Review! Innuos Zen AND Zenith | M3 Sapphire Series

[@yannick930]

You know sometimes I just watch your videos again just to see the beautiful gear, the beautiful images, the sound effects,.. the best looking videos on hifi gears. + Lately a very efficient way to describe what you ear. This is the best version of NRD i ever seen. Congrats man ! I hope more success for you. By the way I totally agree with you about the caps. I felt the same change when I upgraded the caps of my Atoll In30 for Mundorf's one. More dynamic and the bass ❤️❤️❤️. Everything really counts.

[@snowpuppy77]

Enjoyable and informative review. I at one time did not think 1's and 0's needed anything special to sound right when just being transmitted. But once you start comparing sources you will eventually run into very obvious differences. It sucks when you realize this because it means there is more money to spend to finish your system. But worth it for the audiophile.

[@paulroscelli2545]

I have the Zen mk ll...It is amazing to listen to and it works like a charm. The software is outstanding. Best of all their tech-support is beyond what I’ve seen from any other company.

[@yannick930]

Your channel bring a lot to the game ! I've been inspire by the speaker diy and upgrade series so much that I did it myself living in France and not being able to reach to Danny during the pandemic start. I've went a little bit further and upgraded my integrated amp too, Atoll In30 : Mundorf caps, Audio Note caps and elna silmic II, change some internal wiring and binding posts just for fun. The results in the bass, jesus !!! Amazing. The soundstage is bigger and the dynamic increased a lot. All these plus lots and I'm thrilled. I'm convinced now that for any equipment I buy in the future the caps are the first that need to be upgraded as soon as the warranty period ends. Nice video as usual ! Thanks Ron

[@OHMAudioChannel]

I can attest to a digital source making a difference in sound. At friends house we were testing out a new DAC and were using his HP laptop streaming Amazon HD. We were both underwhelmed with how flat everything sounded. We pulled his desktop out form his office which has a "USB DAC-UP 2 with Adjustable Voltage" port and holy smokes there was an immediate difference. More impact, clarity, and all the other audiophile buzzwords. Like you said, the change was not at all subtle, even when we did a blind A/B test with his neighbor, they immediately picked up on the difference.

[@alext2933]

Ron your label says that these are mk2 models but are actually mk3. Huge difference, as custom mother boards etc, etc. Innuos is currently developing their own playback app which is supposed to be out later this year. Great content.

[@korbindallas6727]

Ron, couldn't agree more. I put my faith in my audio sales person who repeatedly told me that I could get an affordable (all relative I guess) immediate upgrade to sound quality by adding a server/streamer. I paid my money and went from a PC based roon core/player to a Zenmini, without the external power supply, and couldn't be happier. Well, there may be an innous power supply purchase around the corner which will increase sq even more. Yes, my audio sales person said so. :-) While I could have easily gone higher up the food chain, I now have improved sound quality and funds available to go towards a speaker upgrade, and other components. The mini may get sold some time in the distant future, or can just be a core, or even a roon end point. I also had some self-inflicted computer illiterate issues and the support from innous, as you experienced, was awesome! Looking forward to more awesome content! Cheers!!

[@Newrecordday2013]

Thanks for the comment and feedback! Glad we both experienced the same thing man!

[@richybeattie]

I trust my ears and all I can say is that these Zen's (I've got the Zen Mini and external LPSU) do exactly what you describe, they make the music less "digital". A ripped cd into the Zen as FLAC sounds to my ears more enjoyable than the same CD in my Marantz CD Player, both going through the same DAC. Yes it's just a computer in essence, but it doesn't look like one, sound like one and doesn't require any computer knowledge to run one. The source should be as stable and as easy as using an amp or dac is...buy it, turn it on and go. Innuos have nailed this. I do think the premium prices for extra capacity do not match the cost of the HDD/SSD, so like with the Roon Nucleus, to be able to swap your own out would be a step forward I think. Based using my Zen Mini as a light Roon Core (500GB mostly 16/44 FLAC) and Roon Endpoint (direct USB from Zen Mini to DAC), my experience of manageable but ever so slight delay on play/pause/skip tracks, I reckon if you were a hardcore multiroom Roon user with lots of DSP in each Audio Zone, the CPU/RAM spec's suggest it might run out of performance, but that's just a guess. God knows, if they've managed to optimize the CPU like they've optimized the digital output, maybe they'll have no problems at all?!

