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

[Vitor Goncalves]

@Vitor Goncalves - can you please PM the instructions from iFI, as i'm in the same situation. Installed the beta firmware, did a reset and the Zenstream is dead. Thanks

You need to open up a ticket with @iFi audio. They respond quickly. I can't help you out because the tool for unbricking the Zen Stream requires a couple of files and following a set of instructions that are in a sharepoint folder. They will send you the access, assuming that you're dealing with the same problem. All I can say is that it worked for me. You'll need to connect your computer to the "system upgrade" usb-c port on the back of the Zen. Sorry for not being more helpful. Good luck.

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

''Funny'' how issues with the ZS keeps being such a regular thing. Thankfully, after a tough start I have to say mine is absolutely rock stable ever since factory reset. Very content and I don't see it going anywhere soon. I understand that no configuration is like the other and tbh am clueless how other streamers and their manufacturers perform, but I wonder in what areas are most of the problems? By now iFi (or someone else) must have a pretty good insight.

For the most part, the ZS is rock solid, and looked at in perspective most users are just like you and me, and many more will never even see this thread.

But most here are tinkerers and are always trying to squeeze another tick of greatness out of our gear, and sometimes that leads to issues. Also, many of these pages of posts are simply brought on by incorrect setup, missed steps, or Network issues sometimes completely unrelated to the actual ZS itself.

So this thread is best viewed thru a skewed lens, as most who never have issues, will not only never look for it, but also have no need to!

Those are the many we don't hear from.

Cheers!!

 

[twrr]

For the most part, the ZS is rock solid, and looked at in perspective most users are just like you and me, and many more will never even see this thread.

But most here are tinkerers and are always trying to squeeze another tick of greatness out of our gear, and sometimes that leads to issues. Also, many of these pages of posts are simply brought on by incorrect setup, missed steps, or Network issues sometimes completely unrelated to the actual ZS itself.

So this thread is best viewed thru a skewed lens, as most who never have issues, will not only never look for it, but also have no need to!

Those are the many we don't hear from.

Cheers!!

Especially me who is "trying to squeeze another tick of greatness" - load music from an external drive

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Especially me who is "trying to squeeze another tick of greatness" - load music from an external drive

I was making a general point, no offense was intended...

Again I will say most have had no issue doing this, and I and others have tried to help you out there.

Years ago I remember having a drive filled with music in mp3 format, no matter what I did I could not copy that drive in full to another drive, it was not a drive issue at that time it was a folder and tagging issue preventing this. I remember solving the issue by painstakingly transferring each folder one at a time to the new drive until I found the folders causing the issue, and removing them from the equation, then I had no issue transferring the full drive for years. Keep in mind this was years ago and a tedious project but I did it.

If I were having the issues you are I would do the same thing, one at a time, plugging the drive folder by folder into the ZS and checking to see, but I did not want to suggest that earlier because it is such a tedious problem. However I still think that is where your issue lies, and as I have said I am no computer wiz, nor pretend to be, but I know that just because something works with one thing doesn't always work with another, problems must be found and solved.

Cheers!!

 

[iFi audio]

You need to open up a ticket with @iFi audio. They respond quickly.

That's the move indeed, we help out in such cases via our support platform, thanks!

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

New "Beta" issued, 2.32.5, update indicates resolution for issues with the previous "Beta"

Cheers!!

 

[iFi audio]

New "Beta" issued, 2.32.5, update indicates resolution for issues with the previous "Beta"



Cheers!!

Thanks for flagging

 

[iFi audio]

Also, it has come to our attention that some of you have discovered and uploaded beta firmware for your iFi streamer. We do not recommend installing the beta firmware on your iFi streamer. This software is considered to be in a testing phase and may not be fully stable or reliable. It could cause issues with the functioning of your streamer and may also lead to loss of data or settings.

It is important to use only official and stable software releases for your iFi streamer, which can be found through the device system settings. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our technical support team via https://support.ifi-audio.com/

Thank you for your understanding and support and we wish you the best with your iFi streamer.

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Also, it has come to our attention that some of you have discovered and uploaded beta firmware for your iFi streamer. We do not recommend installing the beta firmware on your iFi streamer. This software is considered to be in a testing phase and may not be fully stable or reliable. It could cause issues with the functioning of your streamer and may also lead to loss of data or settings.

It is important to use only official and stable software releases for your iFi streamer, which can be found through the device system settings. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our technical support team via https://support.ifi-audio.com/

Thank you for your understanding and support and we wish you the best with your iFi streamer.

The first post in this thread has been updated to reflect this!

Cheers!!

 

[iFi audio]

The first post in this thread has been updated to reflect this!

Cheers!!

Thank you!

 

[shogo33]

You need to open up a ticket with @iFi audio. They respond quickly. I can't help you out because the tool for unbricking the Zen Stream requires a couple of files and following a set of instructions that are in a sharepoint folder. They will send you the access, assuming that you're dealing with the same problem. All I can say is that it worked for me. You'll need to connect your computer to the "system upgrade" usb-c port on the back of the Zen. Sorry for not being more helpful. Good luck.

Thank you for the detailed explanation. I will do as you mentioned.

 

[phacochere]

Hi, I've had my Zen Stream for about a year and really like it, however for the past few days Spotify Connect has stopped working. I can play other things like web radio from the ifi app, so the device is network connected and can access the internet, but when using Spotify Connect the speed (right side) light is yellow and no sound is produced. Any ideas? Thanks

 

[Buddy Shagmore]

New head-fier here, set up my desktop system a few days ago. My ZS is working flawlessly after some initial trouble pairing from my ipad streaming Tidal. It was just a learning curve I had to go thru, no fault of any component. What a fantastic unit! I dig the LED color changes on the right side. I am using the ethernet connection. Happier than a puppy with 2 peters!

 

[iFi audio]

New head-fier here, set up my desktop system a few days ago. My ZS is working flawlessly after some initial trouble pairing from my ipad streaming Tidal. It was just a learning curve I had to go thru, no fault of any component. What a fantastic unit! I dig the LED color changes on the right side. I am using the ethernet connection. Happier than a puppy with 2 peters!

Thanks for your feedback and enjoy!

Hi, I've had my Zen Stream for about a year and really like it, however for the past few days Spotify Connect has stopped working. I can play other things like web radio from the ifi app, so the device is network connected and can access the internet, but when using Spotify Connect the speed (right side) light is yellow and no sound is produced. Any ideas? Thanks

Usually we recommend to restart everyting and move from there, but perhaps @Mr BubbaHyde's treasure trove of hints has something that could help with your issue.

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Hi, I've had my Zen Stream for about a year and really like it, however for the past few days Spotify Connect has stopped working. I can play other things like web radio from the ifi app, so the device is network connected and can access the internet, but when using Spotify Connect the speed (right side) light is yellow and no sound is produced. Any ideas? Thanks

If you have not found a solution, I would perform a factory reset from the Settings/System menu and then update to the current firmware from the same area.

Let us know how it goes!

Cheers!!