iFi Zen Stream: Setup, Tips, Tricks...

[Mr BubbaHyde]

I thought I would start this thread for those that are having issues with their ZS, and hopefully connect with other ZS owners that aren't having issues, as well as post some guidance for new users.

**This Thread is not for bashing/complaints of @iFi audio or the product**

Again I am starting this for those who need help getting theirs working as flawlessly as I and many others have had since day one.

I'll start this thread with my ZS setup procedure for those having Setup/Inconsistent signal streaming issues, this procedure has worked for many, many people, just follow what it says and hopefully, your issues will be resolved!
==========================================================================================
**UPDATE**

iFi has started a new page here for any updates regarding the Zen Stream and its Functionality! Check this first!!

https://ifi-audio.com/development-team-update-episode-one/
==========================================================================================
Current Firmware...

2.32.16


Current "Beta" Firmware

Please refer to this post directly from @iFi audio regarding "Beta" versions

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ifi-zen-stream-setup-tips-tricks.961425/post-17345803

==========================================================================================

Zen Stream Start over steps!



Please read this thru before starting, PLEASE all the way thru!!


I would prefer you don’t do this procedure if you are using a 9v power supply, "and" are having any issues with powering on, or the Zen Stream randomly shutting off (rarity, but has happened).

The Zen stream can handle 9-15v power supply’s so simply get one from another unit, I prefer 12v or 15v myself, but 12v is in the middle of the power range.


**Procedure** SLOW DOWN AND FOLLOW THE STEPS!!


You should do this with an ethernet cable directly connected to your modem. NO WIFI, No WIFI Extenders, a direct connection if at all possible.

We are going to do a hard reset, there’s a button on the back of the unit, it’s a little pinhole, you’ll need a paperclip, Toothpick, something like that.

When you’re ready, Power on your ZEN Stream. Press and hold the reset button, located on the back of the device, for 2 seconds,..2 SECONDS no more no less, 1, 1000, 2, 1000 let go.


Let it sit for a bit, when everything looks normal just turn the unit off, power down, if it didn’t do it by itself.

Ok connect your Ethernet line, power line (if you disconnected it) and then power on the unit. You can open the ifi app or ifi.local, whichever is more convenient for you, I prefer the browser for this reset procedure.

*NOTE*

If your hotspot button is flashing, that’s the one on the right face of the Zen Stream, I need you to go into your network settings FIRST and disable Hotspot before moving forward with anything. Make sure this is disabled and after a save leave the network tab and go back in and make sure it is disabled. You can also verify this by the light, it should not be on, or blinking.

Once the app (or interface) is open and ready go to your settings, (home button and little gear icon down the bottom right on the app, in your browser it’s on the left. Open the network page, refresh your wireless settings if they are there.


Proceed with the wireless setup thru the menu, not thru "hotspot"and keep in mind you must hit save on each step, very important! When you do you should see a little indicator box somewhere (lol) that say changes saved unit restarting/updating.


Be sure to let each menu change save completely before doing another! I usually take a sip of my favorite beverage each time!!!

Once that is done, power down the unit. Take it wherever you want to use it at, and set it up. Power it on, give it time, and you “Should” be good to go.

Hope this works for you as it has for many others. If not the issue may very well be the power supply.
Contact iFi support and open a ticket.

==========================================================================================


If you notice I am not worried about firmware, hard drives, none of that. First we need to get your unit up, running, and stable, then we can worry about all that Jazz.

I have found this is the best way to resolve most issues. If you’re sitting there saying I can’t connect it directly to my internet, the modem is not in the room where I am going to use it, I will say don’t be lazy…

Cheers!!





Hopefully this will solve most missed steps and setup issues for new owners. It may even help if you are having random issues with the Zen Stream to do this procedure.

=========================================================================================

Firmware 2.31.7 "Roon Ready" Help video!!

Made a short video on How to setup your ZS in Roon now that Roon Ready firmware is officially in play!! Hope this helps out those that have lost their USB ability after upgrading firmware. Or those that just need a point in the right direction!



Cheers!!

==========================================================================================

** New Method**

Here is an alternate method provided by @moriez ...

Direct Link To The Post... https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ifi-zen-stream-setup-tips-tricks.961425/post-17071255

Thank you Sir!!

Cheers!!

And yet another method posted by @steved21 , Thanks so very much for contributing!

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ifi-zen-stream-setup-tips-tricks.961425/post-18477036

Cheers!!
==========================================================================================

@hackstu Has provided some materials from iFi that should help with those having issues with adding their NAS to the Zen Stream, and a big Thanks for passing them along!

====================================================================================================================================================================================
Head-Fi user @m-i-c-k-e-y posted this tip for a NEO Stream like Optibox Mod for Zen Stream users here...
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ifi-zen-stream-setup-tips-tricks.961425/post-17306738

And here is the video contained in this interesting MOD he thought might benefit ZS users!



