The network music server and streaming category keeps on growing. Some major players in this space include NAD, Cambridge Audio, Bluesound, Roon, WiiM, and more. Whilst all of those brands offer some very compelling and affordable solutions that we can’t recommend highly enough — the one brand that almost all of us here at eCoustics have listened to and felt was the top of the mountain (and that comes with a rather high price depending on the model) is Innuos. The Portuguese manufacturer builds superbly reliable equipment that delivers reference quality hi-resolution digital playback.
We have reported on some of their products previously, which include the PULSE and ZENmini. Innuous has also earned a place in our past Best Network Player lists, including for 2023.
Our favorite rooms at T.H.E. Show in 2022 and 2023 utilized Innuos streamers with some rather high-end amplification from Nagra and Boenicke loudspeakers and it was clear that they had a huge impact on the overall sound quality of the systems.
For 2024, Innuos has announced two new network streamers, the ZEN NG and ZENith NG both are step-down models from the Flagship STATEMENT NG, but it doesn’t look like they are cutting corners on either model.
Tech Note: Neither the ZEN NG nor ZENith NG are equipped with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capability. Internet and streaming access is provided through an Ethernet connection. This means users need to have a broadband router with Ethernet connectivity.
Shared Features
There is a lot of feature and specification overlap between the ZEN NG and ZENith NG but here is what they offer.
Innuos PreciseAudio Mainboard: A custom server-grade mainboard, tuned for low processor latency, power noise, and EMI emissions is provided.
Modular Architecture: The ZEN NG can be configured as a Music Server/Streamer, Server-only or Streamer-only. Choose between no storage or up to 16TB configurations and optional audio output slots are available for different modules such as USB, I2S, or AES/Coaxial/Optical SPDIF.
Innuos XSM: A High-Performance Expandable Storage Management System (XSM) allows a single pool of storage from multiple drives. The ZEN NG supports an internal, high-performance NVMe PCIe drive of up to 8TB with an additional externally accessible M.2 NVMe slot for up to 8TB for up to 16 TB of storage.
Premium Chassis: A 10mm thick CNC-machined bead-blasted and anodized aluminum chassis, containing a new vibration-dampened transformer platform and with a Chassis Ground port connection is provided.
Sense 3: This is OS for ZEN products which support Real-Time Kernel, lowering latency even further for the core Operating System, AudioCore for audio process to run in dedicated physical cores, Expandable Storage Management interface, and new CD-ripping via external USB drives with drive-head alignment for accurate ripping.
ZEN NG
Core features of the ZEN NG include:
Innuos ARC 6 NGaN PSU: A Gallium Nitride power regulation stage is provided to enhance the RECAP2 linear power modules with a tuned switching frequency is provided. This supports lower power supply impedance for a more transparent sound and better channel separation.
Intel Core i3: The ZEN NG incorporates an Intel Core i3 processor combining 4 physical cores with 4 virtual cores for faster speeds but low heat dissipation. The processor is enhanced with the Innuos AudioCore technology providing separate cores dedicated only to audio processes. The i3 Core is further supported with 16GB of industrial-grade low-noise DDR4 RAM.
Dedicated OS SSD: A dedicated industrial-grade 3D TLC SSD for the OS with power-loss protection prevents issues with the system in case of a power cut. The SSD supports low power consumption, electrical noise, and thermal output.
Upgradeable: The modular construction of the chassis and components means the ZEN NG can be upgraded to a ZENith NG in the future for even better sound quality and performance.
ZENith NG
Core features of the ZENith include:
Innuos ARC6 NGaN PSU: Combining a trickled-down version of the ARC6 Active Rectification board with a 300VA Audio Grade Transformer, high-performance choke, and over 130000uF of Mundorf capacitors with the cutting-edge Gallium Nitride Innuos NGaN Regulation stage results in a marked improvement in sound transparency and realism compared to the ZEN NG.
Intel Core i7: An Intel Core i7 with 8 physical cores is provided for enhanced Innuos AudioCore performance. There are separate cores dedicated only to audio processes. A 16GB of industrial-grade low-noise DDR4 RAM allows caching more databases and files for faster response maintaining high performance with low power consumption.
pSLC OS SSD: An industrial-grade pSLC SSD is provided for the OS. This supports lower operating noise, is independently powered, and with power-loss protection for extra resiliency and durability.
SENSE App
Sense is the control app offered with all Innuos music servers/streamers as well as network players. It is designed to integrate with and complement the Innuos Sense 3 OS:
Core Features of the Sense App include:
- Fast, intuitive, easy-to-use interface. The Home Screen Home Screen widgets allow you to customize and access your favorite features.
- Seamless navigation across local, streaming, and internet radio. Multiple ways to browse music (by Artist, Albums, Tracks, Tags, etc…).
- Seamless and automatic ripping of CDs including via external USB drives with Sense 3
- Explore your music and discover new music. This includes the ability to play music from connected USB storage drives. Qobuz and Tidal MAX integration including Artist Bios, Related Artists, Top Tracks, and expanded streaming experience with Deezer and Hi-Res Audio.
