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

[Sponge Bob Square Pants]

Well time is a factor, and these issues have been going on since Day 1. Perhaps new thinking, new strategies, and more investment would change the trajectory of issues being reported. It would require more resources, but, the result could be more sales and less people like me that gave up.

What steamer do you use now?

 

[Sponge Bob Square Pants]

Welcome to the Club!

You should just be able to connect your LAN cable and the ZS should recognize and use that, nothing in the settings "needs" to be changed but most will turn "Off" the WiFi in the settings menu while running it wired, you just need to remember to turn it back on if you move the ZS to a "WiFi Only" spot for access.

The Stream-iFi app works in wired mode.

Good luck and enjoy!

Cheers!!

Does this mean that I can’t reach Ifi.local when using the streamer through wi-fi?

 

[Sponge Bob Square Pants]

I thought I would start this thread for those that are having issues with their ZS, and hopefully connect with other ZS owners that aren't having issues, as well as post some guidance for new users.

**This Thread is not for bashing/complaints of @iFi audio or the product**

Again I am starting this for those who need help getting theirs working as flawlessly as I and many others have had since day one.

I'll start this thread with my ZS setup procedure for those having Setup/Inconsistent signal streaming issues, this procedure has worked for many, many people, just follow what it says and hopefully, your issues will be resolved!
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**UPDATE**

iFi has started a new page here for any updates regarding the Zen Stream and its Functionality! Check this first!!

https://ifi-audio.com/development-team-update-episode-one/
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Current Firmware...
2.31.7

Current "Beta" Firmware

Please refer to this post directly from @iFi audio regarding "Beta" versions

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ifi-zen-stream-setup-tips-tricks.961425/post-17345803



==========================================================================================

Zen Stream Start over steps!



Please read this thru before starting, PLEASE all the way thru!!


I would prefer you don’t do this procedure if you are using a 9v power supply, "and" are having any issues with powering on, or the Zen Stream randomly shutting off (rarity, but has happened).

The Zen stream can handle 9-15v power supply’s so simply get one from another unit, I prefer 12v or 15v myself, but 12v is in the middle of the power range.


**Procedure** SLOW DOWN AND FOLLOW THE STEPS!!


You should do this with an ethernet cable directly connected to your modem. NO WIFI, No WIFI Extenders, a direct connection if at all possible.

We are going to do a hard reset, there’s a button on the back of the unit, it’s a little pinhole, you’ll need a paperclip, Toothpick, something like that.

When you’re ready, Power on your ZEN Stream. Press and hold the reset button, located on the back of the device, for 2 seconds,..2 SECONDS no more no less, 1, 1000, 2, 1000 let go.


Let it sit for a bit, when everything looks normal just turn the unit off, power down, if it didn’t do it by itself.

Ok connect your Ethernet line, power line (if you disconnected it) and then power on the unit. You can open the ifi app or ifi.local, whichever is more convenient for you, I prefer the browser for this reset procedure.

*NOTE*

If your hotspot button is flashing, that’s the one on the right face of the Zen Stream, I need you to go into your network settings FIRST and disable Hotspot before moving forward with anything. Make sure this is disabled and after a save leave the network tab and go back in and make sure it is disabled. You can also verify this by the light, it should not be on, or blinking.

Once the app (or interface) is open and ready go to your settings, (home button and little gear icon down the bottom right on the app, in your browser it’s on the left. Open the network page, refresh your wireless settings if they are there.


Proceed with the wireless setup thru the menu, not thru "hotspot"and keep in mind you must hit save on each step, very important! When you do you should see a little indicator box somewhere (lol) that say changes saved unit restarting/updating.


Be sure to let each menu change save completely before doing another! I usually take a sip of my favorite beverage each time!!!

Once that is done, power down the unit. Take it wherever you want to use it at, and set it up. Power it on, give it time, and you “Should” be good to go.

Hope this works for you as it has for many others. If not the issue may very well be the power supply.
Contact iFi support and open a ticket.

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If you notice I am not worried about firmware, hard drives, none of that. First we need to get your unit up, running, and stable, then we can worry about all that Jazz.

I have found this is the best way to resolve most issues. If you’re sitting there saying I can’t connect it directly to my internet, the modem is not in the room where I am going to use it, I will say don’t be lazy…

Cheers!!





Hopefully this will solve most missed steps and setup issues for new owners. It may even help if you are having random issues with the Zen Stream to do this procedure.

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Firmware 2.31.7 "Roon Ready" Help video!!

Made a short video on How to setup your ZS in Roon now that Roon Ready firmware is officially in play!! Hope this helps out those that have lost their USB ability after upgrading firmware. Or those that just need a point in the right direction!



Cheers!!

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** New Method**

Here is an alternate method provided by @moriez ...



Direct Link To The Post... https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ifi-zen-stream-setup-tips-tricks.961425/post-17071255

Thank you Sir!!

Cheers!!
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@hackstu Has provided some materials from iFi that should help with those having issues with adding their NAS to the Zen Stream, and a big Thanks for passing them along!





