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

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Had my ZS a couple of weeks now. Been quite a learning curve especially with the Audio-GD Di20 DDC I am using with. I use a dedicated Android Music tablet + USB Files + Tidal connect. Want to thank Bubba & others for their help & advice.

My experiences to date:

1. Loud squeal through speakers when music is paused, be it files installed on USB flashcard, or Tidal connect. Squeal is continuous until music restarted. Only does it with SPDIF connection. USB fine. Someone suggested that this is happening because ZS stops all output when music is paused, including clock. Di20 senses clock signal lost & squeals.
My workaround is to use USB.

2. Could not open ifi.local on my Windows Laptop. Turns out I was using Opera browser. Works fine with Microsoft Edge. However, my main device is a dedicated Android Tablet, which it still wont open on. Luckily, iFi app seems to work most on the Tablet most of the time..........see below.

3. Tried to use Tidal from Selector switch 3 Option. No way. App refuses to work & connect with stream. Tried all sorts of recycling options, wired, unwired etc. The app seems to go into a spasm flashing through different screens attempting to lock on. Tidal connect will only work with AIO.

4. Initially had issues with the Stream recognising the music folders on my USB stick. Had to do a reset ceremony and I am usually able to get back now. Sometimes only one folder shows, but I can get them all back if I go out & back in to the music library.

I think all these type devices have their quirks. I had a Lindemann Bridge before which also had it foibles. ZS sounds better & is half the price. I have got everything working to my satisfaction now & as long as I stay within these parameters its stable!

Your welcome, glad to help somewhat...

1. Do you have the squeal when direct to DAC or only thru the Audio GD interface?

2. I thought you were able to open it with the address I gave you, or is this still not working?

3. You cannot use the stream-ifi app in any mode except for #1 AIO, the other modes are exclusive and require use of other apps, such as Tidal App in mode #3

Yes they do all have quirks, lol, to say the least! In fact the more "obscure" the equipment be connected it seems the more quirks. At one point I remember many DAC's not reporting over USB back to the Zen, and everyone was blaming the ZS when in fact it was just on the DAC manufacturer, I remember certain Gustards being in that list.

That was not a hit on Audio GD, it's just that it would be impossible for any manufacturer to anticipate all connection scenarios.

For example, the very inexpensive Douk Audio U2 pro, which has it's own thread here at Head-fi works very well with the ZS, my Singxer SU-2 works the same, whatever is causing the GD not to play nice could be on iFi or GD, that's why we report and try to work out things!

Good luck Brother!

Cheers!!

Edit: When you pause the tidal connect does the right indicator light go out or stay on?

 

[Vangelo]

Your welcome, glad to help somewhat...

1. Do you have the squeal when direct to DAC or only thru the Audio GD interface?

2. I thought you were able to open it with the address I gave you, or is this still not working?

3. You cannot use the stream-ifi app in any mode except for #1 AIO, the other modes are exclusive and require use of other apps, such as Tidal App in mode #3

Yes they do all have quirks, lol, to say the least! In fact the more "obscure" the equipment be connected it seems the more quirks. At one point I remember many DAC's not reporting over USB back to the Zen, and everyone was blaming the ZS when in fact it was just on the DAC manufacturer, I remember certain Gustards being in that list.

That was not a hit on Audio GD, it's just that it would be impossible for any manufacturer to anticipate all connection scenarios.

For example, the very inexpensive Douk Audio U2 pro, which has it's own thread here at Head-fi works very well with the ZS, my Singxer SU-2 works the same, whatever is causing the GD not to play nice could be on iFi or GD, that's why we report and try to work out things!

Good luck Brother!

Cheers!!

Edit: When you pause the tidal connect does the right indicator light go out or stay on?

1. Squeal only thru Audio-GD
2. App works fine in Edge Browser.....was just making observation in case someone else gets same issue.
3. Didn't know this.....thanks. However, Tidal App does not see ZS so I cant stream to it in Mode 3.

Right indicator goes out when I pause.....

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

1. Squeal only thru Audio-GD
2. App works fine in Edge Browser.....was just making observation in case someone else gets same issue.
3. Didn't know this.....thanks. However, Tidal App does not see ZS so I cant stream to it in Mode 3.

Right indicator goes out when I pause.....

