The installation
Contents
Well… you now know how we see the Innuos ZEN and what it is physically. The fact is: the product works sublimely. The software is stable and the app is easy to use. It seems simple to realise that, but it is not. There are very, very few companies that have all that in order. Innuos manages to do that.
Simplicity
Installation involves powering the server and plugging in a network cable. That’s about it. After turning it on, the server boots up. Then you install the Sense App, which treats you to a wizzard. The wizzard allows you to do basic settings. Think time zone, name for the server, library and online services.
An important question is which mode you want: Stand Alone mode or Endpoint mode. In Stand Alone mode, you can choose between InnuOS mode or ROON Mode. These speak for themselves for people familiar with ROON. If you don’t have a ROON license or endpoints, then you choose InnuOS mode. This is what we tested in as well.
Endpoint Mode puts the ZEN in a mode where it is a music streamer. You can then choose SqueezeLite, Roon Bridge or HQPlayer NAA mode. SqueezeLite is required to connect to an Innuos server.
So the ZEN is a very versatile device where the software allows all sorts of things. Smart of Innuos, because people may want to change something in a new stage. The software allows to do that easily.
The app and web interface
We didn’t take screenshots of everything; that would be a bit “overkill”. But you can get an idea of what the app looks like. We have to say it’s a nice app! Everything is in logical places and works as it should. The only downside is that when the phone goes into standby and we open the app again, it takes a while to reconnect to the ZEN. After a few times, that does get annoying to be honest. We hope Innuos can fix that.
Thank you for the review and glad you pay attention to INNUOS. The ZENITH MK3 is an improved version of the ZEN (MK3) as tested here. ZENith mk3 comes with a 3 rail regulated power supply for the motherboard, SSD and USB connections. And you can hear that!
Both were released in 2018 and are still excellent. Also the top model was and still is the Statement, with a power supply in a separate housing; the same size as the streamer itself! Incidentally, all INNUOS- power supplies are designed by Sean Jacobs, one of the best in the business. They are ‘extremely low power streamers’, which benefits sound quality.
The ‘USB output’ can be improved with external add-on of the INNUOS PhoenixUSB.
CD ripping can be set to FLAC or WAV format; the latter should sound better without the compression.
In 2023, INNUOS released the PULSE and PULSAR, which no longer have an SSD and a CD ripper and are designed exclusively for streaming. The PULSAR has three independent power rails, one each for: 1) the operating system on APacer SLC memory, 2) the ‘USB output’ with a modular reclocker that can be replaced on request (in 2024), and 3) the motherboard.
The INNUOS Sense APP is highly appreciated by users for the perfect integration of your entire music library on SSD, NAS and TIDAL/QOBUZ.
I understand that you are busy with streamers, among other things, but I highly recommend testing the latest INNUOS PULSAR.
Good luck!
PS.
You wrote : ”It is not possible to stream from Tidal and Qobuz to UPnP clients”.
I can stream Tidal to clients ‘UPnP servers’ (INNUOS terminology) and SONOS speakers with my ZENith without any problem. This should work.
Maybe try: under SETTINGS > SYSTEM UPDATE, check if the latest version 2.4.7 is installed. You can also try to turn SETTINGS > UPnP > Sense UPnP integration on and off once and/or the same for the UPnP function.
CONTACT support available in the same SETTINGS menu is super helpful. If you are offered help, immediately ask if Nuno Vitorino will soon have a PULSAR available for ALPHA-audio ;-).