@whodiini I don’t think you’re gonna get any direct comparisons, but the Sense app (that’s always getting upgraded for sound/performance) gets very high marks as do Innuos streamers so I’m thinking you’re gonna be pretty darn happy. Also, eventually upgrading the power supply on the Pulse Mini should give you a significant upgrade opportunity in the future. Let us know what you think if you can.
62 responses Add your response
I too am a lucky CD Transport owner - I’ve got the Jay’s Audio CDT2-MK3 - and I’d assume the Pro-Ject is delivering similar great sound. For streaming, I use a SoTM SMS200 Ultra network streamer. It’s a very high quality network streamer that won’t break the bank. Unlike the Innos, there is no App, you must use a music app on your computer to direct the streams to the device. But it works with a huge number of different software choices. I use Roon and it’s great, especially with HQ Player working directly inside Roon. Streaming from Qobuz, or my CD rips is very very good - but I still prefer the sound of my CDs through the Jay’s Audio transport. Who knew CDs could sound great with a good transport and an excellent DAC. |
Just ordered one blind. So far I have tried a number of streamers and the best sounding one has been the w4s upgraded Sonos connect. Beats hands down node, w4s upgraded Sonos port. Transients and dynamics are superior. Hoping that the pulse mini is at least as good as my w4s connect. The only reason I am upgrading is because I want a more responsive os. Has anyone done a comparison! |
iiWi just posted his Innuos Pulse Mini review on YouTube. |
Demoing one right now in my home now as a digital front end alternate to my Turntable. My analog rig in total is $10k + in cost, (rega p10 and Umami Red) and while it does some different things digital just can not replicate, this little Pulse is literally 85% of it generally speaking. It has a very organic analogue sound that quite honestly I am shocked by. To me it's a steal at twice the price nevermind $1200. Likely the software has something to do with how good it sounds. Software updates, easy, initial hook up was simple as well. To me this is a giant killer. |
@j_andrews I haven't but might be interesting. For that matter, I haven't tried the PulseMini DAC to compare to the Pontus II. I'll have to try it both ways one of these days. |
Thanks for the feedback @tom2441 @gkelly Planning to pick one of these up in May after I move a couple of pieces I need to get out of the house. I think it's a natural step up from something like a Zen Stream or a Node without jumping into the $2750-$3250 territory. I'm also feeding a Denafrips Iris from my Zen Stream but wasn't really sure if it would be necessary with the Pulse Mini. @tom2441 Have you tested the setup without the Iris? I do go out of the Iris coax rather than i2s since I'm using a Border Patrol se-i dac. I'm planning on purchasing the unit without the Zen mini power supply and upgrading a bit later. From what I understand, Innuos is releasing a matching LPS for the PulseMini eventually. |
I am also using the PulseMini and powering it with a Keces P3 LPS. It is feeding a Denafrips Iris and out via I2S to a Pontus II. Great digital front end for the money, especially using the Sense App as has been noted all over the forum. I was using a Roon Nucleus powered by the P3 and running Roon but the Sense app's sound quality through the PulseMini was a major and obvious improvement. |
I have had the pulse mini since January, and the zen lspu since February. Came from using heos off a Marantz sr5015. Two different animals, by far one of the best investments to date. Extremely easy setup, even the most luddite of us had no problems. No complaints about the sense app, not as colorful as a spotify app but it's a good workhorse. As you may have noticed i started out with the mini, and that was a noticable difference. Then got the lspu, and oh boy we was cookin now! If you can, get them both together, if not the double upgrade will be a pleasant event. Good luck in the trigger pulling. |
I haven’t seen too many first hand reports from users of the PulseMini. Are there any ppl here who have been happy with this entry streamer from Innuos. I mentioned before that I’d like to upgrade my Ifi Zen Stream with LPS to the PulseMini… but I haven’t pulled the trigger yet. I’d do this not only for the SQ but also the Innuos ecosystem and Sense app. Would love to hear more first hand reports from users
|
#quote# Here’s another recent review of the Mano ULTRA mkIII Farad Music Streamer:- https://www.audioenzo.nl/mano-ultra-mkiii-farad-music-streamer/ I have a Innuos Zenith and the Phoenix Network and USB on my main system. For my secondary system, I am strongly tempted to not try other streamers where the connection to the DAC is via I2S, and not as expensive as devices on the Innuos ecosystem. The Holo Audio Red streamer is another option. It can serve as a DDC or a streamer. Any updates on your end as to where you are now on your streamer journey? It sure is going to be a long journey ... LOL. #unquote#
