable difference to the sound in terms of soundstage.

Overall, I'm very happy with the Zen Stream/Zen DAC v2 combo and highly recommend this setup for those that don't need the tiny screen or AIO convenience of the Neo Stream. The $700 combo of a Zen Stream/Zen DAC v2/iPowerX is a streaming solution that can hold it's own with the likes of Bluesound Node and CA CXNv2 or MXN10 streamers (ones I've heard and used) and probably other in the sub $1000 range in terms of sound quality. However, Bluesound and CA options provide a better native software solution for those that don't use Roon.

Thanks so much for posting your thoughts on the Zen Stream/ Zen Dac combo, much appreciated!

It is a great little combo, glad you are enjoying it!

Cheers!!

 

[Thetaburn]

Wows, the linear power supply made the IFI Stream significantly better.
IFI stream w/LPS is better than the Wiim pro w/LPS.
Full sounding, clean, sounds separate properly.

If the UI and connection are equivalent or better than Wiim Pro, it's a home run.

The included no-name brand stock power wall wart is really bad.

The source chain used is:
Netgear GS108 w LPS - IFI Stream w LPS USB output to U18 DDC to x26pro DAC to OCK2 master clock to Soloist 3x to He1000se. HQ player upsampled to 256 DSD.
Sounds good.

 

[pulsedriver]

Wows, the linear power supply made the IFI Stream significantly better.
IFI stream w/LPS is better than the Wiim pro w/LPS.
Full sounding, clean, sounds separate properly.

If the UI and connection are equivalent or better than Wiim Pro, it's a home run.

The included no-name brand stock power wall wart is really bad.

The source chain used is:
Netgear GS108 w LPS - IFI Stream w LPS USB output to U18 DDC to x26pro DAC to OCK2 master clock to Soloist 3x to He1000se. HQ player upsampled to 256 DSD.
Sounds good.

Nice! I also upgraded to an Sbooster LPS on the ZS and it's sounding great! But the firmware is bad......
Did you use the same LPS for ZS and Wiim? And i guess ZS+usb and Wiim+optical/coax?
On the Netgear which ports do you use?

 

[Thetaburn]

Nice! I also upgraded to an Sbooster LPS on the ZS and it's sounding great! But the firmware is bad......
Did you use the same LPS for ZS and Wiim? And i guess ZS+usb and Wiim+optical/coax?
On the Netgear which ports do you use?

IFI software needs to step up its game and at least be equivalent to the competition......

On the Netgear, I use the 2nd port.
Tried other ports but did not notice a noticeable sound difference. Do you have a preference?
I also have a DLink DGS-105 switch which accepts 5v LPS.
To my ears the Netgear has slightly better dynamics - Dlink is smoother and flatter.

For the Wiim Pro I use a LHY 5v LPS + Toslink/Coax.
The 5v LPS is also good for powering dongle DACs.

Also ordered a Fiber Media Converter to try the FMC mod from the r26 DAC forum to see if there are any audio improvements.

 

[pulsedriver]

Only 2nd? How come? Where does the internet come from....?
Try 1st+8th. On a TPLINK swich the differences where night and day.
Netgear has the most details and 3d sound from all that I've tested so far (mostly cheap ones). A little less weight in the bass tho.....I have also a DLINK for testing, but no time to test it ...