I am very much an Aurender fan. From sound quality, build, service and the Conductor app. I have two and heard many others. In my system the quality and tone equal my very high quality vinyl system. However I have not heard the Zen.
I often start with AI. Typically it is good with fuzzy stuff. Then I verify the summary they give. I cannot fault the Aurrender side of this someone will have to confirm the Zen side.
Both the Aurender N20 and Innuos Zen NG are high-end music servers/streamers, but they cater to slightly different preferences in sound quality and functionality.
Aurender N20
The Aurender N20 is praised for its precision and clarity. It features an oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) clock, which significantly reduces jitter, resulting in a more stable and accurate sound2. The N20 delivers a transparent and detailed musical presentation, with a focus on dynamics and separation. Its AES/EBU, BNC, coaxial, and optical outputs provide flexibility and superior sound quality. Users often describe the sound as immersive, with a clean and refined bass response3.
Innuos Zen NG
The Innuos Zen NG, on the other hand, emphasizes neutrality and transparency. It incorporates advanced tuning and customizations on its mainboard, along with NGaN regulation and firmware-level AudioCore, which enhance sound precision5. The Zen NG is known for its effortless and natural sound, with a blacker background and improved sound staging. It offers a slightly warmer and more analog-like tonality compared to other models in the Innuos lineup5.
Key Differences
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Aurender N20: Ideal for those seeking a highly detailed and dynamic sound with robust bass clarity.
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Innuos Zen NG: Perfect for listeners who prefer a neutral, transparent, and analog-like sound with a focus on soundstage and naturalness.
Both are exceptional choices, but the decision ultimately depends on your personal sound preferences and system compatibility. Which one aligns more with your taste?
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@ghdprentice Thank you for the AI info. They both sound wonderful. I guess that is why I am having trouble deciding. The process will take a few months.
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This is an interesting question. I have not compared the N20 to the NG but I did compare the N20 to the Innuos Pulsar. It was in a dealers showroom so the audition only lasted a couple of hours with components I really wasn’t that familiar with. But I ended up buying the Pulsar which I guess says it all for me. If you like the sound of your Pulse (and Sense) you might try listening to the Pulsar if you haven’t already. I have not had a Pulse in my system but I did compare it to the Pulsar and the Pulsar is a big, big step up.
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I just did an inhouse demo of the N20 vs Pulsar, I couldn't get a Zen next-gen. My key takeaway was that the Pulsar was more detailed, forward in the room and leaner than the N20. The N20 was notably thicker and smoother, bigger bottom end and less sparkle up top.
This may be a non-issue but I preferred how the N20 connected to internet radio and Airplay (etc.), the Pulsar was finicky.
They are very different sounding units. Good luck and cheers!
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@rick_n thanks for the info. Initially I listened to the Pulse plus the Phoenix USB and compared it to the Pulsar. In the system I listened to them in, not mine, there was very little difference. The group of us were split regarding which sounded best with some saying the Pulsar was best, and the other saying they were essentially even. I was in the latter group and purchased the Pulse and Phoenix used. Only later did I discover the improvement with the AES cable over the USB box and cables.
The Pulsar would be a solution except that want my CD files accessible, thus the N20 or Zen NG. The Zenith Mk 3 was a consideration, but it seems to be more similar to the Pulse in terms of sound. I would like a step up while also solving for the file management.
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+1 @ghdprentice An accurate description of the differences between the sound palette of Aurender N20 vs the Innuos Zen NG. Another competitor, hard to find on the used market, with an SQ palette sitting between the two described hear is the Grimm MU 1. Analogue like, detail, clarity and dynamics. It will cost more if you can find one. You need to audition and determine which one of the three suit you. I am an Aurender fan but could move to Grimm and be happy for the long term.
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@jsalerno277 Interesting. There is an MU 1 just a few miles from me. I will need to investigate. Thanks!
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I actually tested a Grimm mu1 in my system. It is a great sounding streamer. But the mechanical interface if not very good... the button. The app is not where as good as Conductor and the Aurrender is a smaller amount quieter and more dynamic.
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If I'm correct the Grimm units are a pretty old release. Will there be a next gen soon?
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@ghdprentice @rick_n @jsalerno277 Does the Grimm work with any system other than Roon?
I heard from a dealer that Innuos will be changing their model lineup this summer. Rather than having so many models (three in the Pulse line, three in the Zen, two in the NG, plus the Statement NG) they will have base models for two or three lines that can be upgraded to the customer's specifications. Kind of like buying a car. Could simplify things, or just make it more difficult to understand what is what. It could also be a way of raising prices overall, but hiding the increases in the options.
I doubt if I will purchase a new streamer prior to their formal announcement. It could create a bump in the items available used?
