Innuos ZEN Next-Gen Digital Source

$22,495.00
By Innuos
Minus Plus
Description

A revelation in sound, performance, and flexibility

The digital source has become a known sight on Hi-Fi systems for its convenience. Almost all the music can now be accessible at the touch of a button. But playing sound is one thing and playing music is another. To get the true essence of the recording, your digital signal must be as pristine and well-timed as possible so your DAC can play at its best. Feed it with a noisy signal and that will just be amplified along the chain.

A pristine digital signal requires a dedicated digital source, with meticulous detail starting from the ultra-low noise power supplies, through a custom mainboard and all the way to specific software development minimizing power noise during operation.

The ZEN Next-Gen is the first model within the ZEN Series to include both new and trickled-down NG technology developments: our new cutting-edge Gallium Nitride regulated NGaN RECAP2 PSU, the new PreciseAudio custom mainboard, Sense 3 with real-time kernel together with AudioCore technology, selected industrial-grade low noise DDR4 RAM and a dedicated, direct-attached, ultra-low noise SSD for the Operating System to name just a few. Connect the ZEN Next-Gen to your DAC and be amazed at the difference.

A new modular approach for storage and audio connectivity options creates a hugely versatile device; use just as a streamer with no on-board storage at all or as a music server with Sense or Roon Core with up to 16TB of seamless storage, whilst maximizing sonic output through your choice of optimal Digital Output Module – all housed in a new premium 10mm CNC-machined aluminium chassis. And if that's not enough, we have designed the ZEN Next-Gen to be upgradeable to a ZENith Next-Gen at any time.

The new ZEN Next-Gen is a revelation in both sound, performance and flexibility.

Innuos RECAP2 NGaN PSU

New cutting-edge Gallium Nitride power regulation stage to enhance the RECAP2 linear power modules with a tuned switching frequency offering much lower power supply impedance for a more transparent sound with better instrument separation.

Innuos PreciseAudio Mainboard

An all-new custom server-grade mainboard, ultra-tuned for low processor latency, power noise and EMI emissions; further improved by enhanced power regulators and solid capacitors.

High Performance, Low Power

New generation of Intel Core i3 combining 4 physical cores with 4 virtual cores for responsive speeds yet low heat dissipation, enhanced with Innuos AudioCore providing separate cores dedicated only to audio processes. Supported with 16GB of industrial-grade low-noise DDR4 RAM allowing to cache more databases and files for a speedy response.

Modular Architecture

You can configure the ZEN Next-Gen as a Music Server/Streamer, Server-only or Streamer-only easily. Choose to have no internal drives, or up to a maximum of 16TB SSD storage. Leverage the ZEN as a premium streamer through an optional Digital Audio Output slot for different modules such as PhoenixUSB, PhoenixI2S, or SPDIF boards.

Dedicated OS SSD

Dedicated industrial-grade 3D TLC SSD for the OS with power-loss protection to prevent any issues with the system in case of a power cut. Extremely low levels of power consumption, electrical noise and thermal output. 

Innuos XSM

High Performance Expandable Storage Management System (XSM) allows a single pool of storage from multiple drives. The ZEN Next-Gen supports an internal, high performance NVMe PCIe drive up to 8TB with an additional externally accessible M.2 NVMe slot for up to 8TB for a total 16TB of seamless storage. Intelligent management and data protection provided through Sense.

Premium Chassis

Newly-designed 10mm thick CNC-machined bead-blasted and anodized aluminium chassis, containing new vibration-dampened transformer platform and with Chassis Ground port connection.

Sense 3

Unique benefits for the ZEN Next-Gen and ZENith Next-Gen through Sense 3, including new Real-Time Kernel, lowering latency even further for the core Operating System, AudioCore for audio process to run in dedicated physical cores, Expandable Storage Management interface, and new CD-ripping via external USB drives with drive-head alignment for accurate ripping.

Upgradeable

The modular construction of the chassis and components means the ZEN Next-Gen can be upgraded to a ZENith Next-Gen in the future for even better sound quality and performance.

Optional Digital Output Modules

PhoenixUSB Board
  • Regenerated and Reclocked USB signal to your Class 2 USB DAC, greatly increasing sound quality
  • High-precision 3ppb 24MHz OCXO clock for greatly improved timing and signal integrity
  • Ultra-low noise LT3045 linear regulators for each independent voltage, no switching regulators on main USB chip
  • Provides a pristine 5V line for the USB connection on your DAC
PhoenixI2S Board
  • Bypass conversion stages with a direct connection straight to your DAC chip
  • 3ppb 24Mhz main clock, with two premium FemtoClocks
  • HDMI connector with 8 pin-configurations.
  • Ensure maximum audio resolution compatibility up to DSD1024
SPDIF Board
  • Provide a superior SPDIF Coaxial, Optical and AES outputs for your DAC
  • Supports PCM up to 24bit/192KHz
  • Optimised power supply for ultra-low noise
  • High-Quality Gold-plated Connectors

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

File Formats  WAV, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC, AAC, MP3, DSF, DFF
MQA Supported
Sample Rates
PCM: Up to 32bit/768KHz
DSD: Up to DSD256 via DoP, up to DSD512 via Native DSD

(24bit/192KHz maximum output on SPDIF module)
Connectivity
USB (for DACs, Imports, Backups, USB Drive playback)
3 x USB 3.2

Network
2 x Gigabit Ethernet, Bridged (wired only)

Other
1 x Digital Output Module Bay
1 x Storage Expansion Bay (1 x M2 nVME SSD)
1 x HDMI (service only)
1 x AC Power Inlet

Streaming Sources
Streaming Services*
Qobuz
TIDAL
Deezer
HighResAudio
IDAGIO
Spotify Connect
TIDAL Connect
Qobuz Connect
Internet Radio & Podcasts
Radio Paradise FLAC and Interactive services

Local Music Files
Internal M2 NVMe SSD + PCI-E SSD drives
NAS Drives/Servers
USB Drives**

*Premium subscription required
**’Folder View’ only, full library integration unavailable

CD Ripping
Available via external USB Optical Drive + installed SSD storage

Metadata Sources: Discogs, FreeDB, GD3, Musicbrainz

Ripping format options: FLAC or WAV

Control Software & Integrations
Innuos Sense App for iPadOS/iOS v16.6 (or later)
Innuos Sense App for Android 7 (or later)
Innuos Sense App for Amazon Fire OS 7 (or later)
Any web browser via my.innuos.com or IP address.

Optional:
Roon (Core and Endpoint modes supported)
HQPlayer (NAA Endpoint mode only)
AssetUPnP (UPnP Server mode only)
Power 230V AC / 115V AC
Dimensions
Dimensions: 420mm x 365mm x 105mm (W x D x H)

Weight: 12.7 kg
Contents
ZEN Next-Gen
AC Power Cable (2.0m)
Ethernet Cable (2.0m)
Quick Start Guide
More Details Right