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

[zolom]

There is a very short ethernet cable between my nesh router and the ZS, so the iSilencer is on either side.

 

[Lvivske]

There is a very short ethernet cable between my nesh router and the ZS, so the iSilencer is on either side.

and you preferred using the silencer on the router's output over the ZS's LAN input?

 

[zolom]

The ZS local router's input is mesh wifi, so no way to install the iSilencer.
I did not want to install that on the input of my main mesh router (on the connection to the fiber router). Simple, as that.

 

[Lvivske]

Was just asking why you opted against installing it on the ZS's LAN input like they advertise

 

[zolom]

I did install it on my ZS lan input. See my previous post.
The distance between my router and ZS is half a meter. The iSilencer is located along the connecting ethernet cable.
Sorry if I was not understood

 

[iFi audio]

Was just asking why you opted against installing it on the ZS's LAN input like they advertise

There was a bunch of talk in this thread regarding different placements for the iSilencer.

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ifi-audio-lan-isilencer-your-network-silenced.967130/

I have since moved mine to the little TP Link Switch I have on my desk. It is on the LAN input so it feeds the different streamers on my desk and works quite well there.

Experimenting with your tastes would be best.

Cheers!!

 

[Lvivske]

There was a bunch of talk in this thread regarding different placements for the iSilencer.

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ifi-audio-lan-isilencer-your-network-silenced.967130/

I have since moved mine to the little TP Link Switch I have on my desk. It is on the LAN input so it feeds the different streamers on my desk and works quite well there.

Experimenting with your tastes would be best.

Cheers!!

I tried to go through that thread but there was so much trolling, didn't really get to a point where I saw constructive placement talk

 

[iFi audio]

It happened much later probably within the last 3-5 pages if I remember correctly, also some good talk of switches as well...

Cheers!!

 

[johncarm]

I'm new to the world of music streamers. I'm not very interested in music stream internet services... I have all my music files on a hard drive. I have a very good DAC (a modified Gustard X20) that takes a USB input. I've been using a NUC running windows and Foobar2000, along with Fidelizer, to drive the DAC. I suspect that my NUC doesn't make a great USB source seeing as it's electrically noisy compared to a simpler device... would the Zen Streamer fit my needs? I'm not sure if it can work with local storage, and how it would organize my library.

 

[iFi audio]

I'm new to the world of music streamers. I'm not very interested in music stream internet services... I have all my music files on a hard drive. I have a very good DAC (a modified Gustard X20) that takes a USB input. I've been using a NUC running windows and Foobar2000, along with Fidelizer, to drive the DAC. I suspect that my NUC doesn't make a great USB source seeing as it's electrically noisy compared to a simpler device... would the Zen Streamer fit my needs? I'm not sure if it can work with local storage, and how it would organize my library.

My first thought would be that being you have no interest in Streaming music then the answer would be no.

I would point you in the direction of clean power and USB isolation products we carry over the Zen with your initial question. Foobar can be configured in so many different ways that it has customization above that of the Zen.

There are many other reason but I won't drag on, but here are some links to help in your "noise" issue...

https://ifi-audio.com/products/ipowerx/

https://ifi-audio.com/products/isilencer-plus/

Cheers!!

 

[johncarm]

What voltage does the Zen Stream need? I already have a super hi quality 12 V linear power supply. Could I use the Zen Stream as an NAA with sending the data over WiFi? The idea is to take advantage of the optimzations of the Zen Stream for a quality, low noise low-jitter USB output to my DAC. But I'm wondering if sending audio data over WiFi is a compromise compared to sending it over ethernet. I'm just nowhere close to the router (up the stairs, several rooms over) so I can't hook up an ethernet cable.

EDIT: I've been looking into this a bit more. I'm guessing that the Zen's USB port surpasses the sound quality of the NUCs USB port. If I could set up a computer and send data over WiFi to the Zen, that might be the best option. But, I'm not sure what computer I will use to control the Zen. Can I use a MacBook with JRiver? The MacBook is my main computer (I use for work and play) and I already have a JRiver Media Center license. Or is there other MacBook software? Can I use the Windows NUC to control the Zen? What software would I need?

ALSO: I saw on the Amazon description of the Zen that it can take from 9 to 15 V, so that would be perfect for using with my 12V LPS.

 

[iFi audio]

Regarding J River I found this thread page that may help...

https://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=131275.0

I also think folks used Foobar as well.
Regarding power supplies, the Zen indeed handles 9v-15v so your linear supply should be fine!

Cheers!!

 

[Lvivske]

But I'm wondering if sending audio data over WiFi is a compromise compared to sending it over ethernet. I'm just nowhere close to the router (up the stairs, several rooms over) so I can't hook up an ethernet cable.

I'm in the same boat (too far from router) and still experimenting to find an external wifi / ethernet solution that tops the internal wifi, so I dont think you should be concerned about wifi being compromised by default.

Completely theoretical, but I'd wager that the Wifi running off your LPS could be better than ethernet to your stock multi-use router.

 

[johncarm]

So the Zen Stream is compatible with DLNA? Does it buffer data that comes over the network before sending it on to the DAC? I would imagine so.

 

[Lvivske]

Yeah there's some buffer options in the settings. If I unplug from my router it'll keep playing for a second or so