About the Innuos ZEN Next-Gen Streamer/Music Server

Product Description

The ZEN Next-Gen

Upgrade your streaming

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 the custom processor boards and all the way to specific software development minimizing power noise during operation.

The ZEN NG 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 NG 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 NG to be upgradeable to a ZENith NG at any time.

The new ZEN NG is a revelation in both sound, performance and flexibility. Come and experience it at a dealer near you.

Key Features
  • New cutting-edge Gallium Nitride regulated NGaN RECAP2 power supply unit
  • New PreciseAudio custom mainboard
  • Innuos Sense 3 software with real-time kernel and AudioCore technology
  • Selected industrial-grade low noise DDR4 RAM
  • Dedicated direct-attached ultra-low noise SSD for the operating system.
  • Modular storage up to 16 TB
  • Modular connectivity with a choice of optional digital output module
  • 10 mm CNC machined aluminium chassis
Innuos NGaN PSU

ZEN NG employs a new cutting-edge Gallium Nitride power regulation stage to enhance the RECAP2 linear power modules with a tuned switching frequency. This new design offers 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, and 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 databases and files for a speedy response.

Modular Architecture

You can configure the ZEN NG as a music server and streamer, server only or streamer only easily. Choose between no storage or up to 16 TB configurations.

The optional audio output slot supports different modules such as USB (Phoenix USBLite), I2S (coming soon) or AES and coaxial / optical S/PDIF (DCC output module).

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 (XSM) system allows a single pool of storage from multiple drives. The ZEN NG supports an internal, high performance NVMe PCIe drive up to 8 TB with an additional externally accessible M.2 NVMe slot for up to 8 TB for a total 16 TB of seamless storage. Intelligent management and data protection are provided through Sense.

Premium Chassis

Newly-designed 10mm thick CNC-machined bead-blasted and anodised aluminium chassis, containing a new vibration-damped transformer platform and with chassis ground port connection.

Sense 3

Sense 3 offers some unique benefits for the ZEN NG and ZENith NG. There is a new real-time kernel, lowering latency even further for the core operating system. AudioCore allows audio processes to run on dedicated physical cores. There is an Expandable Storage Management interface and 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 NG can be upgraded to a ZENith NG in the future for even better sound quality and performance.


FAQs

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