[Mr BubbaHyde]

I have updated the first post in this thread to show both Current and Beta firmware versions (In Red)

Hope this helps keep everyone up to date!

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ifi-zen-stream-setup-tips-tricks.961425/post-16740713

Cheers

 

[iFi audio]

I have updated the first post in this thread to show both Current and Beta firmware versions (In Red)

Hope this helps keep everyone up to date!

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ifi-zen-stream-setup-tips-tricks.961425/post-16740713

Cheers

Thanks, helpful as always

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Thanks, helpful as always

Anytime my brothers in hifi, anytime

Cheers!!

 

[iFi audio]

Anytime my brothers in hifi, anytime

Cheers!!

 

[Andyb90]

I’ve had my Zen Stream for a few months. I stream Tidal and Qobuz over Wifi. Until a week ago I had no issues with it, but now I’ve started to get small breaks in the audio. They last a fraction of a second, but can happen multiple times during playback of a track.

Last night I swapped the Zen Stream out for my previous Allo Digione Streamer and I didn’t get any breaks in the audio. So I don’t think there is a network/DAC/spdif issue.

My firmware is up to date. So far I changed the playback options to set the buffer size to 64mb and %age buffer to 50%, but that hasn’t fixed the problem.

Can anyone advise had to resolve this issue?

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

I’ve had my Zen Stream for a few months. I stream Tidal and Qobuz over Wifi. Until a week ago I had no issues with it, but now I’ve started to get small breaks in the audio. They last a fraction of a second, but can happen multiple times during playback of a track.

Last night I swapped the Zen Stream out for my previous Allo Digione Streamer and I didn’t get any breaks in the audio. So I don’t think there is a network/DAC/spdif issue.

My firmware is up to date. So far I changed the playback options to set the buffer size to 64mb and %age buffer to 50%, but that hasn’t fixed the problem.

Can anyone advise had to resolve this issue?

In all honesty it never hurts now and then to just do a complete reset, like starting from scratch, so a quick redo from the first post here might be all you need too set things right again.

Did you happen to noticed if there was any particular file rate/provider that seemed to spark the issue?

I just did a reset of mine a little while ago, and I have not noticed anything in drops

Let us know how it works out, go back to beginning and don't upgrade firmware right away until you think it's solid again!

Cheers!!

 

[Andyb90]

In all honesty it never hurts now and then to just do a complete reset, like starting from scratch, so a quick redo from the first post here might be all you need too set things right again.

Did you happen to noticed if there was any particular file rate/provider that seemed to spark the issue?

I just did a reset of mine a little while ago, and I have not noticed anything in drops

Let us know how it works out, go back to beginning and don't upgrade firmware right away until you think it's solid again!

Cheers!!

Thanks for the advice. I did a factory reset and tested streaming around 10 tracks with different sample rates for Qobuz and Tidal. I didn’t get any breaks in the audio.

I’m not sure yet whether to update the firmware or not. Will do some more testing to see if the Stream remains stable.

 

[nerdorama]

Hello iFi Stream users. I am new to this device, and to HeadFi, and am having troubles keeping it online, or at least I should say keeping my android phone and iPad connected to the Zen on wifi. It seems to be stable on the network side using a hard wire connection. I've read this thread through and found some good advice but nothing has solved my problem. If I get a web radio station going it tends to keep streaming even though my remote device loses connection. Tidal is a bit of a misery so far. My phone and iPad both just can't stay connected. Everytime I reconnect I have to switch from local sound to the iFi to get back to my DAC.

Another question for which I haven't found an answer is how to arrange files on my USB drive. It works fine with my RPi but the ZEN only sees the trash bin. I wish iFi had better and more complete documentation.
Thanks for any help you can offer,
John

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Hello iFi Stream users. I am new to this device, and to HeadFi, and am having troubles keeping it online, or at least I should say keeping my android phone and iPad connected to the Zen on wifi. It seems to be stable on the network side using a hard wire connection. I've read this thread through and found some good advice but nothing has solved my problem. If I get a web radio station going it tends to keep streaming even though my remote device loses connection. Tidal is a bit of a misery so far. My phone and iPad both just can't stay connected. Everytime I reconnect I have to switch from local sound to the iFi to get back to my DAC.

Another question for which I haven't found an answer is how to arrange files on my USB drive. It works fine with my RPi but the ZEN only sees the trash bin. I wish iFi had better and more complete documentation.
Thanks for any help you can offer,
John

Welcome!

Have you done the ZS setup listed in the first post of this thread? If you have not, I would really suggest trying that first. It's simple and for some reason it seems to work for most issues 97% of the time.

It's probably me but when you say "connected"to the Zen are you meaning the iFi App loses connection, or the music or stream stops playing? If you could possibly give me a better example of you "connection", like....
ZS usb To Denafrips,Gustard, iFi dac using only iFi app for USB/NAS file play...
ZS Coax to DAC using Tidal connect thru Tidal app only on Iphone.

Are you using any particular dial mode on the back of the ZS, or in postion #1 AIO mode.

As i said please try First post redo, do not update firmware and give it a run, let us know how it works out.

Cheers!!

