[Vitor Goncalves]

I wonder why that didn't work for you, I don't understand why it won't just stay on Spdif for you. I checked mine several times today and every time it functioned properly, even if I only used the iFi app for Flac files.

The only other things I could suggest are making sure your DAC is powered on first before powering the ZS on, and not powering it off until after the ZS.

Possibly checking if the behavior is the same using a different Power supply, and coaxial cable, I know silly, but stranger things I have seen, lol

I would definitely report this behavior to iFi support, perhaps they have seen something similar and can advise you further.

Again I will say this is strange, I always remember the ZS default being the Coaxial output, and the USB was "auto-sensing" and did cause some issues long ago, but the coaxial was a constant.

Cheers!!

I’ve tried a different cable (from QED). Same thing. Maybe it’s the Hegel DAC. I’ll try directly with @iFi audio

 

[twrr]

Since I've had an ifi zen stream with sbooster mk2 for some time now and I also have a Pi4 with a PI2AES card and separate power supplies, I can say that the IFI is the semi-finished product with major problems in operation from blocking, shutdown, inability to load music from an external disk, etc. Much like the Rover car, I don't see how anyone in their right mind would put something like that into production. Not to mention that the signal lags 3-10 seconds every time I play music. Catastrophic product.
It's easier to bribe reviewers and pay for marketing than to make a quality product, but that's how it is with all hi-fi that comes from England.

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Since I've had an ifi zen stream with sbooster mk2 for some time now and I also have a Pi4 with a PI2AES card and separate power supplies, I can say that the IFI is the semi-finished product with major problems in operation from blocking, shutdown, inability to load music from an external disk, etc. Much like the Rover car, I don't see how anyone in their right mind would put something like that into production. Not to mention that the signal lags 3-10 seconds every time I play music. Catastrophic product.
It's easier to bribe reviewers and pay for marketing than to make a quality product, but that's how it is with all hi-fi that comes from England.

You make quite a few assertions there, sorry it didn't work out for you, but most of us here don't have the "catastrophic" problems you speak of.

This thread is for working out issues and help. If you mean to demean a product that has been working fine for me since it's launch then there are other threads for that.

If you would care to read the first post and after you have followed that guide for setup, your best bet would be to complain in the main thread. I would also file a ticket with support.

Oh, and next time try to not be so condescending, I rarely answer these kinds of posts, but to insult an entire country? Take it somewhere else

Cheers!!

 

[twrr]

Well i sent a ticket to ifi directly few weeks ako but there is no answer...

 

[Big man on the Fox]

It looks like it won't allow DSD direct if I use coaxial out. I see in the iFi documentation that it has to convert DSD to PCM 192 if it uses the SPDIF route. I've had to do numerous workarounds with this Sony system because of its lack of a USB in. Unfortunately (or fortunately) it has a pretty good DAC and is a serviceable amp for passive bookshelf speakers in addition to having an onboard NAS, so I'd need several pieces of equipment to replace it.

In short, the lack of DSD is just a minor annoyance I can deal with. I don't see DSD taking over like MQA is trying to do, so I'm not concerned about missing any parties, so to speak. Not that the Sony can read MQA either (but I'm a Qobuz subscriber so that's also irrelevant).

Oh and I'm hearing a noticeable difference in sound quality from the Zen vs. using an optical out from a Chromecast. iFi strikes again (for me at least--I'm a fan of their sound and this is the third piece of iFi equipment I own).

I have posted recently about my new Audio-gd DI 20 DDC being fed by ZenStream Ethernet using usb, then , into Audio-gd R7HE mkII via I2S. Using MacMini. DAC is specified as managing DSD Direct. ZenStream will not accept Direct DSD only DSD over pcm (DOP). My files are DSD 64 and 128. Is this a limitation because I’m running a Mac? Also can you tell me the difference between a standard reset and a “light” reset?

 

[Big man on the Fox]

I have posted recently about my new Audio-gd DI 20 DDC being fed by ZenStream Ethernet using usb, then , into Audio-gd R7HE mkII via I2S. Using MacMini. DAC is specified as managing DSD Direct. ZenStream will not accept Direct DSD only DSD over pcm (DOP). My files are DSD 64 and 128. Is this a limitation because I’m running a Mac? Also can you tell me the difference between a standard reset and a “light” reset?

All is running absolutely perfectly! I can use either spdif or USB, which I am now using. The only change I can think of which gave me such a positive outcome, is putting all 3 devices on same power extension. A big THANK YOU!
Sound is transcendent. I moved my single output AfterDark clock from dac to ddc. Anxiously awaiting OCK-2 !

 

[Big man on the Fox]

I’m on my second ZenStream. First was purchased a few months after its introduction. Thanks to Mr Bubbahyde, I was able to get through some initial startup issues with my previous DAC and Singxer SU6. Also have 2nd ZenStream connected to ZenDac Signature. Operation for both has been flawless.
Now I’ve had great Forum support with new Audio-gd gear. The ZenStream is a phenomenally transparent device and lives up to its billing. I have influenced others to buy the same ZenStream with great success.

