Yes, the power cord also affects the PhoenixUSB. Not quite in the same way however. The same change to both cords will not yield the same sonic changes from each box.
Innuos Network Isolation Switch and Reclocker (Phoenix)
A few weeks ago I added an Innuos PhoenixUSB reclocker to go along with my Innuos Zenith MKIII streamer which I am running Roon/Tidal on. On it’s own, I have to admit the Zenith didn’t offer the performance boost I was hoping for over my prior Mac Mini. This was even though I was using the “Squeezebox experimental mode” for better performance that pro users know about - it made a tiny bit of an improvement. For convenience I’ve been using the Zenith for years.
When I added the PhoenixUSB reclocker, after break in the performance boost was very clear. Everything became more focused, with better clarity. But I had the slightest feeling that my system was now a tad more “HiFi” sounding, which is not a quality I strive for in my system. Nevertheless I much preferred the sound with the PhoenixUSB reclocker. I perhaps wasn’t quite as over the moon as all other reviewers/owners seem to be with it though.
My Innuos PhoenixNET network isolation switch arrived yesterday. Without even any break in, the results are sublime. It took all the benefits of the PhoenixUSB and added to them in a way that took the sound in a far more natural direction. I’m amazed at the “calm” presentation I have now as one pro reviewer put it. The music is more straightforward now, and easygoing, with a highly detailed, tight, utterly controlled but also warm and inviting sound. There is an overwhelming sense of stability and solidity to the sound now, and it is very natural. Pro reviewers describe the sound as “analog” to use that cliche. Another said more specifically, it is like a highest quality tape recording. I’d agree, but there is of course zero noise. My system just sounds like music now without any hint of nasty “HiFi” qualities…
Highly recommend this combo, even if it’s pricey considering upgraded power cords, Ethernet cables and USB cables (a must - don’t bother without these upgrades)….
I wasn’t particularly a fan of Innuos when I just had my Zenith MKIII, but I am now. It’s always stunning for me when I hear a slightly warm sound that is at the same time highly detailed, fast, punchy, and with tons of grip, and that’s what I’m hearing now.
Showing 15 responses by nyev
@mahughes , I know what you are saying is true, about the general consensus, etc. I generally tend to agree with the consensus so now I’m wondering if something IS wrong with my setup. Zenith setup to use PCM, not DCD, right? Just because I updated my Zenith 3 weeks ago, is it possible that the Zenith with Roon “caught up” with latest updates? Finally, I’m assuming that the Roon comparisons are Roon running in “experimental” Squeezebox mode, which absolutely sounds superior to Roon running without Squeezebox? Thinking I will contact Innuos to get a complete list of settings for optimal SQ….
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@tomcy6 , I read a pro review of the PhoenixNET that claimed that streaming actually sounded better than purchased high-res files “in all but two cases”. The reviewer went on to say that the PhoenixNet could be viewed as a money saving investment with high-res file purchases being no longer needed. I did a brief comparison of local files and streamed files, and in both cases the streamed version was better. This is not the case without the PhoenixNET. If only this stuff didn’t cost so much! But I’m very happy with the sound now - I’d just has this rightness to the tone, balance and presentation now. Makes me feel like no further system tweaks are needed. I have a friend who is an engineer and doesn’t believe there is any possibility that an Ethernet isolation switch could possibly impact sound. I know how this stuff works and I agree it is mystifying. But I can EASILY hear the difference in blind tests… |
@gdnrbob , the PhoenixNET might even make a bigger impact than the PhoenixUSB, for me. The overall sound has a sort of confidence to it now. The benefits are totally different from what the reclocker does but together they utterly complement each other. I can’t even imagine having just one or the other now. |
Good to know - I read that Sense was buggy so never bothered…. Is it better now? I’ll give it a shot. To be clear, I didn’t find the Zenith to sound bad. Just wasn’t materially better than my Mac Mini with Audirvana…. With the two Phoenix devices my Mac Mini is left in the dust though. Never thought to look into Sense again. I can’t imagine my source levelling up even higher, I’m a bit afraid to change anything as it’s everything I could want, finally… What is a SR Purple Fuse, where do I get one, and what do I do with it? |
@antigrunge2 , I see what you are saying. But Innuos claims the PhoenixNet reduces noise by isolating noise and improving the power supply to the switch which also reduces noise, in addition to offering a precision clock. I don’t think the precision clock is the main reason to buy the isolation switch, but rather something they added in. I see your point though. |
Regarding Innuos Sense, thanks for the recommendation. I’ve been going back back and forth between Roon with Squeezebox mode and Sense, both with Tidal. There are certainly differences, but on my system I prefer Roon with Squeezebox. At first I thought I liked Sense better. Definitely a “fuller” sound with bolder mid bass and bass. But then I realized that Sense came at a very slight cost of less upper mid and high end detail. On my system this manifested as less “impact” for things like snare drums, and slightly less “bite” to the sound. In short I don’t see one as better than the other, but rather I see the tonal balance is ever so slightly shifted, and I prefer the mildly leaner and higher bite sound of Roon with Squeezebox. Maybe Roon with the Zenith has recently improved in recent software updates? My Zenith is running the latest firmware, as of 3 weeks ago when I updated it. |
