Mr BubbaHyde
Sponsor: 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 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...
2.32.9 (Airplay 2 Added functionality)
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…![Darth Smile :darthsmile: :darthsmile:](https://cdn.head-fi.org/e/headfi/darthsmile.gif)
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!!
==========================================================================================
@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!!
**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...
2.32.9 (Airplay 2 Added functionality)
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
![Screenshot 2023-05-01 at 12.16.46 PM.png Screenshot 2023-05-01 at 12.16.46 PM.png](https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/12055441.png)
==========================================================================================
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…
![Darth Smile :darthsmile: :darthsmile:](https://cdn.head-fi.org/e/headfi/darthsmile.gif)
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 ...
![Screen Shot 2022-07-29 at 2.16.07 PM.png Screen Shot 2022-07-29 at 2.16.07 PM.png](https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/11826394.png)
Direct Link To The Post... https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ifi-zen-stream-setup-tips-tricks.961425/post-17071255
Thank you Sir!!
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!
![ZEN_Stream_setup_SOP_V3_6.1.jpg ZEN_Stream_setup_SOP_V3_6.1.jpg](https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/11840637.jpg)
![ZEN_Stream_setup_SOP_V3_6.2.jpg ZEN_Stream_setup_SOP_V3_6.2.jpg](https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/11840638.jpg)
====================================================================================================================================================================================
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!!
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