[Kw6]

It's says 12v 1.8 amps. Can I use after market 12v 5 amp or what you say 9v. What's the difference? I am assuming if rates higher like 5 amps is ok as long as not under 1.8 amps. Am I correct?

[JackD]

Either a 12 or even 15 volt is preferred over 9 volt. They were shipping them with 9 volt for a while and then found out it wasn't enough juice.

[Kw6]

Ok I will stick with the recommended 12 volts. But do you have the jack size. Seems smaller than the standard 5.5mm-2.1mm that I see in all specs.

[Kw6]

I found a 14.6 v 3 amp charger will this damage the Zen?

[JackD]

It's 2.1 but I found out that the 2.5 will work it's just a bit loose as that's what it is for Aries Mini.

[Kw6]

But when I use my ruler to measure it seems smaller than the standard 5.5mm OD and 2.1mm ID?

[Kw6]

I better try the Zen first before I buy any aftermarket power supply!😂

[JackD]

Test driving the unit before any expenditures is a good plan.  I already had the Aries PS which iFi said would work so I never even tried the one in the box.

[Kw6]

What about this one from AliExpress same price as Power x?

[JackD]

Wouldn't go over 15 volts.

[Kw6]

Ok gotcha! In that photo is 12v 2.5 amps!

[Kw6]

Set up Zen stream using spdif out to my SMSL D300 DAC. Sound is even more analog meaning less artificial sounding. Hearing more hall ambience retrieval. Sound has a certain musical ease. Will no more in a week. This assessment is only playing Zen for 30 mins from new out of box.

[JackD]

It will get even better with more hours so if you have an unlimited plan put it on one of the FLAC radio stations in the iFi app and just let it play day and night for a while.  Upgraded power supply will also help a bit when you get to that point.  I tried mine into the Aqua DAC with the exact same model of Inakustik Coax and USB cable and couldn't point out any real difference so if you have a cable you like just stick with it. 

[Kw6]

Thanks  for tips Jack! I have a nice 1.5m Wireworld Gold Elicpse coax. The power supply I'm using is in photo below. The Zen is slightly warm to the touch is that normal? I leave it powered on 24/7.

To me Zen seems music is more continuous less like chopped up bits! 😀

[JackD]

Yes it runs slightly warm that is normal.

[Kw6]

Thanks again Jack! This Zen stream has made me giddy as a school boy!🙊

[JackD]

Glad it's working out for you

[Kw6]

Glad it's working out for you

Thanks again for all your help and support! 😊