Innuos owners. Chime in

Thanks for the input!  I completely agree that isolation is pivotal. 

Cable Comaony recommended Shunyata Venom V14 Power Cord via their lending program.
A bit concerned even though it's a loaner. 
1) Shielded

2) It has a filter - actual noise reduction built in. I've tried digital PC for my front end in the past. I was not impressed. The PC had a filter as well . Rolled off the high frequencies. 

I'm considering ordering another power cord from them. This time. A non digital variant. 

As far as usb. Curious cable has served me well. Shortest length possible. I'm using class A, and a tube linestage so it provides a nice balance. Thinking I might order a non digital power cord from cable company. Obviously there will be a difference. Perhaps good. Perhaos not so good. 
All of this is of this is trial and errror

Refarding Ethernet I find it hard to fathom there is a difference with SQ. It's something I'd have to try. Though definitely skeptical. 
I do not stream much so I'm not too concerned with that factor. 

Regarding break in time. I'll guess running nonstop for a week?  How long on average did things take to settle for your units?

Good to know the app is stable. I heard it was a toss in the past before their own in house coding was provided. 
 

I took the Pepsi challenge. Most everyone has stated theire is a notable difference with the Mk 3. I'm not expecting night and day. Though hoping for more of everything. Perhaps I'll just save up for a very good used top loader via Aes or Spdif. 
 

My best,

J

I looked up Sense on iOS. I did not come across it. I use an audio quest carbon as a back up. I heard the diamond is quite good. I guess sense is a subscription service
 

How long did it take for your innuos to reach optimum sound quality? Capacitors breaking in and such. Do you leave it on 24/7?

The unit is n.i.b. Looking for a ball park figure...

Thank you, 

J 

I just found out from the sales team whom is selling the unit states about two weeks 24/7 for full break in. I’ll just put a playlist on repeat.

What I find hard to fathom.. it’s 2021 and jitter has not been eliminated yet? I’ll be running the Zen into a Yggdrasil. Both units have an isolated/dedicated USB port. From what I understand digital music was never meant to be played via usb. The intended standard was Spdif. Supposedly in order for the Yggdrasil - for best sound quality. Aes / Usb / Spdif .. that order leaves me beffudled by the engineers at Schitt. As a counterpoint. If both units have an isolated / specialized usb input, Then why have recloclers? The phoenix makes a bit of sense with the LPS. Though I feel for the price it should have offered 3 outputs. Aes, Spdif, and Usb. I2S as a special bonus. Ha! Oh wait I2S will come with the phoenix 2.........

For the life of me I fail to find the sense app for iOS. May someone provide a link please. How does sense rival the Innuos in house app?

Thanks again,

J

Ok. Yes. That is in the App Store. The abbreviation used threw me off. Thanks much,,, 

has anyone changed the fuse. The store is recommending it. I'm like.... no...

Lots of great info here! I’ll start stock first. Provide good isolation and a good PC. Then next step might be a used phoenix. I hardly stream. Though something to keep in mind. Thank you!

I think after anything after the carbon series is quite good. Congrats ! 
 

@chorus

only 2,849! Insert sarcasm. That tends to be the median price these days.

I think I will be the minority where I will not be streaming on this unit. Strictly rips and lossless files.

Current system....
Pass Labs xa-25

Herron line stage VTSP-3A RO-3

Schitt Yggdrasil - would like to obtain a Briscati M3

Aci Saphire XL stand mount speakers. I had the Special 40’s. I thought they sounded like a warm marshmallow. Too much speaker resonance. Lack of proper bracing and too light in weight. The speakers that I use are over 14 years old. If not more and are over 22 pounds each. A very inert / solid speaker.

Quite a modest system. Though proud to have acquired what I utilize so far.

The Zen Mark 3 will be replacing a MacBook Pro.

Congrats with the Statement!  I think most would be quite content with a Zenith. I would like to preface that I'm completely new to servers/streamers... I do know that when you are importing music. To obtain the artwork, and other data you must connect the Zen to the lan.Ethernet. Rj45.  Though what I'm most curious about. Once all is imported, playlist set. Can I use my tablet to interact with the Zen to listen to specific tracks.. withouth being connected to the internet?  Like I had mentioned. I very rarely use any streaming services at home. 
 

