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
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 .
@rushfan71,

reminds me of a quote of I believe it was Matisse: when asked why a painting of a mere 4 lines should cost so much he responded: if it were only 3 lines it‘d cost double.
Was it a new Zenith MK3?  I have heard that the unit takes around 200 hours to burn in. I know a few users that said the exact same thing your saying but once burned in everything changed for the better. Also, you can’t use an entry level usb cable with it and expect good results. You need something like a curious evolved or some other comparable cable as it makes a difference. Now if your going to tell me the unit has been burned in then I will say something is wrong with the unit or the synergy in your system....but if your happy with the sound of the node 2i keep it and be happy you saved thousands.
So what you are saying is a $4000 server is so noisy it needs an Uber expensive USB cable to work? Why not just use a low cost low power PC and a USB isolator at that point?
@in_shore
I could listen to it after I build it for a FRACTION of the cost. That’s my point. I don't get wrapped up in what "reviewers" have to say about a product. Im looking at what's in the box and the cost of those parts that are available for the public to purchase.

@antigrunge2 I like to actually get something for my money. Not a big fan of over priced fancy boxes.