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Streamer creates a Wow experience

I started streaming by running USB from my iPad to my DAC using Qobuz, and I thought it sounded pretty good and was happy.  Then I compared this to playing CDs and much to my dismay I slightly preferred the CDs.  This was a depressing moment.  So I reached out to you guys and several of you assured me if I got a dedicated streamer it’d be much better, and while I always believed a streamer is important and can make a difference I still found myself a little skeptical how much improvement there would be. 

So I decided to heed the advice here and after some research got an iFi Zen Stream with their upgraded power supply.  After getting the Zen linked to my WiFi and using mconnectHD to be able to stream Qobuz through the iFi — Holy Crap!!!  I expected some improvement but I was not prepared for the huge leap in sound quality I was hearing.  Every aspect of sound improved markedly and my jaw was on the floor.

Anyway, you guys were so right in assuring me a streamer would make all the difference.  And this is through my HeadFi rig and can’t wait to hear what this sounds like on the big rig.  Thanks for your helpful advice and getting me through this.  I’m one shocked and very happy camper.

 

soix
soix OP
9,605 posts
 

hey that’s awesome you’re in love with your new set up! Enjoy it!!
When are you getting a DDC? Keep the thoughts flowing…update us here on how that changed the sound.

@audphile1 Man, I’m absolutely aching for an SU6 and I even already have a 6” HDMI cable ready to go for when I get one as I know it’s gonna generate meaningful improvements. The thing is my credit card is already throbbing from building a HeadFi system, buying an LTA MZ2 (for both preamp and headphone amp duties), and sending my DNA 0.5 RevA back to SMcAudio for full upgrades. Ouch. It might be a while before I can shell out for anything else, but I’ll certainly keep you posted if anything develops. I hate/love this hobby.

@shooter41 Yeah, I have a Singxer SA1 amp driving my Hifiman Arya Stealths and absolutely love it, and it too is built like a small tank and is why I’m targeting the SU6 for a DDC to take advantage of the i2S connection on my Musician Pegasus.  Big Singxer fan so far. 

jond's avatar
jond
5,849 posts
 

@soix Congrats so glad your venture into streaming went well, And + 1 on the LPS issue I use an Sbooster LPS on my Auralic Aries Mini its a substantial improvement. Sounds like the Ifi's a nice little unit and did a bit of reading on your Dac that's quite a machine for $1100!

soix OP
9,605 posts
 

@jond Thanks man.  So far I’ve only gotten to hear this stuff on my HeadFi rig and it made a big improvement.  I get my DNA 0.5 back from SMcAudio very soon and can’t wait to hear this gear in the big rig. 

jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 

@soix 

nice post helping others on using qobuz with the zenstream - if i didn't use roon, i would've had to cross that bridge myself

excellent info

malibu457
66 posts
 

i had the ifi Zen Stream for 3 months and could not get it to work without disconnection errors. returned 3 of them. at the time i was using a NAD D1050 DAC. finally i bought the Bluesound 2i and it just worked flawlessly. it could have been incompatibility issue with my network or the NAD? another problem could have been that Tidal is only available in my area? there have been problems reported with Tidal users and the Zen Stream.  and yes it does deliver great SQ and thats why i put up with it. my understanding is that a new version of the IFI Zen Stream is soon to be released which could be more universally compatible? i have since upgraded my DAC to a Denafrips DAC and would like to see if the IFI play better with the Denafrips. like to upgrade from the Bluesound.

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