Problems with the IFI Zen Stream.. What's a better Alternative?


I own two Zen Streams  and use them in different systems. I have used them for approximately two years. On the positive side they both deliver excellent sound quality. The problem is, as of the last few months, they both drop the network signal frequently for seconds to minutes. The red light comes on, then goes back to green. They are both running through ethernet cable, not wirelessly. After hours of trouble shooting, I have concluded that the problem is with the streamer, not something else. I suspect they might be failing due to the heat they generate. That's just a guess. 

My question is: what produces of similar or better sound quality with better reliability new or used? I would like to stay under $1,000.

dbb

Showing 1 response by lanx0003

These are some suggestions with sound comparable to Ifi below $1k. You might have watched some of these reviews already. Take a grain of salt as always but I found iiwi’s recommendation is quite reliable.

- Matrix mini-i 4 ($650) with optional remote RM5 ($50)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctJ7Yitq7JI

- EverSolo DMP A6 ($900) with optional remote BTR12 ($20)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ua4j36ZrQ6g

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuCI6k0xcF0&t=673s

- Pi2Design Mercury V2 ($800)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ythleydJhk&t=627s (look under the hood for some tech details)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAaExQ2yNsM&t=833s

- Innuos Pulse Mini ($1250 new; if you could stretch the budget a bit OR $970 used https://tmraudio.com/components/music-servers-streamers/innuos-pulsemini-network-streamer-black/)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Osjv8MgmenA