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

Not sure what ProJect can provide outside of any other Pi based setup, not sure though. 

I haven't listened to another streamer though that is above even $600, so I'm not experienced enough here.

I mentioned the 2i, at least they are doing USB out on the node now but I have never been impressed with their units as streamers only.  If you need a one box dac/streamer then they are good but I would spend more on the Cambridge CXN v2 over a node if I needed a dac too.

geof3

972 posts

02-19-2022 9:16pm

In that $$ zone, The Node 3rd Gen. Hands down. The Cambridge CXN (V2, not V1) is a good unit as well, twice the cost of the Node though and not nearly as stable. The Node just works. Easy OS interface, never a connectivity problem or otherwise. Especially for casual listening it’s hard to beat.

Hands down?  So you've heard the iFi side by side with the node?

Thanks for the feedback.  I guess I never thought of the OS much because I use Roon exclusively. 

fuzztone

3,815 posts

02-20-2022 8:24am

The Magnum Mano Ultra is the one to beat under $1K.

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

vinylvalet

436 posts

02-20-2022 3:44pm

I have several Zen Streams around the house and they worked perfectly out of the box. I have not experienced anything "buggy".

@vinylvalet glad to hear, I might try it again. Mine was super buggy and the retailer I got it from had to take a lot of units back.

@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.

My experience with the ifi Zen was with the original release when they would send the upgraded power supply, I think that's a BIG part of the sound and would for sure suggest upgrading as a must.