Innuos Zenith MK3

You switch to InnuOS Sense and never go back

So a question about roon.

from what I read, you need an active internet connection at all times when using roon so it can check you are being a good little boy or girl and have paid for ypur appropriate license.

 

What happens to roon users if there is an internet outage either local or affecting roon license servers?

SoL?

 

Hmm. But why after the 2.0.5 update?

It may be the DAC. I would try to get my hands on a different DAC and see if it still skips. Do you have a local buddy who has one to lend you?

I’m interested in this as I have 2.0.6 on a Zenith and since 2.0.5 I’ve had the track skip issue on Qobuz. Can’t comment re: Tidal as idiot use it enough. I don’t have an Ayre DAC (Chord Hugo TT2) so is it really just a DAC issue?

No they didn’t. It had read it in another forum somewhere and that’s when I suspected mine was the same. When I called Ayre I described the problem to them and when I suggested it could be overheating they seemed to be well aware and that many of the earlier upgrades had the same issue. I will certainly be glad to have it back because it sounds so much better than the border patrol back-up that I’m using.

@OP,
Great that you have narrowed it down.
I also own the QB 9 Twenty, and had an issue with it that Ayre corrected for free (though I didn't get free shipping to them-☹).
Did Ayre say the overheating issue was the possible cause of the skipping.

Bob

On 7/15 I posted that my skipping issue was caused by my old modem and router. It turned out not to be the case. The skipping started again. Turns out the cause  for the skipping is the DAC. I have an Ayre QB9 Twenty. The earlier Twenty upgrades had an overheating issue. Ayre has an upgrade that fixes the problem and, although out of warranty, they are doing it for no cost to me including shipping both ways. Good company! I took awhile to finally figure this out because, since my controller communication is with the device (the streamer) that is before DAC, I couldn’t understand why I was getting a message “can’t find server”. I still don’t but, the streamer never falters with my spare DAC.

@travisg I’ve had a Zenith 3 since December 2020. All their products are elegant and simplicity itself. They largely just work and their customer service is personal and outstanding. The 2.05 update and new Sense app have introduced an element of usability already on its way to matching Roon and sound quality wise Roon simply loses. 

The 2.0 upgrade for mk iii Zen and above seems to be available now, but probably will not show for you on my.innuos.com until you do the 1.4.9 update. Note you will also have to install Innuos Sense on your phone to control playback when you do the update, as the squeeze based apps will no longer work.Be sure to rescan your library and back up before you do any updates.

Love my Zenith MK3. Had a skipping issue but, a trip to the Spectrum store to trade out a 20 yr old combo modem/router for an upgraded segregated pair fixed the problem. Haven’t had an issue with the streamer at all. Rips CDs and catalogs library perfectly. I do have an outstanding DAC and they do make a difference because I’ve tried others. I heard that the Mini has a pretty good built in DAC and that you can by-pass it to an exterior upgrade DAC if you choose to. Now I’m trying to put together a turntable set that will sound as good as the digital! I know most folks these days are doing the opposite. These streamers are that good, at least to my ear.

I’m looking to purchase a Zen Mini Mk3. I was wondering what you guys thought of the Innous products? Seems like a better way to go for a Roon core than what Roon is putting out with their servers. 

Thanks.  My plan is to update my current 1.4.7 to 1.4.9 and then to 2.0—when 2.0,becomes available for my Zenith 3 (which it doesn’t seem to be right now).  I am a lifetime Roon subscriber and I’m a little anxious about the possibility of losing my 12,000 albums when upgrading to a new system or about not liking the new system but being unable to revert back to Roon after upgrading.  One advantage of not having the 2.0 upgrade available yet us that I can learn from the experience of others while waiting.

I would advise to go to innuos.com and read the info on updates, and ask Innuos for your situation. I would expect you would need to update to 1.4.9, and rescan your library to avoid any problems with the 2.0 update.I have had problems with some updates on my MK ii servers, but Innuos has been able to remedy them with a remote login. There are reports on line that the 2.0 update sounds better than Roon, and has a customer friendly interface at zero cost, unless you have a lifetime Roon subscription.

