Streamer creates a Wow experience


I started streaming by running USB from my iPad to my DAC using Qobuz, and I thought it sounded pretty good and was happy.  Then I compared this to playing CDs and much to my dismay I slightly preferred the CDs.  This was a depressing moment.  So I reached out to you guys and several of you assured me if I got a dedicated streamer it’d be much better, and while I always believed a streamer is important and can make a difference I still found myself a little skeptical how much improvement there would be. 

So I decided to heed the advice here and after some research got an iFi Zen Stream with their upgraded power supply.  After getting the Zen linked to my WiFi and using mconnectHD to be able to stream Qobuz through the iFi — Holy Crap!!!  I expected some improvement but I was not prepared for the huge leap in sound quality I was hearing.  Every aspect of sound improved markedly and my jaw was on the floor.

Anyway, you guys were so right in assuring me a streamer would make all the difference.  And this is through my HeadFi rig and can’t wait to hear what this sounds like on the big rig.  Thanks for your helpful advice and getting me through this.  I’m one shocked and very happy camper.

 

soix

Showing 3 responses by boxer12

@eisen0169 - I agree with @soix in that upgrading the zen PS improves sound quality & is worth pursuing. Haven't tried the "elite" so can't comment on it's performance. I do have three iPowerX PS's in my system & they are better than the standard wall wart you are currently using.     

Congrats @soix. I am also impressed with the SQ of the ifi Zen Stream. It was also my experience that one can squeeze even better SQ out of the Zen with a higher quality power supply, but what really surprised me was the degree of SQ improvement made with upgrading the umbilical cord... Didn't expect that.

I'm running the Nuprime LPS12 power supply with mine.