AudioCircle
Other Stuff => Archived Manufacturer Circles => Abbingdon Music Research / iFi => Topic started by: iFi David on 25 Jun 2021, 12:26 pm
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Streaming elevated to a higher plane
Introducing ZEN Stream: a flexible and affordable Wi-Fi audio transport, equipped to unleash the full potential of every digital music source – from online streaming to local network storage
(https://i.ibb.co/mHVY6JW/1.jpg)
iFi audio ZEN Stream is our latest addition to the award-winning ZEN Series of compact and affordable audio devices, designed to deliver flexible, high-quality network streaming to any audio environment.
Described as a ‘Wi-Fi audio transport’, the ZEN Stream acts as a bridge between your Wi-Fi network and your audio system. It connects to a router via Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable, and outputs to an external DAC via USB or S/PDIF. Its open-source architecture makes it flexible and future-proof; its purpose-built hardware and software deliver excellent sound quality; and its price makes it an eminently affordable solution for high-performance network audio streaming.
Open-source architecture – audio streaming unleashed
Many audio streaming devices lock users into a specific platform. But, if they want to select their preferred streaming platforms and apps without restriction, with the ability to adapt and evolve as requirements change, a device with an open-source architecture offers clear advantages. Raspberry Pi is a popular open-source single-board computer that's effective, inexpensive and not tied to a specific platform. As such it gives the user plenty of streaming options, but also is complicated to set up and has not been designed and optimised for high-performance audio straight from the box.
(https://i.ibb.co/KVXZ17v/2.jpg)
The ZEN Stream offers the best of both worlds in one unique package. Its open-source architecture ensures the user is not tied to a specific platform or app, offering a wealth of options and the ability to add more via programmable firmware. Its Linux-based operating system offers exceptional flexibility, with the streaming community encouraged to work with iFi to create additional features to add down the line via OTA (Over The Air) updates.
The ZEN Stream has been designed from the ground up for the sole purpose of high-quality audio streaming. The hardware has been built to deliver the best possible sound quality, working in perfect harmony with iFi’s in-house software development. From the device drivers, to the kernel (the heart of the operating system), to the shell (which interfaces with the kernel), to the applications and the user interface, everything is fully optimised for seamless operation and excellent sonic performance.
Superb sound, no matter how you stream
The ZEN Stream’s hi-res audio credentials are top-notch, supporting PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD up to 11.2MHz (DSD256) over Wi-Fi – highly unusual – as well as over Ethernet cable. There are multiple ways in which the device can interface with your music collection or favourite streaming service, depending on the user’s preference, and thanks to the ZEN Stream’s open-source architecture these will expand over time. Here are some of the options provided at launch:
§ Integrated Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect
Users of these hugely popular online music services can stream directly from the Tidal and Spotify apps – simple, seamless and effective.
§ DLNA certification
Any DLNA-compatible streaming app – including iFi’s forthcoming Stream-iFi app – can be used to control the ZEN Stream and access audio content from online services and DLNA-certified network storage devices.
§ AirPlay and Chromecast
Integrated Airplay and Chromecast ensures easy streaming from Apple and Android devices. AirPlay is included at launch; Chromecast will be added as a free firmware update later this year.
§ Roon compatibility
The Roon platform has become the standard-bearer for high-quality digital music management and streaming – a great interface, strong flexibility and high-quality sound are all benefits, although Roon-compatible hardware does not tend to come cheap. At launch, the ZEN Stream is compatible with Roon Bridge software, making in suitable for a Roon environment, and full Roon Ready certification is in the pipeline – a tempting proposition given the ZEN Stream’s affordable price point. With the ZEN Stream, you can add Roon compatibility to any DAC on the planet.
§ NAA operation
The ZEN Stream can operate as an NAA (Network Audio Adapter) in conjunction with Sygnalist HQPlayer software – favoured by many serious music streaming enthusiasts. This means it can direct packets of audio data received over Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable straight to the connected DAC without applying any processing whatsoever.
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iFi delivers hot exclusives
An ingenious part of the ZEN Stream’s design is the ability to select between ‘exclusive modes’ – individual settings that deliver fully optimised performance by focusing operation on one particular mode of use. The following modes are provided:
§ All-in-one
This non-specific mode is great for all platforms, audio formats and devices.
§ DLNA streaming
Select this mode to optimise performance when using the ZEN Stream with DLNA-compatible apps and devices.
