IFI ZEN Streamer

@slisans

I do not believe that is true. USB provides the most options if connected to your DAC via USB.

Are you taking about streaming from a USB device? Or the capabilities of the USB connection to the DAC?

When I stream files from my hard drive server, they are mostly all WAV or FLAC files, so for me, a non issue.

WiFi streaming is capable of all the options if provided by the streaming service, except MQA if I remember correctly (but my DAC does not utilize MQA anyway). Also, as I use Mac/Apple, I WiFi stream with TIDAL Connect. I try to avoid AirPlay which has limitations.

My DAC is connected the iFi Stream via a USB.

My Stream plays all sample rates including DSD. I use JRiver. It was not easy to get it configured, but once it was set up properly the sound quality is excellent. Adding an inexpensive d-link dgs-105 switch boosted the sound quality even more. I found the Zen Stream to be well worth the price except it is not exactly plug and play.

Are you taking about streaming from a USB device?

Exactly! Plesse attach usb flash with different resolution audio (flac) files and try to play them!

@slisans

As I said, I have connected my usb external drive to the Stream, and they are all WAV and FLAC. They all sound great, but that is more about my DAC vs the streamer. There is nothing wrong with 16/44. That is CD quality, and if a DAC/system is up to it, it can sound very very good.

Not sure I understand why anyone would be concerned about file options on a flash drive to be honest.

90% plus of my listening is on vinyl. When I stream I almost always do it via the internet/WiFi which allows various file formats if offered. That is why I have a ’streamer’. I would think most folks purchasing a streamer would be most concerned about internet streaming via the internet.

If it is a concern for you, look at something else. but I do not see it as a negative for the iFi Zen Stream overall, at all.

Flash, SS or spinner HD all the same. Just have the acceptable format.