Sound to match Zen iFi Stream
After 4 years or so, I finally hit a brick wall with iFi's amazing sounding machine, and equally awful interface & software. I use only Tidal Connect (I have a FLAC library but rarely if ever use it now), and I send digital out via coax to my Meridian speakers which contain all the DAC I need (besides, they will accept only digital signal).
But I am at a loss regarding what to replace it with. I would like to get equivalent sound (same sound... that's probably not going to happen, sound signatures will always vary), but that spaciousness, black background, and balance are what made me fall in love with the Zen. But it has been unfaithful... (sorry for the drama).
I'm considering the Cambridge Audio line, but from the AXN10/CXN10 and up, they bring a bunch of doodads that I don't need and don't particularly want to pay for. All I need is coax out! (And great sound)
Does such a unicorn exist? One that has reliable connectivity?
Alternatively, I read about the Zen handling Roon well. I don't have Roon and would need to be convinced to spend that much money. But if it's the only way to get that sound...
Those who have had a Zen Stream but then found happiness elsewhere, how did you do it?
@lanx0003 I haven't tried the iFi tool, I'll reach out to them and see if I can get them to send me one. On another note, I received the Wiim Ultra and setup was flawless and fast, zero connection issues with Tidal. Sounds pretty good too. I have a feeling my Zen Stream was still a bit better (used it with the iFi Power Elite power supply) but it might just be all in my head. |
Nice post timing! My iFi Zen Stream stopped working just tonight - I tried for hours to get it to be recognized by Tidal Connect and something bricked it. I tried everything to get it going again - which it had been working fine for years. Oh well... time to move on to something else. I need something as a stop gap and am hoping the upcoming Laiv streamer will be my next piece. |
@soix Did you just start having issues with your Zen Stream? Mine was fine until this weekend and I didn't change anything. |
Ah ok, I had mine hardwired as well but it just lost connection and I couldn’t get it back. I even tried setting a static IP and no go. Was weird. It’s a shame as it does sound good but the software is a tragedy. |
@lanx0003 What’s the "VG" ddc? Is that a certain brand or model? edit: I think you mean very good? |
