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Innuos - streaming

A Portuguese company that has been dedicated to the improvement of digital music reproduction since 2009. Their goal was to focus on three core principles; Software and Hardware Synergy (providing true end-to-end solutions), Customer-Driven Research and Development (to truly understand what customers require) and finally developing an Open Platform (allowing integration with popular HiFi) that is being constantly reviewed.

In our listening tests covering all the key players aimed at streaming, we were very impressed with the sound quality of digital reproduction from both ripped CDs and streaming services. Right from the entry level, Zen Mini, the sound was way above the average. It was also clear how this sound improved as you step up through their range to truly nuanced and detailed performances. We have not always found this to be the case with other streaming dedicated brands.

With the most recent Mk3 range, Innuos has spent time and money developing custom computer motherboards. Designed specifically for their units to minimise Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), truly optimising performance, as opposed to the easier approach adopted by competitors of modifying something off-the-shelf. This custom hardware works alongside their custom firmware (innuOS).

Innuos has also focussed more closely on power supply quality with the entire Mk3 range, which is well known in audiophile component designs to provide large sonic benefits. Additionally, the USB interface itself has been further developed, to make this as free from noise as possible (a traditional problem with USB connectivity) maximising the transfer of musical information.

As well as sound quality Innuos has also concentrated on functionality. Their products are extremely flexible and easy to use – not always the case with products aimed at playing computer files. Each unit in the range can be used as a CD Ripper, Music Server /NAS (Network Attached Storage) and Streamer. This means they can be used either directly connected to your audio system or can serve music to suitable devices anywhere on your network, making placement more flexible. They also incorporate fan-less designs for quiet operation.

For these reasons, we have decided to stock the entire MK3 range from Innuos. They offer outstanding sound quality and superb value at their respective price points. Their stylish designs are a true bonus.

NEW

There are SSD versions of the ZENmini Mk3 model now available called ZENmini S.
The Statement model now has the option to include a Next-Gen power supply
A new Pulse series of Network Players to be introduced. More information once we have auditioned samples.

ZENmini Mk3 and ZENmini S

The ZENmini Mk3 is a small unit (214mm wide) and is their gateway product. In our listening tests we found this to be a musical and highly enjoyable performer, whether playing CD rips or streaming. It can be used as a CD Ripper, UPnP Music Server (NAS) and Streamer, so is extremely flexible.

The new ZENmini S includes and upgraded SSD drive and 8GB of internal RAM (the ZENmini has 4GB RAM)

ZENmini Mk3 and ZENmini S Features
- Integrated TEAC CD drive used solely for ripping to the hard drive, for copies of the highest quality.
- It has both Analogue RCA and SPDIF (optical and coaxial) outputs making existing hi-fi integration as easy as possible. It has 4 x USB 3.0 inputs as well as 2 x RJ45 sockets.
- It can output via analogue RCA any file up to 24 bit/192 KHz, using the internal DAC, but can serve files out to the network including DSD and MQA to a suitable DAC.
- This, as with all models, can be controlled by a free of charge application available on Apple iOS, as well as Android and Windows 10
- Streaming services supported are; Qobuz, Spotify Connect, Tidal and Internet Radio as well as being Roon Ready (Roon Core and Roon Bridge).
- Sonos compatible.
- It can be ordered with a variety of internal HDD drive options of between 1-4TB of storage: 1TB (£1,399), 2TB (£1,499), 4TB (£1,699).
- The The newer ZENmini S includes and upgraded SSD drive and 8GB of internal RAM (the ZENmini has 4GB RAM). MiniS options are: 1TB SSD (£1,799), 2TB SSD (£1,999) or 4TB SSD (£2,299).
- Optional Upgraded Linear Power Supply, in a separate matching chassis which further improves sound quality. Available for £749 if purchased with any Zen Mini, or £799 if purchased separately.

ZENmini Mk3 from £1,399 1TB HDD

ZENmini S from £1,799 1TB SSD

ZENmini LPSU bundle price £749; separate order £799

ZENmini Mk3

ZEN Mk3

The ZEN Mk3 is their first unit in a full width chassis. In our listening tests we found the Zen to have a notable step up in sound quality over the ZENmini. Soundstage is wider and deeper, with better transients, and with voices sounding more natural.

It has the functionality of the above ZENmini (CD Ripper, Server and Streamer) except for only having USB output (no analogue or SPDIF), so it will require a USB digital input into your DAC/Amplifier. Innuos have spent a lot of time developing the USB connection to achieve ultra-low-noise quality and is now their preferred choice.

Advantages over the ZENmini MK3
- New dual layer Power Supply Unit designed by Dr Sean Jacobs, incorporating high quality Nichicon MUSE Capacitors.
- More attention paid to vibration control with the chassis treated, along with incorporating asymmetrical, anti-vibration feet based on technology developed for the Zenith Mk2 SE.
- With the increased RAM in this unit, playback of stored files is entirely from the internal 8GB of RAM on board, allowing music to be played without engaging the hard drive (a bonus in terms of sound quality).
- New Generation Quad-Core Intel CPU.
- Completely isolated dual-Ethernet RJ45 ports with dedicated isolation transformers.
- Supports up to DSD 128 via DoP (DSD over PCM) and native DSD, through a suitable DAC.
- The internal Hard Disc drive options are: 1TB (£2,699), 2TB (£2,799) or 4TB (£2,999).
- Silver or black faceplate option to a black chassis.