- Curated and configurable Smart Mixes based on your music interests.
- Create and edit Music Playlists from multiple streaming services, local files and NAS drives. This includes the management of Qobuz and Tidal MAX albums together with albums stored on one or more Network Attached Storage (NAS) for a unified Music Library.
- Powerful Smart Search to find desired content easily
The Sense App is available on iOS, Android, or Amazon Fire devices and can also be accessed through any web browser.
Comparison
| ZEN NG | ZENith NG | |
| MSRP | $12,000 | $18,900 |
| Processor | Intel Core i3: 4 x Physical Cores 4 x Virtual Cores | Intel Core i7: 8 x Physical Cores |
| Memory | 16GB DDR4 Industrial-Grade RAM | 16GB DDR4 Industrial-Grade RAM |
| Storage | 3D TLC SSD for OS [Optional] 1 x PCIe NVMe SSD – 2TB / 4TB / 8TB (Factory fitted) [Optional] 1 x m.2 NVMe SSD (User or factory fitted) | 1 x pSLC SSD for OS [Optional] 1 x PCI-E NVme SSD – 2TB / 4TB / 8TB (Factory fitted) [Optional] 1 x m.2 NVme SSD (User or factory fitted) |
| Digital Audio Output | USB (Up to 32-bit/768KHz, Up to DSD256 via DoP, Up to DSD512 via Native DSD) 1 x Digital Output Module: PhoenixUSB, PhoenixI2S, AES/Coaxial/Optical SPDIF (Sold Separately) Auxiliary Ethernet Port for Streamer or NAS | USB (Up to 32-bit/768KHz, Up to DSD256 via DoP, Up to DSD512 via Native DSD) 1 x Digital Output Module: PhoenixUSB, PhoenixI2S, AES/Coaxial/Optical SPDIF (Sold Separately) Auxiliary Ethernet Port for Streamer or NAS |
| Ethernet | Ethernet 2 x LAN RJ45 Bridged Gigabit Ethernet (LAN, Aux) | 2 x LAN RJ45 Bridged Gigabit Ethernet (LAN, Streamer) |
| USB | 3 x USB 3.2 Gen2 (Backup/Import, Aux, DAC) | 3 x USB 3.2 Gen2 (Backup/Import, Aux, DAC) |
| Chassis Ground | 4mm ‘Speaker plug’ port | 4mm ‘Speaker plug’ port |
| Ripping | External USB-connected CD ripper required | External USB-connected CD ripper required |
| CD Formats | Red Book | Red Book |
| Disc Compatibility | CD, CD-R, CD-RW | CD, CD-R, CD-RW |
| CD Ripper Formats | FLAC (compression level 0), WAV | FLAC (compression level 0), WAV |
| Playback Audio Formats | WAC, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC, AAC, MP3, MQA | WAC, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC, AAC, MP3, MQA |
| Sample Rates | 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 768kHz DSD over PCM (DoP) up to DSD256 Native DSD up to DSD512 (on selected DACs) | 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 768kHz DSD over PCM (DoP) up to DSD256 Native DSD up to DSD512 (on selected DACs) |
| Bit Depth | 16-bit | 16-bit, 24-bit |
| Web Control Interface | Modern Web Browsers from iOS, Android, Windows, and OS X | Modern Web Browsers from iOS, Android, Windows, and OS X |
| Mobile App | Innuos Sense App for iOS/Android/Kindle | Mobile: Innuos Sense App for iOS/Android/Kindle |
| Roon Compatible | May Not Support All Functions | May Not Support All Functions |
| UPnP/DLNA | AssetUPnP | AssetUPnP |
| Streaming Services | Qobuz, Tidal, Deezer, HighResAudio, Internet Radio | Qobuz, Tidal, Deezer, HighResAudio, Internet Radio |
| Average CD Storage Time | 5 Minutes | 5 Minutes |
| CD Metadata | FreeDB, Musicbrainz, Discogs, GD3 | FreeDB, Musicbrainz, Discogs, GD3 |
| Works with Sonos | Yes | Yes |
| Works with DLNA/UPnP Compatible Devices | Yes | Yes |
| Works with USB DACs complying with USB Audio Class 2 | Yes | Yes |
| Works with Selected USB DACs supporting Native DSD | Yes | Yes |
| Use Requirements | An Internet connection is required for metadata lookup, streaming services, and software updates. Network access via Ethernet Premium subscriptions are required for streaming services such as Qobuz, Tidal, etc. | An Internet connection is required for metadata lookup, streaming services, and software updates. Network access via Ethernet Premium subscriptions are required for streaming services such as Qobuz, Tidal, etc. |
| Mains Power Supply | 230V AC / 115V AC (Switchable) | 230V AC / 115V AC (Switchable) |
Availability & Pricing
The ZEN NG and ZENith NG are being shown at High End Munich 2024 (May 9-12) and will be available to consumers Q3 2024 through authorized dealers at the following prices (without storage or output boards):
- ZEN NG: $12,000 USD (€9,500 / £9,000 / $15,800 CAD)
- ZENith NG: $18,900 USD (€15,000 / £14,200 / $25,000 CAD)
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