IFi Zen Stream with Qobuz

Hello

great to find this thread as I’m continually working on maximizing what my Ifi Zen Stream can provide.

I’m currently using the Ifi Zen Stream powered by a 12V LHY linear supply purchased from Beatechnik.

ZS output is USB via a Curious Cable Evolved 200mm “regen link” into a Denafrips Iris DDC 

Iris output is a glass fiber cable from Lifatec into a Denafrips Ares II.

I’ve been exclusively using Tidal Connect over Wifi.  My plan is to eventually hardwire the unit into my router using some sort of Ethernet regenerator or an audiophile switch but truth be told, Wifi operation on my unit, in my house, has been pretty flawless.  Very very infrequently is there a dropout.  And ever since adding the Iris, they’ve essentially stopped.  Could be the FPGA and buffering ?

I’m not in love with the Tidal interface but it’s what I have now and it sounds good.

I can’t remember if I have it set on Tidal exclusive or AiO as they sound the same. 
Im slowly convincing myself to jump into the Roon pool.

JS

@j_andrews Give Qobuz a try.  I left Tidal 2 years ago and will never go back. 

Hi,

I too have a Zen Stream and a Denfripos Ares II.

I tired mconnect and bubbleupnp and absolutely hate the interfaces. It's nearly 2023 and I don't want to use crap software and outdated user interfaces.

User experience matters and good software is important.

It is annoying that the Zen Stream doesn't have good native Qobuz integration. Further, Tidal Connect is pretty flakey at the best of times.

With this in mind, I was looking to ditch the Zen Stream and was looking toward more expensive options from Auralic and Innuos.

Until I decided to buy a cheap NUC from eBay and install Roon ROCK.

Roon has transformed how I listen to digital music and it fixes the biggest weakness of the Zen Stream.

Yes, it is more money but not in the same league as a Lumin U2 mini or Auralic Aries G1.

Yes. it is frustrating that Tidal Connect doesn't work and that Qobuz doesn't have a Connect option yet.

Yes. it is annoying that the software on the Zen Stream is pretty meh.

But, Roon overcomes all this and does a brilliant job of adding a tonne of value.

Give it a try and see what you think.

Also, for what it's worth I think Wi-Fi to the Zen Stream sounds superb and I've ditched all the Ethernet madness as a result. Plus Wi-Fi is effectively galvanically isolated so you can forget all about Ethernet "noise". (I work with major global networking and I'm pretty handy with Ethernet, switching, fibre etc. and I'm really happy with the Zen Stream Wi-Fi circuit).

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