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!
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**UPDATE**
iFi has started a new page here for any updates regarding the Zen Stream and it's Functionality! Check this first!!
https://ifi-audio.com/development-team-update-episode-one/
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Current Firmware...
2.31.7
Current "Beta" Firmware
2.31.11
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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.
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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.
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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!!
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** 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!!
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@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!
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BETA Update Video How to - Must Use AIO Mode #1 as well as a (PC/MAC) Browser window Connection
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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!
Cheers!!
I know I'm late to join this thread... but I think its so cool you went out of your way to help the community like this! Thumbs up
BTW, I haven't come close to approaching the transmission bandwidth limits of the AC generation routers yet... but when I did upgrade to an Asus AC3100 router from a smaller, more modest model (but theoretically still more wifi bandwidth than I use!), not only did I get much wider WiFi signal coverage with the Asus, but also stability and downloading times were much faster for all devices connected! I think that the power of the router's "computer" was influential in this, being better able to direct multiple traffic streams and not needing port forwarding to dedicate a lot of bandwidth to the most active demands. I haven't even hooked up a HDD to the USB ports on it yet (though apparently that would be perfect for a streamer like the ones from iFi and others)! A hundred things you would like to do, but a thousand responsibilities dragging you in different directions, you know?
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