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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
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kingbarbuda
514 posts
 
@jksec I am a bit confused with your comparative setups. On the Node 2i your are streaming via Wifi over your network. What is serving as the Roon core? Yet when using the Zenith Mk3 you have a direct entry level USB connection to your DAC. The Node 2i is used a SPDIF coax cable with BNC connection to the DAC. Which make and model of cable is that?

I just want to stop right here and say that if you are running a system of Magico A3 and a Zenith Mk3 you should not be using an entry level USB cable. Also in this quality of system, and I know some here may disagree with me and that is fine, but I feel that using a BlueSound Node 2i with no USB out is below par for that system. You should seek to use a quality streamer with USB output. There are plenty of examples. You can spend similar money as the Node 2i and get an Orchard Audio PecanPi or you can get a used LUMIN U1 mini. Those and other USB out units will likely give you better streaming. By the way, what is the power supply unit modification on the Node 2i you are referring to?

With all these questions I am not sure what is going on. But I think you should IMO rethink the USB cable being used here, and make a more apples to apples comparison. But something is up here, because the Zenith Mk3 is a superb sounding unit which I know from having auditioned the entire Innuos line prepandemic and from owning a Zenith Mk 3. Remember your system, when it is of high quality is only as good as its weakest link. 
cfarrow's avatar
cfarrow
78 posts
 
I use the Innous as well in my system and think is fabulous.  I have replaced a Auralic and Lumin streamers with my Zentih and have been extremely satisfied with its performance.  System is Avant-garde Uno Nano with SW1X Audio Dac III, Esoteric F-05 integrated, Sonic Weld Diverter, Enklein cables.
bobby1945
79 posts
 
OCD Hi=Fi Guy did an extensive breakdown of the  Zenith III and commented that all the internal components are cheap and off the shelf .
No custom items .A cutting critique .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNO_bDskM7M&t=1131s
cfarrow's avatar
cfarrow
78 posts
 
Did you buy one of his pieces? Compare it to the Innuos or any other streamers/players?  
jksec OP
23 posts
 
Like I said earlier, I totally agree with the comments related to comparing Node with Zenith. It should have been done with a proper USB cable, unfortunately the distributor in this case didn’t have anything else to give me and I don’t own any USB cables yet myself.
I have Chord Anthem coax cable for Node and I tried to get loaner for Chord Signature or SarumT USB cable for Zenith, but at the moment these are not in stock with the vendors I’m working with.

The most suprising thing with the Zenith was the DSD sound quality, which was just really bad. I have no way of testing is the problem Accuphases dac or Zenith, but through the Node (coax) the same files sound very good. Still it might be dac’s USB connection causing the trouble. 
It would have been ideal to test Zenith with the same coax cable I use with my Node, but unfortunately only USB output available in Zenith. The reason for the test was that I know my streamer (Node) is not on par with the rest of my system as it is also case with my current dac. I’m looking significant improvement for the both dac and streamer, but the test with Zenith was not what I expected. Maybe I need to rethink my options, which were Innuos, Auralic and Aurender.
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