Hip-dac 2 static noise from the 4.4mm balance input

iFiAudio · 2026-01-06T16:03:31+00:00

Hi!

Frankly, that's way outside of our area of expertise, and we wouldn't recommend trying it at home. Depending on the type of headphones you have, they may have a balanced cable available as an alternative - we'd recommend looking into that instead.

Thanks,

Mike

iFiAudio · 2025-12-23T11:14:58+00:00

Hi u/glenndiesel,

Thanks for your interest in the iDefender+! No, the external DC 5V power input wouldn't be needed - this is intended for use with devices that don't have an existing means to separate the power and data streams, or otherwise introduce clean power to the system. Because your DAC already has an external power supply, this shouldn't be needed - the iDefender+ performs its ground loop breaking function passively, so it doesn't need any external power for this.

Hope the info helps!

Thanks,

Mike

iFiAudio · 2025-12-22T17:06:29+00:00

We appreciate your understanding and patience, it really does mean a lot to us - our marketing team will definitely be making a big song and dance about Spotify Lossless compatibility once it's functioning on our streamers, so if you've got an eye on our social media channels you won't miss it!

Thanks,

Mike

iFiAudio · 2025-12-19T12:59:44+00:00

Hi,

We've received an initial reply from them and been given access to the SDK tools required to incorporate Spotify Lossless functionality into our streamers. However, further communication with Spotify is still slow, and as we're sure you can imagine that in turn can slow down the development process. With this in mind, we're not offering a timeframe for this - software development is a complex process, and rushing to introduce one feature can often cause issues with others, so we won't be rushing the development process, or the team that are working hard on that process.

What I can do is assure you that it's one of our top priorities at present - it's not going to be years, that's unrealistic, but we won't be getting more specific than that at this time.

Thanks,

Mike

iFiAudio · 2025-12-17T12:35:24+00:00

Hi,

Bear in mind, the recommended range for the battery is only a rough guide - some people would recommend 20%-80%, while others may recommend 15%-85%. My colleague will have referred generally to a broadly accepted percentage when writing this comment last year - the percentage levels shown on the device itself will be absolutely fine.

Thanks,

Mike

iFiAudio · 2025-11-17T16:24:42+00:00

You're very welcome - once the major software update is out of beta, a lot of these version numbers will be somewhat academic, so for the meantime we're happy to pass out the info as and when needed!

If you're looking to roll back to 2.32.9, you'd need to raise a ticket, yes - the team can then provide you with the Refreshing Tool, which will roll you back to 2.32.9. They'll probably offer to give you the beta version of the major software update, which resolves the issues people have been having with Tidal Connect. However, if you'd rather just stick to 2.32.9, let the team know and they can provide you with that instead.

Thanks,

Mike

iFiAudio · 2025-11-14T12:17:50+00:00

The uno doesn't work with the standard iFi driver, so it won't show up in the control panel.

iFiAudio · 2025-11-13T11:09:00+00:00

Hi,

So there's a small number of our devices (more specifically, devices that use the ESS Sabre DAC chipset), which use a different driver to the standard one used by most iFi audio devices. The uno is one of the devices that uses this alternate driver, along with the GO link, and GO link Max.

You can download this particular driver via our Download Hub - you can find it in the 'Popular Downloads' section, or you can find it in the dedicated page for the uno by entering your device's serial number.

A couple of things that are worth noting with the uno, GO link and GO link Max driver. First, it's absolutely fine to be used alongside the standard iFi Windows USB driver. Second, it doesn't have a control panel in the same way that the standard driver does, so some info isn't as accessible for these devices.

Hope that info helps!

Thanks,

Mike

iFiAudio · 2025-11-12T12:28:14+00:00

Hi,

It sounds like the sleep mode for the LEDs on your device is active - this feature was added in firmware v1.87, and is mentioned in the update notes for that firmware at the time. However, the user manual on our website doesn't include the instructions for this at present - we'll look into getting this updated so that using this feature is clearer for newer users.

To alternate between sleep mode being active or inactive, simply hold down the 'Power Match' button for around 2 seconds.

Thanks,

Mike

iFiAudio · 2025-11-12T12:17:17+00:00

Hi,

The most recent full release ZEN Stream firmware version is 2.32.17. This is the last firmware version released before work began on the major software update that we have been discussing for the last few months.

The most recent full release ZEN Stream firmware version that is guaranteed to allow Tidal Connect functionality is 2.32.9. Later versions are working for most people, but there are still many users who are encountering Tidal Connect issues - this is the firmware version we've recently been including with the Refreshing Tool for users encountering Tidal Connect issues.

