I just haven’t had the need for headphone listening in the study for quite a while.
I really need to go and sit in the reading chair and listen to one of my under utilised pairs of headphones, which in reality is all of them 
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Hi, just to let you know that iFi released a new firmware update today. It went smoothly for me. After the update, it will restart and go back to the default SPDIF output. You need to switch back to USB if that’s what you’re using
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This evening, I turned on my zen for the first time in 2 months and because I’d had 2 glasses of wine, I recklessly checked for system updates only to get giddy with excitement to discover that there was a new update !! (2.32.17 released April 9).
With sweaty palms, I clicked “update” and after 10 mins I was shocked to discover that the update had completed successfully and that the Zen was still fully operational !
I’ve also not had any dropouts in the last hour…
How far we have come…
Damn fine device the Zen (for those for whom it works).
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I have three Zen Streams. I don’t know why updating is a nightmare as it seems for others. I can’t access it in a browser using the IP address Roon says it is under (I have a WiFi extender connected to Roon to act as it’s WiFi and it is connected via Ethernet for two. The third is connected directly to Ethernet.)
Why can I never find them via browser? Strange. Is it because of that dastardly knob on the back that is 1, 2, 3 or 4?.. Can’t remember what it is called but that always seems to be the reason for my frustration.
The back knob has to be in mode 1. Then you update the system via the App. It’s never been a problem for me and the latest one went smoothly.
I have mostly smooth performance with the zen stream running usb out to Mark Levinson 585 amp. But the skips that occur every 30- 45 minutes or so are still driving me crazy and I’m ready to try another streamer. It’s down to just a little blip but so annoying. I have a 12 volt SBooster and I think this is why when I A/B compare the zen stream to a bluesound node2i running coax out to the amp, the ZS sounds better. The node runs like a champ, though. What a reliable machine!!
I looked up streamers compatible with 12 V SBooster and didn’t find much that’s affordable. Looks like the sMS-200 / NEO might be best option but it’s like $500 used.
Anyone have other suggestions for a cheap used product that will get to the ZS level of sound quality? Do people like the sms-200?
I’d like to keeping using the SBooster. The zs booster combo sounds really good in my system and I wish I didn’t have to replace it. None of the ZS fixes have worked for me. I just upgraded the firmware and at least it didn’t get worse.
I’m sort of a tech nimrod and not real interested in a raspberry pi project. Plus I’m kind of rough on those tiny little boxes and figure I’d just break it. Do they come in sturdy boxes?
Thanks!!
Hi mate, are you on the latest firmware? Since 2.32.17 FW version, I have zero issues with Zen Stream. I’m using ethernet connection and also manually disabled wifi in settings (there was some wifi automatic enabling issue in previous FW version, causing some instability issues and drop outs for me)…As an alternative (upgrade), I’m considering Gustard X26 iii, DAC with renderer supporting DLNA (so you can use Bubbleupnp for streaming services), Spotify connect and I think it’s also Roon ready..
i abandoned the ZS. Got a SOTM. Seems to be about the same sound quality with zero drops or skips.
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I’ve also been using the ZS without issues,
At least with Roon. There seems to be a major update on the pipeline, with Qobuz Connect on the list. Fingers crossed
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Oh that would be a shock if they did that, but a good one 
I noticed that Matrix Audio pushed out their updates to the Mini-i 4 today with Qobuz Connect features, so it does seem to be expanding it’s availability
That’s what they promised. It seems that Spotify lossless is on the list too. In fact, there’s talk about a major system upgrade. Let’s see how it goes.
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That would be amazing news as long as the Stream can keep up with things given it’s old kernel etc. At least it gives you the ability to go into the special modes and turn off the services that you do not use.
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Hi Michael, this is just to let you know that I’ve managed to update the Zen Stream to version 3 of the firmware, which includes Qobuz Connect (it works in Mode 1 and 4). You need to open up a ticket on their website and ask for the update. Once you update the firmware, you also have access to the new App NEXIS, which replaces the old one. So far, it seems to work just fine. Cheers
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Thanks Vitor for that information.
My Stream unit isn’t plugged in at the moment as I moved the power supply to my new Audalytic DR70 Dac/streamer (which while more limited than the Stream is great).
I need to go an find the original power supply to put it in and try that