[@jeppemichaeljensen2684]

When I bought my Zen in May I was told that they would launch their own app this summer, still waiting, and bought Roon

[@Newrecordday2013]

Oh, that’s wonderful news!

[@gordonfreeman4491]

@@Newrecordday2013 Innuos say they will make it available this month: innuos.com/2021/03/05/innuos-2-0-overview/

[@gerd5479]

The sense app is fab

[@NickP333]

Ron, I’m really digging NRD’s facelift. Looks totally pro, dude. Great editing, which I’m sure took a while. I’ll even give you a, Bravo, sir! Ok so..., you’ve got Innuos servers (a prototype with Mundorf caps, no less), a Lampizator DAC, an LTA amp, going into a couple of M3’s. I haven’t put a digital section in my rig yet besides my CD player, but I know enough to be aware that’s a digital dream rig in the front end going into a crazy awesome amp and beautiful speakers. That’s totally deserving of a hell yeah, bro! I’m sure the cables aren’t anything too shabby either, even though cables don’t matter. I KID, I KID! lol. Great job, Ron. Excellent vid.

[@Newrecordday2013]

Thanks Nick!

[@AllynVibes]

Thank you! This may likely be the most useful review guiding me towards streamlining my front end. I may need to somehow compare my Emerald Physics CS 1.3 with the equivalent Spatial Audio. Thank you for the time stamps and links. I'm thinking I need to try some Anticables soon. Great videos as usual!

[@Newrecordday2013]

Thank you!

[@rhodey2952]

The Zen MK3 should come with a SSD. Kinda ridiculous at this point in time with SSD prices being pretty reasonable.

[@jeppemichaeljensen2684]

Waioooo Ron ! Brilliant. Super high quality. Thanks

[@Newrecordday2013]

Thanks man!

[@MarkJones-bc5vx]

Great review Ron.

[@davidlever3107]

Good morning, after 4 years do you consider these Innuos models still actual or do you suggest other gears for only transport files to a dac, NOT streaming services? thanks

[@ilkkajarvilehto346]

Hi, Ron I have been enjoying your great reviews. Keep up your great work What I have been waiting a such a long time someone would do a review for older great products from high end past such as Franco Serblin Accordo speakers that are still a one of the most musical speakers around. Have you had a chance to hear them?. If not I would recommend to include them to your list. And about high end newcomers such as cube audio nenuphar that are getting a lot of attention and are you planning to do review for Gershmann Studio 2 speakers. The all input of yours is a highly appreciated and looking forward for your new reviews. Ilkka

[@MrAndyb247]

I have the Innuos Zen Mini with matching linear PSU it sounds amazing I guess it guess it gets 80-90%sound quality of the Zen & Zenith at a fraction of the cost.

[@Newrecordday2013]

That’s awesome!

[@Jonathan-ff4wo]

Brilliant idea to sequentially review each item in your audio chain.

[@Newrecordday2013]

Thanks!

[@steverino5054]

Looks to be fairly easy for anyone who's built or changed drives in PCs to swap the 1tb drive with another if needed.

[@audiorick841]

Would love to know how it compares with an Intel NUC running Roon ROCK. I always wondered if it would be worth upgrading mine to this.

[@ywsx6489]

Just pop over to partsconnexion and order the mundorf caps. Or audionote kaisei caps. Unless the mundorf caps used are the 4 pole series on a different pcb, it should be easy to swap the nichicons out.

[@charleskatz2606]

I think this might be the best deal out there for server with drive and storage but that's because there is a surprising dearth of this which is weird given how many folks still have extensive CD collections and just aren't as into streaming as some.One knock on this review would be the lack of comparison to the $1K and $2K DAC versus the internal one.Otherwise good review of a product I'd like to get.

