The Zen Stream Team

[@bhalejos]

Agree completely. Just bought the Stream to match my DAC v2 but, other than it’s good sound quality, it’s too much trouble to justify it’s price. It’s incredible a device costing less than 1/4 the price of the Stream (such as the Wiim Mini) can be SO much better! With the Stream, unless you also want to pay for Roon or Signalyst, it serves a very limited use case. I think if it weren’t because the shortage in Raspberry Pis stock, the iFi Stream wouldn’t be half as popular.

[@andrehb]

Holy moly this video is a like a glass of lemonade after a 50 mile walk in the Sahara. I've watched a handful of videos about the Zen, and most seem to underplay the fact that the Zen is fundamentally (only) a transport device: you must pair it with a separate DAC. Can't help but feel this product will be obsolete in 5 years . . . it seems to me that companies like Denon, Cambridge Audio etc will simply integrate streaming with better DACs into one-box solutions with user-friendly set-ups and nicely designed apps. Not trying to diss Ifi, most of their products seem thoughtfully designed. But I think they should have offered a DAC-included streamer with a solid, user-friendly app/set-up. Anyway, good video, subscribed.

[@gabrield8902]

If Zen Streams needs a DAC, what is the Spdif/coaxial function? What is used for?

[@MrAyrit]

I believe it was coax out that you could run into a DAC.

[@jayem1826]

Thanks for showing how to connect to a phone and your connections to the DAC. In any gear video I always want to see the back so I can know how it connects. I'm going back and forth whether to get a second hand Mac or a streamer. My correct MAC is just too old. Yes, I can stream from the iPhone using an apple adapter (it keeps the iPhone powered up if I choose to do so) of my Android with type C, but can't keep it powered. Maybe I need some type of adapter? Using 2 DACs into my main system. Don't use my Sundara's as I'm too disappointed in their sound. Thanks again

[@MrAyrit]

There's some pretty decent prices on streamers these days. I see the CAM touting the WIIM. I've been using a Raspberry Pi streamer that I put together. I also came across the Hiby R3 Pro Saber the other day that seems like it might be a nice option.

[@jayem1826]

@@MrAyrit Sorry for the typos... Current Mac, or my Android. Thought about the Wiim, but it's OPTICAL out only. No COAX. The iPhone connected to the e30 DAC shows 44.1 and 88.2 for Masters on Tidal. On the Android it shows 254 dsd when it gets plugged in then shows 192hz on all music or even podcast. Who knows. Thanks for getting back to me.

[@robertlucskai]

First View and like!

[@maorsahar815]

yes it is a weird review, ! and a bit useless and not helpful at all to people how are looking at buying a streamer , u can do better even with your use case of the zen

[@MrAyrit]

Sorry! I do have a review of the Zen DAC compared to the HIp DAC and the with the Zen CAN if you want to check those out.