iFi Zen Stream: Setup, Tips, Tricks...
Dec 8, 2022 at 12:36 PM Post #571 of 1,607
I use it ZS with SPDIF out, every time I switch ZS back on, SPDIF doesn't work. I have to go to 'Playback options' and click 'Save' under 'Output Device' and then it works. So odd... is it known issue? I only use SPDIF, no USB dac.
 
Dec 8, 2022 at 1:03 PM Post #573 of 1,607
Dec 8, 2022 at 1:09 PM Post #574 of 1,607
I use it ZS with SPDIF out, every time I switch ZS back on, SPDIF doesn't work. I have to go to 'Playback options' and click 'Save' under 'Output Device' and then it works. So odd... is it known issue? I only use SPDIF, no USB dac.
Yes, I have the same issue. I’ve posted it here a couple of times. I’ve given up and only use USB out.
 
Dec 8, 2022 at 2:03 PM Post #576 of 1,607
I have been running successfully into new Audio GD R7 HE mkII dac for 5 weeks using both spdif and usb On ZenStream . I have IFi power x 9v.
Have had no issues with wifi or direct internet connection. Have Xfinity with speeds as high as 150 mbs. Running 2012 MacMini. With Roon.
Problems started yesterday when connecting to new Audio GD DI 20-HE, which is ddc. Running Ethernet into ZenStream and usb into DI 20-HE. Now ZenStream is intermittently disconnecting from Roon end point. I have tried different Ethernet cables from switch. Moved ZenStream to different location. Sometimes it looses hand shake with Roon while still connected to Ethernet or looses connection with Ethernet and then comes back. Tried powering down devices. I’m running latest non- beta version of firmware.
There have been reported issues with The Audio GD, although I have no technical advice for you it has to do with what I call USB Reporting. Some manufacturers do this to a specifaction some do not, so there can be issues. I would glance thru the Audio GD thread and ask there as well.

Cheers!!
 
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Dec 8, 2022 at 2:08 PM Post #577 of 1,607
thanks! In a way it's good to know that I'm not the only one but ifi... ifi... I'm disappointed.
I still got few weeks before my return window expires.
You said you were only using Spdif off of the ZS, this problem has come up before with when a USB cable/DAC is also connected even though it's not being used.

Could you get a bit more specific about your setup? Down to Power supply, and also your Streaming source? Perhaps we can get it set for you. The ZS does have a default output, so make sure your power off is an off and not a disconnection of power (as in a power strip, or linear supply.

Cheers!!
 
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Dec 8, 2022 at 2:17 PM Post #579 of 1,607
It may be an issue with Roon but I’m still in the dark
Yes, ever since Roon Ready certification this has been this way. Roon will default to the USB and must be changed tp Spdif, unless everything is left on. If I remember correctly, I mainly use USB and haven't run into this in a while, but I know it changed with the Roon Ready certification. Before that you could actually use the ZS as two separate zones from within Roon, lol

Cheers!!
 
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Dec 8, 2022 at 2:28 PM Post #580 of 1,607
You said you were only using Spdif off of the ZS, this problem has come up before with when a USB cable/DAC is also connected even though it's not being used.

Could you get a bit more specific about your setup? Down to Power supply, and also your Streaming source? Perhaps we can get it set for you. The ZS does have a default output, so make sure your power off is an off and not a disconnection of power (as in a power strip, or linear supply.

Cheers!!
Thanks @Mr BubbaHyde. I'm not giving up that easily. I previously used it with USB (with Mutec MC-3+ Smart Clock USB) without any issues. I prefer Spdif (it sounds better to my ears) with my MC-3+ Smart Clock USB.
I don't use any streaming services, just USB flash drive with .flac files.
I have standard PSU (the one included with ZS).
I power it off via web UI, I also tested it after restarting and had the same issue. Always have to click 'Save' to get it to work.
 
