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

[Vangelo]

Hi!

Anyone know when (or if) ZS will be updated to current (support) version of Volumio/Debian with plugins necessary??
Since ZS (and Neo Stream) is still sold, they must be updated to current!!

Dunno.....but I'm still waiting for ChromeCast implementation which they promised.......

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

As these models are still being sold, there is a legal claim to be made for fitness of merchantability. In other words, they need to be able to perform the function for which they are sold. As they are sold as being Tidal Connect compatible, they need to work for that function, and need to be supported for a "reasonable" period after sale.

I'm not one to say "I'll never buy from this company again," but this is a really bad look for iFi and they're going on my list. Not that list. That list.

Hi!

Anyone know when (or if) ZS will be updated to current (support) version of Volumio/Debian with plugins necessary??
Since ZS (and Neo Stream) is still sold, they must be updated to current!!

Dunno.....but I'm still waiting for ChromeCast implementation which they promised.......

All Good points and although I have stated the reason for this many, many times here in this thread, apparently my explanation is not up to snuff so to speak.

So in regards to a Volumio update please voice your concerns here...

https://support.ifi-audio.com/

This is the only way the support and developers are going to hear your complaint. Although of course, you are quite welcome to continue to post messages here, it is best to ask and continue to ask when this will be "updated". Also, let me please point out (once again) that this thread is not the official iFi thread for the Zen Stream, That thread is here...

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ifi-audio-zen-stream-streaming-elevated-to-a-higher-plane.958391/

This thread was created by me long before I began to work for iFi in hopes of helping folks solve small issues in setup and tricks to help them get going. It was never intended for this never-ending back-and-forth over Volumio, and if you are looking for iFi eyes to comment on the issue (other than mine) then that would be the place for it.

Thanks for hearing me out, appreciate it.

Cheers!!

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Dunno.....but I'm still waiting for ChromeCast implementation which they promised.......

I am posting this here and also in the main Zen Stream thread so hopefully most Zen Stream users may catch it. After months/years of following this Chromecast issue, I have what will hopefully be the final word on where this is and a bit of what happened.

First from me personally, I would like to apologize as I know this is an important feature for some. I also want to point out that from day one "Chromecast" was never included with the Zen however the front page of the Zen Stream from iFi's website did say it would be "coming" in a future firmware update.

I have known all along that in reality this issue hung up on Google's willingness to "certify" or whatever you would like to call it new platforms for Chromecast. In other words (not an excuse) we were told that it would be certified and after launch, Google began to drag its feet and stalled the certification for the Zen.

My Opinion (and mine alone as I was not working for ifi at the time) is that we should have come out strong with a statement saying this is on Google and please contact them to certify it for the Zen Stream. But we didn't in hopes that it would happen sooner than later. IMO this was a mistake and IMO only.

So now let's move on to what I have learned over the weekend in terms of the "status" of Chromecast on the Zen Stream, It's not good if you would like to stop reading here.

I am paraphrasing as there is no official iFi statement.

This will not happen for a long while, if at all, as Google won't play ball. They are not certifying any new platform (Rockchip is a new platform for them) at the moment. Anyone who wants Chromecast will have to use existing modules that are already certified. They have said not until the next version of Google Cast has come out, that they will not look into the issue further.

So there it is, I know this is not what anyone looking for Chromecast wants, but in all reality what can we do at this point other than wait?

I have been informed that there is a workaround like TuneBlade that allows Chromecast To use Airplay to stream to the Zen, but I am sure that albeit a workaround again not ideal.

Again, shoot the messenger if you will, but I have always tried to give accurate info both before I worked for iFi, and now that I do. I think you guys deserve the truth and answers, no matter how slow they may be.

Cheers!!

Bubba

 

[Vangelo]

..........but in all reality what can we do at this point other than wait?

Thanks Bubba.

To answer your question, we can move on to something else as I have done with no regrets. In mitigation, at the time I purchased my ZS, the Wiim Pro was not around, and I was prepared to wait for the ZS version of Chromecast (been over a year so far) but they were pipped at the post! With respect, not really too interested in excuses especially since other manufacturers have incorporated it.

In fairness to iFi, its seems the new blurb relating to the ZS no longer mentions Chromecast. Kudos. However, I do feel I will not be able to sell my unit on. I am sure any new buyer will deem it faulty and seek a refund as soon as they realise how fussy the unit is, so I am now left with a weird looking paperweight!

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Thanks Bubba.

To answer your question, we can move on to something else as I have done with no regrets. In mitigation, at the time I purchased my ZS, the Wiim Pro was not around, and I was prepared to wait for the ZS version of Chromecast (been over a year so far) but they were pipped at the post! With respect, not really too interested in excuses especially since other manufacturers have incorporated it.

In fairness to iFi, its seems the new blurb relating to the ZS no longer mentions Chromecast. Kudos. However, I do feel I will not be able to sell my unit on. I am sure any new buyer will deem it faulty and seek a refund as soon as they realise how fussy the unit is, so I am now left with a weird looking paperweight!

