iFi ZEN Stream – Network Audio Transport Streamer – Inputs: Ethernet/Wi-Fi/USB - Outputs: USB/SPDIF

Product Information

The signal quality question may arise when it comes from a Windows PC but when you run a dedicated Roon server the signal should be better, isn’t it? Stax L700 mkii , L300 , Fostex Th900 , Denon D9200 , Audeze LCD3F , MX4 , LCDi4 , ISine20 , ISine10 , ISine LX , Sennheiser HD820 , HD800SDR , HD800S , HD8xx Drop , HD650 , OMX90 , MX985 , Hifiman HE6SE , Re800 , DCA Drop CX , Kaldas Research RR1 , Focal Elear , AKG K240 Settext , Alessandro MS1 Classic , Koss ksc35 Mod , ksc75 Mod , kph40 Mod, Empire Valkyrie , Zeus XIV , Noble Kaiser 10 CIEM , JH Roxanne ii CIEM , Sony XBA EX1000 , XBA Z5 , Dunu 2000 , Campfire Cascade , Solaris , Andromeda , Seber , IO , Fearless Audio S8 Pro , Rha Cl750 , Yuin Pk1 , Pk2 , Shozy Stardust BK , Ve Zen 2.0 Now, in the ZEN Stream’s Linux ALSA (audio system), we want the best sound, so we employ the most direct bit-perfect mode whenever possible. There was no data conversion at all. The disadvantage is that it will not have sound if the format is not supported (or not stated correctly). What a letdown! ZEN Stream is a true ground-up design by iFi — the hardware and software implementation is quite exceptional I spent most of the time using roon to test the Zen stream. Once your PC is connected to the same network as the streamer, roon will detect the streamer and you only need to go to audio settings and select the dac. Right now the Zen stream is not a roon ready device but IFI promises to add this feature in a future update.

Exclusive Modes switch - This allows the choice of setting the unit to do a specific task, giving the choice of:The iFi Zen Stream has been kindly loaned to me for this review by DeCine, the official distributors of iFi Audio in Spain. They have not requested anything specific, not even a link, due to the fact that they are distributors and do not sell to the public, therefore, as always, this review will be as sincere and as unbiased as possible. However, it is always good to consider that it hasn’t cost me anything to try out the iFi Audio Zen Stream. With regards to my personal use case for the Zen Stream, I must say that it is a great little device. Yes, there are a couple of things that stop it from being perfect for my personal set up, which I admit is far from a normal system anyway, but they are not things that I can hold against the Stream. Users of these hugely popular online music services can stream directly from the Tidal and Spotify apps. All this upgrading should give you the idea that the iFi Zen Stream is a VERY technically/sonically capable streamer...

The output dialog box has also been updated to always show the USB output. It will also show whether or not it is connected. Both USB and Coaxial outputs perform with the same quality so it depends on your DAC implementation of which one to choose. sound quality, building a system from dedicated audio components remains the best route to sonic satisfaction – Since you are reading this, you most likely already know what a streamer is, but you might not be sure whether you need one. Streaming is possible straight from your computer to your DAC, but a dedicated streamer will completely separate your music server connection from your computer, eliminating all kinds of electronic noise from your audio chain which you might not even realised was there. I find it important to note that the level of noise can vastly differ from computer to computer. DAC inputs, galvanic isolation, quality cables, power supplies, conditioners further filter noise so the same streamer may improve sound to different extent on different computers. In my opinion you need to have a relatively good DAC/amp to consider buying a streamer for sound quality improvements. If you only use a USB dongle, you are probably fine with streaming from the computer. 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.

Unique optical LAN

Du Hast” – Rammstein (What? This WASN'T just cool because it's loud? There's subtlety in there?!?!?) I actually really enjoyed having the Zen Stream in my office. It is a great option for those who want (or need) to keep their music separate from their phone or PC. Hooked up to a DAC that feeds both a headphone amp (or two) and a ceiling speaker set up, it is very easily controlled by anyone in the office (that is on the office network of course), allowing people to override the current music with music of their own. More good news. We have resolved the MQA first unfold issue with the beta firmware. We are in the final phase of certification with MQA right now. Expect all the MQA lights available, Magenta, Green and Blue.