IFi Zen Stream with Qobuz

@jackd So no limitations bit rate wise in using mConnect HD with Qobuz?

The ifi really seams to be the best bang for the buck streamer only option. People keep telling me to look into the Innuos ZenMini MK2 but that’s a fair amount more. 

Thank you. Looking at the Supra 2.0 as an option as well. 

@jackd Just to confirm. I am using this cable to connect my Aune X8 to the ifi Zen Stream. Wouldn’t the Lavricable just use one port in this case?

Forget to mention controlling via iPhone or iPad.
I hope I can find a way to use Qobuz with the Ifi Zen that’s not complicated but might have to switch to Tidal,

Now it’s time to pick a DAC to go with the Zen Stream. I have it narrowed down to these three. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Soncos SGD1

Aune X8

Denefrips Ares II

I like a more relaxed sound but with tight LF. I have owned a R2R DAC and really enjoyed the sound but that unit has started to fail so looking into other options. Budget is maxed at 1K. 

@soix Do you use a upgraded power supply with your Zen Stream?

Been trying to find one other than the ifi ones. 

I just had one of their DAC’s fail so not going with them again. 

I am looking at the Aune XP2 power supply and think it might work with the ifi and then I could use the second DC port for the X8 DAC as long as the connectors are the same on ifi and Aune. 

I just double checked and the ifi needs 1.8 amps and the XP2 only outputs 1 amp so might not be a go. Wishing I could find a decent linear power supply for the Zen Stream that is not $280. Anyone know of a good linear that would work with the ifi that’s around $100-$150?

Thanks for the links! Found this one as well.

What voltage did you go with? I was thinking if I get a dual ported PS I could plug my DAC and Streamer into it and only need one power supply. Read somewhere that the Zen Stream sounds better at the higher voltage but not sure on that one.

Do you know the polarity and barrel connector size for the Zen Stream?

@jackd So center pin of barrel is positive? Thanks for all of the info here. Very helpful.

Think I found the one I want. Will pick up two. One 9v for the Aune X8 DAC and one 12v for the ifi Zen Stream. Look like a good option?

https://m.aliexpress.com/item/3256802656948919.html?spm=a2g0n.productlist.0.0.22b6jvcJjvcJXa&browser_id=87df6d5984b44a5bab084ef7ab426ec5&aff_trace_key=&aff_platform=msite&m_page_id=bdkig0novhucawtz1833d75eb6de2b64cc1779db4b&gclid=&pdp_npi=2%40dis%21USD%21198.0%2199.0%21%21%21%21%21%402103399116631834936646888e6cbd%2112000029896457319%21sea&curPageLogUid=raXYzhqKq5y8&algo_pvid=45038b6e-388a-42ba-88b3-eaa19c6832b8

@jackd What streamer and DAC do you use in your main system?

@jackd do you happen to know if the center pin on the barrel connector is positive?

Just want to make sure the power supply I order has the correct size and polarity. Both are very important and the manufacturers have still not gotten back to me with this info so just trying to see if anyone might know.

You are probably correct on them being industry standard size and polarity though.

@jackd Thanks for all of your help here. Much appreciated! Have you tried aftermarket DC cables? 

Is this the one you have? The site seems to have a lot of options.

https://www.ghentaudio.com/part/dc01.html

@jackd Do you think the stock updated Aune power supply (XP2) would be a step down from the LHY LPS25VA?

They are the same price and I can buy 2 PS’s. Would you get one of each or both LYH. Can order one 9v and one 12v. 

@jackd I just ordered all of the items to build out the new streaming setup but in need of a decent USB cable. Do you have one you could recommend in the $50-$100 range? Thanks again for all of your input. Much appreciated! 

Now I need to choose between the Lavri and the Neo. I had a feeling you would have a good answer :))

Now I am very confused 🫤 

Thank you for clarifying and now makes sense. Was it a pretty big jump up in SQ on the Neo over the Supra?

Leaning towards the Supra Excalibur currently. Thanks again for all of your input :))

Going to try and setup my Zen Stream for Qobuz use and in another mode other than AIO. Is there a good place online to find info on how to set that up? This will be controlled via my iPhone. 

I heard that it does not sound as good in AIO mode so was trying to see if there was another way. 

I installed MConnect but under the play to section I only see iPhone/Airplay option so not sure if I am doing this correct. 

@jackd Got everything hooked up and running but currently connecting via airplay to the ifi. If I download MConnect I should get better audio quality than airplay?

I ended getting it to work and I changed nothing in the end. It just showed up under UPNP randomly at about the time I was going to give up. Sounds a fair amount better than my node. Lots of inner detail that I was missing. 

Thanks to everyone who helped my with this little project. Waiting on a few last parts (power supplies and usb cable) but so far I really like the detail I am now getting. Soundstage has also improved significantly :))