[@neilgelowitz4737]

There is no internal DAC on the Zen or Zenith...only the Zen Mini.

[@rotaks1]

Ron, sorry about this question: Is it possible that the company purposely shipped a Zen with better caps to get a great review from you, and afterward, they would sell the version with cheaper caps to the rest of us??? I am sorry for this paranoid question but if you hadn't purchased a personal Zen, how do you think this review would have panned out?

[@Newrecordday2013]

I initially suspected exactly that but honestly after talking to innuos, there is no way. They were visibly and clearly upset about the mixup.

[@TheKb117]

Plot twist: Innuos really intended to ship you the Zen prototype to tease you about the Zenith... and it succeded IMHO hahaha :D

[@cesargutierrez4999]

Quick ? I have a zen MK3 Before I used a bel canto E one streamer For some reason the Zen sounds to me as having extended detailed highs Everything sounds awesome But if I don’t like one thing is not having complete sound I use it with both USB and ethernet to the ps audio direct stream Have also used a moded bel canto dac and a luxman with same results Is it worth 2800$ to get it upgraded to the zenith?

[@kevinsilvernale6953]

I have owned the original Auralic dual Femto bridge with a custom LPS through a Mac Mini for several years. I have been happy with it’s performance, but have been wondering if it would be a step up going to one of the Innuos models? Thanks, Kevin

[@Newrecordday2013]

Good question! Not sure based on what you already have! Anyone have experience that can help Kevin out?

[@laogulaozhao]

Primo and Innuos zen mini mk3. Which has better sound?

[@rickyblair8802]

They did not send a prototype, they sent one they had doctored up so you would give a better review.

[@dailyfrenchie9047]

Is it worth upgrading from a Bluesound Node 2? I mainly stream Tidal and Qobuz. I hope Innuous wasn't sending out a "suped-up" demo model hoping for great reviews and then having the regular version for the general public. Sounds like something VW would do. Maybe other reviewers should open their review model.

[@edwinsprojects7039]

Yes its way worth it. Not even in the same category😎

[@johnwhite2576]

So Ron, how does the sound through Zen compare to the original CD playing directly into your DAC ?

[@Newrecordday2013]

Im not sure as I don’t really listen from a CD player - and have only used my MacBook pro as a source.

[@mikeyremy]

"welcome back to NRD my name 'click Ron' " hahaha that sounds like xhosa!

[@Newrecordday2013]

Haha!

[@sc51153826]

@@Newrecordday2013, try this line next time, "welcome back to NRD my name is 'Roon' " hahaha maybe too much. Great review, very clear on how the Zen differs from the Zenith. Now I'm sure I want to get a Zen and some of those mundorf caps myself...🤫🤫🤫 no joke!

[@Gilligansrevenge]

Ron, did you use the Zen as a Roon Core or just an end point?

[@Newrecordday2013]

I tried both! I like it as a core for my lifestyle and rig setup.

[@alexandergourlay9501]

@@Newrecordday2013 did you notice any sound difference ? Generally people seem to notice a difference using files from the SSD in a server vs. roon/streaming, but curious is core/end point makes a difference ?

[@netnakul]

You made super awesome informative measurements for your speaker reviews. Why not do one for these streamers and your MacBook?

[@Newrecordday2013]

I don’t have the equipment, knowledge or the experience to measure amplifiers, dacs etc. Speakers are something I am comfortable with and have been trained to do it well. Thanks!

[@netnakul]

@@Newrecordday2013 oh I think you can just show the speaker measurement as usual, but rather than describing the shape of the curve, focus on the differences each source device makes to the curves (e.g. your mentioned about more extended bass)

[@TheSteppenwolf666]

Try the phoenix USB clocker....woah momma!

[@mutiger2001]

Can you download music to the onboard hard drive or is it only for burning CDs?

[@Newrecordday2013]

I can using Roon - sure!

[@AmazonasBiotop]

Super Ron! 🥰

[@smilesrs8516]

Ron great review, in the last several weeks I've been researching this very topic in hopes of upgrading my old system. How difficult was it in importing your digital music (like iTunes) and streaming sources?

