ifi ZEN STREAM - User Manual

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Summary

Power switch and indicator

Power switch and indicator function

Explains the function of the power switch and its indicator light.

Network Status LED

Network Status LED Scheme

Details the LED color scheme indicating signal strength and network status.

Audio Format LED

Audio Format LED Scheme

Explains the LED color scheme for audio format and sampling frequency.

LED for Hotspot Status

Hotspot LED Status Indications

Describes the LED indications for hotspot connection status and awaiting connection.

LED;HOTSPOT switch

LED;HOTSPOT Switch Operations

Outlines the functions of the LED/Hotspot switch via short and long presses.

Antenna

System (Mode) selector

System Mode Selection

Lists the five selectable play modes for system configuration.

SPDIF (Coaxial) output

USB Type A

USB Type A Port Functionality

Describes the USB Type A ports, compatibility, and ANC technology.

System upgrade port

Ethernet

Factory Reset

DC power supply connection

DC Power Input Requirements

Specifies the DC power input voltage range and connection advice.

Specifications

Ethernet Set-Up

Ethernet Connection Steps

Details the steps for setting up the ZEN Stream via Ethernet.

Music Streaming

TIDAL Music Streaming

Instructions for using the TIDAL app for music streaming.

Other Compatible Apps

Wi-Fi Set-Up

Wi-Fi Connection Steps

Guide for connecting the ZEN Stream to a Wi-Fi network.

Hotspot LED

Network Status LED

Endless Connections

Connection Guide

Antenna Wi-Fi Input

Connects to the Wi-Fi antenna for wireless network input.

Coaxial SPDIF Output

Provides a coaxial SPDIF digital audio output.

USB Output to DAC

USB port for outputting audio data to a DAC.

USB Input from storage

USB port for connecting external storage devices.

Ethernet Input from router

Ethernet port for a wired connection to a router.

Power DC 9 V to 15 V

DC power input port for supplying electricity to the device.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The iFi ZEN Stream is a Wi-Fi Audio Transport designed to enhance your audio streaming experience. It acts as a bridge between your music source and your audio system, ensuring high-quality sound transmission.

Function Description

The ZEN Stream is primarily a Wi-Fi audio transport, meaning it receives audio signals wirelessly and outputs them to your audio system, typically a Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC). It supports various streaming modes and audio formats, aiming to deliver a pure and uncompromised audio signal.

Usage Features

The device offers a range of features for flexible and high-quality audio streaming:

• Power and Network Status Indicators: The device includes a power switch and an indicator light. The Network Status LED (labeled as "8") uses a color scheme to indicate the signal strength and network status received from your router. White signifies a fast internet connection, cyan indicates a slow internet connection, green means a fast local network (no internet), yellow denotes a slow local network (no internet), and red indicates no connection.

• Audio Format LED: An Audio Format LED (labeled as "kHz") visually communicates the audio format and sampling frequency being received from your music source. Different colors correspond to various modes: green for PCM 44.1/48/88.2/96kHz, yellow for PCM 176.4/192/352.8/384kHz, cyan for DSD 64/128, blue for DSD 256, and off when no streaming is active.

• Hotspot Status LED: A dedicated LED indicates the hotspot status. A flashing light means the hotspot is on and awaiting connection, a solid ON light signifies a connected hotspot, and OFF indicates the hotspot is off. The hotspot automatically turns off after 60 seconds if there's no activation.

• LED/HOTSPOT Switch: A multi-function switch allows you to control the LEDs and hotspot. A short press toggles the LEDs ON/OFF, while a long press toggles the hotspot ON/OFF.

• Antenna: The device comes with an antenna that should be attached for maximum reception quality, ensuring a stable wireless connection.

• System (Mode) Selector: A selector switch allows you to choose from five distinct play modes, optimizing the device for specific usage scenarios:

  1. All In One: Recommended for initial setup.
  2. Roon only: Dedicated for Roon users.
  3. TIDAL only: Optimized for TIDAL streaming.
  4. NAA (Network Audio Adapter) only: For use as a Network Audio Adapter.
  5. DLNA only: For DLNA-compatible streaming.

• SPDIF (Coaxial) Output: The ZEN Stream features a coaxial output with built-in iPurifier technology, designed to deliver a clean and high-fidelity digital audio signal.

• USB Type A Ports (x2): Two USB Type A ports are provided, compatible with both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0. These ports serve dual functions:

  • One port can be used as an input to connect to a DAC.
  • The other can be used as an output to connect to external storage devices like HDDs or USB disks. Both USB ports incorporate ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) technology to minimize noise interference.

• Ethernet Port: For a stable and direct connection, an Ethernet port allows you to connect the ZEN Stream directly to your router.

• DC Power Supply Connection: The device requires a DC power input, and you should connect it to the enclosed power supply.

• Quick-Start Guide: The manual provides a clear quick-start guide for both Ethernet and Wi-Fi setups.

  • Ethernet Setup: Involves selecting "All In One" mode, connecting LAN, a DAC via SPDIF/Coaxial or USB, and the power supply. After powering on and waiting for two minutes, the device is ready to connect. The Network Status LED will indicate fast internet (green) or fast local network (green).
  • Wi-Fi Setup: Requires selecting "All In One" mode, connecting the Wi-Fi antenna, a DAC via SPDIF/Coaxial or USB, and the power supply. After powering on and waiting for two minutes, press and hold the Hotspot button for two seconds. Then, on your device (iOS or other), connect to "iFi-Streamer" in Wi-Fi settings and enter "http://ifi.local" or "192.168.211.1" in a browser. Connect the Stream to your local Wi-Fi network by entering the password. Once connected, the hotspot LED will turn off, and the Network Status LED will indicate the connection status (fast/slow internet, fast/slow local network, or no connection). Finally, connect your device back to your local Wi-Fi network and proceed to music streaming.

• Music Streaming Compatibility: The ZEN Stream supports a wide range of music streaming services and DLNA clients, including TIDAL, Spotify, Qobuz, YouTube Music, QQ Music, JRiver Media Center, Audirvana, foobar2000, Signalyst HQPlayer, VLC media player, nPlayer, Mconnect, and MediaMonkey, offering extensive compatibility for your audio ecosystem.

Maintenance Features

The ZEN Stream includes features designed for easy maintenance and updates:

• System Upgrade Port: A dedicated port is available for system firmware upgrades, ensuring your device can stay up-to-date with the latest features and improvements.

• Factory Reset: The device offers two types of reset functions:

  • A short press performs a UI settings reset.
  • A long press (≥3 seconds) performs a full system reset, restoring the device to its factory default settings.

ifi ZEN STREAM Specifications