INNUOS ZEN NEXT-GEN REVIEW

The Innuos Next-Gen is the Portuguese brand’s latest high-end streaming offering with a host of innovative new features to maximise sound quality and usability. In this review of the ZEN NEXT-GEN from INNUOS, Alan McIntosh doesn’t seem to want to send it back.

Go to any HIFi show around the UK, go into any number of rooms from a broad spectrum of manufacturers of amps, speakers, or cables and odds on if they are streaming, they most are likely to be doing it from a very small range of server/streamer brands. Over the years I’ve noticed the proliferation of one brand attached to some of the best kit on show – INNUOS. I asked a vendor once why they chose INNUOS to showcase their many 10’s of thousands of pounds amp and I was told “Because it just works”. What does that mean in real terms? Well, two things – first, it sounds great (otherwise why use it to showcase their wares) and second, you turn it on, you open the app and it’s off you go – no dropouts, no network issues, no gaps, multiple streaming services, and, as is often a necessity at shows due to poor WiFi,  plenty of onboard storage. And that is where INNUOS have continued to deliver. Now they are introducing us to the Next Generation of their lineup with the NG models of the Zen, Zenith and top-end Statement. Launching alongside a new version of their excellent control application, Sense, Innuos has taken all aspects of their range and redesigned it from the ground up. But does it sound better? And if it does, can we mere mortals afford it?

BUILD AND FEATURES

As the entry point of the Next Gen (or NG) line the Zen NG arrived in a larger and heavier box than I expected! Unpacking is no mean feat, getting the heavy inner box out of the shipping when the unit weighs close to 13Kg and is full width and depth was done with care and much huffing and puffing. A lot of that weight is down to the new 10mm thick milled aluminium casework, satisfyingly robust, and with the geometrically faceted face that is a trademark of the INNUOS product, and similar to my much smaller Pulse (reviewed previously). On top, you have a lovely geometric etched design. Its very solid, weighty and well-finished bodywork gives an immediate sense this is certainly no budget streamer.

Just like the Pulse/Pulsar line, no buttons or screens sully the face, instead a soft push button is hidden mid-way underneath the fascia and when powered on emits a soft white light to let you know all is well. Turning the unit around we see what’s what connection-wise. We have IEC power inlet with a rocker switch, RJ45 x2, one for input (marked Ethernet) and one to offer a “daisy chained” network device such as a NAS connection (marked LAN). We have a Service port (HDMI) and 3 normal-looking USB ports, 1 marked DAC for output up to 32bit/768Khz and DSD512 (256 DoP), 1 for AUX (attaching a CD ripper) and 1 marked Backup/Import for attaching a USB drive for example. All pretty standard, and for most that would suffice, but here is where the New Gen takes a new fork in the road! 

Speaking to INNUOS, they tell me that some feedback over the years has indicated a handful of users requests. The first is to offer other DAC connections beyond their usual USB – such as Coax or the increasingly popular I2S. Another was to help people reduce boxes, be it external PSU boxes or by integrating their much-lauded Pheonix technology such as the Phoenix USB reclocker (again I reviewed this previously and won’t bore you except to say it’s quite something!). One thing about INNUOS that continues to impress me is their customer ecosystem and communication forums, so it’s no massive surprise that they have taken that feedback and run with it because the final part of the back panel is now a customer-selectable output module. In the review model I have, the module is the Phoenix USB LITE offering USB signal regeneration and power cleaning via the incredibly precise, 24MHz oven-controlled clock (OCXO) and high-quality linear power regulation offering very low noise to ensure a pristine regenerated 5v signal that you get with the standalone Phoenix USB – only now it’s in the one box ! (And remember that box of tricks retails at just over £3000).