Hi @dcpillai : in the meantime I had read some nice things about the ifi Zen Stream (powered by an external lineair power supply) connected via usb to the denafrips ares2 DAC. So I decided to give it a try and bought a secondhand external power supply (for EUR 80,-) and secondhand ifi Zen stream (EUR 230). This again was a big step up (20%) as compared to the upgraded Blueosound Node2 with external shanti power supply connected via Atlas Coax to the denafrips2 DAC :-) So for now, my setup is: English Electric switch ==> ifi Zen stream (via USB) ==> Denafrips Ares 2 ==> Kinki Studio EX M1+ (with Sparkos opamps upgrade) ==>Focal Kanta 2 Both the English Electric switch and the Ifi Zen Stream have external lineair power supplies which do make a audible difference! Very happy for now and the upgrade virus seems to be dormant at the time ;-)
|
I know what you mean! Comparatively good CDPs beat good streaming rigs (a generalisation). I have a Hegel Mohican, Metronome LePlayer 1 and am about to get delivery of a PS Audio SACD transport which I will link to my Holo May DAC via I2S. I2S seems to be a major differentiator so I am eager to try it out! Have heard good things about the Pro-Jest RS2T CDT with its next-gen CD system. Do share your findings if you are able! And if you do get back on your audio streaming pursuit, do let me know your "discoveries" as you navigate the uncharted seas :-) Deepak |
Thank you for providing the review link. I’ve been sidetracked with my audio streaming pursuit. Since receiving my new DAC awhile back, it pairs fabulously with my Pro-Ject RS2T transport. I’ve been totally engrossed with listening to CDs. Quite a marvelous music presentation that this combo yields. Charles |
Here's another recent review of the Mano ULTRA mkIII Farad Music Streamer:- https://www.audioenzo.nl/mano-ultra-mkiii-farad-music-streamer/ I have a Innuos Zenith and the Phoenix Network and USB on my main system. For my secondary system, I am strongly tempted to not try other streamers where the connection to the DAC is via I2S, and not as expensive as devices on the Innuos ecosystem. The Holo Audio Red streamer is another option. It can serve as a DDC or a streamer. Any updates on your end as to where you are now on your streamer journey? It sure is going to be a long journey ... LOL.
|
yes the Zen Mini power supply works and is recommended by Innuos. I was just sharing that they are planning to release the same supply in a case that more closely matches the PulseMini visually at some point. The sales manager didn’t have a date on that. And the Zen Mini supply isn’t that different looking |
The mini is great without a lpsu, using just the supplied smps. Used a Sbooster botw p&p power supply, , and the results were phenomenal. Found out Innuos says there is no warranty support if power supply is found to be at fault. Sent it back to the dealer. Went with a zenmini lpsu as advised by the company. Am waiting for delivery, ordered one last week. But, yeah you gonna wanna save and get the lpsu. |
I spoke to the national sales person at Innuos last week and he said he thinks they are working on a specific power supply for the PulseMini that will look identical but he also said that it’s the exact same power supply offered for the Innuos Zen Mini . that casework looks a little different. I imagine a quality 12V/5A supply would only help but that the purpose built Innuos unit would be best
|
@j_andrews for right now, I am using the regular power supply that came with the unit but, I am upgrading to a LPS pretty soon. I am just wondering if any LPS will make a noticeable improvement or just the Innuos LPS? Thanks! |
Thanks for the info @analoguefan I currently have an Ifi Zen Stream with a LPS and am considering the Pulsemini. are you using the including power supply or did you get the Innuos supply? thanks |
I suppose it is a matter of preference. I’ve seen a number of streaming components without screens. They do not seem necessary as all visual information is available via phone/tablets etc. Anyway I’d be fine without a front panel screen. Charles |
Hi, Yes I was referring to the Magna Mano Ultra MK III component. People who’ve actually heard it say that the sound quality is exceptionally good. I had viewed the Hans Beekhuyzen review and he is very,very impressed by it. I appreciate your listening feedback. Choosing a audio streaming component is going to take me some time. Many choices and results from listeners all over the map. Charles |
Hi @charles1dad : is the streamer from the Netherlands by any change the Magna Mano MK3 with Farad external power supply? ;-) I had a listening session with this streamer last week at Magna Hifi. I was able to compare the Mano vs Sonos ZP player both hooked up to my own dac: the denafrips ares 2. The Mano was significant better sounding as compared to the Sonos (which was expected of course). The sound was beautiful and it is on my shortlist as my new streamer.