=============================================================================================

Head-Fi user @pulsedriver has posted some valuable information on the usage of Sbooster with the Zen Stream In this post found here...

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ifi...evated-to-a-higher-plane.958391/post-17759628
==========================================================================================

Forum member @SHXMD has found a solution for MAC users Running Tidal Connect if you are losing your stream after 10 minutes please see his post, and explanation below! It may help you out.

"Equipment: Apple Mac Mini M1 running Tidal Connect. Software is Sonoma 14.2.1.

No modifications to hardware. No Beta issues in use.

Connection to ATT fiber Modem/Router by Wi-Fi only in a different room.

ATT BGW 320 Modem/Router->ethernet run 70 feet to plug and switch->to Zen Stream.

Hardwired."

Problem: Computer drops incoming Tidal Connect stream after 10 minutes.
I can restart stream and it drops in another 10 minutes. Over and over.

Informed on Apple forum that Mac mini “screen lock time” is discontinuing the stream. Even though computer is on. Instructed to go to Apple “System Settings” and open “Lock Screen”.

Go to “Turn display off when inactive”

Open and click on time for length of stream listening time. Or Never.

This has worked reliably for months for me. Can put in 1.5 hours and it will let song finish and then stop stream.

Thank you Sir, this should be very helpful for some users!

Post link...

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ifi...evated-to-a-higher-plane.958391/post-17963222

==========================================================================================


Cheers!!

 

[Mike Foley]

Good advice, and very easy to follow. Nice work.

At first I had a few issues with my ZS losing connection, or not working with Tidal, but after installing the latest updates, as they appear, it’s been working with no problems for months. I’m using it with Tidal, Spotify, and via Mconnect, Qobuz.

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Good advice, and very easy to follow. Nice work.

At first I had a few issues with my ZS losing connection, or not working with Tidal, but after installing the latest updates, as they appear, it’s been working with no problems for months. I’m using it with Tidal, Spotify, and via Mconnect, Qobuz.

Thank you! I appreciate it!

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

This tip is for Tidal Connect users...

Whenever you use Tidal "Connect" it is currently necessary to completely clear the Play Que from inside the Tidal app. Doing this will free the ZS to play other sources such as Spotify or from a hard drive, and will stop you from having to "reset" your unit.

Please see the Quick Video I made on this subject for more info...



Cheers!!

 

[iFi audio]

I thought I would start this thread for those that are having issues with their ZS, and hopefully connect with other ZS owners that aren't having issues, as well as post some guidance for new users.

**This Thread is not for bashing/complaints of @iFi audio or the product**

Again I am starting this for those who need help getting theirs working as flawlessly as myself and many others have had since day one.

I'll start this thread with my ZS setup procedure for those having Setup/Inconsistent signal streaming issues, this procedure has worked for many, many people, just follow what it says and hopefully your issues will be resolved!

==========================================================================================

Zen Stream Start over steps!



Please read this thru before starting, PLEASE all the way thru!!


I would prefer you don’t do this procedure if you are using a 9v power supply, "and" are having any issues with powering on, or the Zen Stream randomly shutting off (rarity, but has happened).

The Zen stream can handle 9-15v power supply’s so simply get one from another unit, I prefer 12v or 15v myself, but 12v is in the middle of the power range.


**Procedure** SLOW DOWN AND FOLLOW THE STEPS!!


You should do this with an ethernet cable directly connected to your modem. NO WIFI, No WIFI Extenders, a direct connection if at all possible.

We are going to do a hard reset, there’s a button on the back of the unit, it’s a little pinhole, you’ll need a paperclip, Toothpick, something like that.

When you’re ready, Power on your ZEN Stream. Press and hold the reset button, located on the back of the device, for 2 seconds,..2 SECONDS no more no less, 1, 1000, 2, 1000 let go.


Let it sit for a bit, when everything looks normal just turn the unit off, power down, if it didn’t do it by itself.

Ok connect your Ethernet line, power line (if you disconnected it) and then power on the unit. You can open the ifi app or ifi.local, whichever is more convenient for you, I prefer the browser for this reset procedure.

*NOTE*

If your hotspot button is flashing, that’s the one on the right face of the Zen Stream, I need you to go into your network settings FIRST and disable Hotspot before moving forward with anything. Make sure this is disabled and after a save leave the network tab and go back in and make sure it is disabled. You can also verify this by the light, it should not be on, or blinking.

Once the app (or interface) is open and ready go to your settings, (home button and little gear icon down the bottom right on the app, in your browser it’s on the left. Open the network page, refresh your wireless settings if they are there.