§ NAA streaming
Select this mode when using the ZEN Stream as a Network Audio Adapter in conjunction with Signalyst HQPlayer software.
§ Roon Bridge streaming
Select this mode when integrating the ZEN Stream into a ROON environment.
§ Tidal streaming
If you’re a subscriber to Tidal’s Masters Tier and use it exclusively, this is the mode for you.
Built for sonic brilliance
Outwardly, the ZEN Stream is encased in the distinctive dark grey aluminium extrusion that houses every device in iFi’s ZEN Series. Its silver-coloured aluminium faceplate sports two multi-colour LEDs – one to indicate internet/intranet connection and speed; the other to show the incoming audio format and sample rate (these LEDs may be switched off if preferred). There are just two buttons: the power switch and a ‘hotspot’ button, the latter used to join a Wi-Fi network.
(https://i.ibb.co/dGCXs9C/4.jpg)
While there is no display other than the status LEDs, all information about the music being streamed will be displayed on the control app selected by the user. iFi has taken the decision that it is better to focus on performance and value-for-money, rather than increase cost by incorporating a display that would arguably be superfluous to the end-user.
Around the back, alongside the Wi-Fi antenna, reside an array of sockets and ports. Dual-band Wi-Fi reception supports 802.11a/b/g/n/ac for a fast, reliable wireless connection, while a high-grade Gigabit Ethernet port supplies a cabled network option of the highest quality. There’s also a USB-A input, giving the option of playing music from HDD and solid-state storage devices, and a USB-C programming port to upload software/firmware updates (an alternative to OTA updates via Wi-Fi).
Two digital outputs – asynchronous USB and coaxial S/PDIF – provide connection to an external DAC, and are regulated by iFi’s femto-precision GMT (Global Master Timing) clock circuitry to eradicate jitter from the digital signal. The USB ports – both input and output – support SuperSpeed USB3.0 and benefit from iFi’s ANC II active noise cancellation to remove distortion from the audio signal. Similarly, the S/PDIF output incorporates iFi’s iPurifier technology.
The ZEN Stream’s circuit design has been painstakingly engineered to deliver superb sound, with processing muscle supplied by a 64-bit, quad-core ARM Cortex microprocessor. This is accompanied by carefully chosen circuit components including discrete, high-grade surface-mounted devices such as TDK C0G multilayer ceramic capacitors and inductors from Taiyo Yuden and Murata.
(https://i.ibb.co/x7wTPXf/5.jpg)
Regulators with high PSRR (Power Supply Rejection Ratio), low idle current and low dropout voltage are used, together with a synchronous 1.5MHz high-speed power supply controller, further contributing to the ZEN Stream’s pure, distortion-free performance. As befits an audiophile-grade device, the ZEN Stream does not incorporate a noisy fan – instead, iFi has designed low-profile heatsinks to prevent overheating whilst maintaining the unit’s compact size.
Fab and affordable
Fusing state-of-the-art hi-res sound with open-source versatility, the iFi ZEN Stream is a uniquely specified network audio streaming transport at a refreshingly affordable RRP of £399 (€399, $399) – available from selected retailers from 25 June.
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I'll just leave it here :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXBEVIP7wQo
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I like some of the ifi products but I find the web site confusing and not straight forward. I also find the product line confusion and redundant somewhat. Is it just me?
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So is this product similar to Auralic Aries mini I currently use or is it used in conjunction with it?
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Looks like a great product!
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Hi,
IFI makes great products and I am looking forward to this one.
One question though, is it compatible with Amazon Prime Music?
If not, will it ever be?
Thanks,
John
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Hi there,
Here are ZEN Stream's connectivity options:
-Stream straight from Spotify/Tidal apps with Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect
-Works with any DLNA certified streaming app (our own app is imminent!)
-Integrated Airplay and Chromecast* – easy streaming from Apple and Android devices
-Roon compatible – basically, it adds Roon to any DAC.
-NAA operation in conjunction with Sygnalist’s HQPlayer software
Thanks!
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Hi there,
Here are ZEN Stream's connectivity options:
-Stream straight from Spotify/Tidal apps with Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect
-Works with any DLNA certified streaming app (our own app is imminent!)
-Integrated Airplay and Chromecast* – easy streaming from Apple and Android devices
-Roon compatible – basically, it adds Roon to any DAC.
-NAA operation in conjunction with Sygnalist’s HQPlayer software
Thanks!