If not connected to the internet. Does the tablet connect via Bluetooth to select music that's already installed.  I could care less at the moment if tidal  is not connected. I'm hoping to have basic connectivity between tablet and server. Without having a cat 6 being constantly utilized just to select imported / ripped music. 
 

J 

I just received from the cable company library system

Shunyata Research Digital V14 Venom powercord

Synergistic Research 12 AWG Foundation powercord

Since the Zen has not arrived yet, I’ll be testing these on my DAC,, I’ll note some impressions after a couple of dsys..

@chorus - thanks you for the kind words. What Streamer are you considering at the 8k mark?

@antigrunge2 the Nordost Brahma locks quite impressive. I saw one used for around 500.00 

At this point of time the Shunyata is within the chain. After an hour it reached room temperature. Opened up a little bit.. though it’s beyond dark. Very recessed as I had suspected. Though I’ll give it 24 hours with reference tracks. I’ll try best to keep an open mind...

J

@thyname - interesting cables. Thank you for the mention.  What was your prior innuos?

After 3 hours of respected recordings, and poor recordings as used for reference. The shunyata was pulled... it might be great for a sprout... Though it does not bring any improved dynamics in my apartment. 
 

I know all settles within 24 hours though the veiled highs were frustrating  I wanted to turn off the system. Switched the Synergistic Research 12 AWG Foundation power cord. Immediate difference.  The cables are broken in already. I don't think I would have heard much difference within the next 20 hours...

Back to the main topic at hand. My router is about a good 17 feet from my system. I could build a mesh network. Though I don't like repeaters near my living room nor bedroom for a multitude of reasons. 
 

I'll have to neatly run the cat 6E in the kitchen through the wall into my living room. What we do for the pursuit,,,,,,

I guess it was more feasible to attain the Zenith then to add the Phoenix?

J

@thyname ... good information. I noticed Esoteric, and T&A as your system. The statement would obviously be a good match.

Thread is getting a bit long so I’ll mention again.

Pass Labs xa-25

Herron line stage VTSP-3A RO-3

Schitt Yggdrasil

The Zen mk3.. not Zenith will be replacing my MacBook pro as server/ripper.. Considering the listed components will the Zen be a good match, or perhaps cross over to a Zenith. Without the Phoenix. My budget allows me to go so far. Zenith might be a squeeze of a purchase.

J

I'm hoping the sound will be better with the Zen mk3. The MacBook pro is a little dry on the highs. Though all other aspects of SQ are really good!

@thyname Agreed. To live in the moment. Though I do not want to be penny wise dollar foolish. Purchasing, Then to resell later to Zenith status could potentially transpire. In attempt I’m trying to future proof the system. Yes. There will always be the next best thing especially in the digital realm.

Pass xa-25... I don’t see that moving anytime soon. Unless I can audition a 30.8 for a week straight with no financial consequence.

The Herron linestage has held its ground, Yes. I’d love to get the 360. Though its still doing a excellent job.

Digital front end as we all know is the equivalent of driving a new car off the lot.

To continue. Here is an interesting example of how we all might have wasted time and money. Tried a carbon usb. Thought it was ok. Though lacking. Went for a Twl usb cord. Not the best match. Though better.. Before both USB cords purchased Curious was on my list. Though at that time. One would rarely see a used in the wilds. Finally obtained a used curious and I’m content. Standard audiophile nervosa of questioning a first / second tier product to another. I’d rather just make one purchase and be done with it.

I’ve noticed many on this thread started with a mini or a zen, and went up the chain. Yes. You learn alot from plug and play. Though at the same time. Why potentially avoid the inevitable.

For myself there has to be a balance of obtaining equipment. Though at the same time balancing that with building a physical library. I usually purchase two albums a week ( cd/vinyl/lossless ) to keep things fresh.
It is not just owning the equipment. We all know this, but listening to old and new music to appreciate what we have in conjunction with our library. I am about 3,000 deep with vinyl, and approximately 2000 in cds..Just like the rest of the folk here

Sometimes I wish my Mom never introduced me to Coltrane when I was 5 years old. I would have been happy with insipid top 40 music. Played lossy on a soundbar.... ha! Yes. We all can be snobs. I’m simply transparent regarding that factor.