iFi launches Zen Stream Wifi Audio Transport with Improved Audio Signal Quality

iFi Audio recently launched a product of the Zen Series called Zen Stream, a Wifi Audio Transport (digital to digital). iFi Zen Stream can be set up simply by plugging it directly into the DAC and working as a bridge between the WiFi network communication and the audio system. iFi also classifies Zen Stream as a “Wi-fi audio transport” product line specifically for wireless audio systems.

To use Zen Stream, simply plug it in as a bridge between your router (Ethernet, WiFi) and the DAC or amplifier (via USB/SPDIF). iFi says Zen Stream will work best with Zen DAC and Zen Amplifier products that support hi-res audio and is also compatible with music streaming services that support hi-res audio like Spotify or Tidal.

Zen Stream’s hardware is a quad-core ARM Cortex SoC chip that is compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi bands, supporting up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256 audio signal processing. Users can stream music directly from Tidal (using Tidal Connect) and Spotify (using Spotify Connect), or via Roon, DLNA, or NAA. Zen Stream also supports AirPlay for Apple devices and will add ChromeCast in upcoming updates.

Zen Stream offers 5 working modes including:

• All-in-One for standard use
• DLNA to support DLNA compatible apps and devices
• NAA to work as Network Audio Adapter when used with HQPlayer software
• Roon Bridge for best compatibility for Roon
• Tidal Mode for Tidal Master users

Zen Stream has 2 control buttons including the power button and the quick connect button to the WiFi network. On the back of the device are ports including a Gigabit Ethernet port, a USB-A input port, a USB-C data port, two USB-async, and coaxial S/PDIF outputs, a power jack, and a WiFi tuner antenna. The product still uses the GMT Femto-precision pulse counter technology exclusively developed by iFi to minimize digital signal interference.

iFi Zen Stream price and availability

iFi Audio Zen Stream Wifi Audio Transport is already available to pre-order on Adorama.com for $399.

Recently, AVerMedia has released the Live Streamer NEXUS for streamers and content creators, a control center, and an audio mixer in one package.