iFi
Zen Stream
$399.00 USDFeatures
USB and S/PDIF interfaces regulated by femto-precision GMT clock to eradicate jitter
Active Noise Cancellation II and iPurifier technologies for USB and S/PDIF interfaces respectively
Intelligent Ethernet switch controller
High-PSRR, low idle current, low-dropout voltage regulators with soft start
Synchronous 1.6MHz high-speed precision power supply controller
C0G capacitors and Taiyo Yuden and Murata low ESR inductors
What's in the Box?
Warranty
A part of iFi Audio's ZEN series, the ZEN Stream is a flexible and affordable Wi-Fi audio transport, equipped to unleash the full potential of every digital audio source you connect—from online streaming to local network storage. With an open-source architecture, the ZEN Stream works with multiple platforms, sending music from the internet to your DAC with no loss of quality. It's also the perfect endpoint streaming device for the iFi Audio ZEN DAC hi-res DAC & Headphone Amp and Zen CAN. The ZEN Stream supports a wide range of streaming services including Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, and Apple AirPlay, as well as DLNA compatibility for streaming from NAS devices. As a RoonReady device, the ZEN Stream is an excellent choice for those already using the Roon management software. The ZEN Stream's purpose-built hardware and software deliver excellent sound quality, and its price makes it an incredibly affordable solution for high-performance network audio streaming.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: We recommend pairing the iFi Audio ZEN Stream with the Black Dragon USB Cable with Type A to Type B connectors. Our Black Dragon Cable utilizes a single-crystal UP-OCC copper construction to provide the best possible digital transmission. We have optimized our USB cables for audio transmission of large high-resolution audio files so you can easily transfer files from your digital library to the ZEN Stream.
Built for Sonic Excellence
Outwardly, the iFi ZEN Stream is encased in the distinctive dark grey aluminum chassis that houses every device in the ZEN series. The silver-colored aluminum faceplate sports two multi-color LEDs to indicate internet connection and speed and show the incoming audio format and sample rate. There are two buttons: the power switch and a 'hotspot' button, used to join a Wi-Fi network. Given there is no display, all information about the music being streamed is displayed on the control app selected by the user.
On the back panel, alongside the Wi-Fi antenna input, resides an array of inputs and digital outputs: Coaxial S/PDIF output, USB 3.0 Type-A output, USB Type-A input, USB-C port, Ethernet, system selector, and Power DC port. The USB-A input gives users the option of playing music from HDD and solid-state storage devices, and a USB-C programming port can be used to upload software/firmware updates.
Hi-Res Audio Streaming Unleashed
The iFi ZEN Stream has been designed from the ground up for the sole purpose of high-quality audio streaming. Because it is a network audio transport and not a player, it outputs a digital signal rather than an analog one. It has top-notch hi-res audio credentials supporting PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD up to 11.2MHz (DSD256) over Wi-Fi and an Ethernet cable. Users can stream from popular online music streaming services like Tidal and Spotify with Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect integrations. Any DLNA-compatible streaming app can be used to control the ZEN Stream and access audio content from online sources and DLNA-certified network storage devices.
As a RoonReady device, the ZEN Stream is compatible with Roon Bridge software—perfect for Roon users. With the ZEN Stream, you can add Roon compatibility to any DAC on the planet. The ZEN Stream also has integrated Apple AirPlay and Google Chromecast for easy streaming from Apple iOS devices and Android devices. Lastly, the ZEN Stream can operate as an NAA (Network Audio Adapter) in conjunction with Sygnalist HQPlayer software. This means it can direct packets of audio data received over Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable straight to the connected DAC without applying any processing whatsoever.
‘Exclusive’ Modes for your ears only
The ZEN Stream has one of the most fully-optimized software platforms in the world. 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: Non-specific mode great for all platforms, audio formats, and devices
- DLNA Streaming: Optimizes performance when using the ZEN Stream with DLNA-compatible apps and devices
- NAA Streaming: When using the ZEN Stream as a Network Audio Adapter in conjunction with Signalyst HQPlayer software
- Roon Bridge Streaming: Use when integrating the ZEN Stream into a ROON environment
- Tidal Streaming: For exclusive Tidal Masters Tier use
Please note software updates may take 2-3 minutes. Please do not disconnect your device.
