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

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Hi,
I've seen many comments suggesting that an LPS would further improve the SQ of the IFI Z S. I have a 12v 10a LPS that I intend to use when the device that I've ordered arrives. Kindly confirm that I can safely use this LPS. As I understand 10a is more than needed, but if the device demands only 2a, the rest is not supplied by the LPS. Is my understanding correct? Thanks.

The way you have explained it is what I have always been taught (or told) the voltage is more critical than the amps, as you said it only draws what is required.

So you should be fine, please let us know any thoughts you have after it is running and you have had a chance to evaluate it.

Cheers!!

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Hi, I use the ZS to listen to Qobuz (with mconnect app) and files on usb hdd. Currently the system selector is set to 1 (all-in-one). If I set it to 5 (DLNA only) would I get any sound improvements? And would it always be possible to listen to files on usb hdd?

The idea of the exclusive modes is to eliminate anything not related to the source you are using, therefore saving resources and possibly improving sound quality. Many folks have cited improvements in using these modes, but only you can decide if you are hearing any benefits over the AIO mode.

Don't forget you can always eliminate unused portions inside the app while in AIO mode, to see if you garner any improvement there as well.

I believe the only way to listen to the connected drive is in AIO mode #1, but I may be wrong as I have never tried it

Cheers!!

 

[iFi audio]

Folks, a new iCAN Phantom flagship from us:

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ifi-audio-ican-phantom-vanish-into-the-music.968343/

Enjoy!

 

[AudioAlex]

The way you have explained it is what I have always been taught (or told) the voltage is more critical than the amps, as you said it only draws what is required.

So you should be fine, please let us know any thoughts you have after it is running and you have had a chance to evaluate it.

I received the device and tried it with both the stock PS and LPS Terradak 12v 10a. Even with the stock PS the Ifi Z S sounds better than my previous setup that consisted of a modified Mac Mini with the above LPS. The sound is cleaner and more refined. Adding the LPS made the Z S sound even better: added a bit of resolution, space, musicality and naturalness (to a device that already sounded great!). The stock PS sounds a bit cold / neutral (which is totally fine), though I do like the LPS version of the sound better: it is still neutral, but sounds a bit sweet and more pleasant to my ears.

So, all in all, I'm impressed. Great job!

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

I received the device and tried it with both the stock PS and LPS Terradak 12v 10a. Even with the stock PS the Ifi Z S sounds better than my previous setup that consisted of a modified Mac Mini with the above LPS. The sound is cleaner and more refined. Adding the LPS made the Z S sound even better: added a bit of resolution, space, musicality and naturalness (to a device that already sounded great!). The stock PS sounds a bit cold / neutral (which is totally fine), though I do like the LPS version of the sound better: it is still neutral, but sounds a bit sweet and more pleasant to my ears.

So, all in all, I'm impressed. Great job!

Glad to hear you are getting improvements, that's what it is all about those extra little bits we can squeeze out of gear we already love!

Cheers!!

 

[iFi audio]

So, all in all, I'm impressed. Great job!

Thanks a lot and enjoy

 

[hakunamakaka]

Does the ifi zen stream finally support airplay 2 ? As well any chance to set up streaming for soundcloud ?

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Does the ifi zen stream finally support airplay 2 ? As well any chance to set up streaming for soundcloud ?

Not at the moment, but never say never!

Cheers!!

 

[hakunamakaka]

Not at the moment, but never say never!

Cheers!!

I think ifi website needs to be updated than as I got too excited. This is found within zen stream description now

• Integrated Airplay 2 – easy streaming from Apple and Android devices

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

I think ifi website needs to be updated than as I got too excited. This is found within zen stream description now

• Integrated Airplay 2 – easy streaming from Apple and Android devices

Foreshadowing, Mistake?

Although I have nothing official to convey, I would keep a close eye!

Cheers!!

 

[George Hincapie]

Does Zen Stream support BT? Or must one buy Blue V2 for that?

 

[Vitor Goncalves]

Does Zen Stream support BT? Or must one buy Blue V2 for that?

ZS does not support BT. Other iFi products do. ZS supports Airplay

 

[Wakalaaa]

Note that ifi is developing a new application, looking forward to dsd512.

 

[iFi audio]

Note that ifi is developing a new application,

Indeed, we're currently in the process of gathering feedback about utilities folks in here would like to see. Thanks!

 

[Wakalaaa]

For me, zs has great quality for the price. Products in this price range include roon ready, naa, nothing to say. The only thing is dsd512, especially for hqp users. The holo red will be a competitor at this price, but the zs is even cheaper.