Thanks so much, will examine what I can from here!

Much appreciated!

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

I just quickly tested the Mode #3 issue your seeing, my ZS is working fine in that mode with Tidal connect, make sure you are connected to the same network as the ZS with the device you are using Tidal Connect on, possible fix if different.

Cheers!!

 

[hackstu]

Sometimes I have to reselect the output device to my dac from the playback options menu, as it will default back to spdif output even if I save the setting.

Using USB setting to a dac box rs2.

 

[Vangelo]

I just quickly tested the Mode #3 issue your seeing, my ZS is working fine in that mode with Tidal connect, make sure you are connected to the same network as the ZS with the device you are using Tidal Connect on, possible fix if different.



Cheers!!

Wont work for me on my Windows laptop or Android tablet. I am using ethernet with same router network, if that makes a difference.

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

It is my recollection that the default for the ZS is the Spdif.

I believe this happens when the power is turned completely off to the unit, or whenever a DAC is not being identified on the USB, I will try to check this for you this weekend to see if my memory is correct or confused as usual, lol

Cheers!!

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Wont work for me on my Windows laptop or Android tablet. I am using ethernet with same router network, if that makes a difference.

Ok bud, I wil unbury my android tablet and check that for you as soon as possible, promise.

Maybe it is an android issue or something in the ZS with android, and hopefully an easy fix!

Cheers!!

 

[hackstu]

Would it help if i saved the settings, then switched to the DLNA setting?

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Would it help if i saved the settings, then switched to the DLNA setting?

I always recommended hit that save button every time you change anything, just to make sure!

Can't hurt anything!

Cheers!!

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Wont work for me on my Windows laptop or Android tablet. I am using ethernet with same router network, if that makes a difference.

I just tested my Galaxy Tab A with ZS using mode #3 And Tidal connect worked with no issue. So I am really not sure what you've got going on.

Sorry for the Cruddy pic, but I did say I had to unbury my tablet...

Cheers!!

 

[Vangelo]

I just tested my Galaxy Tab A with ZS using mode #3 And Tidal connect worked with no issue. So I am really not sure what you've got going on.

Sorry for the Cruddy pic, but I did say I had to unbury my tablet...



Cheers!!

is that with wifi?

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

is that with wifi?

Yes Tablet is wifi, ZS is wired...

 

[iFi audio]

Another new review on the Zen stream...



Cheers!!

Awesomesauce, thanks for sharing!

Had my ZS a couple of weeks now. Been quite a learning curve especially with the Audio-GD Di20 DDC I am using with. I use a dedicated Android Music tablet + USB Files + Tidal connect. Want to thank Bubba & others for their help & advice.

My experiences to date:

1. Loud squeal through speakers when music is paused, be it files installed on USB flashcard, or Tidal connect. Squeal is continuous until music restarted. Only does it with SPDIF connection. USB fine. Someone suggested that this is happening because ZS stops all output when music is paused, including clock. Di20 senses clock signal lost & squeals.
My workaround is to use USB.

2. Could not open ifi.local on my Windows Laptop. Turns out I was using Opera browser. Works fine with Microsoft Edge. However, my main device is a dedicated Android Tablet, which it still wont open on. Luckily, iFi app seems to work most on the Tablet most of the time..........see below.

3. Tried to use Tidal from Selector switch 3 Option. No way. App refuses to work & connect with stream. Tried all sorts of recycling options, wired, unwired etc. The app seems to go into a spasm flashing through different screens attempting to lock on. Tidal connect will only work with AIO.

4. Initially had issues with the Stream recognising the music folders on my USB stick. Had to do a reset ceremony and I am usually able to get back now. Sometimes only one folder shows, but I can get them all back if I go out & back in to the music library.

I think all these type devices have their quirks. I had a Lindemann Bridge before which also had it foibles. ZS sounds better & is half the price. I have got everything working to my satisfaction now & as long as I stay within these parameters its stable!

Thanks for your feedback. And yep, as network devices streamers are rather sensitive products with their own quirks, but I'm happy to read that your ZEN Stream now works and you can enjoy it. Thanks again

 

[Vangelo]

Yes Tablet is wifi, ZS is wired...

Err.....yeh....works fine now.
Helps if Tidal option is selected
This brings SQ up another level!