iFi audio ZEN Stream - Streaming elevated to a higher plane

[Mr BubbaHyde]

I am not a programmer and do not have a computer (although I understand a little). Dissatisfaction of users ZS justified by practical problems and bugs.
For example: the network card takes a long time to load; stuttering occurs during playback Hi-Res from USB flash; It happens once a week after a long listening the sound just turns off, although the playback progress moves and then a reboot helps ZS; album covers are not always shown (when streaming); back doesn't work when browsing audio library in Web; when the DAC is disconnected, a reset occurs without restoring the state on usb with switching to S/PDIF in its absence in the connection; returns spontaneously turning on WiFi when using Ethernet; does not remember passwords WiFi different points previously used; sometimes it just doesn't boot up or doesn't turn off with the button; sometimes the LEDs are constantly on after loading despite turning them off in the previous session... After updating by WiFi (maybe for some other reason) the system does not boot (I had to download the firmware and upload it via Type C via a third-party flasher program.

Thanks for pointing out those things, might I ask the size of the library and the drive used that is connected via USB?

I ask because, as I said, I have a SSD (Samsung T5) with about 80gb on it and have not had these issues with any music that I purchased or ripped properly, I have seen folks have these issues where the file is obtained in other ways lol.

The spirit of my inquiry is to tell us what you use that gives no issues, what is your preferred streamer for your use, streaming, local library, yada yada...

Cheers!!

 

[Daorom]

Thanks for pointing out those things, might I ask the size of the library and the drive used that is connected via USB?

I ask because, as I said, I have a SSD (Samsung T5) with about 80gb on it and have not had these issues with any music that I purchased or ripped properly, I have seen folks have these issues where the file is obtained in other ways lol.

The spirit of my inquiry is to tell us what you use that gives no issues, what is your preferred streamer for your use, streaming, local library, yada yada...

Cheers!!

There were problems with the sound USB flash 500 GB & 2TB. But not constantly, although often. The library is approximately 250 GB in FLAC. IN DSD - There are no problems.
Switched to streaming and playback local files via UPNP.

 

[skrzyp]

I don't experience most of the problems outlined in the previous post - my two Zen Streams work fairly reliably and are linked to my local music files (~300 GB) via a SMB connection to a Mac server in my home. I have had similar performance using a USB flash drive containing my music, and also successfully use Audirvana to play Qobuz content to the ZS without issues. Overall, the original ZS are solid streamers for the price.

That said, I wouldn't use the ZS if I didn't have a fast ethernet connection to my router since the included Wi-Fi is terrible. I do notice that the ZS outside network connection is sporadically lost (green light) and re-established (white light) throughout the day. For those with limited DIY skills, a Raspberry Pi running a free streaming OS (e.g Volumio, Moode, RoPieee), along with some attention paid to connecting to a decent DAC is still preferable to commercial network streamers in my opinion. I have a few Pi 4's running Volumio and prefer them to the ZS (cleaner interface, regular updates, and features like multi-room play and Qobuz connection). If I was in the market for a new commercial streamer I would probably try a WIIM as an alternative since their software support seems better. Disclaimer: I admit to being a skeptic when it comes to expensive devices that claim to improve the audio quality of digital audio streams (e.g. ethernet purifiers and the like).

It's a fact that the operating system used in the ZS devices is an early version of Volumio which is in turn based on the Raspberry Pi OS. Most of the changes to iFi's version are focused on how audio is handled and on their choice to use a Rock SBC board. The advantages of keeping the underlying kernel up to date include addressing security concerns, and adopting new standards and protocols (e.g. Wi-Fi) that improve performance and fix bugs. Volumio provides regular updates to the kernel and iFi does not. The ZS still uses a version that has been unsupported since 2017, and they clearly haven't made any effort to update the user interface. I think lack of attention to software development reflects badly on iFi for not better supporting their streaming products.

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

I don't experience most of the problems outlined in the previous post - my two Zen Streams work fairly reliably and are linked to my local music files (~300 GB) via a SMB connection to a Mac server in my home. I have had similar performance using a USB flash drive containing my music, and also successfully use Audirvana to play Qobuz content to the ZS without issues. Overall, the original ZS are solid streamers for the price.

That said, I wouldn't use the ZS if I didn't have a fast ethernet connection to my router since the included Wi-Fi is terrible. I do notice that the ZS outside network connection is sporadically lost (green light) and re-established (white light) throughout the day. For those with limited DIY skills, a Raspberry Pi running a free streaming OS (e.g Volumio, Moode, RoPieee), along with some attention paid to connecting to a decent DAC is still preferable to commercial network streamers in my opinion. I have a few Pi 4's running Volumio and prefer them to the ZS (cleaner interface, regular updates, and features like multi-room play and Qobuz connection). If I was in the market for a new commercial streamer I would probably try a WIIM as an alternative since their software support seems better. Disclaimer: I admit to being a skeptic when it comes to expensive devices that claim to improve the audio quality of digital audio streams (e.g. ethernet purifiers and the like).

