Items Included
- iFi audio ZEN Stream Network Audio Streamer
- Ethernet Cable
- Antenna
- Plastic Screwdriver
- Power Adapter
- Limited 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty
- Stream Wirelessly into Your DAC
- Wi-Fi, AirPlay & DLNA Connectivity
- High-Resolution Audio Playback
- Digital Coaxial & USB Outputs
Add wireless streaming capability to your music system via your DAC with the iFi audio ZEN Stream Network Audio Streamer. It has digital coaxial and USB outputs, and connects to your network via Wi-Fi to allow you to stream music, podcasts, and more. Integrated AirPlay and DLNA connectivity expand on its wireless compatibility. A variety of music services, including Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, and more are built-in for simple access.
- Two SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ports with Active Noise Cancellation II
- S/PDIF out with the iPurifier built-in
- Power supply with Silent Power tech
- iFi software developed with Volumio open-source as the starting point, then coded and optimized by iFi audio to achieve the purest streaming software, bar none
An ingenious part of the ZEN Stream’s design is the ability to select between “Exclusive” modes – individual settings dedicated to specific modes of operation to deliver the purest possible performance. All other programs are shut down to minimize “software jitter,” an often overlooked aspect that negatively impacts the quality of computer audio playback. This ensures that the ZEN Stream is not merely a “jack of all trades,” but a master of all, too.
- All-in-one (AIO): This non-specific mode is great for all platforms, audio formats and devices.
- DLNA streaming: Select this mode to optimize 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 (Roon Ready certification is planned to be implemented via a future firmware update): Select this mode when integrating the ZEN Stream into a Roon environment.
- TIDAL streaming: If you are a subscriber to TIDAL’s Masters Tier, this is the mode for you.
- Stream straight from Spotify/TIDAL apps with Spotify Connect and TIDAL Connect
- Works with any DLNA-certified streaming app (iFi audio’s own app is in the works)
- Integrated AirPlay and Chromecast (via a planned firmware update) for easy streaming from Apple and Android devices
- Roon compatible adds Roon connectivity to any DAC (planned via firmware update)
- NAA (network audio adapter) operation in conjunction with Sygnalist’s HQPlayer software
- Powerful 64-bit quad-core ARM Cortex microprocessor
- USB and S/PDIF interfaces regulated by femto-precision GMT clock to eradicate jitter
- Active Noise Cancellation II and iPurifier technologies for the USB and S/PDIF interfaces respectively
- Intelligent Ethernet switch controller
- High-PSRR (power supply rejection ratio), low idle current, low-dropout voltage regulators with soft start
- Synchronous 1.6 MHz high-speed precision power supply controller
- C0G capacitors and Taiyo Yuden and Murata low ESR (equivalent series resistance) inductors
Camilo –
I used to stream via Bluetooth connection from my iPhone to my Integrated Amp using Spotify. Every time I have a message notification, I would hear it play as well on my speakers. Annoying. Using the iFi streamer and Spotify connect, better resolution, clarity, detail. Just more enjoyable listening overall. Easy to setup. Has it quirks which you will find out, but not a deal breaker.
Camilo –
Russell –
I needed to add a separate streaming Roon end point for headphone use via a DAC. I looked at what was available to stream with a noise free and good time output to a DAC. iFi ticked all the boxes at a very low price point when compared to other options.
The Zen has SPDIF and USB for the digital DAC outputs. I used the USB. Both Outputs have tech to insure that noise/timing issues has been limited to a minimum which is very important ( Rubbish in means rubbish out). Ethernet used since this ensures no dropouts or throughput issues.
You will have to set the system mode selector (Roon for me) so again one should know what you are using or plan to.
It was straight forward to set up by going to ifi websight (internet search if in doubt). Performance wise this sends a very good digital stream to my DAC. No issues with timing or noise. The imaging and musical enjoyment match my Roon driven /SSD NAS / Meridian MS600 endpoint. So full thumbs up for very little money.
Russell –
Jose –
If you’re looking for a not breaking your bank -Hi-Res streaming device that can do all in one, THIS IS THE ONE.
Jose –
Jay –
Good: Great sound playing DSD 256 as a Roon endpoint! This streamer is more resolving, has a darker background, is more dynamic, and has more instrument separation than my blue sound Node (N130). And it provides all this in a small attractive package. Watched a few YouTube videos on this IFI streamer before it arrived, and with a hardwire ethernet connection, set up was easy and quick. The Zen Stream does sound better if you utilize the System Mode Selector to use a dedicated play mode, e.g., Roon, DNLA, or TIDAL, rather leaving it in the Play All mode. Think free incremental sound upgrade for the cost of turning a screwdriver a sixteenth of a turn! One more thing, the front LEDs are nice for set up, but bright and distracting during nighttime listening sessions. So, after set up, push the right button on the front quickly to turn off the LEDs.
Bad: Forget using a wireless connection for this streamer. If you want solid, consistent streaming performance with no dropouts or jitter, you must have a hardwire ethernet connection. Don’t know if I could have completed set up with a wireless connection and my streamer location has great Wi-Fi signal.
Jay –
Scott –
As soon as you open the box this product is impressive for its build quality, simplicity, and ease of set up. Just download the app and complete a few easy steps and you’re streaming.
Scott –