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Innuous Zenith Mk3 and Phoenix vs Esoteric N-05XD

I own the Zenith and Phoenix, came from computer audio and was amazed at the quality difference these made, along with upgraded power cords, to transform my 20 year old system (which doesn’t even have my Krell amp in it..repair) into a very pleasing sound. The downside of owning these (it’s only been about 6 weeks) is that after using Audirvana (with computer) the Innuous Sense app drove me crazy. I’ve been told that this is one of the better softwares for controlling music compared to others...one man’s ceiling is another man’s floor. It drove me crazy and still has limited to no library management tools but it looks pretty with album cover displays and black background.
I’m being urged by a digital expert friend to trade that in for Esoteric 05-XD. He says it has world class DAC and i wouldn’t need to spend any more money. Scenario two is to keep the Innuous and spend at least 5,000 or more on new DAC (i am using 12 year old original PS Audio Perfect Wave DAC) My friend believes that even with new DAC and more money, that i won’t beat the Esoteric. For about the same additional money I could buy a Master Clock for the Esoteric and improve even more, he says. My problem is I can’t audition the Esoteric nor do I relish the idea of starting over on a new software wondering what it looks like, how it works and whether I’ll be as frustrated in the use of it as I was with Innuos’s Sense. Sound quality is number one for me but this recent experience of being so frustrated in making playlists as me wondering about usability along with sound quality. I would love the group's thoughts as all this is completely new to me, and is not my style to change something so quickly.

bossa
bossa OP
34 posts
 

I should have been clear. I don’t stream and have no desire to. I do have the Phoenix re-clocker and not the Net.  I was told i could just attach an 8tb SSD or HDD to the back of the Esoteric as its storage. My friend is very high on the DAC in the N-05XD.  I guess i was wrong that it's the same DAC as its more expensive cousin , but I;m told by two different dealers (yes they sell it) that it's a terrific DAC and would keep me from having to spend an extra thousands on new DAC..saves on power cords vs the two box Innuos, and saves an expensive USB cord too. I'm torn because it means starting over with new software, loading music, getting rid of existing Innuos. (friend just thinks better sound with Eso and no more dollars for Dac but maybe for new Master Clock)  I can't audition any of this.  I just have to make a decision.  I actually save a few grand by going the Esoteric route because i can save on one extra power cord not buying DAC.  I really do like the Innuos sound but i don't know what i don't know.

jpwarren58
619 posts
 

New car syndrome? The sound improvement will be marginal and the new software will have its own quirks and irritations. Buy a stand alone dac. 

sdl4
206 posts
 

Bossa, thanks for the clarifications. I thought that streaming was part of the picture for you, but I guess not. I still think that your choice of DAC is a very important decision. I have never heard any of the Esoteric DACs myself, but I have read online that at least one enthusiastic Esoteric fan prefers the new DirectStream Mk2 DAC to the DAC in the more expensive ($20K) Esoteric N-01XD streamer/DAC. His comments focus on greater resolution, clarity, and openness with the DS Mk2. Of course, this is just one user, and the N-05XD may sound different. 

Regarding the Innuos Sense app, I have never tried to include files from external drives in playlists. I have experienced no problems in creating playlists that combine files streamed from Qobuz and files stored on the Zen's internal hard drive. I do hear from other users that Roon has a more elaborate file management system than Sense does and can be used with Innuos gear (though perhaps with a slight drop off in sound quality).

I would still recommend a stand-alone DAC, as several others have recommended. Many people simply think it's a bad idea to combine a noisy streamer/display screen in the same box as a DAC. Since you don't want a streamer anyway, why pay for one? Good luck in your search for the right decision for you.

 

juanmanuelfangioii
958 posts
 

Sounds like you made up your mind. 

If you are not streaming then get the Esoteric.

You asked and people answered and you got your nickers in a bunch. 

Myself I prefer separates that are reference level DAC's Streaming and servers are separate. 

bossa OP
34 posts
 

It’s knickers and they aren’t in a bunch. Isn’t the Esoteric a streamer? I got answers on both sides. I actually am leaning towards keeping the Innuous and spending more money on a new DAC. Still can’t decide because I can’t audition the Esoteric and it’s library software was called ancient/primitive by an Eso owner.

 

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