It's a fact that the operating system used in the ZS devices is an early version of Volumio which is in turn based on the Raspberry Pi OS. Most of the changes to iFi's version are focused on how audio is handled and on their choice to use a Rock SBC board. The advantages of keeping the underlying kernel up to date include addressing security concerns, and adopting new standards and protocols (e.g. Wi-Fi) that improve performance and fix bugs. Volumio provides regular updates to the kernel and iFi does not. The ZS still uses a version that has been unsupported since 2017, and they clearly haven't made any effort to update the user interface. I think lack of attention to software development reflects badly on iFi for not better supporting their streaming products.

Thanks for posting your thoughts, much appreciated!

I can agree with much of what you said, I think if I had to put a percentage on it I would say 90% of the time I have had my ZS it has been wired, in all honesty, I have always been a wired guy first, and wi-fi when no wired is available.

For quite a long time I ran Ropieee with my Pi especially for Roon. I have a Wiim mini in use in my house for an outside the home area (simplest solution) and can agree the software has always been good, wish we had something like it if I was being honest, although I do wish that they had a computer version of Wiim Home as I prefer it over phones and tablets, probably old habits, lol

The ZS was really our first dip into the streaming waters, then came NEO not long after, I think we all recognise our software effort was a bit lacking lol, hopefully we can see some light in that area.

Cheers!!

 

[SHXMD]

Fortunately I never had any of these issues.

My troubles have been related to Apple computer Lock Screen which confused everyone (found answer in Apple post), Tidal Connect (“Tidal Support ‘knows nothing about your issues’”-their continuous upgrades not communicated to Hardware manufacturers) and Infinity Wi-Fi signal from Roku device (Hardwired anyway) defeating both IFi and Auralic Wi-Fi search signals preventing initial downloads.

Imperfect devices in imperfect conditions in an imperfect world.

Enjoy the music!!

 

[mwhals]

My USB attached SSD drive has around 250 GB of FLAC files that I properly ripped from all the CDs that I own. I never heard the issues others are hearing. Admittedly, I do stream a podcast when working out and stream my SiriusXM music, so playing my ripped music through the Zen Stream is once in a while. My WiFi is provided by a ZenWiFi XT8 AX6600 Wireless Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi System from ASUS

 

[Daorom]

My USB attached SSD drive has around 250 GB of FLAC files that I properly ripped from all the CDs that I own. I never heard the issues others are hearing. Admittedly, I do stream a podcast when working out and stream my SiriusXM music, so playing my ripped music through the Zen Stream is once in a while. My WiFi is provided by a ZenWiFi XT8 AX6600 Wireless Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi System from ASUS

Problems through USB were during playback Hi-Res files (96|192/24). Stuttering - interference with reading every minute or less.

 

[Gartenfreund]

Thanks for posting your thoughts, much appreciated!

I can agree with much of what you said, I think if I had to put a percentage on it I would say 90% of the time I have had my ZS it has been wired, in all honesty, I have always been a wired guy first, and wi-fi when no wired is available.

For quite a long time I ran Ropieee with my Pi especially for Roon. I have a Wiim mini in use in my house for an outside the home area (simplest solution) and can agree the software has always been good, wish we had something like it if I was being honest, although I do wish that they had a computer version of Wiim Home as I prefer it over phones and tablets, probably old habits, lol

The ZS was really our first dip into the streaming waters, then came NEO not long after, I think we all recognise our software effort was a bit lacking lol, hopefully we can see some light in that area.

Cheers!!

Hi,
maybe there is a way to work together with the person of gentoo player? This is one of the best distributions I know so far and it would be nice if I can run gentoo player on my zen streams. (I have three )

 

[Flm09]

Hi everyone!

Seems Tidal cannot retrieve server information has resolved itself. So far so good. Probably something from Tidal side!

 

[pulsedriver]

Yeah, I can confirm! It's fixed for me too.

It made me factory reset ZS without knowing that the problem is on the Tidel side and kind of bricked (for no reason?!?) the unit. Thankfully I have the software and firmware for flashing which resurrected the unit but the Tidal problem still persisted.

 

[SHXMD]

What a surprise!

Sorry, cheek!

(I am about ready to sign up to be a Qobuz Connect beta tester!)

 

[Flm09]

Yeah, I can confirm! It's fixed for me too.

It made me factory reset ZS without knowing that the problem is on the Tidel side and kind of bricked (for no reason?!?) the unit. Thankfully I have the software and firmware for flashing which resurrected the unit but the Tidal problem still persisted.

Ok cool! I thought you said it is fixed?

 

[pulsedriver]

Ok cool! I thought you said it is fixed?

Yeah, apparently the ZS was not the issue. Yesterday morning it was ok, but last night it was really bad again..... Mixing what is actually played and what showed in Todal app as now playing. Many of the songs didn't play at all.

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Seems there is yet another update for Android users to Tidal V2.149 if you folks would like to check it out.

Cheers!!

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Just welcoming the newest member of the iFi Audio Family...The Valkyrie

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ifi-audio-presents-idsd-valkyrie.976288/

Cheers!!