2. digital
  3. 135826-113067

Innuos Zenith

New to Audiogon.  Any users have experience with Innuos products?  Heard it at Axpona.  Was very impressive.  Considering upgrading from my computer to a dedicated music server/streamer.  Any feedback on the different models, quality, sound, ease of use, etc.... is appreciated.  My system includes a pair of B&W 803D speakers, McIntosh MC452 amplifier, McIntosh MC C47 pre-amp.
aj72

Showing 8 responses by david12

david12
1,454 posts
 

I agree, I have heard the Zenith and the SE, both are excellent, but the SE a step up. I bought the cooking version before the SE came out, but the earlier version is still excellent. I think they are easy to use and of very high quality. The opposition, Melco and Aurender come to mind are great too, but innuos are cheaper, sound great and the company provide excellent support if you do have problems, at least here in the UK.

 Limniscate, what DAC do you use or have you tried with the SE. I use the Ayre QB9 and am happy with it, but I would like to know your experience.

david12
1,454 posts
 
They don't have a pure server and having the ability to rip direct is one of the clear advantages, for me at least. I really can not be bothered with added complications any more and I can't say it too strongly, ripping is as near effortless, as it can be.. I can not say if removing the ripper would make  difference, I suppose it might make a small one. Certainly the company recommends a good power cord and isolation. I found a Lessloss cord and Stillpoint ultras made a very real improvement.
david12
1,454 posts
 

Thanks for that, I use the Ayre QB9 and am pretty happy with that.

 Ron17, you'll need an awful lot of CDs to fill up four terabytes. I agree about ease of use by the way, I now have 2500 CDs loaded and it was really easy. It's quick and metadata is just there most of the time.

 That 2500 has taken up 84% of my 1TB of memory, mostly on FLAC, a few WAV. I'm showing my poor ear now, but I really can not hear much difference between FLAC and WAV. I ripped some favourite albums on both and I struggle to hear a difference.

 If you want to start with 1TB SSD, the company will up the memory at cost. no labour charge, at least again, in the UK. So you can always start with 1TB and add as you need it. Just send off your Zenith with the backup unit and it comes back already loaded up for you.

david12
1,454 posts
 
I forgot to say, there was always a strictly limited number of SE models to be sold. They have been around nearly a year I believe, so if you want an SE, you may need to be quick. The company may have decided to make more I suppose. The basic Zenith can not be upgraded to the SE by the way.
david12
1,454 posts
 
 The standard Zenith is indeed verry good and I'm more than happy with mine, give one a listen. When I compared the basic version and SE, there was a clearly audible difference, but that does'nt make the basic Zenith a bad unit, it's exfellent.
david12
1,454 posts
 
 I'd say the jump up from the Zen and Zen Mini to the Zenith is pretty large. For me the Zenith is your starting point and the SE is better, but not a night and day difference. I'm not sure about US prices, but the Zenith is very competitive with the other brands of High End Servers, here in the UK, perhaps because it is a British Company, though they are built in Portugal.
david12
1,454 posts
 

I tried a number of footers, Cerapuc, Stillpoints and I thought the Stillpoint Ultra was the best.

Dave and Troy, I'm sure your right about the ethernet cable, but in some circles, anything but a piece of wet string as a cable, is heresy, deserving the most severe punishment. What ethernet cable do you recommend as a matter of interest?

david12
1,454 posts
 

The SE V Statement comparison is a trifle academic, if there are no more SE's available for sale. There is always the second hand market I suppose, but good luck there. I haven't seen any Zenith or Zenith SE available on the second hand market. That is testament I suppose, to their quality and good value.

 The Darko audio report referred to by david-ten, is a bit of a cheek. It refers to Innuos as a Portugese company, it's British, but manufactures in Portugal. To us Brits, that matters you know.

More to discover