Proceed with the wireless setup thru the menu, not thru "hotspot"and keep in mind you must hit save on each step, very important! When you do you should see a little indicator box somewhere (lol) that say changes saved unit restarting/updating.


Be sure to let each menu change save completely before doing another! I usually take a sip of my favorite beverage each time!!!

Once that is done, power down the unit. Take it wherever you want to use it at, and set it up. Power it on, give it time, and you “Should” be good to go.

Hope this works for you as it has for many others. If not the issue may very well be the power supply.
Contact iFi support and open a ticket.

==========================================================================================


If you notice I am not worried about firmware, hard drives, none of that. First we need to get your unit up, running, and stable, then we can worry about all that Jazz.

I have found this is the best way to resolve most issues. If you’re sitting there saying I can’t connect it directly to my internet, the modem is not in the room where I am going to use it, I will say don’t be lazy…

Cheers!!





Hopefully this will solve most missed steps and setup issues for new owners. It may even help if you are having random issues with the Zen Stream to do this procedure.

Excellent, thank a ton for this effort!

@Sebastien Chiu are you seeing this ?

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Excellent, thank a ton for this effort!

@Sebastien Chiu are you seeing this ?

Thank you very much!

 

[4LoveOfSound]

Thank you @Mr BubbaHyde. I've been having issues with my Stream since day one. It had been working great for a couple weeks, issue free after updating to firmware 2.29.9. Then all of a sudden, it didn't. I couldn't connect via Airplay anymore. I was able to connect via Spotify Connect but every time I tried to go back a track or forward a track I got a loud buzz before the music would start. I tried a factory reset through the software but it didn't fix anything. I tried your setup directions and so far, working again . I think I will just leave it alone and not update the firmware or shut it off. The power supply mine came with is 12v, just an fyi.

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Thank you @Mr BubbaHyde. I've been having issues with my Stream since day one. It had been working great for a couple weeks, issue free after updating to firmware 2.29.9. Then all of a sudden, it didn't. I couldn't connect via Airplay anymore. I was able to connect via Spotify Connect but every time I tried to go back a track or forward a track I got a loud buzz before the music would start. I tried a factory reset through the software but it didn't fix anything. I tried your setup directions and so far, working again . I think I will just leave it alone and not update the firmware or shut it off. The power supply mine came with is 12v, just an fyi.

So glad to hear it worked for you, Enjoy!!

Cheers!!

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Here is another tip from a user that also seemed to help those with Tidal "Connect" streaming issues, give it a try, you can always go back to the way it was!

Here is the link to that post... https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ifi...evated-to-a-higher-plane.958391/post-16670574

This is accessed in the System Setting of the iFi app or thru your browser at ifi.local

Cheers!!

 

[iFi audio]

I tried your setup directions and so far, working again

That's awesome to hear, thanks

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Here is a brief video for Enabling "Beta" firmware on the Zen Stream...



Remember a reset will return you to factory state if the New Firmware gives you trouble!

Cheers!!

 

[zolom]

Thanks for this thread.

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Thanks for this thread.

You're welcome! Hope it helps those with issues!!

Cheers!!

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Here is a brief video showing my Zen Stream Setup Routine. Very Simple and straight forward.

If you are having trouble or perhaps you just got your Zen Stream this video will save you some headaches!



Cheers!!

 

[h1f1add1cted]

Thanks @Mr BubbaHyde for this nice write up.

I hope you have still some hints for me, I have the following issue and I don't know what could cause this problem.

I own my ZEN Stream now since July 2021 and it worked so far pretty well, but since a few weeks I have one major but currently "random" looking issue - the network connection of the ZEN Stream got lost.

This is not like no internet or something else, no I mean the red LED of the ZEN Stream shows "no connection" present and of course no connection to the ZEN Stream is possible anymore (no Ping, no SSH access, no browser access...) but my music continues playing without any issue (I'm using local USB attached storage to the ZEN Stream).

So the issue is really "only" the LAN port or network services of the ZEN Stream and nothing else.

My setup is this:

ZEN Stream -> CAT6 cable > network router

So nothing fancy and all direct cable connections, no WiFi I prefer real cable connections.

What I tried so far but did not helped to solve this issue:

- Factory reset (mutiple times)
- Hard reset (mutiple times)
- New CAT6 cable
- Tried different network ports at the network router
- LAN connection with DHCP enabled
- LAN connection with static IP address
- Tried older firmware
- Tried latest firmware
- Tried latest "Beta" firmware

The strange part is the connection get lost seems "random" to me, but I can't believe it's random (I'm a technical engineer and work since 15 years in IT business), there must be trigger which causes this glitch. This means I can use my ZEN Stream some days for hours without any problem, but it can also happen that just after 20 minutes the connection got lost. If I power off / power on it continues working, but still the problem itself with the lost connection is no solved.

Any feedback is welcome.