Innuos Zenith mk3 complete disappointment


I have the following setup: Accuphase e480 with dac50 module, Magico A3, Chord SarumT speaker cables, Node2i a streamer only as I use Accuphase's day module. Chord Anthem bnc cable between Node and dac. (ethernet connection to streamer). I also have PSU mod for my Node2i.
I had opportunity to test Innuos Zenith mk3 during this week in my system. The same ethernet connection was used. From Innuos to dac I used entry level USB cable. 

I used Qobuz through Roon in Zenith and through BluOS in Node when testing. From the start Zenith sounded flat compared to Node2 and more I went through different music it became apparent that dynamic range was not on same level as with Node2. Especially the lower bass took a big hit compared to Node.  I also tested some highres music files with Roon and it was shocking to hear DSD with Zenith. PCM was "normal", but DSD was completely muffled, it was like hearing the music from the other room. One of the DSD records I tested was Temporary Circumstances - Clandestine Amigo (PS Audio - DSD64).

With Zenith all the testing I did was with the Roon, as iPeng client which I also tried was utter rubbish. I tried to level the sound volumes with iPhone app, but don't know how good job it did. For me Zenith was a complete disappointment from the sound quality point of view. Roon is Roon and I like it, but I think iPeng client is not on suitable level for the high end device like this. 
The problems with Zenith could be caused of course by my system: dac module on Accuphase or for example USB cable. Still I'm shocked how uninteresting sonically Zenith was compared to Node2i, as from price point of view it should be other way round.
jksec

Showing 3 responses by in_shore

Rushfan sure you do not need to listen to a Innuos Zenith after the OCD HiFi guy complained about it...I seem to think he later apologized for his remarks ,...Then we have John Darko along with every other reviewer of a Innuos server must of conspired together to rate them so highly .

The OP obviously is having a problem somewhere and I think it’s more then just a bad USB cable .
Rushfan you seemed to be wrapped up with anything HIFi guy says , well go ahead and build one for fraction of the price,..

To repeat John Darkos comments on this very subject while reviewing a Innuos server , For those whom nash their teeth and get angry claiming they can build a server / streamer for fraction of the price , by all means go ahead .

Darko went on to say , I wouldn’t think about walking into a coffee shop and complain to the manager that I can make just as good coffee at home for a fraction of the price ,,.If you have the skill and knowledge then go ahead then arrange for a direct comparison of a Zenith MK 3 to your build . However first thing you should do before believing and commenting anything people claim is to listen for yourself first . 
 Rushfan again making assumptions about components you haven’t listened to then finding fault with people who have because you watched a YouTube video of a know it all narcissist i find pretty funny,,.