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The Grimm Audio MU1 Music Player, that acts as music server running Roon Core and music streamer running as Roon Ready endpoint. I, like @ghdprentice, found the Grimm nob takes a while to get used to and I found the application running Roon less user friendly than Aurender Conductor. I found the sound as compelling as Aurender and Inuos. Each has its own pallette. That is why I said you must audition all three and choose for yourself. I have not followed Grimm since I auditioned it in 2023, deciding on Aurender; therefore, I do not know their update plans.
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There is a Roon core in the Grimm MU1.
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I will pass on the Grimm. I have heard too many issues from people with lifetime Room subscriptions that have moved onto other systems such as Conductor and Sense which both receive good to high praise for usability and quality.
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FWIW, a friend lent me a Grimm MU2 and in my system it outperformed a Pulsar/Holo May KTE combination and provided all the benefits that Roon offers. Personally I think the Innuos Sense App is a joke with a minimal buggy interface but I continue to use it because the sound quality outperforms Roon with standard streamers. I am saving my pennies to be able to get the Grimm MU2. It will be a happy day when I no longer have to use Sense.
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@ghdprentice Just a quick question. When you noticed more background noise from the Grimm vs Aurender, was your comparison done to your W20SE or a more pedestrian model like my N200. Your W20SE with its battery power supply is the quickest server/streamer I have heard, and the most liquid and naturally dimensional as well. Alas, it was well above my budget. I compared the Grimm to my Aurender head to head in a dealer’s system and preferred the Aurender palette, ergonomics, and application, but respected the Grimm’s SQ. I did not notice a difference with background noise. Look forward to your comments.
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My comparison was with an Aurrender N20... but it was not direct. But that was my personal conclusion. We are not talking about a large difference at all. So, I would say, it would not be a factor to sway one from one component to the other... just one of the factors.
The N20 is more in line with a comparison of equals than comparing a Grimm Mu1 with a N200.
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After being embroiled in this hobby for over 40 years it has taught me to respect reliability and service highly. I'm an ex-Wadia owner, ouch!
I currently own a N20 and it's built like a tank. I've never heard of one suffering a meltdown and the resale value is excellent.
In my opinion it's far better value than the N30. I don't stream anymore, mostly listen to ripped SACDs on my N20.
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@marco1 @rick_n @ghdprentice @jsalerno277 Thank you for your insight.
The new Innuos line is out and it essentially replaces both the Zen and Pulse lines. The Innuos Sense3 essentially takes the Pulsar and bulks up it's performance slightly while adding the features from the Zen line. There is an option for factory installed memory as well as user installed memory. The price is attractive at essentially $8k for the Sense3 with upgraded AES board.
A used N20 is going to run about the same price. A new one, such as an open box option from a dealer with a full warranty, will be at or above $9k. It will still be difficult to conduct a true a/b test. A new N20 is $12,500 and a new ZEN NG with AES board is $12,750.
Is Aurender looking to upgrade the N20 anytime soon? It would probably be more expensive.
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The Aurrender N20 is fairly new. It was a major upgrade when released. Audiophile equipment like this is not released very often. Also, you really have to look hard to find something negative about Aurender, not so on Innuos. So, look deeply.
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@ghdprentice , I really haven’t heard anything negative about Innuos. Can you elaborate?
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After watching the YouTube video of their research and production facility and interviews with the founders I too am surprised to hear something negative about Innuos. But I guess looks can be deceiving.
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Sorry. Perhaps I shouldn't have mentioned the criticism on Innous... I read a lot and just remember a few less than flattering things... I think price performance and software. Which is why I said research as I don't remember exact references.
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I own both Aurender and Innuos products and think both are outstanding. If you read enough forums you’ll undoubtedly find something bad being said about one or the other or both. My comment above was intended to be cute but after rereading it probably did not come across that way.
@thiftyaudio after reading about the new Sense3, it sounds like that maybe what you’re after. Where by the way did you find pricing for the Sense models? I don’t see it on the Innuos website in the same way they usually show pricing.
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@marco1 I found the pricing at Definitive.com in Bellevue, Washington and Tweekgeek.com in Dripping Springs, Texas. The Tweekgeek platform provided the better pricing detail. $8050 for the Stream3 plus the AES. Prices go up with other boards. Definitive only shows $7250 for the platform with no stated pricing for the needed boards. Tweekgeek also shows the prices for the added memory.
I spoke with someone at Tweekgeek a few months ago regarding the ZEN NG line. He recommended the ZEN NG over the ZENITH NG for most systems, and preferred both over the Statement NG. Refreshing.
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@marco1 @ghdprentice Both Aurender and Innuos have had growing pains with their dedicated apps. Most of the complaints seem to revolve around the app, however both apps seem to get a lot of praise relative to Roon.
I do not like the BluOS system, but many love it. I guess that is why we have choices.
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One thing that has not been mentioned is that the N20 has a 10 MHz clock input. I cannot understate how important this is. If you've heard the N20 without a clock you haven't heard it plus the burn in on a N20 will be 6 months plus.
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