Product Description
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.
Just Add Remote Control
Beneath its classy exterior, the ZEN Stream is a technological streamer-de-force. It has one purpose – to send music from the internet to your DAC with no loss of quality. True hi-res performance of PCM384/DSD256 via Wi-Fi/LAN. Just add your smart device as a remote and away you go. Optimized open-source architecture works with multiple dedicated platforms, completely and perfectly future-proofed, as it is constantly updated.
Warp Speed Tech
The ZEN Stream is a true ground-up design by iFi audio. The hardware and software implementation is quite exceptional:
- 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
"Exclusive" Modes for Your Ears Only
The ZEN Stream has one of the most fully optimized software platforms in the world. From the device's drivers, to the kernel (the heart of the operating system), to the shell (which interfaces with the kernel), to the applications and the user interface – everything is fully optimized for seamless operation and excellent sonic performance.
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.
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.
Who's Who of Streaming
Hot off the press, the ZEN Stream has the following connectivity options:
- 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
Tech Savvy
Beneath the unassuming casework sits some serious horsepower in terms of both technologies and components:
- 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
Hi-Res Audio
This is a true hi-res device. It uniquely supports PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz over Wi-Fi as well as Ethernet, plus DSD up to 11.2 MHz (DSD256).
Dual-Band Wi-Fi 5 Connectivity
Use the "hotspot" button on the front to join a Wi-Fi network. Dual-band Wi-Fi reception supports 802.11a/b/g/n/ac for a fast, reliable wireless connection.
Arm Powered
The circuit design has been painstakingly engineered to deliver superb sound, with processing muscle supplied by a 64-bit, quad-core Arm Cortex microprocessor.
Noise Reduction & Signal Purifying
The USB ports – both input and output – support the SuperSpeed USB 3.1 Gen 1 standard and benefit from iFi audio's Active Noise Cancelling technology to remove distortion from the audio signal. Similarly, the coaxial S/PDIF output incorporates iFi audio's iPurifier signal purifying technology.
Reduced Jitter
Both of the digital outputs – the asynchronous USB and coaxial S/PDIF – that provide connectivity to an external DAC or an amp with digital inputs are regulated by iFi audio's femto-precision GMT (Global Master Timing) circuitry to eradicate jitter from the digital audio signal.
Intelligent Ethernet
The device uses a high-performance Ethernet switch with a low-power integrated 5-Port Giga-PHY.
High-PSRR
The ZEN Stream utilizes high-PSRR, low idle current, low-dropout voltage regulators with soft start. This means maximized efficiency and minimized system noise.
Synchronous 1.5 MHz High-Speed Power Supply Controller
A synchronous 1.5 MHz high-speed power supply controller further enhances noise reduction and minimizes distortion.
High-Grade Components
Carefully chosen circuit components, including discrete, high-grade, surface-mounted devices such as TDK C0G multilayer ceramic capacitors and inductors from Taiyo Yuden and Murata add to the quality build of this product.
Key Features
- Stream Wirelessly into Your DAC
- Wi-Fi, AirPlay & DLNA Connectivity
- High-Resolution Audio Playback
- Digital Coaxial & USB Outputs
Technical Specifications
- Hardware
- Processor: 64-Bit, Quad-Core Arm Cortex
- Sample Rate:
- PCM: Up to 384 kHz via Wi-Fi or Ethernet
- DSD: Up to 11.2 MHz (DSD256)
- Bit Depth: Up to 32 Bit
- Connectivity
- Wi-Fi: Dual-Band Wi-Fi 5 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
- AirPlay: Yes
- DLNA: Yes
- Outputs: 1 x Digital Coaxial RCA
- Other Connectors:
- 1 x USB Type-A 3.1 Gen 1 Input (from Storage)
- 1 x USB Type-A 3.1 Gen 1 Output (to DAC)
- 1 x Ethernet LAN
- 1 x Wi-Fi Antenna Terminal
- 1 x USB Type-C (Firmware Updates)
- Formats Supported:
- PCM384
- DSD256
- MQA (Passthrough)
- Power
- Power Requirements:
- 9 VDC, 1.8 A to 15 VDC, 0.8 A
- 100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
- 9 VDC, 1.8 A to 15 VDC, 0.8 A
- Power Consumption:
- Maximum: 10 W
- No Signal: 6 W
- Maximum: 10 W
- Power Requirements:
