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iFi Audio ZEN Stream Wi-Fi Audio Transport
£399.00 £332.50
SKU
P003255
Free UK Delivery
12 Months
New
24 hours
The ZEN Stream by iFi Audio is the latest addition to their ZEN series, this time focusing on streaming. Designed to be used in conjunction with a DAC, the ZEN Stream allows any WiFi-connected device to act as a remote control- meaning that you can stream high-resolution music from your PC/laptop, mobile phone, or Smart TV. You can stream directly from apps like Spotify or Deezer, or use service-specific modes (like the one for streaming Tidal Masters)- whatever your streaming needs, the ZEN Stream has you covered!
iFi Audio ZEN Stream
The ZEN Stream by iFi Audio is the latest addition to their ZEN series, this time focusing on streaming. Designed to be used in conjunction with a DAC, the ZEN Stream allows any WiFi-connected device to act as a remote control- meaning that you can stream high-resolution music from your PC/laptop, mobile phone, or Smart TV. You can stream directly from apps like Spotify or Deezer, or use service-specific modes (like the one for streaming Tidal Masters)- whatever your streaming needs, the ZEN Stream has you covered!
What iFi say
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 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. 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
- 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 Ready
- Tidal streaming
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 Apple 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
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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. |
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Our ‘exclusive modes’ give you individual settings dedicated to specific modes of operation to deliver the purest possible performance. All-in-one DLNA streaming NAA streaming Roon Bridge streaming Tidal streaming |
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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. |
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The circuit design has been painstakingly engineered to deliver superb sound, with processing muscle supplied by a 64-bit, quad-core ARM Cortex microprocessor. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Intelligent Ethernet. The device uses a high-performance Ethernet switch with a low-power integrated 5-Port Giga-PHY.
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We’ve utilised high-PSRR, low idle current, low-dropout voltage regulators with soft start. This means maximised efficiency and minimised system noise.
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Add to this, a synchronous 1.5MHz high-speed power supply controller for even great noise reduction and even less distortion.
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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.
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Specification
- 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-fully compatible*)
- 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)
*Full MQA compatibility available via third party software, such as Roon & Audirvana.
About iFi Audio 
iFi is a brand new line of electronics with trickle-down technology licensed from AMR and aimed primarily at the future, Computer Audio generation. All iFi products boast Class A analogue circuitry with no DSP and the signal stays ‘Bit Perfect’ throughout.
How a product looks and performs matters, but so does its impact on the environment. That’s why nearly every iFi product and its packaging are made from highly recyclable materials like aluminum, paper, recycled plastic and why we refuse to use harmful toxins in our components. iFi Audio do this to ensure that every product they release meets their environmental standards.
Specification
- 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-fully compatible)
- 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)
UK Delivery
1. We use Royal Mail 1st Class Services as a Standard Postage Option
Orders received before 4.30pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays) are usually dispatched the same day by FIRST CLASS post (unless premium postal or timed courier services are selected), subject to stock availability. Over 98% of our orders are usually delivered the next working day including Saturdays.
Standard delivery is usually within 2-3 working days, although 98% of all orders are delivered the next working day including Saturdays . In extreme cases, such as delivery to the Highlands and Islands, this may take 3 days.
All items are fully insured and come with an invoice from Futureshop.co.uk. We use the Royal Mail for delivery of small packages and DPD or Interlink Express for items that weigh over 2KG. Items over 2KG are fully insured and will usually be delivered within 48 hours of placing your order Monday to Friday subject to stock availability. For International orders, we use FedEx Services where customers have selected this option.
Please note, special orders for non-standard cable lengths or custom-made cables may be subject to longer delivery time-scales. This may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
We offer 'Free UK delivery on orders over £99' subject to the following terms & conditions:
- Applies only to orders with £99 or more of items (including VAT at the UK rate), at FutureShop.co.uk
- Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK (excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by UK Mail).
- Applies only to deliveries to addresses within mainland UK and Northern Ireland addresses. Applies only to orders that are to be delivered to a single Mainland UK delivery address.
