iFi Audio Zen Stream, Wi-Fi Audio Transport Streamer: Roon Ready Streaming for Tidal, Spotify Audio Streamer
ZEN Stream is a true ground-up design by iFi — the hardware and software implementation is quite exceptional:
Two SuperSpeed USB3.0 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 optimised by us to achieve the purest streaming software bar none
These are some of the factors behind why the ZEN Stream is at the cutting-edge handling PCM384/DSD256 on LAN and WiFi (802.11n, with 100Mbps on 5Ghz).
‘Exclusive’ for your ears only.
The ZEN Stream has one of the most fully-optimised 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 optimised 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 minimise ‘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) covers all modes
DLNA streaming
NAA streaming
Roon Bridge streaming*
Tidal streaming
*Roon Ready coming soon
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 (our own app is imminent!)
Integrated Airplay and Chromecast* – easy streaming from Ap*le and Android devices
Roon compatible – basically, it adds Roon to any DAC.
NAA operation in conjunction with Sygnalist’s HQPlayer software
*Chromecast to come in a future update.
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 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
This is a true hi-res device. It uniquely supports PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz over Wi-Fi as well as Ethernet cable, plus DSD up to 11.2MHz (DSD256). Highly unusual in a Wi-Fi streamer.
Our ‘exclusive modes’ give you individual settings dedicated to specific modes of operation to deliver the purest possible performance.