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Zen Stream/Zen DAC v2 a Surprisingly Good Combo

I picked up a Zen Stream a couple of months ago to use in my main system with the intention of getting a 'higher' end DAC to use with it. Maybe something from Schiit, Denafrips, Topping or Geshelli. In the meantime I took the Zen DAC v2 off my desk and connected it to the Stream to test out in my main system. Wow!

The Zen DAC has been performing headphone and powered speaker preamp duties on my desk for the past couple of years and doing it well. I never thought to try it out in my main system and wish I had done so sooner. Suffice it to say, I'm no longer in the market for a DAC from another company the Zen Stream/Zen DAC v2 is an excellent match for my main system (Kinky Studio EX-M1+ and Buchard s400 MKII).

I'm using the Stream as a Roon End Point. Setup was easy and I have had no issues with connectivity and stability over Wifi since I started using it in my system. I also upgraded to a iPowerX for the Stream and it made a slight noticeable difference to the sound in terms of soundstage.

Overall, I'm very happy with the Zen Stream/Zen DAC v2 combo and highly recommend this setup for those that don't need the tiny screen or AIO convenience of the Neo Stream. The $700 combo of a Zen Stream/Zen DAC v2/iPowerX is a streaming solution that can hold it's own with the likes of Bluesound Node and CA CXNv2 or MXN10 streamers in terms of sound quality. However, Bluesound and CA options provide a better native software solution for those that don't use Roon. 

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jasonbourne71's avatar
jasonbourne71
1,202 posts
 

Nice to hear that a sub-$1K streamer/DAC is so satisfying! This belies the assertations of the moneyphiles that only gear costing multi-thousands is capable of doing justice to the music embedded in those ones and zeroes!

lanx0003
855 posts
 

The Zen Stream has been working well for me, and over the past year, I’ve experimented with several DACs alongside it, including Zen DAC v2. I ended up returning the DAC but I think personal preference plays a significant role. I’ve kept the Schiit Modius, as I prefer its particular house sound signature. I recall the Zen DAC being somewhat lean in the mid-bass and bass notes regions.

I recently bought the everSolo DMP A6, and in terms of being a streamer, it outperforms the Zen Stream. Particularly at low volume levels, I noticed that the soundstage didn't collapse with the A6 compared to the Zen Stream. Additionally, the A6 showcases better soundstage depth and instrument separation. I find the A6-Modius combination more preferable than the analog output from the A6's internal DAC.

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mindhead1 OP
14 posts
 

The Eversolo devices look good. I might consider one if it was purely a streamer or a preamp with streaming capabilities. While it’s not always avoidable (MQA) I prefer not to pay for functionality I won’t use. In this case the Eversolo DACs and Screen.

While I’m currently content with the Zen DAC v2 handling my DAC duties I know there are other DAC in my future. As long as I continue using Roon I don’t think I can find a better endpoint under $1000 than the Zen Stream.

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