Two other modules are currently available offering choices of one holding AES, SPDIF Coaxial & Optical with a focus on low noise power supply, or one with a configurable I2S that will handle rates up to DSD1024 that employs a primary 24Mhz master clock as well as 2 dedicated Femto Clocks. You can elect not to have any module added and run from the base USB. This level of choice and quality of outputs will open up many possibilities for users, particularly those seeking non-USB output and will allow continued flexibility on the choice of DAC – something that many of us change more frequently than our streamers. Finally, although not tested in my review, there is a chassis grounding point for users with grounding solutions, something that is becoming very popular with audiophiles looking to get the best from their systems. Even the chassis is designed with modularity in mind, so that the listener can upgrade to the Zenith Next Gen by returning their current unit to INNUOS.

Now for what we don’t see…

I mentioned this is a weighty box of tricks and a lot of that is down to what’s going on inside. You start with a noisy system, you get a noisy result, so to achieve the desired sonic improvement, INNUOS tell me, that not only was the modular output design brought in, but the introduction of Gallium Nitride (GaN) power regulation designed, INNUOS say, to further enhance the onboard RECAP 2 linear power supply. Add to this frequency-tuned switching and you get lower impedance, which aims to offer better transparency and instrument separation on playback.

The tweakery doesn’t stop there though…

From a choice of a customized ultra-low latency, low EMI motherboard (INNUOS call this PreciseAudio), the latest generation i3 Processor (with 4 physical and 4 virtual cores) backed by 16GB of fast DDR RAM for lightning-fast file caching and library processing, as well as physical damping around the transformer, the NG line really is a new ground-up approach, not a simple “upgrade”. The BIOS is custom and designed to be ultra-low latency and based around a Real Time Kernel meaning everything is processed incredibly fast, but more importantly it removes non-audio-related process interruptions as much as possible, in order to reduce noise. This ultra-low latency approach allows for running the Zen NG as a Roon core, and even the heaviest of Roon DSP processing without skipping a beat.  

Instead of 1 drive handling both the OS and holding music, we now have 1 dedicated to each and the user can choose the size of library disc at purchase from 2TB right up to 8TB. You can even flip the Zen NG over and insert an M.2 card offering up to a mindboggling total of 16TB of onboard storage that the Zen NG sees as one big pool for ease of use.

Something conspicuously absent from the Zen Next Gen is a CD ripper slot, but you can simply add an aftermarket ripper if desired via USB and INNUOS ensures high-quality rips by both allowing drive head offset configuration based on the CD ripper model you choose (they helpfully offer a list of models to refer to) but also only use Level 0 compression if ripping to FLAC. WAV ripping is still an option. Why no CD drive? Two things say INNUOS – the first is that many with large CD collections have already ripped the vast majority and streaming is becoming more predominant and second, a reality of the industry, is that drive mechanisms are getting rarer and rarer (therefore more costly as well) so they decided to retain them for the other models and instead offer after-market ripping on both the Zen NG and Zenith NG. The flagship Statement NG still has a ripper drive.

Of course, NAS playback as well as streaming from a plethora of services is still available and continues to expand. Alongside Qobuz, HighRes Audio, Tidal and Deezer, the new Sense 3 app (version 3.2 to be precise) adds the option to playback from Idagio for the classical streaming fans and has also added the option to Chrome cast to a TV to show “playing now” – a feature again based on customer feedback.

One thing about the Innuos ecosystem is its versatility – pop into settings and you can configure how the device acts. Have it in Standalone mode with your Zen NG being the controller and playback device, or INNUOS end point connected to another INNUOS server for playback only. For Roon users (although I have personally found INNUOS Sense sounds better native than running via Roon) you can treat the Zen NG as a Roon core and use Roon as playback control instead of Sense or run the Zen NG as a Roon endpoint (in Bridge mode) or even have the Zen NG be a Roon core but control streaming from the Sense app. You can even set the Zen NG as an HQ Player endpoint for users of HQPlayer software!  Want to manage Squeezlite devices like Wiim? Sense can do that too. For my review, I ran in Standalone mode and let the Zen NG do all the work natively, but did verify that I could control my office-based WiiM Pro from sense without any issues.