Is Zen Stream able to play Amazon HD Music Service?
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Ifi David,
I have an external usb dac.
I understand Tidal direct.
If I want the best way to listen to Pandora or iHeart radio or the audio from YouTube - what would be the best way to do that?
Thanks,
Bill
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Incredibly bummed out. I got one last week and it had a few issues and had to ship it back to Bloom Audio…….
Problem is they don’t have any to replace it with right now so not sure if I’m going to stick with trying to get a replacement. There is a really good thread on Roon labs forum about these units and peoples experiences. There are some issues people run into, mine wouldn’t connect to Apple Music and sometimes wouldn’t show up as a unit to stream to for Spotify or Roon. Put in a ticket with iFi and they were sort of helpful but couldn’t figure out what was wrong. This is where I got a bit irritated, they wouldn’t send me another unit! They wanted me to send it to them to work on…….that’s not how you take care of issues for a brand new unit, so just a heads up to others.
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If iFi David is going to have a Circle on Audiocircle and questions are asked about the product they should be active to answer and interact. My post was Aug 10 and crickets and I asked because I am really interested in some of their new products - Zen Stream, Iphono3, Zen Phono......
Let's see if there is some follow up.
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I think they are in over their heads with the stream unit. Lots of owners think they released it too early and there were bugs, I think they have had a tough time keeping up.
I had two tickets in for service and nothing got fixed. Been some issues with bad power supplies, retailers taking the power supply out and putting generic ones in, signal issues, etc.
But I guess that if you get a good one they are an absolute steal, and one of the best units on the market for the price. I’m really hoping I get one back soon but I’m not happy with the support and that’s concerning
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I bought a Zen Stream and just received it. Have to unbox and install and replace my Logitech Touch that I still love using.
Hopefully it will work well!
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I bought a Zen Stream and just received it. Have to unbox and install and replace my Logitech Touch that I still love using.
Hopefully it will work well!
I trust that it will!
Also, let me encourage you to use our free Stream-iFi app for Android and iOS respectively here:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ifi.ifistreamer&hl=en_US&gl=US
...and here:
https://apps.apple.com/ao/app/stream-ifi/id1574466165#?platform=ipad
I had two tickets in for service and nothing got fixed. Been some issues with bad power supplies, retailers taking the power supply out and putting generic ones in, signal issues, etc.
If you can provide me with your support tickets via PM, I can check where our support staff is with them, ask internally if needs to be and help out if I can.
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Also folks, rest assured that I'll be far more frequent visior here than thus far, that's a promise :)
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Ifi David,
I have an external usb dac.
I understand Tidal direct on the new Stream.
If I want the best way to listen to Pandora or iHeart radio or the audio from YouTube - what would be the best way to do that with the new Stream?
Thanks,
Bill
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Hi IFI David,
Thanks for telling us about the new app. I went to the sites to see what they were about and I read what was there. Honestly, I am admittedly not the most app capable person out there, so I have no idea what they do and how they would help me. Please explain in common English.
When it works with AOL Prime Music, I will rush to buy one.
Thanks,
John
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Ifi David,
I have an external usb dac.
I understand Tidal direct on the new Stream.
If I want the best way to listen to Pandora or iHeart radio or the audio from YouTube - what would be the best way to do that with the new Stream?
Thanks,
Bill
Bill, our Stream-iFi app features the 'Web Radio' tab that might do the trick for you. Can you please try it?
Hi IFI David,
Please explain in common English.
Stream-iFi is essentially an app designed to control ZEN Stream, change its settings and provide a very easy to use intuitive interface to play music.
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Thank you David, any idea of when Chromecast will be added?
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Thank you David, any idea of when Chromecast will be added?
We're aware that people want it, but I have no specific date (or any confirmation that Chromecast is coming) at this time.
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I trust that it will!
Also, let me encourage you to use our free Stream-iFi app for Android and iOS respectively here:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ifi.ifistreamer&hl=en_US&gl=US
...and here:
https://apps.apple.com/ao/app/stream-ifi/id1574466165#?platform=ipad
If you can provide me with your support tickets via PM, I can check where our support staff is with them, ask internally if needs to be and help out if I can.
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Also folks, rest assured that I'll be far more frequent visior here than thus far, that's a promise :)
I appreciate that but a bit too late and not your fault. They finally got back to me today on the ticket saying they might be able to send me another unit but this was a full week later and I already sent it back to the retailer. Replacement unit (open box.....) will be here tomorrow and I'll let you know how it goes.