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

I have posted recently about my new Audio-gd DI 20 DDC being fed by ZenStream Ethernet using usb, then , into Audio-gd R7HE mkII via I2S. Using MacMini. DAC is specified as managing DSD Direct. ZenStream will not accept Direct DSD only DSD over pcm (DOP). My files are DSD 64 and 128. Is this a limitation because I’m running a Mac? Also can you tell me the difference between a standard reset and a “light” reset?

There are 2 resets on the ZS, both essentially the same, however, there have been reports of "bricking units" using the back button method. This should only be used in the case of an unresponsive unit, or inability to connect to the ifi.local web interface, or by following my first post to the "T" .

This will take the unit back to the firmware that shipped with the unit.

Sorry I have no answer for DSD, but I am learning, lol

Thanks for posting your result, I will add it to the first post ASAP.

Cheers!!

 

[Vitor Goncalves]

I’m on my second ZenStream. First was purchased a few months after its introduction. Thanks to Mr Bubbahyde, I was able to get through some initial startup issues with my previous DAC and Singxer SU6. Also have 2nd ZenStream connected to ZenDac Signature. Operation for both has been flawless.
Now I’ve had great Forum support with new Audio-gd gear. The ZenStream is a phenomenally transparent device and lives up to its billing. I have influenced others to buy the same ZenStream with great success.

Although my previous posts regarding the need to reselect the SPDIF output after power cycling the Stream (when connected to the Hegel DAC) may have inspired a very aggressive and unpolite post trashing the Zen Stream and the country where it's designed (a bizarre statement), I have to say that, like you, I'm very happy with this streamer. Amongst other things, it works flawlessly as a Roon Bridge, no glitches, no dropouts, very transparent sound. I also have it paired with the Zen Signature V2, which is a really great combo for the money. It works perfectly with this setting and I don't have to worry about anything else, other than select it in the Roon App and turn the volume up and down in my integrated amp. I'd be happy to learn about your experience with this combo (Zen Stream+Zen Dac Signature) and how you compare it against other DACs you've paired with the Stream. Cheers

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Although my previous posts regarding the need to reselect the SPDIF output after power cycling the Stream (when connected to the Hegel DAC) may have inspired a very aggressive and unpolite post trashing the Zen Stream and the country where it's designed (a bizarre statement), I have to say that, like you, I'm very happy with this streamer. Amongst other things, it works flawlessly as a Roon Bridge, no glitches, no dropouts, very transparent sound. I also have it paired with the Zen Signature V2, which is a really great combo for the money. It works perfectly with this setting and I don't have to worry about anything else, other than select it in the Roon App and turn the volume up and down in my integrated amp. I'd be happy to learn about your experience with this combo (Zen Stream+Zen Dac Signature) and how you compare it against other DACs you've paired with the Stream. Cheers

I certainly will share some thoughts, but while it's to off mind for me, and you are a Roon user, is it just me, or has Roon been furiously updating since the "New" version?

I am noticing that compared to before, (Years) I am constantly updating versions now, and I also have had very weird Behaviour on occasion. I only bring it up because Roon was always my favorite and go to recommendation for people and I am seriously now beginning to question it!

Cheers!!

 

[Vitor Goncalves]

I certainly will share some thoughts, but while it's to off mind for me, and you are a Roon user, is it just me, or has Roon been furiously updating since the "New" version?

I am noticing that compared to before, (Years) I am constantly updating versions now, and I also have had very weird Behaviour on occasion. I only bring it up because Roon was always my favorite and go to recommendation for people and I am seriously now beginning to question it!

Cheers!!

I became a regular Roon user a couple of months ago. So, I can't really compare to the previous frequency of updates. I guess it's normal that they come up with updates after the release of a new version, notably one with a major change. I haven't noticed any issue with the operation. I use the Zen Stream, as well as the Roon Ready Hegel H120 internal DAC, and both have been working flawlessly. I can't comment on Roon Arc because I don't use it. Just a thought about new issues you may be facing with Roon 2.0, could it be the Roon Core processing power? My NUC is new and well above the minimum standards suggested by Roon. I have no idea as to how much this could help having a stable and uneventful operation.

 

[WolfP]

Hi, I would like to replace the stock power supply with a better one. Which is preferable, 12V or 15V ?

 

[brandtacious]

Hi, I would like to replace the stock power supply with a better one. Which is preferable, 12V or 15V ?

I’ve only used 15V on the ZS, and have only used the ZS for a couple weeks, but am very pleased with the sound quality from the ZS with a 15V power supply (to an iFi DAC Signature V2 powered with a 5V iFi PowerX). And it seems to just keep getting better!

 

[Zaurux]

Just for information and for the benefit of power users (using SSH).
To use USB in a stable way without being disturbed by spdif feedback, just disable the spdif driver.
This leaves only one hardware output seen by the system (USB).

 

[iFi audio]

Well i sent a ticket to ifi directly few weeks ako but there is no answer...

If you'd like, you can send me a PM with your ticket number and I'll try to find out where it's at. Thanks!