Without telling my 15yo daughter anything about the apps, I asked her how a particular song (King Only, The Twilight Singers) differed when playing via Roon (Squeezebox Experimental Mode) and Sense. With Roon/Squeezebox mode, she said the singer sounds like he’s on a stage and there is air around him. Wow! Wasn’t anticipating that from her. When the chorus began, she said she could hear the drums and the bass more distinctly with Roon/Squeezebox. We agreed Sense had a more “filled in”, rounded, fuller sound where things were less distinct. I think it goes beyond tonal differences actually. Roon in Squeezebox mode has more air and distinctive tones, at least on my system…. To be clear, when running Sense I’m using the mode that “converts to FLAC” and low latency mode for best quality. There aren’t really any other settings to consider. Running V2.0.10, the latest. So not sure what settings I could possibly have wrong! Again, I know everyone says Sense is better than Roon, but does that include Roon running in Sqeezebox mode? I’m confused as to why Sense sounds slightly inferior to me… |
@mahughes, as mentioned above, my use-case is streaming with Tidal HiFi. Yes, I have some locally stored files that are in flac, but out of convenience my wider access to music is through streaming. Counterintuitively, streaming sounds better than local file playback once I upgraded to the Innuos PhoenixNET ethernet isolation switch. This phenomenon was also noted by a particular pro review, which noted that all streamed tracks sounded better than playing high-res local files, however they did note there were two exceptions where the local files sound better. Thanks for noting the new version of 2.1.1. I will update my Zenith Mk3. |
@mahughes The reviewer said it was two particular albums that sounded better on the reviewer’s hard drive, all others sounded better streamed. If you are interested: Innuos PhoenixNET Review Not to suggest that pro reviewers should be listened to in general, but my experience was consistent with this particular review.
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@timo62 , I found that with the stock power cord, the PhoenixNET did not seem to provide a significant benefit over not using the PhoenixNET at all. |
@lollipopguild , I use two Audioquest Diamond Ethernet cables with my PhoenixNET isolator. TBH I didn’t test any other Ethernet cables aside from stock generic cords. For what it’s worth, a couple of dealers have told me that Ethernet cables make the least amount of difference of all the cables in your system. I have also found that USB cables of 1.5m or 2m sound much, much better than otherwise equivalent 1m or less USB cables. This is counterintuitive, I know, but there are theories floating around on why this happens. I have no idea if this applies to Ethernet cables but as a caution I went with 1.5m cables. The power cord to the PhoenixNET is unfortunately important. PhoenixNET does not perform too well when using a stock cord. I can hear clearly audible differences when switching to different cords too, so some experimentation is warranted. I went with an AQ Hurricane Source in the end. |
@jon2020 , just to more specifically address your questions - I can’t, unfortunately, as I’ve yet to experience setups with a separate NAS, and I’ve not tested the PhoenixNET too much with files stored on my MU1. I suppose it could help filter out noise coming into the MU1 from the Ethernet connection, even if it’s not currently playing from that channel? Not sure. |
@jon2020 , after all my updates I am currently very happy with the PhoenixNET. It adds clarity and focus, in a way that is smooth. But my experience with it has shown it does not always have a positive effect when paired with some components. I found that warmer, more liquid sounding components don’t pair well with the PhoenixNET, with the sound taking on an over-dampened effect. I found this even happened when using certain signal cables in my system. But that aside, there is no hint of that with other components that are not warmer/denser/liquid in character. I have it feeding my Grimm MU1 now and it is fantastic, definitely better with the Phoenix than without, with no negative tradeoffs. I recommend it but it’s definitely system dependent, at least in my experience. As an aside, it does not require other Innuos gear to sound good (although it pairs well with the Zenith MK2 and PhoenixUSB, as you’d expect). |
@jon2020 , I should advise not to read too much into what I say beyond the fact that the PhoenixNET needs to be system matched - which goes for every component ever really. On my current system, I wouldn’t say the PhoenixNET makes things smoother. Rather, it adds clarity and focus. And control. It’s cleaner, which can seem smoother but that’s the wrong descriptor really. It definitely does not balance the sound in the direction of smoothness or in any way tonally. There is nothing lost and the music is free-flowing. It’s just when I’ve had warmer, denser, more liquid components in my system the PhoenixNET seemed to take something away. But the PhoenixNET doesn’t make leaner or balanced gear warmer I don’t think, rather, it adds clarity and focus and control and this can seem like it’s a smoothing effect. But rather, it’s more like it’s cleaning up the music rather than the effect “smoother” usually means. If that makes sense.
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