iFi Zen Stream: Setup, Tips, Tricks...
Mar 27, 2022 at 9:43 AM Post #121 of 1,606
@nekky I just remembered something!

When I had a bad power supply way back in the middle of last year I had the same light behavior.

If it happens again hold the power button for a couple seconds see if the unit comes to life!!

At first I thought you were supposed to hold it for like 2-3 seconds to power on 😂😂

Cheers!!
 
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Mar 27, 2022 at 9:57 AM Post #122 of 1,606
Ah I’m sure I should’ve been more thorough in writing. I know what the buttons do re: lights + hotspot, and an iFi iPower Elite 12v is feeding it.

In some surprising news, I’ve actually gotten it working as of late last night, with another (after at least four or five already) hard reset in AIO mode (switch position 1). I then changed some settings, saved and restarted no problem. Then during the software update to 2.30.7, it froze at 50% on the web gui. I let it sit a good while, and reluctantly reset the page and the unit. It booted back up and seems to actually work now, and indicates that the update was applied successfully…. This is so strange. I did some listening last night via Susvara and all of the wonderful music was there again - it is so much better than USB from my gaming pc.

When I have some more time later today, I will power down the unit and flip the switch to Roon exclusive: that is what seemed to render the unit useless the last few times. I should note that I’m in AIO mode but did successfully turn off every other method of functioning other than Roon in the web interface, so it is effectively the same, as I have read before. Nevertheless I will of course want all of the functions to work, so we’ll see!

The unfortunate thing is that this all started seemingly at random a few days ago, and I hadn’t done anything different than the last few months. For example, the first time I updated to 2.30.7, it went perfectly and I was impressed how smoothly it applied the update.
I had intermittent problems until I reset back to firmware release that shipped with the ZS and stopped upgrading to 2.30.7. I also leave the switch in the back set to AIO, even though I use Tidal exclusively.
 
Mar 27, 2022 at 2:47 PM Post #123 of 1,606
I would also open a ticket with @iFi audio just in case...

Yes, that would be my advice as well. @nekky if your ZEN Stream works it clearly isn't bricked, but in the event of any issues such as the one discussed here please don't hesitate and let us know as per @Mr BubbaHyde's suggestion, thanks!
 
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Mar 29, 2022 at 6:34 PM Post #124 of 1,606
I couldn't find anything in this thread about it, but I can't adjust volume using Tidal Connect on my LG V60 or Fire Tablet. I have the Hardware mixer type selected in the iFi Streamer Volume Option settings. Is this normal behavior? I swear I was able to adjust it before. I've tried a few different firmwares, currently on beta 2.31.3. The signal out of the Zen Stream USB to Bifrost to Rotel integrated amp is too high and I can't make fine adjustments at the amp. Thanks.
 
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Apr 8, 2022 at 4:28 AM Post #125 of 1,606
Folks, if you haven't seen it yet, please check out episode one of recurring updates from our dev team on all things Zen Stream:

https://ifi-audio.com/development-team-update-episode-one/

If you like this format and/or there is anything we missed and you'd like us to discuss as well, please do let us know here, thanks!
 
iFi audio Stay updated on iFi audio at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
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Apr 8, 2022 at 3:08 PM Post #126 of 1,606
I couldn't find anything in this thread about it, but I can't adjust volume using Tidal Connect on my LG V60 or Fire Tablet. I have the Hardware mixer type selected in the iFi Streamer Volume Option settings. Is this normal behavior? I swear I was able to adjust it before. I've tried a few different firmwares, currently on beta 2.31.3. The signal out of the Zen Stream USB to Bifrost to Rotel integrated amp is too high and I can't make fine adjustments at the amp. Thanks.
I did not select hardware mixer volume on ZS, and on Tidal Connect I am able to adjust the volume on the iOS and Windows Tidal App. I have the Loundness set to off on Tidal "Settings", and when I select the icon that determines where I want Tidal to stream to (in my case, iPhone or Zen Stream) there is a volume slider. I used the Windows version of Tidal Connect to change the Settings, and I am not sure how to get to the Settings on the iPhone App.
 