[@dannyblaha9344]

with out roon or third party app are these usable

[@Newrecordday2013]

Sadly, I don’t think so. Someone can correct me if I am wrong.

[@dannyblaha9344]

@@Newrecordday2013needs at least windows or apple app and to be accessible thru browser before i would consider buying

[@keeferdog5617]

I’ve heard all the Innuos products from the Zen mini to the STATEMENT and the “reclockers” are amazing. You definitely get rewarded as you move up the line (your wallet doesn’t) BUT where is the damn WiFi my Euro friends? Too much “noise”? Most of the other big-boys have it....

[@theklipschcave5593]

Hey. Don't use a Mac if you want quality. The Mac is a computer not an audiofile equipment.

[@HungryEatNow]

So it's Zen or Zenith? Does ZenMini crumbles?

[@Newrecordday2013]

I’m not sure, never heard one!

[@HungryEatNow]

@@Newrecordday2013 ZenMini is their smaller (cheaper) version of Zen nvm then.

[@TheSteppenwolf666]

I own a Zen mini MK3 and LPS and it’s very close to Zen. Add a USB reclocker and you’re in Zenith territory. It’s a good way to do a gradual upgrade if you don’t have all the readies at once

[@CedricRachmad]

how close would you say? 80 - 90%? @@TheSteppenwolf666

[@ilisbsd]

Intel Nuc + Raspberry Pi + AlloDigiOne = better results with less money... Of course not so fancy though.

[@sumitagg1]

My dealer told me that there is no difference between a dedicated headless Mac mini and a innuos oe melco when connected over ethernet.

[@neilgelowitz4737]

Definitely not the case.

[@timw.9466]

The hell there aint. I have Innuos Zenith mk3 with reference audio labs cryo silver cat 8 ethernet and wireworlds platinum starlite usb as well as transparents XL rca out to Lampizator lite 7 dac. Upgrading from a previous mac mini which is nowhere near the smooth liquid 3d sound im getting with my Zenith. Real performance upgrade maybe for the first time ever since cds birth 35 years ago!

[@sumitagg1]

@@timw.9466 was your Mac mini connected over internet previously or through the USB?

[@timw.9466]

@@sumitagg1 i had it connected to Ethernet. The 3 individual isolated powersupplies as well as superior mundorf caps make all the difference.Its really just a far superior transprt streamer server interface. Klipch Cornwall mk3s 103 db sensitivity 1.Plinius SA 102 pure class A 125 watt ss amplifier.. Plinius M8 preamp...or 2. Dared VP 845 18 watt pure class A integrated. 1942 nos RCA 845 tubes.. 1958 RCA 12ax7 nos..RCA 1944 6sn7 Or... 3. Cary 300b integrated... 8 watts per channel pure class A... Western Electric 300bs nos... 1944 6sn7 chrome domes smoked glass The Lampizator lite has capability for my 300 b output tube. A pair of Sophia Electrics 2A3 or the PSVanes 101d globe tube as well as 45s all via a toggle switch on rear of unit to tailor sound to ones taste! The Innuos line of servers are the best sounding in digital audio abosolute musicality. Very warm and analogue like master tape without hiss. The Innuos is a vital part of system synergy.

[@Junker_1]

What would be very interesting if you would do a blind test. And I mean an accurate blind test. On audioscience review there are steps you can follow to make it a valid one. And do the test with the mac. I would be very surprised if you hear the difference. And please film it. But it all falls on doing the test right. I and I think many others would like to see the result.

[@morespinach9832]

The video doesn’t start until 2 mins. Get to the point mate.

[@Newrecordday2013]

Unless you have somehow altered reality as we know it, I’m pretty sure the video starts at 0:00. Does that mean you appreciated the first 2 minutes? I’d guess as much as I appreciated your comment.

[@morespinach9832]

@@Newrecordday2013 the point of the video doesn’t start until 2 mins. Thanks.

[@BrentLeVasseur]

The answer is simple to the question “why did I wait so long to try one...” it’s because a computer costs $1,000 and can do more than just music serving, while a MK3 or Statement costs about the same as a new car and can only do music. 😂