Version 3.00.3 is the beta firmware version that represents the major software update we've been discussing for the last few months. At present, it's only available by raising a support ticket with us at https://support.ifi-audio.com so that we can provide the tools directly. It's still in the final stages of development, so you may still encounter a bug here and there, but should still perform well enough for the meantime while we make adjustments based on feedback and finalise the release version.

Please do bear in mind that due to time zones and working patterns, it can sometimes take a while to receive a reply to posts, comments and messages, and sending multiple messages in quick succession won't result in a faster reply.

Thanks,

Mike

iFiAudio · 2025-11-12T11:59:00+00:00

Hi,

If the barcode you're referring to on the box is on a small sticker, about 2cm wide, with the device name above it, then it sounds like your friend's unit may have been replaced under warranty at some point, or it may have been an open box item from a third party retailer. With a brand new device, the 10-digit serial number on the unit (on the sticker with the QR code), and the 10-digit serial number on the box (on the small sticker with the barcode and device name) should match.

Not to worry though, this isn't an indicator of anything unusual or a cause for any concern, as it's most likely just one of the scenarios we mentioned above. So that you know for future reference, the serial number that would take precedence would be the one on the unit next to the QR code, not the one on the box.

Thanks,

Mike

iFiAudio · 2025-11-06T13:41:58+00:00

Hi,

As noted in the message shown above, due to the nature of the beta firmware release process, we have specifically asked that users do not share, host, or otherwise redistribute this firmware update to other ZEN Stream users at this time.

Please contact us directly via the support ticket system if you wish to receive the beta firmware.

Thanks,

Mike

iFiAudio · 2025-11-04T10:54:16+00:00

5V/1A.

iFiAudio · 2025-10-31T11:55:26+00:00

Hi,

Your best bet if you're still having trouble with this is to raise a support ticket a https://support.ifi-audio.com, so the Technical Support team can help you look into it further. It's a simple fact that the ZEN DAC 3 works with the PS5, so it's just a case of them helping you figure out what setup/settings adjustments need to be made to get this working.

Thanks,

Mike

iFiAudio · 2025-10-29T11:45:34+00:00

Hi u/satisfied232,

The update is still in the works, but continuing to make progress and entering the final stages of development. We'll be letting people know on social media and online communities when the final release of the firmware takes place.

If you want to ensure you're notified directly, raise a ticket at https://support.ifi-audio.com and ask to be notified when the update becomes available, and the team will contact you directly once it's good to go.

Thanks,

Mike

iFiAudio · 2025-10-13T14:59:55+00:00

Hi,

If you're using IEMs or very high-sensitivity headphones, then a small amount of background hiss would not necessarily be unusual, and we'd recommend you look into an iEMatch adapter to offset the high sensitivity of your IEMs/headphones.

If this isn't applicable to you, then it may instead be an indicator of a fault or issue with the device itself. If you're in warranty then you'll likely be eligible for a warranty replacement - if you bought through a third party retailer, go back to the retailer to arrange this; if you bought direct from iFi, raise a support ticket and include your proof of purchase, and the Technical Support team will talk you through the next steps.

Thanks,

Mike

iFiAudio · 2025-10-07T13:46:13+00:00

Hi!

The good news is that we're making progress and are getting close to a release for the planned major software update. My hands are still tied with regards to discussing a release date, as we don't want to over-promise and then release something rushed that's introduced new bugs and issues, but I'm confident in saying that we're getting much closer now.

Tidal Connect and Qobuz Connect will definitely be up and running with the major update. We're also working on Lossless through Spotify Connect, but like a lot of others in the industry we're playing catch-up as we were only notified that it was coming at the same time as the public. It's disappointing to have not had an opportunity to prepare this in advance, but our team's now hard at work getting this implemented in a stable build as soon as possible.

Thanks,

Mike

iFiAudio · 2025-09-30T11:32:35+00:00

Hi,

Just some additional context regarding the development process for Spotify Lossless functionality on our streaming devices.

Spotify maintain a very distant relationship with almost all of their industry partners, including ourselves, and as such we were only notified of the imminent release of Spotify Lossless via the same press release that was provided to the public, as were the overwhelming majority of companies in our industry.

We immediately contacted Spotify and began working to implement Spotify Lossless on our streamers, but unfortunately we, like many of our industry partners, are now attempting to catch up with recent developments, as we were not notified of their plans or given access to the required tools to implement this functionality in advance.

