Measurements and conclusion
Contents
Measurements Innuos ZEN mk3
The ZEN is undoubtedly a lot quieter than a “regular computer” in terms of noise. We have measured ordinary PCs and that noise really goes through the roof. The power supply of the ZEN is nicely made and the measurements show that: all high frequency noise is gone, both over the network and the power line. Great work.
Low frequency noise is a different story. There we simply still see common mode noise generated in the computer itself. That apparently leaks through the power supply into the mains. So a decent filter that can remove low frequency is recommended. Fact is: there are few filters that work in that spectrum.
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 ;-).