However, then I was notified (in the dutch streaming facebook group) about the Innuos PULSEmini which can also be powered by an external power supply (think it is the same they use as external power supply on the Zen mini). So a member of the facebook streaming group mentioned: 1. When opting for the Innuos PULSE mini, their Sense app will have Roon-like functionalities when it comes to adding meta-data and music discovery features. (Both the PULSEmini and the Magna Mano mk3 streamer are based on Logitech Media Server (LMS), but Innuos has a Roon-like shell on top of it whereas with the Mano you need to work with the free LMS software (or Volumio, RooopieXL etc.) 2. Do not use Roon, as Qobuz/Tidal via Roon sounds worse as compared to the native app (probably due to the Roon protocol to communicate between Roon core and the Roon endpoint). 3. I’m currently using Tidal, he advise to switch to Qobuz as it will have better sound quality. So as I don’t need any ripping, serving, storage functionalities, my shortlist currently exists out of the Manga Mano MK3 with external Farad power supply or the Innuos PULSEmini, also with external power supply... The only reviews I could find so far are:
|
Good points. On paper the Innuos Pulse seems ideal for me. High quality single focused network player not music server. Aurender N150 would be ideal except that it’s exclusively USB (Not interested) and front screen (Don’t need it). So the N200 has the connection choice I want, But again don’t need a screen nor server duties. from what I gather both the Innuos Sense and Aurender Conductor earn high marks for user interface and tech support. Both brands get much praise for sound quality. I wonder if the N150 is N200 without server capability, but same power supply and sonics. Charles |
agreed , in particular I’d be curious to compare the new Pulse (not the mini) with the new-ish Aurender N150 streaming-only unit. seems that those two share a similar feature set , although the Aurender uses a monochromatic screen vs the Pulse not having a screen. Also the N150 is usb out only. If one is streaming only and not using Roon, I wonder which of the interfaces (Sense or Conductor) is a better experience ? im coming from an Ifi zen stream so either unit would be a big step up for me . At $3250 and $3500 respectively they aren’t insignificant investments.
|
Yes, this is why I am looking forward to subsequent feedback on the new Innuos Pulse units. High interest in Aurender as well. Also a network player from the Netherlands has caught my interest. I’ll have to be patient with the selection process. Charles |
Thank you. Abbas requires a 3 month build period due to the labor intensity. There were just a couple of delays due to blackouts after attacks Abbas told me. I’m very grateful he has stayed “relatively “ safe through these ongoing war conditions and find a way to continue working. I hope to have it in my audio system in a couple of weeks. I believe that it will pair wonderfully with the Pro-Ject RS2T transport and server/network player once chosen (So many intriguing choices). I’ve decided to pursue wireless Wi-Fi via mesh routers. LAN cable connecting mesh with streaming unit. I have received very positive feedback from those who successfully stream in this manner. As always, implementation is paramount to achieve a good outcome. CD spinning sounds splendid in my system but I am looking forward to exploring Tidal/Qobuz and internet radio. Charles |
@charles1dad That is one beautiful piece of work, and goodonya for supporting our friends in Ukraine in this difficult time. @akgwhiz If you’re interested in ripping I think the Zen is the better value than the Zen Mini because you don’t need to buy the extra LPS, which makes the price differential between the two to be negligible. Buy a DDC like the Singxer SU6 or Musician Pisces/Denafrips Iris and it’ll convert the USB from the Innuos to SPDIF, AES/EBU, or i2S your DAC can then use. That’s what I’d do. Hope this helps. |
@soix and @charles1dad I'm following this discussion closely. Both the rip or not rip, and the entry level or the next step up question. What do you think about the minis in either line with the added LPS in lieu of the pricier step ups? The Zen mini and Zen mini S with LPS seem quite the value. I'm an Orchid, Grannyring modded DAC user so I too do not have USB. Far be if from me to have an opinion on these but I'm also seeing recent endorsements from long-term Agonners with stellar reputation that Innuos 2.0 sounds fantastic. |
Thank you for your comments and perspective. With regard to digital input options (IS2/USB/AES/SPDIF) I don’t find one “inherently “ superior to the others in actual use. The key determinant for sound quality is the level of implementation. Poor implementation =poor sound. Excellent implementation =excellent sound. The builder of my DAC (Abbas Zulfugarov) is in Ukraine and has been building custom components for about 25 years. He primarily designs and builds DACs, phono stages and SET amplifiers on a commission basis. Mine is the Abbas 3.2SE model. He is a devout advocate of simple straightforward circuits with very high quality parts. He puts a lot of work into the SPDIF receiver input and its separate power supply and rectification. At this point in time it has been highly refined and developed. So the implementation is exceptionally high. Feedback from Abbas DAC owners (Long thread on WBF) back this up resoundingly. I am very comfortable with his choice also because my current Japanese built DAC used the same rationale. Simplicity + high level execution yields excellent results. This has certainly been true with my Yamamoto YDA DAC. Wonderful sound quality. If my suspicion is correct, as good as the Yamamoto is (Over 12 years ownership) the Abbas will take things a step further. I will find out for myself soon. P.S. Just as some folks enjoy handling and listening to LP records, I am that way with CD. I enjoy the experience and the Pro-Ject RS2T and Yamamoto combo sound simply splendid! CD spinning and streaming will coexist beautifully in my audio system I believe. My CD collection is arranged alphabetically on shelves behind my couch. I don’t mind getting up for a few seconds to pull out another CD. It’s good to move around a bit. 😊 Charles |
