Innuos Network Isolation Switch and Reclocker (Phoenix)
A few weeks ago I added an Innuos PhoenixUSB reclocker to go along with my Innuos Zenith MKIII streamer which I am running Roon/Tidal on. On it’s own, I have to admit the Zenith didn’t offer the performance boost I was hoping for over my prior Mac Mini. This was even though I was using the “Squeezebox experimental mode” for better performance that pro users know about - it made a tiny bit of an improvement. For convenience I’ve been using the Zenith for years.
When I added the PhoenixUSB reclocker, after break in the performance boost was very clear. Everything became more focused, with better clarity. But I had the slightest feeling that my system was now a tad more “HiFi” sounding, which is not a quality I strive for in my system. Nevertheless I much preferred the sound with the PhoenixUSB reclocker. I perhaps wasn’t quite as over the moon as all other reviewers/owners seem to be with it though.
My Innuos PhoenixNET network isolation switch arrived yesterday. Without even any break in, the results are sublime. It took all the benefits of the PhoenixUSB and added to them in a way that took the sound in a far more natural direction. I’m amazed at the “calm” presentation I have now as one pro reviewer put it. The music is more straightforward now, and easygoing, with a highly detailed, tight, utterly controlled but also warm and inviting sound. There is an overwhelming sense of stability and solidity to the sound now, and it is very natural. Pro reviewers describe the sound as “analog” to use that cliche. Another said more specifically, it is like a highest quality tape recording. I’d agree, but there is of course zero noise. My system just sounds like music now without any hint of nasty “HiFi” qualities…
Highly recommend this combo, even if it’s pricey considering upgraded power cords, Ethernet cables and USB cables (a must - don’t bother without these upgrades)….
I wasn’t particularly a fan of Innuos when I just had my Zenith MKIII, but I am now. It’s always stunning for me when I hear a slightly warm sound that is at the same time highly detailed, fast, punchy, and with tons of grip, and that’s what I’m hearing now.
Innous asks you to buy two separate Ocxo clocks in addition to the streamer clock to clean up input and output lest you buy the Statement. Interestingly their newest streamer Pulsar incorporates USB reclocking. None of their equipment offers I2S clocking signal transfer nor a BNC port for a master clock. |
@antigrunge2 . Given what I've spent on PhoenixUSB (2nd hand), new Zenith, EtherRegen (2nd hand), AfterDark clock, 2 decent linear power supplies, Finisar SFPs, Startech FMC, plus cabling - not to mention the mess, then I'm roughly in the same price range as a Statement. |
@lollipopguild, exactly the point I made earlier. The question is, how does the three box solution with premium cableing compare SQ with the Statement? And the further point that it would benefit Innuos (and their dealers) to get in front of this and provide some guidence. With the introduction of the Pulse line there have been some threads asking about Zen/Zenith vs Pulse SQ comparisons. In know there , are functional differences, but understanding their comparative streaming performance would be nice. |
OP: @nyev how is Grimm MU1 working out for you? Endgame server / Streamer? Thanks |
