iFi Zen Stream: Setup, Tips, Tricks...

[twrr]

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!

I have elite 12v and sbooster mk2 (12-12.5-13.2V)- using it on 12v with ultra mk2 module. Elite has a slightly more pronounced treble spectrum and tighter bass, but it cannot create such a stage. There is a much weaker contrast between the instruments and the stage, something is heard in the depth and the rest in the first rows, there is no middle of the stage. That's the case with Weiss 202 dac but i need to try it with Audiobyte Black Dragon and Accustic Arts Dac1 Mk4 but for now Sbooster is better.

 

[brandtacious]

I have elite 12v and sbooster mk2 (12-12.5-13.2V)- using it on 12v with ultra mk2 module. Elite has a slightly more pronounced treble spectrum and tighter bass, but it cannot create such a stage. There is a much weaker contrast between the instruments and the stage, something is heard in the depth and the rest in the first rows, there is no middle of the stage. That's the case with Weiss 202 dac but i need to try it with Audiobyte Black Dragon and Accustic Arts Dac1 Mk4 but for now Sbooster is better.

Have you tried the 12.5 and 13.2V settings to compare?
I too use an sbooster mk2 but have the 15V model for the ZS. I got the ultra mk2 module, as well, but haven’t yet attached it. I’m very happy with how it sounds with the ZS feeding the iFi DAC signature V2 - it seems to keep getting better, so once it stops sounding better I’ll be better able to describe what I’m hearing through my rig.
At this point, though, bass is great and more than I’m used to, treble may be a tad more relaxed then I’m used to (but very enjoyable and non-fatiguing), and soundstage is great with a caveat that vocals may be slightly smeared at this point.

 

[twrr]

With ultra module sound is more focused, bass is tighter. I tried 12.5 and 13.2 and I have the feeling that the whole stage has moved closer to the front rows

 

[iFi audio]

Have you tried the 12.5 and 13.2V settings to compare?

Just to mention this once more, several people reported that ZEN Stream sounds best upon powering it with power supplies in the upper range of its acceptable voltage. Thanks!

 

[twrr]

I will try one again with higher voltage but i have big problem with loading folders on external ssd when i turn up ZS so I'm sick of turning it on and off for changing voltage.

 

[iFi audio]

I will try one again with higher voltage but i have big problem with loading folders on external ssd when i turn up ZS so I'm sick of turning it on and off for changing voltage.

I saw your PM, so I'll ask our support about that, thanks!

 

[Patu]

I’ve been using Zen Stream for about a month now. What a great little streamer. Recently I also got an HQPlayer license which works through the NAA of ZS. Everything works great otherwise but I have one problem regarding switching the inputs of my DAC, which is Holo Spring 3.

When I switch to another input like optical for TV and then come back to USB, HQP can’t see the USB output of ZS anymore. If ZS is in NAA exclusive mode, nothing else helps than rebooting the device. If I use AIO mode and have Roon enabled from ZS settings also, I can remote connect to my headless server, open HQP settings and select USB again. Then it works again. It never just straight up work if I have switched inputs of my DAC, I always need to fiddle with something. Any tips what to try to make it work like it should? I only use the USB output of the ZS.

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

I’ve been using Zen Stream for about a month now. What a great little streamer. Recently I also got an HQPlayer license which works through the NAA of ZS. Everything works great otherwise but I have one problem regarding switching the inputs of my DAC, which is Holo Spring 3.

When I switch to another input like optical for TV and then come back to USB, HQP can’t see the USB output of ZS anymore. If ZS is in NAA exclusive mode, nothing else helps than rebooting the device. If I use AIO mode and have Roon enabled from ZS settings also, I can remote connect to my headless server, open HQP settings and select USB again. Then it works again. It never just straight up work if I have switched inputs of my DAC, I always need to fiddle with something. Any tips what to try to make it work like it should? I only use the USB output of the ZS.

I am not an HQ user, but I certainly have heard of similar issues. I am 80% sure that it would have to do with the Holo completely shutting off the USB when not in use, as a lot of DACs will do this. Unfortunately with things like USB Auto-sensing, and reporting this is going to happen until some sort of fix is applied (if possible).

I always recommend that your DAC be on before the ZS (this seems to help this issue) so a few suggestions...

Turn off the ZS before switching inputs on the Holo, then switch back to USB then power on the ZS. (Worth a shot next time you do it)
There is a new "beta" firmware available, although I do not believe it addresses this in particular, again worth a shot and you can always go back to the current firmware.
The next time you "lose" the connection, see if a quick power cycle of Holo DAC itself can bring it back online instead of rebooting the ZS.

Hope one of these might do the trick for you, let us know if they do. I would also drop a quick ticket to ifi support just so the issue is on file.

Cheers!!

 

[bagwell359]

Umm, stuck....

Followed steps in post 1 and post 2: success up to typing in iFi/local command.

I turned off the hotspot in settings and didn't touch the hotspot button on the zen. Have AIO set to 1.

When entering "iFi/local" and with the http too, just get a google search.

I downloaded the iFi app. It displays the zen and its older brother. Just exits app when I touch the zen. Several tries later I hit the bigger one and sure enough it started a dialog.

I tried setting the hotspot and hit the hotspot button on the zen and got it displayed as a choice to add on my new iPhone 13, the settings seem correct but it can't see it.


The ethernet cable works, new xfinity network 3 weeks ago which seems to be working fine. Time for a call to the ISP, or did I miss some key step?