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We're aware that people want it, but I have no specific date (or any confirmation that Chromecast is coming) at this time.
Chromecast is a feature listed on the website as coming but time tbd.
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Chromecast is a feature listed on the website as coming but time tbd.
Once I have any new info on this matter, I'll make sure to update everyone here on AC as well :)
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And I think I'm done!
Got the replacement unit and things worked great for a few days and now it's back to not playing anything thru airplay. Roon works great but can't get it to work on apple music or spotify. The second unit with same issues and the retailer I got it thru had the same issues.
These units shouldn't be on the market until you guys figure your shit out. Wasted so much time with this thing, I want it to work!!! With Roon it sounds great but that's it, submitted another ticket......third ticket, second unit.
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Quboz or Amazon HD streaming available on this unit?
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Quboz or Amazon HD streaming available on this unit?
At the moment ZEN Stream's connectivity options are as follows:
-Stream straight from Spotify/Tidal apps with Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect
-Works with any DLNA certified streaming app
-Integrated Airplay and Chromecast (to be added in the future) - easy streaming from Apple and Android devices
-Roon compatible – basically, it adds Roon to any DAC.
-NAA operation in conjunction with Sygnalist’s HQPlayer software
And I think I'm done!
Got the replacement unit and things worked great for a few days and now it's back to not playing anything thru airplay. Roon works great but can't get it to work on apple music or spotify. The second unit with same issues and the retailer I got it thru had the same issues.
These units shouldn't be on the market until you guys figure your shit out. Wasted so much time with this thing, I want it to work!!! With Roon it sounds great but that's it, submitted another ticket......third ticket, second unit.
I'm sorry to hear about your issues with ZEN Stream. I'm certain that along with future updates it will work for you just as it should. In the meantime please use our support ticket, and if any extra assistance is needed - I'm here to help as well :)
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I'm sorry to hear about your issues with ZEN Stream. I'm certain that along with future updates it will work for you just as it should. In the meantime please use our support ticket, and if any extra assistance is needed - I'm here to help as well :)
Appreciate it David, if you can let a tech person know I put in a ticket but haven't heard anything. Bloom Audio has been great and will take the unit back from me but I do want to give you guys a chance to figure this out, Bloom said they've had a few people having issues.
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Appreciate it David, if you can let a tech person know I put in a ticket but haven't heard anything. Bloom Audio has been great and will take the unit back from me but I do want to give you guys a chance to figure this out, Bloom said they've had a few people having issues.
Sure, I'm happy to help if I can. If you can drop me your ticket number, I can check for myself how it's processed etc.
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Sure, I'm happy to help if I can. If you can drop me your ticket number, I can check for myself how it's processed etc.
Sent my ticket # to you in a PM.
Submitted the ticket on Thursday of last week and haven’t heard a thing………..
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Sent my ticket # to you in a PM.
Submitted the ticket on Thursday of last week and haven’t heard a thing………..
I'll try to help via PM!
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David,
Have some of these issues been resolved by now? I am thinking of getting the Zen Streamer. Also, I have a dedicated 15v lps that I use for my Auralic Aries Mini. It appears the iFi can accept anything from 9-15v, is that correct?
Nick
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the zs has been excellent for me, i use it wired, not wireless, so for me it has been flawless and sounds very very good
sometimes when starting it up as a roon endpoint one needs to disable then enable, doing it an extra time, then it engages... not an issue once its understood
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the zs has been excellent for me, i use it wired, not wireless, so for me it has been flawless and sounds very very good
sometimes when starting it up as a roon endpoint one needs to disable then enable, doing it an extra time, then it engages... not an issue once its understood
Thanks for that. Very helpful. The Auralic Mini has been a great sounding streamer, but I’ve always had connectivity issues with it using Roon. I can’t tell you how many times I have disconnected the cable to the power supply to reboot. I would be using the iFi streamer in wireless mode. If it is as simple as disabling then enabling occasionally to get a connection, then I think I’ll likely get one.
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I have an Auralic Mini and it loses its network connection a lot.
I have an ifi Stream but have not hooked it up to try yet.
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I have an Auralic Mini and it loses its network connection a lot.
I have an ifi Stream but have not hooked it up to try yet.
When you do hook it up, please advise what you think