I think you know how I feel personally about this, but I will reiterate, this should have been addressed long ago with a "why is this happening" statement.

I do not, however, think the Zen Stream is by any means unsellable, and I personally along with others have not had the finicky behavior that some have had, in fact mine has never given me consistent issues and for the most part has been very very reliable.

That does not mean yours hasn't, but it also means that someone else may have no issues.

I would still try to sell it. I agree Wiim has done a great job with their streamer, although not for me as I am sure you have seen I do have a use for it and still do.

Cheers!!

 

[Sean H]

Probably not a lot of Zen Stream owners using Airplay BUT if you are, John Darko has a video (and article) out now explaining that if you send CD Quality or High Res audio from the Apple Music app to your Zen Stream updated with the the latest firmware update that makes the Zen Stream an Airplay 2 device, it's compressing the audio down to 256K AAC!! That goes for people using Tidal with Airplay as well (though most use Tidal Connect or Roon in which you are fine). Yep, Apple screwing people again!



https://darko.audio/2023/10/apple-airplay-isnt-always-lossless-sometimes-its-lossy/

 

[bagwell359]

Well, got to setting up and listening to my MXN-10 from the Cambridge Audio store “open box” for $399. 10 minutes to set-up on WiFi - 35’ away with zero burps or issues vs the bleeding I did with the “zen” Stream which I spent hours on to get zero minutes usage from on the same WiFi at the same distance. It’s the difference between a perennial beta product and a releasable product.

 

[TheR0v3r]

so ifi sent me the firmware software to unbrick my stream. now its working perfect. Yhank you ifi!!

i use Mconnect with the stream. i have my qobuz and tidal in the app and it sees what ever is hooked up to the stream. so Ifi really doesnt need to. develope more software. plus their ifi local works pretty good with a drive i found. just my 2 cents point of view.

what really made my stream sound amazing was a SBooster power supply.

Yesterday I replaced the iPower X (15v) with a SBooster (12-13,5v). And now the Zen Stream sounds even better - amazing it is

The iFi Zen Stream is such an overachiever. I just love finding components like this: superb engineering that can be improved by simply upgrading (twice!) the power supply. Someone just did a fantastic job navigating constraints with this product given it’s price point

This was just supposed to be a temporary solution while I auditioned and saved up for greater things. Now I’m not sure if it’s even worth the effort… Sure there are streamers that are more prestigious to own but some of them have been seriously underwhelming in comparison.

 

[crakers7]

Yesterday I replaced the iPower X (15v) with a SBooster (12-13,5v). And now the Zen Stream sounds even better - amazing it is

The iFi Zen Stream is such an overachiever. I just love finding components like this: superb engineering that can be improved by simply upgrading (twice!) the power supply. Someone just did a fantastic job navigating constraints with this product given it’s price point

This was just supposed to be a temporary solution while I auditioned and saved up for greater things. Now I’m not sure if it’s even worth the effort… Sure there are streamers that are more prestigious to own but some of them have been seriously underwhelming in comparison.

Really , interesting , might have to try it
Why did you not just go for the 15V version ?

 

[twrr]

Did you bought mk2 version ?
I have also 12-13v with ultra module and it sound better than with ifi elite ps so i sold ifi and saving for ferrum hypsos.
Ifi doesnt sound so good with 15v, it is too much energy in bass and whole scene is too close.

 

[TheR0v3r]

Really , interesting , might have to try it
Why did you not just go for the 15V version ?

I got a great price on the 12-13.5v version

 

[crakers7]

I got a great price on the 12-13.5v version

ah ok, realistically there's probably no difference between them
OH , I just read @twrr comment , interesting

 

[TheR0v3r]

Did you bought mk2 version ?
I have also 12-13v with ultra module and it sound better than with ifi elite ps so i sold ifi and saving for ferrum hypsos.
Ifi doesnt sound so good with 15v, it is too much energy in bass and whole scene is too close.

Yes, I bought the mk2 version. That Ultra module looks interesting so I’ll probably add that too. Then I’m probably done with upgrading power supply for the Zen Stream. (Actually hadn’t considered the lower voltage between the iPower X and the SBooster. That’s an interesting observation about 15v and there does seem to be a change in energy in the bass )

I used to have Ferrum OOR + Hypsos (very nice!) and found that the HYPSOS made the biggest difference when used together with other Ferrum products. So make sure that you compare the SBooster with the HYPSOS before upgrading.

P.S. One more thing, the NEO Stream looks promising. I’d really like to compare the Zen Stream and the NEO Stream using these power supplies. Hoping to make that happen.

 

[twrr]

I can hear the difference between 12 and 13.5v.
I also have Hdplex LPS with regulation 5-19v and i tried 12,13,14,15. and for me 12v works best with ZS.
Hypsos have regulation so it can be always useful in the future.
Farad also looks nice but it doesnt have regulation.

 

[TBMY]

I upgraded ZS from Elite to Ferrum Hypsos and do not regret that...
Biggest difference in silent background, deeper bass, pinpointing and transparency.
Very nice also that you can trim voltage from 5-30VDC for future use...