@charles1dad Let me maybe give you another option perhaps you might’ve not even considered for a reason you might not have even thought of. You clearly have a great CD transport that undoubtedly sounds great. As I embraced streaming a few years ago there’s a compelling reason you might still wanna consider getting an Innuos Zen Mk3 with onboard storage you can load your CDs directly into over a Pulse model. I know you’ve got an open mind so just try to stick with me on this if you could. So, when you start streaming with a good streamer and other associated equipment the sound quality might well surprise you and be not a whole lot different from your CD transport. What happened to me was that sound quality was so surprisingly good streaming, the act of getting up off my arse to spin one CD started to become absurd to me when I could have not only the world of streaming music at my fingertips but also all the other music in my library that might not be available thru streaming. So, once I got started streaming I just don’t spin individual CDs anymore cause I can get almost anything I want over Qobuz and in any order I want when I make playlists. That has a ton of value, and if, like me, you’ve got a bunch of “audiophile-type” or other rare CDs that’ll probably never make it to streaming you can simply rip them into the Innuos Zen Mk3 and have absolutely all your music available from your chair in very high quality in absolutely any order you want. If most of your music is already available on Qobuz I’d say go with the Pulse especially if one of the models has any performance advantages over the Zen But if there’s any allure of having ALL your music in one place I’d say consider the Zen. And, sometimes you just might feel lazy and be perfectly fine with the SQ of the Zen versus your transport and just wanna have the flexibility to say “screw it,’ I’m just gonna sit in my listening chair with a nice Cab and just enjoy all my music and/or curated playlists. Two things here — with the Zen you’d always have the option to leave your ass in the chair, but if the SQ difference is giving you the itch to spin a CD you’ve still got the option to do that as well. IMHO it’s just always nice to have the flexibility. But, here’s my real question — why, if you’re going to the bother having a DAC constructed, are you only getting an SPDIF input when you have both i2S and AES/EBU outputs available on your transport. Sorry, I guess you have your reasons but it makes little sense to me. Just can’t wrap my head around that one at all.
|
The cable is from Ghent audio https://www.ghentaudio.com/part/dc01.html I only purchased it because I wanted a longer DC cable since I like to keep my LHY 12V supply on the floor behind the cabinet my stereo is on. Is there an audible difference between the short DC cable that came with my power supply? I don’t know, probably not. |
@j_andrews I am curious what is a better 2.1mm DC power cable? It is 12v DC low voltage and should be fairly clean.
|
I’m planning to trade my ifi zen stream to the pulse mini when it’s more available. Jason |
@charles1dad I saw a picture of what will be the final version of the PULSE and it will have a coaxial output. |
Yep! I’ve thought about that. If I determine the Pulse is for me I’ll have a hybrid cable made (XLR at output and RCA at the input. The Pulse seems to have a power supply with much thought and attention applied to it. Good power supplies are crucial in my opinion. If you get the opportunity to compare the two network players I am interested in your listening impressions. Charles |
@charles1dad The PULSEmini may be the best option as I'm not sure if the PULSE will have coaxial digital output. I'm also excited to see what will be coming out for a linear power supply to match the Mini. |
Thank you. This Pulse series has captured my attention so I was able to find additional information regarding them. High quality network player is exactly what I am seeking rather than a “music server “. My new DAC (Currently under construction) is an intentionally minimalist design with SPDIF input only. A network player with a SPDIF output would be ideal for me. Based on what I have been able to learn thus far, either the Pulse mini with optional LPS or the Pulse with onboard LPS is what I want. Of course I wonder what the sound quality gap between them may be. To be determined at some point. My Pro-Ject RS2T CD transport is yielding superb sound spinning discs. I’m seeking a similar level result when streaming Tidal/Qobuz/internet radio. I think that perhaps the Innuos may satisfy this desire. Charles
|
@charles1dad The PULSEmini has coaxial and toslink digital outputs in addition to USB. The PULSE, which is still to come sometime in 2023, is supposed to have an AES/EBU digital output, but there will be no internal DAC, so no RCA outputs. I'm not sure if they'll keep the coax and toslink or not. |
The Innuos Pulse series sounds quite interesting. Two additional models on the way, when? Intriguing development. There are those who seek a simple music streamer with high sound quality capabilities and do not need/require a music server. This is a wise move by Innuos. I hope they include coaxial output (RCA SPDIF/AES-EBU) and not limited to USB. Charles |
