If you’ve heard an iFi Zen stream, anything better under $1k?


What is the best streamer under $1k? Used included.

I had an iFi Zen stream when they first came out and I put it up against a node 2i and a pi4 and it sounded the best by far using the same external DAC for each. The issue was that it was as buggy as can be but I’ve heard they are a bit better now.

it’s a steal at $400 even if you spend another $100-$200 on a better power supply but has anyone heard better?

blkwrxwgn

@vinylvalet thats one thing I'm bummed about!  The first few hundred they sold came with the upgraded X power supply!  So now if I want to try it again, I'm going to have to spend the extra money to get that power supply because I think that did make a difference in the sound.

@blkwrxwgn 

Can you find that for under $1k? An interesting option for sure.

I got mine delivered DHL for $940

i bought my first Zen Stream back in August and sent it back. bought a second one and the PSU was defective. that and the fact that it kept crashing. could have been my network? bought a 2i a couple of months ago and no problems. although i sent the second ZS back, however  i kept the ifi Ipower supply in hope that ifi would eventually resolve the problems down the road and make it more compatible with all network users. the 2i sounds very very good with an external DAC. the new Node is not available here yet, if i could find something under 1K that sounded as good as the ifi as a streamer only and had the reliability of the 2i i would be very interested. until than i will monitor the forums to see how the Zen Stream is progressing and if a version 2 might be released.

I was in position to purchase the Zen Stream after considering the New Node. I have a good DAC. Based on this thread I believe I will also monitor the progress with the Zen. 

Thanks to the OP and all.