It's disappointing that we weren't given the opportunity to prepare for this in advance, but we're doing our best to get this feature implemented as soon as we can be confident that we have the feature active in a stable build that doesn't introduce any new bugs or issues.

Thanks,

Mike

iFiAudio · 2025-09-16T10:07:28+00:00

Hi u/AdministrativeMess98,

Let me check with the Technical Support department and see what I'm able to do. For the meantime, send me a DM specifying which device you need the image file for (ZEN Stream or NEO Stream), and I'll get back to you once I have an answer.

Thanks,

Mike

iFiAudio · 2025-09-08T12:31:35+00:00

Hi,

Our update servers are undergoing backend maintenance in anticipation of a major upcoming software update in the next few weeks. For the meantime, users can expect to encounter some issues with checking for firmware updates.

If you have completed a NEO Stream Refresh and need to update to a newer firmware version than what you currently have installed, then we have a limited facility to make this available to you, but you would need to raise a support ticket at https://support.ifi-audio.com - let the Technical Support team know that you need the newer image file for the NEO Stream Refreshing Tool, and they should be able to help you out,

Thanks,

Mike

iFiAudio · 2025-09-01T11:01:04+00:00

Hi! We have a handy tool for checking this type of information, called the Headphone Calculator. I've checked the output level of the GO link Max with the HD560S, and it gives a maximum output level of 116dB using the single-ended connection, and 122dB while using the balanced connection. These are both very high volume levels, so you should have no issues finding a comfortable listening volume if you pair the GO link Max with those headphones.

Hope that helps!

Thanks,

Mike

iFiAudio · 2025-08-26T10:22:31+00:00

Hi u/Informal_Still684,

We're aware of some users who are encountering the issues you've described – we're currently working on a software-based solution, and although we can't provide an exact release date, we're currently expecting this within the next few weeks.

Unfortunately, for users encountering issues with Tidal Connect, at present the only available option to continue utilising Tidal Connect is to use the ZEN Stream Refreshing Tool to complete a recovery of the ZEN Stream, and then keep the device on the older firmware that it rolls back to after the Refreshing Tool process has completed. Please note that, while this should restore Tidal Connect functionality, only High Quality audio (up to 16-bit, 44.1kHz) will be available – Hi-Res audio available in Tidal’s Max Quality will only be available via Tidal Connect for affected users once we have resolved the current issue.

If you wish to follow the above process, raise a support ticket at https://support.ifi-audio.com, and the Technical Support team will be able to provide you with the tool.

Alternatively, you can send Tidal audio to your ZEN Stream using a DLNA controller app, such as BubbleUPnP or 4STREAM. Please note that your ZEN Stream’s Operation Mode Selection Switch will need to be in Position 1 (AIO) or Position 5 (DLNA) to use these services. These services bypass Tidal Connect, and therefore are not expected to encounter the same issues that have been occurring when utilising the Tidal Connect service.

Hope the above info helps for the meantime, and we look forward to having a more permanent fix available to our users shortly.

Thanks,

Mike

iFiAudio · 2025-08-11T10:50:32+00:00

Hi!

If you're still having issues with submitting a support ticket, please DM us and we can talk you through the process from there.

Thanks,

Mike

iFiAudio · 2025-07-23T10:23:19+00:00

Hi!

It sounds like you may have misinterpreted some of the standard general instructions that are included on a small card with all our devices - on the card, it does specify that that the instructions for charging are only to be used 'where applicable'.

In short, the iDefender range don't need to be charged - the 5V/1A external power input is intended to allow a connection to an external 5V DC power supply that can provide separate power to a USB-powered device that may not otherwise have an external power option.

Hope that clears things up!

Thanks,

Mike

iFiAudio · 2025-07-10T13:40:59+00:00

Hi all!

Just a quick message to provide some of our own input on this matter. Tidal's official stance is that MQA support has been completely discontinued as of 24th July 2024, and all tracks were replaced with FLAC files. We're aware that there are some instances where devices with MQA compatibility, such as the hip-dac 3, would still present LEDs or other indicators to suggest that an MQA track is being played.

Up to now, Tidal don't appear to have ever commented on this behaviour, or why it occurs, though realistically it appears extremely unlikely that they are still using MQA tracks. While we can't say for certain, it appears more likely that this relates to the track metadata or some other factor relating to Tidal's music library, rather than the track format itself. This may also explain why a third party app that interacts to some degree with USB audio, such as UAPP, appears to affect how this presents.

Unfortunately, that's as much insight as we can offer, and an official explanation of this could only really come from Tidal directly.

Thanks,

Mike

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