Apr 18, 2022 at 1:40 AM Post #127 of 1,606
Hi Guies,

I am looking for step by step instructions to update the firmware of my Zen Stream.

When I connect to the Zen Stream @ 192.168.211.1 and and click on check updates nothing happens (normal since the computer is no longer connected to the Internet ? if so how is this supposed to work ?)

Has anyone documented this ?
The iFi website FAQ is useless.

Thx

EDIT: Scratch this, the iPhone app worked like a charm.
 
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Apr 26, 2022 at 10:32 AM Post #129 of 1,606
Firmware 2.31.7 "Roon Ready" Help video!!

Made a short video on How to setup your ZS in Roon now that Roon Ready firmware is officially in play!! Hope this helps out those that have lost their USB ability after upgrading firmware. Or those that just need a point in the right direction!



Cheers!!
 
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Apr 26, 2022 at 5:32 PM Post #130 of 1,606
Firmware 2.31.7 "Roon Ready" Help video!!

Made a short video on How to setup your ZS in Roon now that Roon Ready firmware is officially in play!! Hope this helps out those that have lost their USB ability after upgrading firmware. Or those that just need a point in the right direction!



Cheers!!


Brilliant, thank you!!!
 
iFi audio Stay updated on iFi audio at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
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Apr 28, 2022 at 10:46 AM Post #131 of 1,606
As you guys now know, our ZEN Stream is officially Roon Ready!

iFi has teamed up with our partner, Roon Labs, to offer 2,000 lucky applicants a free 60-day trial of their service which delivers hi-res, bit-perfect audio streaming. This is open to all ZEN Stream users. All you need is your serial number.

Fill in the form below to receive your unique registration code and details of how to use it.


https://ifi-audio.com/roon-get-a-free-60-day-trial/
 
iFi audio Stay updated on iFi audio at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
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Apr 30, 2022 at 7:34 PM Post #132 of 1,606
Folks, if you haven't seen it yet, please check out episode one of recurring updates from our dev team on all things Zen Stream:

https://ifi-audio.com/development-team-update-episode-one/

If you like this format and/or there is anything we missed and you'd like us to discuss as well, please do let us know here, thanks!

This is good. I think that they should jump onto the forms too and reply directly to people with this kind of information.
 
May 4, 2022 at 10:34 AM Post #133 of 1,606
This is good. I think that they should jump onto the forms too and reply directly to people with this kind of information.

Thanks Amos! Just to clarify, by mentioning 'them' do you mean our dev team by any chance :) ?
 
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May 4, 2022 at 6:41 PM Post #134 of 1,606
Hi all,

Thought I'd post here in case any case anyone has any ideas, and also logged a ticket with ifi last night. I bought a Zen Stream from a Stereo net forum member here in Australia a month or so back, but have the invoice/proof of purchase so hopefully ifi can still offer support.

For the first day all seemed to go well, but then Tidal Connect started dropping out.

The Zen Stream sounds sublime, but unfortunately, I haven't been able to get it to work with Tidal Connect for any longer than around 3hrs, sometimes cuts out after the first song or two. I only use Tidal so this is a deal breaker if i can't get it resolved.

It randomly just drops from the Tidal app, and I need to re-add it to stream using tidal connect again.

When it cuts out, the left LED is always white and shows its connected so then when i re-setup the stream in the Tidal app, it starts working again.
I have followed the helpful guide at the beginning of this thread, and other troubleshooting (list below).

