If I had the budget I would’ve jumped on an Innuos Zen Mk3 not only for the streaming quality but also because I could just load the rest of my CDs not available for streaming and have everything all in one place. Alas, for now I’m still quite impressed with the sound I’m getting out of the Zen Stream. Sigh.
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.
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@soix hey that’s awesome you’re in love with your new set up! Enjoy it!! |
I recently bought a Singxer SU-6, but I use it in place of a streamer. Not sure this would work for you as mine is fed from Roon running on a Mac Mini, so I don't actually need my streaming device to be able to connect directly to the streaming service. The Singxer is my fourth try at a bridge device between the Mac and my DAC. I have tried the Zen Stream and agree that it sounded good even though I was only using the standard power supply. I just decided I wasn't happy with the limited output types and returned it. Before that I tried the Bricasti M5, a device that retails for 6X the cost of the Zen Stream. While the build quality was impeccable it would not send an audio signal to my DAC (Yggdrasil LiM) via USB. At the time I was committed to using the USB input on the DAC as Schiit is known to have a thoroughly sorted USB interface, especially now with Unison. The Zen Stream also wouldn't do it. I also tried the brand new Mercury streamer from Pi2Design and it was fairly disastrous. Only one output worked and even it sounded pretty awful. I think they have some bugs to work out and it may be a fine unit when they do. Enter the Singxer. I gave up on the USB input on my DAC and liked that the Singxer offered a balanced AES output as I use balanced connections throughout the rest of my system. Would love to try the I2S connection, but alas, the Yggy doesn't offer that. From what I've read, it would not be a night and day difference anyway. Roon recognized the Singxer right away as a bridge device and it just worked from the jump. One note; you may be aware that the Singxer has user-adjustable dip switches. I didn't ever read anything definitive on setting them specifically for Roon so I just didn't touch them and it worked fine. If anyone knows some dip switch settings for this I'm willing to try them. I've been pleased enough with the Singxer that I'm tempted to buy a LPS for it, but from what I understand, there's not much to be gained there as the Singxer is primarily powered from it's super capacitor. Indeed, there are warnings in the box about how this takes a few minutes to power up and down. Again, something I might be willing to try if someone has specific experience with this. I expect you'll be quite happy with the Singxer. I just thought I'd inform everyone of it's ability to replace the streaming device in some instances. |
@audphile1 Man, I’m absolutely aching for an SU6 and I even already have a 6” HDMI cable ready to go for when I get one as I know it’s gonna generate meaningful improvements. The thing is my credit card is already throbbing from building a HeadFi system, buying an LTA MZ2 (for both preamp and headphone amp duties), and sending my DNA 0.5 RevA back to SMcAudio for full upgrades. Ouch. It might be a while before I can shell out for anything else, but I’ll certainly keep you posted if anything develops. I hate/love this hobby. @shooter41 Yeah, I have a Singxer SA1 amp driving my Hifiman Arya Stealths and absolutely love it, and it too is built like a small tank and is why I’m targeting the SU6 for a DDC to take advantage of the i2S connection on my Musician Pegasus. Big Singxer fan so far. |
@soix Congrats so glad your venture into streaming went well, And + 1 on the LPS issue I use an Sbooster LPS on my Auralic Aries Mini its a substantial improvement. Sounds like the Ifi's a nice little unit and did a bit of reading on your Dac that's quite a machine for $1100! |
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