@wolverine,
I’m probably not the best person to ask for help but I’ll try to answer your questions....I think you are correct that 1.4.8 and .9 don’t provide any enhancements but are primarily to prepare your device for the 2.0 update. And yes, I have heard of different issues by users when new code is released. I thankfully have been spared and all of my updates have gone smoothly. I’m not a geek but I’m not a newbie either so I usually wait a week or two before updating unless it is to remedy a problem I am having. In regards to the 2.0 release, it has been available for the Statement since ~two weeks ago and Zenith mk3 last week. I believe other Zenith models (mk2 and SE) were available from yesterday and Zen users will be able to update next week. The actual schedule is (or was) on their website and Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2332688600292230. With regards to Roon, I need to read more but since 2.0 provides the control app I assume it will replace the Roon interface which I like very much. I also use my Zenith to run the Roon core so I don’t fully understand the implications of upgrading at this point but am guessing I may have to run the core from someplace else. Before I flip the switch I def need to get this figured out but for now I am happy to wait until the dust settles to avoid the hassles and pitfalls of early adoption.

Chilehed,
I’m confused about a couple of things and would appreciate any help.  I have an Innuous Zenith 3 using os 1.4.7.  If I look at settings, it shows an upgrade to 1.4.9 is available.  I haven’t done that because 1.4.7 is working fine and 1.4.8 and .9 don’t provide any significant improvement in sq from what I understand.  Also, some people have experienced problems after doing the upgrades.  Unless I’m wrong about these things, I’m planning to wait for 2.0 to do all the upgrades.  If it’s not broke….Make sense?  Also, you say the current version is 2.0.4 but I don’t see anything available  above 1.4.9.  You also say that you want to stay with Roon.  Can’t you use Roon with 2.0.4?  What will happen to my 12,000 plus albums on Tital and Qobuz when 2.0.4 becomes available to me and I eventually update?  Thanks.

Chilehed

Running Qobuz and iPeng and…..2 hours later, knock on wood, no problem. Gotta stop and walk the dog now.

Cheers!

@hysteve,
Thanks for the compliment; the Int 60 is a great piece so no surprise it is bringing you lots of joy:) If you are still running 1.4.8 and the problem persists after your recent test, I would consider upgrading. @antigrunge2 stated he had the problem in 1.4.9? Not sure if you are running Roon or not but that seemed to be part of the issue I was experiencing according to the folks at Innuos. Note that the current version is 2.0.4 and includes the new Innuos player application. I have not updated yet as I want to stay with Roon at least for a while. Keep us posted on your progress. 

I own the Zenmini and the Zen Mk3. I have not had any issues with skipping.
I did have an issue with the Roon software crashing 2 weeks ago. I went back to an earlier version, and only recently moved back to the current version. So far, it works as it should.
Sometimes, upgrades in operating software in Windows and Android cause unexpected issues. Usually, they are rectified in a week or two.

The best recourse is to contact Innuos directly with the problem.
B

Chilehed I’m
My model cam as 1.4.8 so, probably not the issue if that upgrade did it for you. I looked at your setup. Awesome! I’ve seen reviews that put the Pass X250.8 at the top, at any price. I have their Int 60 and it blows me away. I can only imaging what yours sounds like. I’m a newby (but not young!) to hi-fi and just finishing out what sounds pretty good to me, My signal problem might be something stupid. I realized that I had tied in a telephone line to the system that is unrelated to the required signal (it’s CCTV internet signal). Disconnected it and I’m testing now. So far, so good. Thanks for your input!!

Just went back and checked my mail, v1.4.8 fixed it for me. The Innuos tech said it was an issue with Roon and IPv6. He said the update disabled all IPv6 connectivity.

It happened to me running version 1.4.9. Which are you referring to?

I had a similar problem where a streamed track via Tidal would prematurely end and skip to the next. There didn't seem to be any consistency as you described but I only detected it when streaming. I should also mention that I run Roon so when the issue manifested itself I wasn't sure if it was a network, Tidal, Roon or Innuos related. I have very good network connectivity/performance with the ability to prioritize traffic to Innuos so I reached out to Innuos support first. The fellow who answered my email query seemed aware of a similar problem and pointed me to an Innuos SW update which fixed the issue.

Not yet. It happened with my library too which made me think it’s an Innuos issue

I have had the issue when streaming Qobus, particular with albums with a track count over 15. Attributed it to Qobus rather than InnuOS since I haven’t experienced it using my library, so your experience got me very interested. Did you contact their service team?

Thanks! Coincidental that you were using an Ayre. But, I had a borrowed Codex and don’t remember a problem. Since about s month ago I switched to an Ayre QB9 Twenty and that’s when I started having problems. Haven’t been able to get to Innuos yet but will keep trying. I’ll look into the USB hub too.

I had communication problems with Innuos Zen and Zenmini with my Ayre Codex DAC, including this one. Resolved by using a USB hub to help with I guess galvanic isolation.
Just send a note to Innuos support and they will get back to you.Also you may wish to update to firmware 2.0 to see it that helps, it is available now for Zeniths.