@jsalerno277 Interesting. There is an MU 1 just a few miles from me. I will need to investigate. Thanks!
Aurender N20 versus Innuos Zen NG
Yes, I am addicted to this hobby, and I am enjoying it.
Based on some posts that I read here, I tried a DH Labs Silver Sonic D-110 AES/EBU Digital Cable connecting my Innous Pulse with the Bricasti M1S2 DAC. I a/b tested this cable versus the Innuos Phoenix USB using Pine Tree Audio USB cords and also Cardis Clear USB cords. I heard essentially no difference between the Pine Tree and Cardis Clear cables with the Phoenix USB, and without it. The Phoenix USB was definitely an improvement over not having it in the system.
However, I was amazed at the difference I heard with the DH Labs Silver Sonic D-110 AES cable versus the Phoenix USB. After several days of a/b listening I sold the Phoenix USB for just a bit over what I purchased it for.
My preamp is the LTA MicroZOTL Level 2. I have committed to upgrading to the Level 3 in a couple of months. The next item on my upgrade path will be my streamer. The Innous Pulse is nice, but I know I can do better. I am not pleased with my Synology NAS system for my CD files. I need a better solution. The SACD player is still in play for the time being until I find a better file solution.
I appreciate the Innuos Sense app. So much better than any other I have tried. I have heard good things regarding the Conductor app as well. I have several friends that have abandoned their lifetime memberships with Roon so I am not inclined to explore that rabbit hole.
The Innuos Zen NG looks great according to all I have read. Multiple dealers have told me they can detect no difference between the Zen NG and the Zenith NG, and that the Statement NG is better, but only for the most extreme systems.
The Aurender N20 is approximately the same price as the Innuos Zen NG when configured similarly (2 TB member and AES upgrade for the Zen NG). The higher level Aurender players have similar feedback from dealers, in that they are a bit better than the N20, but only in the absolute pinnacle of systems. The Aurender is a slightly better deal used, but only because there are essentially no Zen NG units available since it is still so new. The N20 is a few years out and the ones that are available are typically from people that have upgraded with the Aurender family.
I am certain there are a few members that been able to compare the Zen NG with the N20. I am looking for your opinions. It is proving to be difficult to have both systems here at the same time to do a proper a/b test. At best I will be able to a/b either unit with the existing Pulse which I anticipate should be no contest.
Your thoughts and suggestions? Am I missing any other units to look at? Please do not suggest any units that need to run Roon. I will not mess with that.
Thanks!
Showing 8 responses by thriftyaudio
@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. |
@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.
|
@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?
|
@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. |
@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. |
@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. |