====================================================================================================================================================================================
Head-Fi user @m-i-c-k-e-y posted this tip for a NEO Stream like Optibox Mod for Zen Stream users here...
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ifi-zen-stream-setup-tips-tricks.961425/post-17306738

And here is the video contained in this interesting MOD he thought might benefit ZS users!




Cheers!!

Could you please send the instructions for setting Wi-Fi operation? Now my streams is set for wired connection as you instructed.

 

[twrr]

I think the problem is overheating, lack of adequate cooling and slots on the case.My Ifi was heating up to 60 celsius on the outside now in the summer, it must be 80 inside. It is used exclusively for playing music from an external disk, This week I will test the electrolytes and put it on an oscilloscope, I'm not saying I'm right but if I am I think IFI should stop production and redesign the case and cooling.

 

[Vitor Goncalves]

I think the problem is overheating, lack of adequate cooling and slots on the case.My Ifi was heating up to 60 celsius on the outside now in the summer, it must be 80 inside. It is used exclusively for playing music from an external disk, This week I will test the electrolytes and put it on an oscilloscope, I'm not saying I'm right but if I am I think IFI should stop production and redesign the case and cooling.

Have you tried sticking some form of rubber or silicone feet with the ZS? I've done that and made a difference. It's turned on 24/7 and gets a bit warm but never hot. Even without the rubber feet I never experienced overheating.

 

[twrr]

Processor is connected to the case from inside and because of that temp is high but as i said that is too much, like an amp in a class.
When playing music continuously for two days, the temperature was 60 degrees outside on the case

 

[bagwell359]

What steamer do you use now?

None. I'm living on CD's. I'm about to use my iPhone 13 as a streamer. I'd rather go back to an Android cell (and UAPP/parametric). Sooner or later I'll get a streamer, but, it's not going to be an Alpha/Beta product that's for sure.

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Does this mean that I can’t reach Ifi.local when using the streamer through wi-fi?

No the ifi.local is reachable via wired or wifi as long as the devices are on the same network.

Cheers!!

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Could you please send the instructions for setting Wi-Fi operation? Now my streams is set for wired connection as you instructed.

Yes open ifi.local on your browser, look for settings on the left

Click on network, then be sure wireless network is toggled on, and click save, let unit reset

Once that is done, go back into Settings>Network and your screen should show wireless networks, like this

Choose your network, enter password and off you go! Your unit should now function from wired to wifi as a ethernet cable is connected or disconnected.

Hope this helps

Cheers!!

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

I think the problem is overheating, lack of adequate cooling and slots on the case.My Ifi was heating up to 60 celsius on the outside now in the summer, it must be 80 inside. It is used exclusively for playing music from an external disk, This week I will test the electrolytes and put it on an oscilloscope, I'm not saying I'm right but if I am I think IFI should stop production and redesign the case and cooling.

60 Celsius? Really that's 140 degrees for me in Fahrenheit, I have never seen my Zen over 95 degrees.

I am sorry but I have never heard of this before. Also you never answered my PM.

Here is a pic I just took of my ZS which has been running for 3 days straight sitting on top of an SMSL DAC also running! Please check the dust, lol Room temp here is normally anywhere from 70 to 75 degrees at this time of year.

If anyone else on this thread can measure their unit and post a pic I would appreciate it.

Notice the red dot on the Zen Stream...

Cheers!!

Edit to add the Celsius pic...

Double Cheers!!

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Have you tried sticking some form of rubber or silicone feet with the ZS? I've done that and made a difference. It's turned on 24/7 and gets a bit warm but never hot. Even without the rubber feet I never experienced overheating.

Thank you once again for sharing!

Cheers!!

 

[twrr]

Maybe mine is defective from the start but yes 60 celsius, room temparature is 23-24. I have lots of equpment which has been restaurated (vintage amps), so sometimes I leave it to play for several days to break in, few month ago i noticed that ZS runs very hot but i tough that is normal.

Over the weekend i will try your version of firmware.

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Maybe mine is defective from the start but yes 60 celsius, room temparature is 23-24. I have lots of equpment which has been restaurated (vintage amps), so sometimes I leave it to play for several days to break in, few month ago i noticed that ZS runs very hot but i tough that is normal.

Over the weekend i will try your version of firmware.

It is not my version of the firmware, You responded to me in a PM for a post I posted over "Bricked" Zen Streams, every other person who did has been helped and restored to working condition with what I gave them already. Just a few posts ago you said that it runs for "two days" straight.

Now which is it, either your Zen is not working, or it is, I am confused.

Please post a pic if you can of this celsius reading you are getting.

Cheers!!

 

[twrr]

No it is not working, i am using Rpi4 with PI2aes now, Ifi blocking after one minute.

 

[iFi audio]

This week I will test the electrolytes and put it on an oscilloscope, I'm not saying I'm right but if I am I think IFI should stop production and redesign the case and cooling.

We've had a fair share of feedback about ZEN Stream, but IIRC that's the first time I'm seeing an issue related to heat. The first thing that comes to mind is a different PSU, just to eliminate this factor. Do you have any other power supply that you could connect and see whether this changes anything?