Dec 8, 2022 at 2:28 PM Post #581 of 1,607
Yes, ever since Roon Ready certification this has been this way. Roon will default to the USB and must be changed tp Spdif, unless everything is left on. If I remember correctly, I mainly use USB and haven't run into this in a while, but I know it changed with the Roon Ready certification. Before that you could actually use the ZS as two separate zones from within Roon, lol

Cheers!!
It doesn’t really change to USB. The SPIDF still shows as selected but there’s no sound until you click on save again
 
Dec 8, 2022 at 2:34 PM Post #582 of 1,607
It doesn’t really change to USB. The SPIDF still shows as selected but there’s no sound until you click on save again
Are you referring to the Visual representation inside the Stream-iFi app or to the Roon display inside of its settings?

I will try to get some pics for you, but if within Roon under the gear icon where you would get to the configuration stage. If you see an ip address then it has switched bak in Roon even though the app for the ZS says Spdif.

I will attempt to get a visual reference for you. This is one of those cases that all those that were pounding the table for Roon "Ready" may have been happier without it, lol

Cheers!!
 
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Dec 8, 2022 at 2:37 PM Post #583 of 1,607
Are you referring to the Visual representation inside the Stream-iFi app or to the Roon display inside of its settings?

I will try to get some pics for you, but if within Roon under the gear icon where you would get to the configuration stage. If you see an ip address then it has switched bak in Roon even though the app for the ZS says Spdif.

I will attempt to get a visual reference for you. This is one of those cases that all those that were pounding the table for Roon "Ready" may have been happier without it, lol

Cheers!!
I can’t confirm that now but will come back to you later. Thank you so much
 
Dec 8, 2022 at 4:07 PM Post #584 of 1,607
Thanks @Mr BubbaHyde. I'm not giving up that easily. I previously used it with USB (with Mutec MC-3+ Smart Clock USB) without any issues. I prefer Spdif (it sounds better to my ears) with my MC-3+ Smart Clock USB.
I don't use any streaming services, just USB flash drive with .flac files.
I have standard PSU (the one included with ZS).
I power it off via web UI, I also tested it after restarting and had the same issue. Always have to click 'Save' to get it to work.
I Thank you for the explanation of your hookup.

I know this may sound silly, but if possible could you redo your setup following the first post of this thread? The reason I say this is because to my knowledge there has been no changes to the firmware recently, and I thought this issue of "last" settings had been resolved with the current firmware.

In the meantime I will setup my ZS in your configuration and see if I can't get to the bottom of why this is.

Some things to try until I get back t this would be...

Obviously just leave the ZS powered on, but when powering it off use the Front button as a test to see if there is a difference for you, (instead of the "shutdown" from the UI)
Also ( again a suggestion) make sure your DAC is powered on before powering on the ZS.
In your UI settings are you in "Full Settings" mode or in "simplified" mode?

If you have any success with these until I get setup with a Spdif DAC, let us know!

Cheers!!
 
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Dec 8, 2022 at 4:38 PM Post #585 of 1,607
Thanks @Mr BubbaHyde. I'm not giving up that easily. I previously used it with USB (with Mutec MC-3+ Smart Clock USB) without any issues. I prefer Spdif (it sounds better to my ears) with my MC-3+ Smart Clock USB.
I don't use any streaming services, just USB flash drive with .flac files.
I have standard PSU (the one included with ZS).
I power it off via web UI, I also tested it after restarting and had the same issue. Always have to click 'Save' to get it to work.
I just checked my ZS with USB and only Spdif connected to my DAC, and no matter what I do, same as you, Spdif must be selected and saved before playback audio can be heard.

Why this is I do not know, I believe I remember Spdif actually being the default setting, and USB had to be selected.

Perhaps @iFi audio could give some clarification as if there has been a change in the default setting. I can not comment on whether the Stream-ifi interface itself changed in light of the NEO using the same system, however, I do not remember having to select Spdif every time the ZS was powered on, USB sometimes yes, but not the other way around.

So until we have an answer the obvious fix is when you open the app just make selecting the output your first order of business and you'll be good to go.

Cheers!!
 
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