28-Jun-2021, 16:16
iFi have released a new "network attached end point" type device:
https://ifi-audio.com/products/zen-stream/
https://darko.audio/2021/06/ifis-zen-str...n-for-399/
I am in two minds about this one.
To be positive, it has a very good selection of features and streaming modes. In addition, it has S/PDIF output. Opinions vary on this one, but I am of the view that the AES/EBU and RCA S/PDIF inputs on the Devialet sound a touch better than USB, but ultimately this depends on the quality and performance of the device that are connecting of course.
When in negative mode, very high quality S/PDIF is difficult to do. With S/PDIF, the source is in control of the audio clock, not the receiving device. So just how good is the iFi, mindful that it is a fairly reasonable price? (£399 in the UK) I note that it has iFi's "Femto-precision Global Master Timing clock" to eradicate jitter, but I have no idea just how good this is in ultimate terms.
Something to keep an eye on, in terms of reviews or if anyone actually tries one with a Devialet or similar.
(and maybe the similarly functioning Pi2AES is better? Or maybe not?)
https://ifi-audio.com/products/zen-stream/
https://darko.audio/2021/06/ifis-zen-str...n-for-399/
I am in two minds about this one.
To be positive, it has a very good selection of features and streaming modes. In addition, it has S/PDIF output. Opinions vary on this one, but I am of the view that the AES/EBU and RCA S/PDIF inputs on the Devialet sound a touch better than USB, but ultimately this depends on the quality and performance of the device that are connecting of course.
When in negative mode, very high quality S/PDIF is difficult to do. With S/PDIF, the source is in control of the audio clock, not the receiving device. So just how good is the iFi, mindful that it is a fairly reasonable price? (£399 in the UK) I note that it has iFi's "Femto-precision Global Master Timing clock" to eradicate jitter, but I have no idea just how good this is in ultimate terms.
Something to keep an eye on, in terms of reviews or if anyone actually tries one with a Devialet or similar.
(and maybe the similarly functioning Pi2AES is better? Or maybe not?)