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

[Andyb90]

I've switched to using USB output from my Zen Stream and got some audio dropouts. After the last dropout I got an error message in my Bubble UPnP controller app.

Here is a picture of the error.

I couldn't navigate to the Zen Stream IP address in my browser and couldn't turn off my Zen Stream unit using the power button. I had to disconnect the power cable from the unit. I then got the unit back up and running and did a factory reset.

Has anyone seen this error before or been unable to power off their unit?

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

I've switched to using USB output from my Zen Stream and got some audio dropouts. After the last dropout I got an error message in my Bubble UPnP controller app.

Here is a picture of the error.


I couldn't navigate to the Zen Stream IP address in my browser and couldn't turn off my Zen Stream unit using the power button. I had to disconnect the power cable from the unit. I then got the unit back up and running and did a factory reset.

Has anyone seen this error before or been unable to power off their unit?

I am not a bubble user but hopefully someone here is and can chime in...

In terms off the ZS lockup I have heard off that and did experience it once but it was quite awhile ago. I would say if it happens again that it would be more concerning to me.

Just like any other computer/electronics device these days, a reboot every now and then never hurts,

Cheers!!

 

[iFi audio]

Just like any other computer/electronics device these days, a reboot every now and then never hurts,

Once set up, ZEN Stream should be good to go for days, but resetting it in the event of any undesirable behavior is the way to go indeed

 

[rwelles]

I've gone over a month without a reset or problems. I had to do a reset because I needed to replace my router. Running wired with a set IP in Roon exclusive mode.

 

[iFi audio]

Running wired with a set IP in Roon exclusive mode.

Thanks, that's useful

 

[nerdorama]

Have any of you Stream owners connected a USB hard drive? iFi doesn't mention, anywhere that I can find, how to format the files on the drive so it will see them. All I find in the iFi app is the trash bin folder. It will play audio files there but it doesn't show any of the other subdirectories I have which are filled with mostly FLAC files.
Thanks,
John

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Have any of you Stream owners connected a USB hard drive? iFi doesn't mention, anywhere that I can find, how to format the files on the drive so it will see them. All I find in the iFi app is the trash bin folder. It will play audio files there but it doesn't show any of the other subdirectories I have which are filled with mostly FLAC files.
Thanks,
John

I believe you want to format to Fat32 if I remember correctly, Also I had mine in individual folders, like this...

This always worked 100%

Cheers!!

 

[Vangelo]

I believe you want to format to Fat32 if I remember correctly, Also I had mine in individual folders, like this...



This always worked 100%

Cheers!!

 

[Vangelo]

What a nightmare this all is.
I gave up this streaming lark and went over to Bluetooth LDAC 990kbps. I couldn't distinguish the difference between this format & my Limetree Bridge, so I sold the Bridge and been using Bluetooth for 2 very happy years.
Anyway, with all the good sonic reports on the Stream I thought I would re-investigate.

.........heh........

Well, first off wifi not recognised. Dont care too much as I always use ethernet. Managed to get her up & running wired....and yes.....sonics now better than Bluetooth. Was enjoying Tidal & my SSD files.....swapping back & forth.
Then the trouble began. Whenever I tried to start the iFi app (Android) it would shut immediately. I tried everything......reinstall, reboots etc. Would stay on setup screen, but the moment I tried to get into it, app would shut. Sent a ticket in. Funny....throughout all this Tidal still worked. Just could not get into the app.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrr................

Ok, time for pin in the back reset.

Been running flawlessly now all day switching between Tidal & SSD. I'm wondering if there was some issue with iFi server? I have never been able to access by typing iFi.Local or IP address, even now.

Not sure I really want to get back into this if it starts randomly playing up. My Bluetooth set up was bullet proof. Yes, sonics would degrade. Worth it for peace of mind? Choose your poison....

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

What a nightmare this all is.
I gave up this streaming lark and went over to Bluetooth LDAC 990kbps. I couldn't distinguish the difference between this format & my Limetree Bridge, so I sold the Bridge and been using Bluetooth for 2 very happy years.
Anyway, with all the good sonic reports on the Stream I thought I would re-investigate.

.........heh........

Well, wifi not recognised. Dont care too much as I always use ethernet. Managed to get her up & running....and yes.....sonics now better than Bluetooth. Was enjoying Tidal & my SSD files.....swapping back & forth.
Then the trouble began. Whenever I tried to start the iFi app (Android) it would shut immediately. I tried everything......reinstall, reboots etc. Would stay on setup screen, but the moment I tried to get into it, app would shut. Sent a ticket in.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrr................

Ok, time for pin in the back reset.

Been running flawlessly now all day switching between Tidal & SSD. I'm wondering if there was some issue with iFi server? I have never been able to access by typing iFi.Local or IP address, even now.

Sorry to hear of all your issues, it certainly is frustrating...

