ZEN Mini S vs. Small Green Computer Sonic Transporter i5 music server/Ultra Rendu Streamer

Thank you.  A couple of questions:

1. Which CD/DVD ripper do you use?  Same question for the ripping software?  Windows or MAC?

2. Do you store your ripped files on a portable SSD or NAS?  Which make/model/size (GB)?

3. How are the transfer rates from external SSD or NAS to the i5's internal SSD?

4, How do you maintain back-ups for everything?

Please feel free to add comments about something I may have missed.

Thank you! 😊

Thanks for all the feedback.

A couple of questions for the Innuos fan base @soix ​​​​@thyname:

- Does the Zen Mini S provide audibly superior performance over the Sonic i5 and Ultra Rendu for the added cost of approximately $700?

- Is the Zen Mk3 clearly better than the Zen Mini S?  Seems like they are in the same ballpark pricewise.

Thanks again!

Rich

Thanks to all of you for your feedback an comments.  Very helpful.

I sent Andrew (SGC) a couple emails over the weekend based on your comments and questions that I had.

At this point, I'm still torn between the ZEN and the i5 sonictransporter/ultra rendu bundle.  I like having the convenience of using my chosen ripping software, dbpoweramp, on my Windows laptop connected to an SSD for the ripping part of this project.  I only want to rip the 3,000 CDs once and want to make sure it's an accurate rip with all the artwork intact.  

The ZEN requires that I free up space on my desk where my router is.  Just a bit clunky IMO.

Also, the drives included with both products are marked up 2x.  With the i5 I can purchase the exact same 4TB SSD at half price from Amazon.  I'm kind of stuck with the HDD provided by Innuous when I'd prefer to use an SSD or Synology NAS for file storage and back-up.  Hmmm . . .

I'm on the fence about Roon.  Seems like it's not necessary for the ZEN.  Not sure about the i5.

in short, I can start ripping CDs tomorrow if I choose the i5 path without buying a thing from SMC in the near term.  Then I can transfer the files to the i5 once it arrives.  If I go the ZEN route, I need to order the table top unit now and use a clunky ripping set up, overpriced HDDs, but a better file management app plus I'm not tied to Roon.

Just thinking out loud a bit more.  Feel free to constructively criticize my thought process.

@jjss49 thanks for your feedback. 
 

You present a couple of new wrinkles to the equation:

- optical rendu: about $1,000 more than the Ultrarendu.  Showing as "sold out" on the SGC website.  Looks like this one allows me to eliminate network noise and use my Chord Qutest DAC as a network DAC.  I get the noise part but not quite sure of the advantages of a network DAC in my system.  Care to elaborate?  Is it worth the incremental cost of $1,000?  Should I wait for it to be back in stock?  I'll have the time wile I'm ripping 3,000 cds. Also, I do not have fiber optic Ethernet.  Does it matter?

- Do you have the upgraded LPS and FMC Bundle, too?

- Not sure what "ethergen" is?  What does it do and cost?  Did you get it from SGC?

- Not sure what "Na Muon" is?  What does it do and cost?  Where did you purchase it from?

Lots of questions from this newbie.

Thanks!

@jonwolfpell, thank you for your comments.  I'm glad you waited and saved for the Zenith.  I just took a look at it on the Innuos website and it looks great.  I can only imagine what it sounds like.

I've now got to process all of this great information, do some research and make a decision.  I've enjoyed interacting with all of you on this forum.  I feel like I have gained a new group of friends for what is a very important part of my life - music.

Regardless of the outcome, thank you all for sharing your passion, knowledge and kindness.

@forestg Thanks for your insight.  I think I'm going to go the Innuos route.  Actually, I'm in the process on doing a deal online as I type.  Once it's confirmed, I'll report back to you and the group who so graciously helped me on this journey.  Good luck to you.

@soix , thanks for the suggestion.  Looks like I can get the TP-Link WiFi extender on Amazon.  This still would require that I load and rip the CDs from my stereo cabinet without the benefit of an ergonomic chair, correct?  I am recovering from three fractured vertebrae and need to do this as comfortably as possible.  There are quite a number of these extenders on Amazon.  I have a man cave that's about 1,000 sq.ft.  I think I could get by with one of the simpler models, agree?  Looks like I should be able to pick one up for ~ $20.  Do I need a minimum on terms of Mbps for data transfer rate?

Thanks!

@jjss49 , thanks.  Looks like I have some homework to do.

Have a good evening.

@forestg thanks.  Was not aware of the ability to upgrade to SSD on the ZENmini S.  Is this upgrade path available for the ZEN model as well?

@bondmanp thank you for your feedback.  I'm leaning towards the i5 over the ZEN at this point.  I need to talk to Andrew at SGC first, as I have a few questions for him.

I want to get your opinion on my approach if I go the i5 route.  My thoughts are to use dbpoweramp to start ripping my CDs to a WD 4TB My Passport SSD using my Windows laptop.  I am recovering from three spinal fractures (long story) and it's just ergonomically easier to use this set up over ripping files to the i5. 

Once I get a decent number of CDs loaded, I would transfer them to the i5 internal drive via USB.  I'd repeat the process over time to eventually rip the 3,000 or so CDs I want to stream via the UltraRendu or OpticalRendu. 

During this time I may buy a new MacBook Pro as I prefer Mac to Windows.  I know dbpoweramp comes in a bundle with both the Windows and MAC versions included.  Do you foresee a compatibility issue with the files ripped on Windows now and then a MAC in the future using different versions of the same software?  I know you're not a dbpoweramp user so it's probably not a fair question to ask.  No worries, I can contact them for information.

A couple of questions:

- do I have to subscribe to Roon before I start ripping CDs?  I don't anticipate that I will begin streaming to the UltraRendu or OpticalRendu for at least three to six months.

- since I will have all my FLAC files on the WD 4TB My Passport SSD from the original desktop rip, do I still need to purchase another 4TB SSD to back up my integrated Roon library (ripped files, Qobuz and Tidal playlists).  My guess is "yes" but I wanted to make sure.

Thanks,

Rich

@ianderson thanks.  I wound up getting the Zenith.  One box, better sound, Sense app, etc.  Running it through a Chord Qutest Dac.

Happy listening to all!!

@audiotroy thanks for your reply.

I researched (online) the 432 evo standard and it looks like a great unit.

I went with the Zenith mk3 for the following reasons:

- one box solution with a 4TB SSD

- I have neither the desire or funds to upgrade

- the Sense app is superb for my purposes.

- the price, which was below published retail, was right for my budget

- three year warranty

- great customer service from Kevin at Innuos

That's it in a nutshell.  

I want to thank everyone who posted feedback.  I read every post and carefully considered my options before pulling the trigger.

Happy listening to all!