ZEN Mk3 from £2,699 1TB HDD

ZEN Mk3

ZENith Mk3

The ZENith Mk3 is their flagship one-box solution with the same styling as the ZEN. In our listening tests, we found this to be a most impressive performer from both ripped CDs and streamed files. The soundstage opens even more, being more holographic in all dimensions than the ZEN. Instruments have a smoother, more life-like character with the decay on notes being more natural. Bass transients are also more impactful. This unit offers a superb and very engaging sound for this price point.

Provides all the functionality of the rest of the range (CD Ripper, Server and Streamer)

Advantages over the ZEN Mk3 are:
- Triple-Linear Power Supply Unit, designed by Dr Sean Jacobs, incorporating extremely high quality Mundorf Capacitors with ultra-low-noise regulators.
- Incorporates SSD storage (with no moving parts) with newly improved vibration and EMI treatments.
- Supports up to native DSD 512 through suitable DAC’s.
- Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) options are: 1TB (£4,799), 2TB (£5,099), 4TB (£5,699) or 8TB (£6,799).
- As with the Zen, silver or black faceplate option to a black chassis.

ZENith Mk3 from £4,799 1TB SSD

ZENith Mk3

STATEMENT with optional Next Gen power supply unit

The STATEMENT is the ultimate 2-box solution from Innuos incorporating the best of their current technology to maximise sonic performance. In our listening tests we found the Statement to have the best sound when compared to other streaming capable brands at this price level. Music was textured and detailed with a deep and wide soundstage. Voices and instruments were detailed whilst remaining natural and nuanced, with plenty of micro-detail. This is true state-of-the-art and builds on the R&D for their previous flagship model, the multiple-award winning ZENith Mk2 SE. It truly is a statement piece.

Provides all the functionality of the rest of the range (CD Ripper, Server and Streamer)

The Statement Next-Gen incorporates an upgraded power supply. The m ain advantages are:

Custom ARC6 AC/DC rectifier board.
10mH DC Choke
New Audio Note capacitors
Adaptive vibration Control using Panzerholz wood

Advantages over the ZENith MK3 are:
- Double-enclosure linear power supply designed by Dr Sean Jacobs with 8 power rails (effectively 8 separate power supplies) that serve completely clean power signals to the various parts of the unit independently of each other. This reduces electrical noise caused by the voltage conversions of regulators. Moreover, these power supplies have been individually tailored for each critical component to work optimally.
- Separately enclosed AC/DC conversion stage to isolate the transformer vibration and EMI emissions.
- Regulation stage within the main enclosure to shorten the clean DC power path.
- Custom designed components including a state-of-the-art Innuos designed USB board with a dedicated 5v power.
- USB and Ethernet re-clocking by independently powered 3ppb OCXO clock for higher precision and lower phase noise.
- EMI-Optimised, custom motherboard exclusively designed for Innuos.
- Available in Silver or Black (milled-aluminium) for the front, side and top panels of both enclosures.
- Statement Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) options are: 1TB (£14,200), 2TB (£14,500), 4TB (£15,100) or 8TB (£16,200).
- Statement Umbilical Cords upgrade: 0.5m pair (£1,349), 1.0m pair (£1,449), 1.5m pair (£1,549).
- Statement NG with Next-Gen Power Supply Unit: 1TB (£19,000), 2TB (£19,300), 4TB (£19,900), or 8TB (£21,000).

Statement from £14,200 standard PSU 1TB SSD

Statement NG from £19,000 Next-Gen PSU 1TB SSD

STATEMENT

Innuos PhoenixUSB – Reclocker

This unit will maximise the sound quality from any streaming unit which currently connects to your DAC over USB. The PhoenixUSB is placed between the Streamer and DAC and will re-clock (regenerate) the data stream to deliver a cleaner, more accurate signal, with less digital jitter (digital timing inaccuracies) to the DAC. This allows the DAC to decode the signal more easily, using less aggressive error correction filtering and processing. This creates a more coherent and natural presentation, maximising audio quality and the subtle nuances of the music.

The PhoenixUSB uses technology from their flagship streamer device the Statement, which has the same USB Reclocker (clock chip and dual power supplies) built in. The high-quality clock included (again used in the Statement server) with its own linear power supply, minimises this problem.

Our listening tests used with a variety of streaming devices revealed a more expansive sound stage, with greater depth. The illusion of depth is one of the major problems with streaming music replay and to enhance this audiophile aspect is a real bonus. This allows a sense of space of the original recording to be perceived, experiencing the size and acoustic properties more fully. Overall tone and timbre are improved, becoming more natural – less “hifi”. Instrument separation is increased, and the decay to sustained notes is more natural. Speed of transients is increased, along with more impact and depth to the bass, Sibilance is also very well controlled and can help tame harsher sounding recordings.

The PhoenixUSB reclocker will help optimise any DAC and Streamer combination.

The 3 main design objectives for this unit are:
- The USB chip regenerating the signal contains no switching regulators. All 3 independent voltages to the chip originate from an independent linear power supply with further regulation provided by 3 sets of high quality LT3045 regulators.
- The use of a 3ppb OCXO clock running directly at 24MHz and connected via a board-track very close to the USB chip. No precision is lost within cables and connectors, as would be the case when using an external master 10MHz clock with an additional 24MHz clock generator.
- Two independent Innuos Statement-level linear power supplies: one dedicated to the OCXO clock; the other for powering the USB chip/5V USB line.