Beneath its classy exterior, the ZEN Stream is a technological streamer-de-force. It has one purpose – to send music simply from the Internet to your DAC with no loss of quality.
True hi-res performance of PCM384/DSD256 via WiFi/LAN. Just add your smart device as a remote and away you go.
Optimised open-source architecture – works with multiple dedicated platforms, completely and perfectly future-proofed as it is constantly updated.
Ease of use + audiophile implementation. Follow our simple set-up guides on YouTube. It is the bee’s knees of Streamers.
Warp speed tech
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
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
ROON Ready
Tidal streaming
NAA streaming
DLNA streaming
Please note software updates may take 2-3 minutes. Please do not disconnect your device.
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
Integrated Airplay 1 – easy streaming from Apple and Android devices
Now ROON Ready
NAA 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 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
Set-up your Wi-Fi connection using the our Stream-iFi app.
Scan the QR code to download the app today. The QR code will take you straight to our Stream-iFi app in the correct store for your phone or tablet.
Roon Ready network devices have Roon’s streaming technology built-in and are certified by Roon Labs to provide the highest level of quality and performance in network streaming.
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.
MQA (Master Quality Authenticated)
MQA is an award-winning British technology that delivers the sound of the original master recording. The master MQA file is fully authenticated and is small enough to stream or download. The ZEN Stream adopts MQA technology to receive and decode MQA audio and provide master-level sound.
Our ‘exclusive modes’ give you individual settings dedicated to specific modes of operation to deliver the purest possible performance.
All-in-one
This non-specific mode is great for all platforms, audio formats and devices.
DLNA streaming
Select this mode to optimise 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 Ready
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.
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.
The USB ports – both input and output – support the SuperSpeed USB3.0 standard and benefit from iFi’s Active Noise Cancelling technology to remove distortion from the audio signal.
Similarly, the coaxial S/PDIF output incorporates iFi’s iPurifier signal purifying technology.
Both of the two digital outputs – asynchronous USB and coaxial S/PDIF – that provide connectivity to an external DAC or an amp with digital inputs are regulated by iFi’s femto-precision GMT (Global Master Timing) circuitry to eradicate jitter from the digital audio signal.
The circuit design has been painstakingly engineered to deliver superb sound, with processing muscle supplied by a 64-bit, quad-core ARM Cortex microprocessor.
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.
Add to this, a synchronous 1.5MHz high-speed power supply controller for even great noise reduction and even less distortion.
Intelligent Ethernet. The device uses a high-performance Ethernet switch with a low-power integrated 5-Port Giga-PHY.
We’ve utilised high-PSRR, low idle current, low-dropout voltage regulators with soft start. This means maximised efficiency and minimised system noise.
Specifications
Supported File Formats:
Virtually all file formats
Sampling Rate & Bit Depth:
32-bit/384kHz PCM | DSD256
Streaming Services:
Spotify Connect / Tidal Connect
Radio:
Internet Radio
Airplay:
Yes
Bluetooth:
N/A
UPnP/DLNA:
Yes
Roon:
Roon Ready
Network:
RJ45, 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi
Inputs:
1 x USB Type A (HDD), DC 9V/1.8A-15V/0.8A
Outputs:
1 x USB Type A, 1x S/PDIF (Coaxial)
Dimensions (HxWxD):
35 x 158 x 100 mm
Weight:
578g
Warranty:
24 Months
Package Contents:
1 x ZEN Stream, 1 x Ethernet Cable, 1 x Plastic screwdriver, 1 x Instruction card, 1 x Power Adapter, 1 x Antenna, 1 x User Manual