Thoughts on the iFi Zen Streamer

I don't have one but the Zen looks like the winner. Why pay for a meh DAC if you already have one that you like?

I am happy with every piece of iFi I have acquired. Their R&D looks superior, on a par with Pro-Ject.

@fuzztone Thanks for the quick response. Exactly what i was thinking, I already have a couple of DACs and the price seems right for getting familiar with a streaming service. I am now trying out Qobuz using my computer. Good to hear your opinion on iFi. 

I picked up the iFi Zen Stream as I have a DAC I quite enjoy, so why get a combo only to bipass an internal DAC? In addition, I read and watched more than one review of the iFi vs the Bluesound Node going into a common DAC, and just about every review stated the iFi was a better sounding as a streamer straight-up.

Thus, I bought the iFi.

Digital is not my primary from end, right now, so it was a good deal, for me. Should I find a need to get something better in the future, I think the Innuos Zen MK III would be a good unit to consider, but, by then, there will probably be something else ‘better’.

@bkeske

How is the player app with the iFI?

Gapless and defeatable queue?

@fuzztone

@bkeske

How is the player app with the iFI?

Gapless and defeatable queue?

The player app is fine. A bit basic, but all I need or require. In terms of gapless, yes, in Tidal and Spotify, is has both ‘Connect’ options for those (I use Tidal). It is also Roon ready. I don’t have Roon, but assume anything through Roon would be gapless as well. It is also gapless with my attached USB hard drive, and also my remote drive via DLNA. It also accepts DSD, including 2&4x, as does my Denafrips DAC.