[iFi audio]

On what exactly is disabled in exclusive modes perhaps @Rowan94 or @iFi audio can give you more specifics there.

These modes are based on software optimizations and settings for specific use case scenarios. Because the software layer controls these modes, settings inside our app can override ZEN Stream's rear knob setting. On that note, our R&D won't explain in detail what code/tailoring was used for these modes. Hope this helps to at least some extent, thanks!

 

[Koren]

These modes are based on software optimizations and settings for specific use case scenarios. Because the software layer controls these modes, settings inside our app can override ZEN Stream's rear knob setting. On that note, our R&D won't explain in detail what code/tailoring was used for these modes. Hope this helps to at least some extent, thanks!

if I only use Spotify and AirPlay, what is the best setting for the ifi zen stream device to get the best sound quality out of it?

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

if I only use Spotify and AirPlay, what is the best setting for the ifi zen stream device to get the best sound quality out of it?

You must use AIO Mode #1 for those services, the sound quality for Spotify connect is baked into that mode, I am not as confident with Airplay, although I am a Mac user I rarely if ever use Airplay, just don't need to, sorry I couldn't be more helpful in that area.

The Spotify connect mode on the ZS is very very good as it stands.

Cheers!!

 

[Koren]

I turned off unused services from the Ifi application and left only Spotify Connect and AirPlay active, the rest were deactivated. I turned mqa off and turned off Wi-Fi as well. actually, this setting did not improve the sound quality of the Ifi Zen device. I think that these are only services and settings, but they do not affect the sound quality. that has probably already been taken care of in hardware. I mean Femto precise timing and as little jitter as possible from digital outputs. I'm actually satisfied with the sound quality of the Ifi music stream anyway. the sound quality is completely different as if my dac device were connected to a PC or laptop. However, I would also be interested in your experience, when you bought this streamer, what was it that you immediately noticed that it was better than using a PC or laptop source. I have a clear experience, but I'm curious to see how much your experience matches my opinion.

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

I turned off unused services from the Ifi application and left only Spotify Connect and AirPlay active, the rest were deactivated. I turned mqa off and turned off Wi-Fi as well. actually, this setting did not improve the sound quality of the Ifi Zen device. I think that these are only services and settings, but they do not affect the sound quality. that has probably already been taken care of in hardware. I mean Femto precise timing and as little jitter as possible from digital outputs. I'm actually satisfied with the sound quality of the Ifi music stream anyway. the sound quality is completely different as if my dac device were connected to a PC or laptop. However, I would also be interested in your experience, when you bought this streamer, what was it that you immediately noticed that it was better than using a PC or laptop source. I have a clear experience, but I'm curious to see how much your experience matches my opinion.

At the time I purchased the ZS it was immediately apparent to me there was a better sound from it than any combo I currently had in my possession. This included Raspberry Pis running various programs like VitOS, and others. I also had at that time an Allo Digione, and also a Pi2AES.

The improvements that the ZS brought to my streaming experience were so great that it started me into the Main ZS thread for over a year now. As someone who was just looking for the best sound, I could get the ZS was a blessing for me.

Keep in mind I am mainly streaming Hi-Rez music normally, but I indeed find Spotify a much more pleasing service using the ZS.

In regards to a direct connection from my MAC to any DAC, the ZS was an improvement!

Hope this helps!

Cheers!!

 

[iFi audio]

In regards to a direct connection from my MAC to any DAC, the ZS was an improvement!

That's a spot on. Streamers designed for audio should bring noticeable sound quality improvements over regular laptops/PCs etc. If they don't, something is not quite right

 

[iFi audio]

A sneaky peak inside iFi HQ and what makes us tick.

Back in the middle of the heatwave here in the UK, we invited the guys from Soundstage! Canada across to see the UK HQ in action (and for fish and chips too, of course).

It’s pretty much the first time we’ve done anything like this so we so weren’t sure what to expect or how it would turn out! All in all, it was great fun and a pleasure to do. Vince and Miles have become YouTube stars and we couldn’t have had a better time with Doug and his team. A huge thank you to them for spending the time with us.