The complete reworking of both the hardware and the Sense app to become Next Generation is also being touted as a door opener to new feature capabilities yet to come, offering even more future proofing to the platform. INNUOS are quick to point out that the Zen NG range is not “replacing” the Mark 3 range (such as the Zen and Zenith MK3), and that they will continue to be supported for many years to come, instead, this offers a next logical upgrade path. Previously to make the leap from the Zenith Mk3 to the top of the range Statement would see you quadrupling your investment – not always feasible! Now, you can get from the Zenith Mk3 to the upgradeable Zen Next Gen with a more reasonable double investment – in real terms going from a roughly £5000 price tag to one starting at around £10,000 (with Phoenix USB module). Not small beer, but you’re accessing the real high-end here. 

SOUND QUALITY OF THE NNUOS ZEN NEXT-GEN

So how does it sound? As it’s seen as the logical upgrade path, I’m comparing the Zen Next Gen to the Zenith Mk3. Although both units were already run in I ran both boxes for a full two days before any evaluation to ensure they were fully settled and at running temperature. Next, I updated both to the latest version of Sense (3.2.1), accessed my test track playlist via Qobuz and got to work. The A/B was accomplished by simply swapping the USB cable (Audioquest Coffee) from both the Zenith Mk3 and Zen NG to my Norma Audio HS DA1 DAC/Pre. The Sense app lets me quickly move between both, so comparison is fast and easy. Network wise I tried connecting each in turn directly to my LAN via a Chord Epic Ethernet cable and then passed that network signal via the LAN port to the other using a standard Innuos ethernet cable. Changing the order of streaming/LAN handoff didn’t present a noticeable difference in sound. 

Spoiler alert! Anyone familiar with the Zenith will know it’s no slouch, in fact at its price point it is a superb ripper and server, but the Zen NG simply overshadows it. Plain and simple, the Zen NG sounds superb. 

Working through my regular test go-to’s from Qobuz and my NAS like Dexter Gordons Tanya (24/192), Jean Michel Jarre’s Arpegiateur (24/48) and Bill Evans Trio Nardis (16/44) it was clear almost immediately that the Next Gen delivers what the Mk3 simply can’t. Similar to when introducing the Phoenix USB Reclocker into my set up, the contrast really shone when it came to how resolved details like snares, high-pitched synths and piano become and how deftly and powerfully bass was rendered– where previously the music via the ZenithMk3 sounded great, now it was like another level of focus had been applied, a snapping into place just enough to highlight what an investment in class leading power, rectification, and USB reclocking delivers. At lower frequencies, be it kick drums, synth basslines, or lower register piano chords the Next Gen supplies an extra gravity and power, a quickening of pace that feels like you have added an extra shot to your morning espresso – just enough to add some extra oomph and drive without any extra effort. The scale and openness of music moved to the next rung of the ladder.

Pulling some HiFi show standards out of the bag like Vini Vici’s Make Us Stronger (16/44) and cranking up the volume again it’s clear the Zen NG is a step up in sound. A smack in the gut low down, a sense of real weight and energy in bass and kick, and that definition across the midband and high synth lines. As a final test, I decided to use the standard DAC USB out on the Zen NG, rather than the Phoenix module, to see if really that was what was bringing all the goodness to the table. Surprisingly the Zen NG still outperforms the Zenith Mk3 – not to the extent you get when using the Phoenix output but it’s not subtle.

I had the Zen NG for a few weeks, and over that time something struck me. I enjoy streaming and have invested in my streaming front end pretty well, however, versus the extreme pleasure I get from my other analogues sources such as Reel to Reel and Vinyl I’ve continued to find streaming a bit intangible and transient at times, leading me to hop from track to track and album to album with a bit of distraction. With the Zen NG I’ve found myself sitting happily for extended periods just thoroughly enjoying music across all genres, be it the acoustic realism of jazz and classical or the tight timing and solidity of electronica – Carl Craig’s The Melody (24/48) highlights how well the Zen NG handles a heady mix of stripped back piano, bass and beats with control, excellent timbre, clarity, and power. The Zenith Mk3 handles it very well, but there is evidence of a less resolved delivery, especially in the piano and kick drum when compared to the NG.  It’s like that little bit “extra” that the NG provides has got me over that “distracted “hump, before I knew it whole albums had gone by, listening was effortless, a real joy, and I was lining up more.

