Zen Stream/Zen DAC v2 a Surprisingly Good Combo

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.

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.

I like the ZS, and it has been serving me well. It is a very capable performer up to its price point. However, I wouldn't go as far as to claim it as the best under $1k. There are several candidates reported to be equally capable performers in that price range, in addition to the DMP A6:

0. Wiim Pro / Pro+ ($180/$220)

1. Volumio Primo V1 ($400) stream/DAC w/ the perpetual subscription of Volumio;

2. Matrix i4 mini ($650)

3. Volumio Primo V2 ($750?) stream/DAC

4. Mercury V2 ($850)

5. Volumio Rivo ($1,050) streamer

I believe that over time, the lower-priced market will become saturated with these affordable yet capable performers. Their functionality will likely be enriched to include several useful and desirable features such as PEQ, upsampling, and possibly DSP.  Hang onto our good friend ZS until those promising days arrive.

@lanx0003 I agree, technology marches on. A friend is using the Wii Pro in a very nice stereo and it sounds great.

With that said, I own the Stream and DAC v2 Signature and agree with the OP; outstanding functionality and sound quality for the money.

BTW, the Stream, DAC v2 and WiiM Pro all benefit from power supply upgrades.

@vinylvalet  It remains a bit of a mystery to me. I tried the $109 iPower X 15V with my ZS, as people had commented that 15V renders better sound compared to 12V. I also plugged it into the power conditioner. However, I didn't notice any sonic difference and, as such, experience the expected benefits from this conventional wisdom.  But, that is just me and YMMV.