 

[nerdorama]

Yes, I've done the reset procedure from the first post several times. I can only get the ZEN to work on wifi. Can't seem to get it to connect via the network cable. By connection I mean between the iFi app or Tidal connect on either my phone or the iPad. The ZEN keeps playing if I already have a stream going.

On another forum it was suggested to disable the wifi and only use the hardwire network connection. I just can't get it to work this way. After the reboot and powering off/on, the network light come on white, then red, then blinks green for a couple of seconds and then back to steady red. The light on the network jack in the back is flashing so I think there is some sort of communication happening. I also cannot now get my PC to connect with the ifi.local. I get a "bad gateway" message. The ZEN will work over wifi but with the same periodic retries when the apps lose connection. I'm using and Orbi mesh router system. With the Orbi app I can check signal strength as I walk around the house. In the room with the audio equipment I have a super strong wifi signal. The cable modem, Orbi router and all audio equipment are in the same rack.

My audio system with the ZEN is: ZEN usb to Mytek Brooklyn DAC using either the iFi app or Tidal connect

I am also still trying to get the ZEN to see music files on a usb disc. Not sure about how to format the file structure so ZEN will see it. It only recognizes the trash bin.

I very much appreciate your help.

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Thank you for the clarity, this is interesting and I'm sure frustrating issue.

I would definitely try disabling the wifi in the settings, and also if possible try and use a coax cable to your DAC as well, as I do remember there being some issues awhile back with some DAC's not reporting proper info back on the usb side, don't quote me on that as my memory is a bit fuzzy as to which ones. I do seem to remember Gustard, Denafrips being some names.

Let me check when I get home on the USB stick format for you, I am a mac user, and remember just having Folders with the music inside, and the ZS read that with no issues, my guess top pf my head would be the USB format would probably need to be FAT32 for larger file size, but I will dig in when I get home today.

Perhaps @iFi audio or @Sebastien Chiu could chime in on the network end.

I usually always have my Wifi set to off, so the thinking of that tip might be helpful.

The button on the right of the ZS is also the hotspot button, that's not blinking by any chance is it? If so disable hotspot in the ifi app for sure, that's always been a sticky point for me and others with issues.

Catch up later!

Cheers!!

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Sorry, it took me longer to get back than I thought...

How are your issues, Still there? Also when you did the first post setup/Factory reset routine, you abstained from doing the Wifi setup until all was functional wired first Correct.

The general rule for me is to take the ZS right to the modem in your setup using a reasonable length cord, and have a working unit wherever that is. Then go into the app and do your wifi connection, and then you're good to move the unit to where you need it.

If ifi.local is not connecting there is a 198. address to use, I will endeavor to find the direct link, think it might be in the manual..

Cheers!!

 

[nerdorama]

I have attempted to try only wired ethernet after the post 1 reset procedure but couldn't get it to connect. Wifi is working well at this point so I am reasonable happy but it bugs me when standard features aren't working. Audio using wifi sounds quite excellent.

 

[moriez]

Lots of thanks @Mr BubbaHyde for the thread! As a new ZS owner your first post has been most useful because contrary to expectation initial setup was quite frustrating.
Based on your guide here is a brief alternate version of what I did so I can forget and come back here when needed, plus for whoever likes a bulletpoint-like approach:

1. Disconnect all cables (except power) and turn ZS on. Wait until you have some constant led status.
2. Do a hard reset at the back with a paperclip or pin. Hole is under the sticker.
3. When the left led is steady (red) turn ZS off
4. Connect ethernet cable between modem and ZS and power on again. Wait until you have some constant led status.
5. Open browser and type ifi.local in browser address bar. If that doesn't work find and type ZS IP address instead.
6. Once in the menu go to settings > system > Run first config Wizard. Walk through, click Save and wait for the save.
7. When done disconnect ZS entirely and/or connect your DAC.

That's it! At least for me it was ; ) Correct me if I forgot something and be aware of OP's *NOTE* about the possibility of the hotspot led blinking.

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Lots of thanks @Mr BubbaHyde for the thread! As a new ZS owner your first post has been most useful because contrary to expectation initial setup was quite frustrating.
Based on your guide here is a brief alternate version of what I did so I can forget and come back here when needed, plus for whoever likes a bulletpoint-like approach:

1. Disconnect all cables (except power) and turn ZS on. Wait until you have some constant led status.
2. Do a hard reset at the back with a paperclip or pin. Hole is under the sticker.
3. When the left led is steady (red) turn ZS off
4. Connect ethernet cable between modem and ZS and power on again. Wait until you have some constant led status.
5. Open browser and type ifi.local in browser address bar. If that doesn't work find and type ZS IP address instead.
6. Once in the menu go to settings > system > Run first config Wizard. Walk through, click Save and wait for the save.
7. When done disconnect ZS entirely and/or connect your DAC.

That's it! At least for me it was ; ) Correct me if I forgot something and be aware of OP's *NOTE* about the possibility of the hotspot led blinking.

@moriez

Thank you very much! This alternate is absolutely useful, and as soon as I get to it today, I will add it to the ever growing "First Post"!!

I have had the ZS for over a year with little to no issue, except I made the mistake of doing both wired and wireless setups, based on the way I read the setup guide, that's on me, but it appeared to me at that time that was the proper way.

Glad to see your enjoying it, and thank you again for your setup procedure!!

Cheers!!