- hard reset with pin in back, then fw update
-normally use LAN (preferred), but tried with wifi and also made sure hotspot was off as that can cause issues.
-cant use my phone as a hotspot as i cant see the stream in Tidal to stream to it via TC
-factory reset after fw update
-set MQA passthru to on, and auto
-fw update to 2.30.7 (inc to latest beta which was unstable, kept going into red blinking mode so reverted back to 2.30.7)
– setting DNS to google DNS (8.8.8.8 & 8.8.4.4) on my router and on the stream
– tried with the included plug and my linear power supply (same issues)
-followed the steps in Head Fi thread below, no luck.
-tried leaving it at the stock fw and same issue.
- tried AIO mode as well as Tidal mode (which sounds a bit better that AIO IMO)

I have the stream running into a Gustard X26 Pro DAC via USB out.

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ifi-zen-stream-setup-tips-tricks.961425/

For whatever reason my Zen Stream cannot stay connected when using Tidal Connect (tried in both Tidal exc mode and AIO).

I also have a HTPC with a Matrix Audio Element H USB card and that works perfectly when i play MQA using Tidal app in Win 10.

Serial# if 5309002xxx so I wonder if its an earlier batch issue, but hopefully there's something else i can do to get it to work, as I love the way this thing sounds.

Anyways, if anyone else has any suggestions, happy to try them out. :)
 
May 4, 2022 at 6:50 PM Post #135 of 1,606
Hi all,

Thought I'd post here in case any case anyone has any ideas, and also logged a ticket with ifi last night. I bought a Zen Stream from a Stereo net forum member here in Australia a month or so back, but have the invoice/proof of purchase so hopefully ifi can still offer support.

For the first day all seemed to go well, but then Tidal Connect started dropping out.

The Zen Stream sounds sublime, but unfortunately, I haven't been able to get it to work with Tidal Connect for any longer than around 3hrs, sometimes cuts out after the first song or two. I only use Tidal so this is a deal breaker if i can't get it resolved.

It randomly just drops from the Tidal app, and I need to re-add it to stream using tidal connect again.

When it cuts out, the left LED is always white and shows its connected so then when i re-setup the stream in the Tidal app, it starts working again.
I have followed the helpful guide at the beginning of this thread, and other troubleshooting (list below).

- hard reset with pin in back, then fw update
-normally use LAN (preferred), but tried with wifi and also made sure hotspot was off as that can cause issues.
-cant use my phone as a hotspot as i cant see the stream in Tidal to stream to it via TC
-factory reset after fw update
-set MQA passthru to on, and auto
-fw update to 2.30.7 (inc to latest beta which was unstable, kept going into red blinking mode so reverted back to 2.30.7)
– setting DNS to google DNS (8.8.8.8 & 8.8.4.4) on my router and on the stream
– tried with the included plug and my linear power supply (same issues)
-followed the steps in Head Fi thread below, no luck.
-tried leaving it at the stock fw and same issue.
- tried AIO mode as well as Tidal mode (which sounds a bit better that AIO IMO)

I have the stream running into a Gustard X26 Pro DAC via USB out.

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ifi-zen-stream-setup-tips-tricks.961425/

For whatever reason my Zen Stream cannot stay connected when using Tidal Connect (tried in both Tidal exc mode and AIO).

I also have a HTPC with a Matrix Audio Element H USB card and that works perfectly when i play MQA using Tidal app in Win 10.

Serial# if 5309002xxx so I wonder if its an earlier batch issue, but hopefully there's something else i can do to get it to work, as I love the way this thing sounds.

Anyways, if anyone else has any suggestions, happy to try them out. :)
As far as the dropouts go be sure that your Tidal app is updated to latest version it helps.

Tidal had always been a bugger but it does work flawlessly for many , but there have been issues.

So do your hard reset as per the first post, even if you did try it again don't worry about wifi hotspots anything until it's working fully wired first, I know...PIA but worth it.

Also off you want try the ZS with coax to your Gustard see if itt responds inn the same way.

Also make sure your firmware is up to date as possible, I did have a Gustard and never had issues, but my reset procedure has helped greatly in the Tidal area,

Also off you are using a 9v power supply, not sure what you got with it, please try another 9-15v power supply if you have one. It may solve the issues.

Hope this helps!

Cheers!!
 
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