I highly suggest the next reset you have to do follow the first post reset procedure, or just watch the video, I posted these after issues evolved with what I believe to be a bit so simple setup as in the box directions suggest.

This reset has solved 97% of all functional issues, including connection drops, GUI access, and just about all streaming issues.

I have had the ZS for over 1 year and do not have 1/10th of the reported issues here, or over in the main thread,

I also have never had to play with the settings menu, the buffers and all three other stuff inn there with the exception of turning off the hotspot function, and wifi inn my case. I mostly use it wired, I turn wifi inn when I move it to another area, then back off.

Too me the hotspot button/Function is the main cause of allot of issues! You can have a perfectly functional unit, bump that button and it's over... Time for a reset.

In short my experience the less things are fiddled with in the functions section (settings) the better, but alas people get one audio drop and they feel the need to increase buffer sizes and good only knows what else.

So again sorry, do the first post video setup reset, and I can almost Guarantee your issues will go away!! Lol

Cheers!!

 

[Vangelo]

Sorry to hear of all your issues, it certainly is frustrating...

I highly suggest the next reset you have to do follow the first post reset procedure, or just watch the video, I posted these after issues evolved with what I believe to be a bit so simple setup as in the box directions suggest.

This reset has solved 97% of all functional issues, including connection drops, GUI access, and just about all streaming issues.

I have had the ZS for over 1 year and do not have 1/10th of the reported issues here, or over in the main thread,

I also have never had to play with the settings menu, the buffers and all three other stuff inn there with the exception of turning off the hotspot function, and wifi inn my case. I mostly use it wired, I turn wifi inn when I move it to another area, then back off.

Too me the hotspot button/Function is the main cause of allot of issues! You can have a perfectly functional unit, bump that button and it's over... Time for a reset.

In short my experience the less things are fiddled with in the functions section (settings) the better, but alas people get one audio drop and they feel the need to increase buffer sizes and good only knows what else.

So again sorry, do the first post video setup reset, and I can almost Guarantee your issues will go away!! Lol

Cheers!!

Thanks....Bubba....not your fault! In fact, this thread got me going again!
If anything, the app is partly to blame forcing you right away to engage wifi. This time, I looked at the quick start guide. On one side of the sheet, wireless setup. On other side, wired setup. In fact, wired so simple. Just connect ethernet & wait a few minutes, back out of app setup page, & you're in. First thing I did was update, then switch everything I didnt need off, and wait for SSD to be scanned. So far, still working!


Other thing I did was wrap front fascia to hide the shiny silver and stuck some nylon washers to reduce size of lights.
Ugh.....couldnt stand those robot eyes staring at me......

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Thanks....Bubba....not your fault! In fact, this thread got me going again!
If anything, the app is partly to blame forcing you right away to engage wifi. This time, I looked at the quick start guide. On one side of the sheet, wireless setup. On other side, wired setup. In fact, wired so simple. Just connect ethernet & wait a few minutes, back out of app setup page, & you're in. First thing I did was update, then switch everything I didnt need off, and wait for SSD to be scanned. So far, still working!

Yes that sheet needs to be replaced as I was confused by it last year when I first got it, makes it look like you need to do both, when this is not the case!

You are 100% correct, wired first! All else can be done once that is working!

I think @iFi audio should just simplify my procedure and print that!! LMAO, only kidding guys!

Thank you for the compliment, and hopefully everything will continue to run well, and as a note, it's a computer I completely unplug and let it reboot every now and then, just because...lol

Cheers!!

 

[Vangelo]

Yes that sheet needs to be replaced as I was confused by it last year when I first got it, makes it look like you need to do both, when this is not the case!

You are 100% correct, wired first! All else can be done once that is working!

I think @iFi audio should just simplify my procedure and print that!! LMAO, only kidding guys!

Thank you for the compliment, and hopefully everything will continue to run well, and as a note, it's a computer I completely unplug and let it reboot every now and then, just because...lol

Cheers!!

Spoke too soon!
My media files have dissappeared. Wont find the SSD drive I had plugged into port.
I obviously made the mistake of totally powering down the hifi last night....this morning all gone.

Cant seem to get this back. Is there a way?

 

[iFi audio]

I think @iFi audio should just simplify my procedure and print that!! LMAO, only kidding guys!

Phew!

Spoke too soon!
My media files have dissappeared. Wont find the SSD drive I had plugged into port.
I obviously made the mistake of totally powering down the hifi last night....this morning all gone.

Cant seem to get this back. Is there a way?

I'm guessing that a restart didn't do the trick?

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Spoke too soon!
My media files have dissappeared. Wont find the SSD drive I had plugged into port.
I obviously made the mistake of totally powering down the hifi last night....this morning all gone.

Cant seem to get this back. Is there a way?

Are you saying the files are gone from the SSD or just not showing in the interface?

Not sure if I asked but what Power supply are you using? what voltage?