BTW Im just a retired UNIX/Linux guy - I expect to see 4 octets: xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx when I ask for a ipconfig. Im on M$ Win 11 and not seeing that - is the ipv4 it? I'm a windows gimp.

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Umm, stuck....

Followed steps in post 1 and post 2: success up to typing in iFi/local command.

I turned off the hotspot in settings and didn't touch the hotspot button on the zen.

When entering "iFi/local" and with the http too, just get a google search.

I downloaded the iFi app. It displays the zen and its older brother. Just exits app when I touch the zen. Several tries later I hit the bigger one and sure enough it started a dialog.

I tried setting the hotspot and hit the hotspot button on the zen and got it displayed as a choice to add on my new iPhone 13, the settings seem correct but it can't see it.


The ethernet cable works, new xfinity network 3 weeks ago which seems to be working fine. Time for a call to the ISP, or did I miss some key step?

BTW Im just a retired UNIX/Linux guy - I expect to see 4 octets: xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx when I ask for a ipconfig. Im on M$ Win 11 and not seeing that - is the ipv4 it? I'm a windows gimp.

Make sure the ZS is set to AIO mode #1

When you type in try http:// before the ifi

You definitely do not want to get into hotspot setup, and at your first chance turn that off from within the app.

Remember if you renamed your ZS that must be part of what you type in (ex. Ifi2.local if that's what you changed the name too)

I will try to post back later and see how you made out.

Cheers!!

 

[bagwell359]

Make sure the ZS is set to AIO mode #1

That was set all along

When you type in try http:// before the ifi

Yes I tried both ways

You definitely do not want to get into hotspot setup, and at your first chance turn that off from within the app.

app? I set it within my iphone settings... (which was wrong it seems) the iFi stream app does not open and neither does the iFi site.

Remember if you renamed your ZS that must be part of what you type in (ex. Ifi2.local if that's what you changed the name too)

oops, that's it. On my PC which I do not want to use its named "IFI". You folks keep calling it "ZS" - is there a generic name? As I said on my iPhone I have the "Stream-iFi" app which disappears when I touch it, but the big brother Neo pic - if I touch that pic, it goes right into a dialog. - which I cancel.

If its the IP - as I said I'm an old retired UNIX guy and expect a 4 member octet string - IPCONFIG on Win 11 not giving me an obvious value (to me). Only time I saw something pop up on iPhone it was by using hotspot on the zen - which is a no-no according to you.

I will try to post back later and see how you made out.

Cheers!

 

[bagwell359]

Ive looked at the videos and I never seen the screen pop up - so I don't get or see http://ifi/local, get anywhere with the app (click the zen and it reverts to my prior app page. I can only conclude that there is something wrong with my wi-fi settings. I can "see it" on my PC, so its probably not the ISP settings or lack thereof.

Can I do the initial hand shake on my PC, then later manage it through my iPhone 13?

Got the ifi page on my PC, so let me run that down in the AM. Thanks

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Glad you got to it, let us know how you make out as it is very strange your unit won't connect to the page, and even more so the Stream-ifi app connection for basic settings and file streaming. If all else fails, we either need to start fresh with the hard reset and probably involve iFi support.

In most cases, we are usually just missing a step, especially in this way of trying to troubleshoot the issue.

http://ifi.local is where you want to be for computer browser work, like in the beta update, everything else can be done from the app itself. Once we are clearly able to get into that page in a browser window we can move forward.

Cheers!!

 

[bagwell359]

Glad you got to it, let us know how you make out as it is very strange your unit won't connect to the page, and even more so the Stream-ifi app connection for basic settings and file streaming. If all else fails, we either need to start fresh with the hard reset and probably involve iFi support.

In most cases, we are usually just missing a step, especially in this way of trying to troubleshoot the issue.

http://ifi.local is where you want to be for computer browser work, like in the beta update, everything else can be done from the app itself. Once we are clearly able to get into that page in a browser window we can move forward.

Cheers!!

New Xfinity and new iPhone user - they messed up our order, so I had to flip the numbers on the phones - Iphone 13 and 13 mini. They did not finish the transfer, but after a pretty sharp network guy fixed it - now I see it on PC and my iPhone. Will proceed to next steps when...

Grrr.... cant see it again... F _ _ _.

ADD some 6 hours later: 3 experts at Xfinity and 3 hours of work, and they decided to redo everything..... right now best case is PC logging into the actual iFi page but since its seeing me as insecure, thats the end of it. Oh I miss the carefree days of my LG v40 doing what I needed easily and well....

I hope they get it, but have no faith at all at the moment....

 

[iFi audio]

I am not an HQ user, but I certainly have heard of similar issues. I am 80% sure that it would have to do with the Holo completely shutting off the USB when not in use, as a lot of DACs will do this. Unfortunately with things like USB Auto-sensing, and reporting this is going to happen until some sort of fix is applied (if possible).

I always recommend that your DAC be on before the ZS (this seems to help this issue) so a few suggestions...

Turn off the ZS before switching inputs on the Holo, then switch back to USB then power on the ZS. (Worth a shot next time you do it)
There is a new "beta" firmware available, although I do not believe it addresses this in particular, again worth a shot and you can always go back to the current firmware.
The next time you "lose" the connection, see if a quick power cycle of Holo DAC itself can bring it back online instead of rebooting the ZS.

Hope one of these might do the trick for you, let us know if they do. I would also drop a quick ticket to ifi support just so the issue is on file.

Cheers!!

Thanks a lot for your help @Mr BubbaHyde !