iFi Audio ZEN Stream Wifi Streamer avec Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect et Roon Ready

I had been streaming music from Qobuz or Bandcamp's app via Bluetooth but feeling like I was never taking true advantage of my main system's DAC, so I decided to add the iFi Zen Stream. I have several other iFi products (Zen Air Blue, Zen Can Signature, and the sadly discontinued Nano IDSD Black Label) and they are of high quality, the Zen Stream is no different. I also like the form factor - small footprint and unique industrial design.Truthfully, I can't say whether the Stream has a particular sound, as I feel I'm more likely hearing my DAC (I am connecting Stream via coax to the onboard DAC of my Rega Elicit). That said, the sound is excellent - absolutely no coloration that I can detect, it seems to me to be a perfect passthrough. I couldn't be more satisfied.The network connectivity was, in truth, a bit of a pain. I had to look up a video on YouTube to ensure I was properly connecting to my wifi network. The iFi GUI is downright terrible, but luckily you don't seem to need it beyond initial setup. Once connected the device worked well. Connecting to Qobuz or playing local files on Android (Pixel 8) is extremely clunky - I had to install a third party app to pass through to the Stream. To me this is the greatest area of improvement needed for the device experience, I really would have appreciated direct control via the native apps I have. This is my first streaming transport, so I can't say whether this is typical or unique to the Stream if you are predominantly an Android user.Overall, I'd still recommend the Stream; great sound and value for money is what I have come to expect from iFi products, which is the most important aspect to me. Your mileage may certainly vary with your choice of remote options, especially if you're not on iOS.

Software can be buggy.One of the best for the price.

deployed this in dlna mode to stream from audirvana over my ethrnet network into an SMSL usb-i2S converter into an SMSL DAC with i2S inputs. Works fine, easy to configure. Have not tried with wifi so cannot address that but I would always recommend avoiding wifi when possible for streaming. Sounds great, no glitches so far.

Take a look at the photo. All purple.MY Allo DigiOne Signature popped and clicked on HI Rez. This processes it perfectly. I'm buying another because you can't beat this streamer. I don't buy into needing a better power supply. My ears just can't hear it.

If you’re looking for a great sounding wired or wireless Roon endpoint, at a reasonable price, in a compact package, that’s reasonably easy to set up, and don’t want to deal with configuring and building a Raspberry Pi, look no further. I’m using it wireless with an RME ADI-2 DAC FS. Took a little research on the web to set up the USB output with DSD. But it’s worth the effort. So far very stable. It just works, like a toaster. Simple. RME is not officially registered with Roon, perhaps that’s why it took a couple extra steps, but once it’s set up, it’s fine. Ignore reviews that say otherwise. Uncluttered my three piece “audiophile” set up from a few years ago that was 8x the price and took up a huge amount of space.