We loved it. And we hope you do too.

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

A sneaky peak inside iFi HQ and what makes us tick.

Back in the middle of the heatwave here in the UK, we invited the guys from Soundstage! Canada across to see the UK HQ in action (and for fish and chips too, of course).

It’s pretty much the first time we’ve done anything like this so we so weren’t sure what to expect or how it would turn out! All in all, it was great fun and a pleasure to do. Vince and Miles have become YouTube stars and we couldn’t have had a better time with Doug and his team. A huge thank you to them for spending the time with us.

We loved it. And we hope you do too.

That's an awesome video look into right there!

I'll ignore the "super secret" product nugget included in there! !!

Good Stuff!

Cheers!!

 

[iFi audio]

That's an awesome video look into right there!

I'll ignore the "super secret" product nugget included in there! !!

Good Stuff!

Cheers!!

Thanks

 

[dragonfly50]

I enjoyed several days of good sound from my Stream after the initial setup, then decided to update the somewhat out-of-date firmware. Easy enough, started the update but it stopped at 50% and stayed there until the iFi.local webpage went funky. Nothing I tried would help, and although I was able restart and complete the firmware update, it was too late, the thing was bricked. That's what Ifi said after I submitted a support ticket, which got a very prompt response, and was comprised of what I feel are seriously user-unfriendly unbrick tools. Nick in support wished me luck, and I spent a couple days deciding I had little to lose, and methodically carried out the 7-step instructions. This was quite daunting, in part due to having to unzip a number of executables and associated files, which ended up in various places on my laptop .desktop. But I struggled through to success, although not until I researched sending it back to Music Direct as an unsatisfactory fallback.

Sounds even better than I recall, although I'm getting some occasional spontaneous Tidal disconnects during play. Thanks to iFi support for not only helping unbrick my Stream, but providing a technical challenge that left me feeling quite masterful!

 

[iFi audio]

Thanks to iFi support for not only helping unbrick my Stream, but providing a technical challenge that left me feeling quite masterful!

Our pleasure and I'll tell our Nick that he did good and you're happy. Our support folks are working like bees, so nice comments such as yours make their day this much better. Thank you

 

[zizione]

I enjoyed several days of good sound from my Stream after the initial setup, then decided to update the somewhat out-of-date firmware. Easy enough, started the update but it stopped at 50% and stayed there until the iFi.local webpage went funky. Nothing I tried would help, and although I was able restart and complete the firmware update, it was too late, the thing was bricked. That's what Ifi said after I submitted a support ticket, which got a very prompt response, and was comprised of what I feel are seriously user-unfriendly unbrick tools. Nick in support wished me luck, and I spent a couple days deciding I had little to lose, and methodically carried out the 7-step instructions. This was quite daunting, in part due to having to unzip a number of executables and associated files, which ended up in various places on my laptop .desktop. But I struggled through to success, although not until I researched sending it back to Music Direct as an unsatisfactory fallback.

Sounds even better than I recall, although I'm getting some occasional spontaneous Tidal disconnects during play. Thanks to iFi support for not only helping unbrick my Stream, but providing a technical challenge that left me feeling quite masterful!

Same here. I messed up with the update, I think I’ve been too impatient and had des activated a few services before. I’m now unable to start it properly and even factory reset button at the rear will not do anything. Just raised a ticket, I hope Ifi willl be able to help …

 

[iFi audio]

Just raised a ticket, I hope Ifi willl be able to help …

Sure, if our support can help you out, they will

 

[zizione]

Sure, if our support can help you out, they will

They had !!!!!

Very quick answer from them yesterday with the files required to reflash the device through the usb-c port behind... And it worked ! unbricked !
Thanks so much to you guys !

 

[iFi audio]

They had !!!!!

Very quick answer from them yesterday with the files required to reflash the device through the usb-c port behind... And it worked ! unbricked !
Thanks so much to you guys !

That's good to hear, our support staff are true stars

Thanks for letting us know that you're sorted!