Innuos ZEN NG Music Server & Streamer

Innuos ZEN NG Music Server & Streamer Product Description: 

Upgrade your streaming

The digital source has become a staple in Hi-Fi systems due to its convenience, allowing nearly all music to be accessible at the touch of a button. However, playing sound and playing music are distinct; to capture the true essence of a recording, the digital signal must be pristine and well-timed for optimal DAC performance. A noisy signal only amplifies unwanted noise along the chain.

Achieving a pristine digital signal requires a dedicated digital source, with meticulous attention to detail from ultra-low noise power supplies to custom processor boards, and specialized software development that minimizes power noise during operation.

The ZEN NG is the premier model in the ZEN Series, incorporating both innovative and refined NG technology developments. It features a cutting-edge Gallium Nitride regulated NGaN RECAP2 PSU, the new PreciseAudio custom mainboard, Sense 3 with a real-time kernel, and AudioCore technology. Additionally, it includes selected industrial-grade low noise DDR4 RAM and a dedicated, direct-attached, ultra-low noise SSD for the operating system. Connecting the ZEN NG to a DAC reveals a remarkable improvement in audio quality.

Its modular design for storage and audio connectivity options makes it an incredibly versatile device. It can be used solely as a streamer without onboard storage or as a music server with Sense or Roon Core, offering up to 16TB of seamless storage. The device maximizes sonic output through an optimal Digital Output Module, all housed in a premium 10mm CNC-machined aluminum chassis. Furthermore, the ZEN NG can be upgraded to a ZENith NG at any time.

Innuos NGaN PSU

The new cutting-edge Gallium Nitride power regulation stage enhances the RECAP2 linear power modules with a precisely tuned switching frequency. This innovation delivers much lower power supply impedance, resulting in a more transparent sound with improved instrument separation.

PreciseAudio Mainboard

An all-new custom server-grade mainboard, meticulously tuned for low processor latency, reduced power noise, and minimal EMI emissions. This advanced mainboard is further enhanced by superior power regulators and solid capacitors.

High Performance, Low Power

The new generation of Intel Core i3 combines 4 physical cores with 4 virtual cores, delivering responsive speeds while maintaining low heat dissipation. Enhanced with Innuos AudioCore, it dedicates separate cores solely to audio processes. This setup is supported by 16GB of industrial-grade low-noise DDR4 RAM, allowing for more extensive caching of databases and files for faster response times.

Modular Architecture

The ZEN NG offers flexible configuration options, allowing it to be set up as a Music Server/Streamer, Server-only, or Streamer-only with ease. Users can choose between no storage or configurations up to 16TB. Additionally, an optional audio output slot accommodates different modules, including USB, I2S, or AES/Coaxial/Optical SPDIF.

Dedicated OS SSD

The ZEN NG features a dedicated industrial-grade 3D TLC SSD for the operating system, equipped with power-loss protection to safeguard the system during power cuts. This SSD boasts extremely low levels of power consumption, electrical noise, and thermal output.

Innuos XSM

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

Premium Chassis

The ZEN NG boasts a newly-designed 10mm thick CNC-machined, bead-blasted, and anodized aluminum chassis. This robust chassis includes a new vibration-dampened transformer platform and features a Chassis Ground port connection for enhanced stability and performance.

Sense 3

The ZEN NG and ZENith NG offer unique benefits through Sense 3, including a new Real-Time Kernel that lowers latency even further for the core Operating System. Additionally, AudioCore dedicates physical cores exclusively to audio processes, enhancing performance. The Expandable Storage Management interface facilitates efficient storage management, while new CD-ripping via external USB drives ensures accurate ripping with drive-head alignment.

Upgradeable

The modular construction of the chassis and components allows for easy upgrades, enabling the ZEN NG to be seamlessly upgraded to a ZENith NG in the future. This upgrade promises even better sound quality and performance, ensuring longevity and continued satisfaction for users.

Specifications: 

Audio Outputs

Connectivity

Formats

Sample Rates

User Control Interfaces

Hardware

Streaming and Compatibility

Requirements

Power