- You will not be eligible for free delivery on your order if any items are cancelled or returned for a refund, bringing the total order amount below £99. Where items are returned, the refund due will be the cost of the item less any postage costs.
- We reserve the right to change or discontinue 'Free delivery on orders over £99 promotion at any time.
- FREE DELIVERY FOR ORDERS OVER £99 OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO TRADE CUSTOMERS.
Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD or Interlink Express next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK.
Free Delivery for orders over £99 excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by DPD or Interlink Express.
2. Special Delivery UK - Guaranteed Next Working Day
We have 99.9% of the UK covered With Royal Mail Next Day Special Delivery. We guarantee delivery to most UK addresses by 1pm the next working day. This includes Northern Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey. Some places take longer to deliver to but we still guarantee delivery within three working days by 5.30 PM.
For the Next Day Special Delivery service, orders must be received by futureshop.co.uk by 4.30pm weekdays. Orders after the 4.30pm deadline cannot be guaranteed for same day dispatch.
Please note, Royal Mail Special Delivery for next working day may not be possible where non-standard cable lengths are ordered. If this is the case, the item will be shipped via The Royal Mail Special Delivery service as soon as the cable is custom made.
For orders weighing over 2KG, we reserve the right to ship items using Next Day Pre-Noon Courier Services where Royal Mail Special Delivery option has been selected.
3. Channel Islands & Northern Ireland
We accept orders from all Channel Islands including Alderney, Jersey, Guernsey and Sark. Unless you select a premium service, Items weighing under 2KG are delivered using our standard UK delivery option above. For items weighing over 2KG, a surcharge may be applied for all deliveries to the Channel Islands as well as Northern Ireland.
European Countries
Deliveries to EU member states are subject to 20% VAT. We offer the following shipping services:
- Royal Mail First Class International Untracked Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 10 working days.
- Royal Mail First Class International Tracked Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 3 to 7 working days.
- DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
- Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
- Federal Express International Economy - Item are usually delivered within 48 to 72 hours
Worldwide - Excluding UK & Europe
Deliveries outside of the EU are not subject to 20% VAT and so the 20% tax on items is automatically deducted when you login or register.
We offer the following shipping services:
- Royal Mail First Class International Untracked Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 15 working days.
- Royal Mail First Class International Tracked Airmail - Items are usually delivered within 10-15 working days.
- DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm in order to ship items the same day, subject to stock availability.
- Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm in order to ship items the same day, subject to stock availability.
Where the actual weight of the package significantly exceeds the shipping cost charged on orders, we may write to you for an additional shipping charge. For larger orders, items may be shipped in multiple packets.
Customer Reviews
3.5 /5.0 of 2 Reviews
Great Sounding but Poor Quality Software Limits Its Use
SimonF
28 Feb 2023
Verified Buyer
I ignored the various negative comments on this before buying. There are numerous discussions and reviews stating that it either just doesn't work or has a very flaky performance, and they are right.
It isn't fit for purpose in its current form. I simply connect via wifi and use as a Tidal masters bridge. Some days I can get a few hours without a disconnection and on other days, I get constant disconnects every song. It can take 10 mins or reboots for Tidal to see it and connect (whilst everything else on the network connects fine). It is the same when trying a direct wifi connection with my phone. Others have commented the same when using it in different modes. I have tried various fixes, and they don't work. It will not persist a network connection with a device over wifi.
When it does work, it is great sounding (I use USB) with lovely clarity and detail, a low noise floor and an open soundstage. An iPowerX psu improves it a lot, Sbooster a little more. But it needs some serious software testing first!
It isn't fit for purpose in its current form. I simply connect via wifi and use as a Tidal masters bridge. Some days I can get a few hours without a disconnection and on other days, I get constant disconnects every song. It can take 10 mins or reboots for Tidal to see it and connect (whilst everything else on the network connects fine). It is the same when trying a direct wifi connection with my phone. Others have commented the same when using it in different modes. I have tried various fixes, and they don't work. It will not persist a network connection with a device over wifi.
When it does work, it is great sounding (I use USB) with lovely clarity and detail, a low noise floor and an open soundstage. An iPowerX psu improves it a lot, Sbooster a little more. But it needs some serious software testing first!