Whatever it is you will be greatly needed, Zen master
1 Like
The iFi Neo Stream manual has already been published (unintentionally) but this is another device with a DSD 512 Dac and even a cover art display.
But it’s not a simple ZS signature with DSD 512… it will be much more expensive.
So a ZS signature replacing the current ZS and at the same price… yes !
3 Likes
Just hoping they send me a free one 
Never happened yet of course, but got to keep up on the technology
3 Likes
I think the ZenMaster certainly deserves one😎
3 Likes
I just read a review of a McIntosh Amp which has both USB and S/PDIF. It said USB has a higher conversion rate. That being said, in Roon ready mode I am now using mostly SPDIF and I “think” it sounds better. If anyone comes up with a definitive conclusion for USB vs SPDIF, let me know!
2 Likes
We have both and both can be used so we are all good 
.
In theory the USB should be better, and It might be system specific but we have heard from enough people that have sworn that the SPDIF sounds better.
In mine it’s about equal and I mostly use USB but it’s a midfi listening setup so maybe I need a more expensive office rig 
1 Like
Yeah; my salesman is trying to sell me a McIntosh Amp that he says will definitely improve the sound. I just don’t have that much $$ to spend. Especially since my listening time is scant.
1 Like
I’ve never found McIntosh amps to be highly resolving .
were they just highly expensive
3 Likes
There’s a reason they’re called sales-men instead of advice-men.
4 Likes
Has someone compared the ZS to the U2 mini ?
Not sure that I can remember, though hardly price comparable.
If the Zen is 85% of the U2 Mini then that would be great for the Zen
Sure - it’s more a matter of how close is the ZS.
And talking about sincere gratitude I want to use my first post here to thank you for sharing all your hard gained knowledge about the Zen Stream, you helped me figure out all the issues I was having setting it up in roon ready mode, there’s no information this good anywhere. Have to say I was not expecting the improvement in SQ over going straight from NUC to DAC via USB to be so massive.
4 Likes
Is there actually a “summary” or “how-to-setup guide” for someone starting with the ZEN stream?
I have never seen one (and it would be nice for one to exist)
It is mostly plug and play and then there are the many little things which take 80% of work involved.
Many of the requests here are recurring and down to the setup not being simple enough or not working well enough, especially in the early days.
1 Like
There’s a thread on HeadFi https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ifi-zen-stream-setup-tips-tricks.961425/ that provides a pretty good overview on how to set up the iFi Stream.
2 Likes
Thanks Nice to have that linked from here 
1 Like
Any recommendations where to put it: is it necessary to put it on a horizontal position? Any suggestions what to avoid like placing directly next to a WiFi router or not on top of any other device?
Markus as long as it fits it should not be a problem.
Horizontal is good and stacked with the other iFi gear also looks good but improves nothing.
If you are using Ethernet it doesn’t matter if it is next to the WiFi router at all.
Other than that experiment and see what you prefer
1 Like