Tech savvy Circuitry
The iFi ZEN Stream's open-source architecture ensures the user isn't tied to a specific platform or app, offering a wealth of options and the ability to add more via programmable firmware. From the device drivers to the kernel (the heart of the Linux-based operating system), shell, applications, and user interface, everything is fully optimized for seamless operation and excellent sonic performance. The ZEN Stream's circuit design has been engineered to deliver superb sound with processing muscle supplied by a 64-bit, quad-core ARM Cortex microprocessor. This is accompanied by carefully chosen circuit components including TDK C0G multilayer ceramic capacitors and inductors from Taiyo Yuden and Murata. Regulators with high PSRR, low idle current and low dropout voltage are used together with a synchronous 1.5MHz high-speed power supply controller. The ZEN Stream doesn't incorporate a noisy fan, instead, iFi has designed low-profile heatsinks to prevent overheating while maintaining the unit's compact size.
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 USB and S/PDIF interfaces respectively
- Intelligent Ethernet switch controller
- High-PSRR, low idle current, low-dropout voltage regulators with soft start
- Synchronous 1.6MHz high-speed precision power supply controller
- C0G capacitors and Taiyo Yuden and Murata low ESR inductors
iFi Audio: Make Your Music Better
Manufacturer of the award-winning xDSD Gryphon Portable DAC, GO Bar, and iFi Audio GO Blu DAC/Amp, iFi creates hi-fi audio solutions for the passionate audiophile who never compromises sound quality. From streamers to USB DACs, Hip-DACs, adapters, headphone amplifiers, and more, iFi Audio produces home audio and portable audio gear at affordable prices, ranging from entry-level to mid-tiered music lovers and discerning audiophiles. Check out our entire collection of iFi Audio products and dedicated reviews for more.
Features
- Power 64-bit quad-core ARM Cortex microprocessor
- 32-bit/384kHz PCM, DSD256, and MQA supported over Wi-Fi network or Ethernet connection
- Stream straight from Spotify, Tidal apps with Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect
- Integrated AirPlay and Chromecast
- Roon, NAA, and DLNA compatible
- USB and S/PDIF interfaces regulated by femto-precision GMT clock to eradicate jitter
- Active Noise Cancellation and iPurifier technologies remove distortion from the audio signal
- Dual-band Wi-Fi reception with 802.1 1a/b/g/n/ac support
What's in the Box?
- ZEN Stream
- Power Adapter
- Antenna
- Ethernet Cable
- Plastic screwdriver
- Warranty
- User Manual
- Instruction Card
FAQ
Does the iFi ZEN Stream support Bluetooth?
No, the iFi ZEN Stream does not have Bluetooth functionality and cannot be used as a Bluetooth DAC. Users must use a Wi-Fi connection for hi-res audio streaming.
Can I use the ZEN Stream as a preamp?
No, the iFi ZEN Stream doesn't have a volume control and cannot be used as a preamplifier.
What connectivity options does the ZEN Stream offer?
The iFi ZEN Stream has an Ethernet port, dual-band Wi-Fi, USB Type-A, and USB Type-B ports.
Does the iFi ZEN Stream have headphone outputs?
No, the iFi ZEN Stream does not have headphone outputs for In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) and wired headphones.
| Input voltage | DC 9V/1.8A-15V/0.8A |
|---|---|
| AC 100 -240V, 50/60Hz | |
| Input | Wi-Fi / Ethernet / USB HDD |
| (Firmware updates via OTA and USB-C at rear) | |
| Formats | PCM384 |
| DSD256 | |
| (MQA passthrough) | |
| Output | USB3.0 (Type-A Socket) x2 |
| SPDIF (Coaxial) | |
| Power consumption | No Signal ~6W |
| Max Signal ~10W | |
| Dimensions | 158 x 100 x 35 mm |
| 6.2" x 3.9" x 1.4" | |
| Net weight | 578g (1.14 lbs) |