This is a high-end streaming experience, that much is clear.

CONCLUSION

Having been around the streaming block for some time and having dug deep into the rabbit holes it offers, across multiple streamers, servers, DACs, applications and almost all budget levels, I’ve found INNUOS to consistently deliver. The introduction of the Next-Gen line and in particular the Zen NG on review here is, for me, the evolution of what’s possible sonically at what is a slightly more achievable price point for serious listeners. The experience has been seamless from plug-in to listening – the sonic uplift is quite a surprise and deserves all the praise I’m giving and more.

In addition, the “future-proofing” offered by the NG’s new modular design could make other manufacturers a little nervous.

If you have the budget, are serious about getting the most from your digital playback and just want to sit back and enjoy a higher class of streaming experience without worrying about “technology”, then you don’t need to look any further.

AT A GLANCE

Build Quality and Features:

Unquestionably built to a very high standard both from an external casework and internal component perspective. The smooth, faceted, milled aluminium case has a serious weight and gravity to it

The modular design allowing distinct connectivity options is a great update

Sound Quality:

You are definitely in the realms of the high-end of streamer sound quality here, yes any final output “sound” will rely on the chosen DAC’s sonic signature, but the Zen Next-Gen is serving up solid sonic chops in terms of resolution and refinement!

Value For Money:

Always a decisive point, but when putting the build quality, components, casework, skill, which internal storage option you opt for, plus which module you add, like previous INNUOS offerings the Zen NG feels a good balance of cost versus quality for me

We Loved:

The casework, solidity and build quality of the Zen Next-Gen is superb

The Sense app continues to be a joy to use and beats many of the other out there – so much so that I ditched Roon last year.

Sonics are solid, rich, and impressive and draw you in

Even after long listening sessions I’m still enjoying it, and plan to until it’s prised out of my hands by Innuos! 

We Didn’t Love So Much:

Nothing I can find fault with here, which is rare! 

Elevator Pitch Review: Streaming continues to evolve, but if you are serious about high-end digital playback, recognise what great power and advanced reclocking bring to the digital audio table, seek an easy-to-use, rock solid, high quality and fairly priced server with a control app most just can’t offer, then my advice is to try the INNUOS Zen Next-Gen – you won’t look back – and can even upgrade “in box” over time if desired.

Price: The Base Zen NG (no added output module or storage) starts at £9000, with Phoenix USB it’s £10,000. At 16TB of Storage and the I2S module, it maxes out at £14,000.

Alan McIntosh

SUPPLIED BY INNUOS

SUPPLIED SPECIFICATIONS

Digital Output (Standard): 3 x USB 3.2 Gen2 (Up to 32bit/768KHz, Up to DSD256 via DoP, Up to DSD512 via Native DSD)

PhoenixUSB Lite Board -Adds 1 x Reclocked USB 2.0 Output (Up to 32bit/768KHz PCM, Up to DSD256 via DoP, Up to DSD512 via Native DSD)

Connectivity: Ethernet 2 x LAN RJ45 Bridged Gigabit Ethernet (LAN, Aux)

Playback Audio Formats WAC, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC, AAC, MP3, MQA

Sample Rates 44.1kHz to 768kHz, DSD over PCM (DoP) up to DSD256, Native DSD up to DSD512 (on selected DACs) 

Bit Depths up to 32bits

Associated review equipment. Hegel H390 Amplifier, Chord Epic Ethernet cable, Norma Audio HS-DA1 DAC/Pre, Audioquest Coffee USB cable to DAC, Chord Epic XLR cables to Amp. Titan Audio Power throughout, Blumenhofer Tempesta 17 Speakers, Tellurium Q Black II speaker cables, Innuos Zenith Mk3 (for comparison). Qobuz for file streaming.