Digital-only network streamer to connect to an existing DAC
The iFi Audio ZEN Stream 3 brings the hi-fi system online: it is a pure streamer, with no internal converter, designed for listeners who already own one or more quality DACs and want to add playback from streaming services and network libraries. Hardware and software have been upgraded compared with the previous generation.
Doing one thing only is in the spirit of the ZEN range: everything streaming needs and nothing superfluous. The chassis measures 158 x 100 x 35 mm and weighs 578 g.
Qobuz Connect, Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Roon and AirPlay
The new streaming engine natively supports PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD up to DSD256 (11.3 MHz). Alongside Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Roon and AirPlay comes Qobuz Connect, for bit-perfect playback straight from the Qobuz app.
Listeners with a file library can reach it from a NAS or a USB drive, and DLNA support opens up compatibility with a wide range of players and control apps.
Setup from the iFi Nexis app
A new IoT chip lets the ZEN Stream 3 be paired with the home Wi-Fi network from the iFi Nexis app, over Bluetooth, without web browsers or IP addresses. An Ethernet connection remains the most stable and the quickest to set up.
Once online, Nexis integrates the streamer's interface and turns the smartphone into a remote control, with access to advanced settings, connected drives and over-the-air updates. The app is available for Apple and Android devices.
K2, USB and coaxial outputs with femto clock
JVCKENWOOD's K2 technology restores the harmonic content lost in post-production or encoding while keeping the track's original sample rate: so far reserved for selected iFi DACs, it is now available to any DAC connected to the ZEN Stream 3.
The digital outputs are two USB-A ports and one coaxial S/PDIF, all with a femto-precision clock: the USB ports use Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), the coaxial output iPurifier technology. Exclusive modes shut down unnecessary system processes to reduce noise and jitter, and the power supply uses polymer and ELNA Silmic II capacitors. An Ethernet cable, an antenna and a power adapter are supplied.
