Innuos ZEN Next-Gen

NOTE: Innuos only allows purchases of the NG series via in-store or phone. Please call us at 866-893-3543, or message us to purchase  your Innuos Zen NG. Innuos Promotions If you own an Innuos Pulsar, Zenith MK3, or Zen MKII SE, you may be eligible for a trade in credit equaling up to 30% off of the price of the Zen NG. Click here for details. Innuos is also offering a 20% discount on accessories when ordered in combination with the Zen NG, Zenith NG and Pulsar. Add a PhoenixNet Audio network Switch for $3479.20 (Saving $599.80) Add a PhoenixUSB for $3479.20. But you could add the PhoenixUSB Lite output board for $1350. The PhoenixUSB adds it's own linear power supply, and is slightly more robust reclocking, for those that demand a no-compromise solution.  The New Zen and Zenith NG The Zen and will are higher-end ZEN series models designed to sit above the existing Mk3 models, which will remain current. That is where the similarity ends.  The Zen and Zenith NG are a nearly complete redesign and rethinking of the tremendously successful MK3 lineup of server streamers. New power supplies, new motherboards, faster and more capable processors, more RAM (16Gb vs. 4) and a modular approach to storage and output configuration. Heck, just the weight of the Zen NG is nearly double that of it's MK3 sibling.  First Sonic impressions: HOLY COW!!! No joke, the instant we started playing music from the Zen NG it was immediately apparent that this was way beyond the Zen MK3 and even the Pulsar in terms of sonic performance. Dare we say it, but in our reference system the Zen NG with the PhoenixLite USB output connecting to the Merason DAC III MK2 was approaching the performance of the Statement NG. The first thing we noticed was the extreme level of transient attack, dynamics and speed of the high frequencies. WOW! This was accompanied by the sense of naturalness and flow that the Innuos are known for. Everything was balanced, rich, super highly resolving and ultimately musical. This could very well be an endgame streamer... As far as network performance, there was nearly zero lag when firing up the app, or when switching over to it from another app on our phone or tablet. It was lightning fast to reconnect, and as usual, rock solid in it's performance. Feature Highlights of the Zen NG: Cutting-edge Gallium Nitride regulated NGaN RECAP2 power supply The new PreciseAudio custom mainboard Sense 3 with real-time kernel AudioCore technology Selected industrial-grade low noise DDR4 RAM Dedicated, direct-attached, ultra-low noise SSD for the Operating System 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 Next-Gen to be upgradeable to a ZENith Next-Gen at any time. The new ZEN Next-Gen is a revelation in both sound, performance and flexibility. Ask about our In-Home Audition Program. Drawing upon the finest trickled-down elements of STATEMENT NG whilst bringing several innovations, the new ZEN NG and ZENith NG extend the existing ZEN series with new higher-end NG versions, offering a dramatic step forward in performance and versatility, complementing the successful Mk3 generation. “The new ZEN NG and ZENith NG introduce our new electronics and software platform with innovations such as the PreciseAudio mainboard, NGaN regulation module and Sense 3. These are the result of almost 3 years of intense Research and Development, offering the most dramatic step forward in sound realism and versatility we've ever done in 3 generations of ZEN Music Servers. Come and have a listen, I'm confident you'll find them a revelation” - Nuno Vitorino, Co-founder and R&D Director. PreciseAudio Mainboard The PreciseAudio mainboard is extensively customized and tuned for low processor latency and minimizing operating power noise. It’s powered by the new Innuos NGaN regulation module, significantly reducing power supply impedance and heat inside the case while maintaining an ultra-low level of power noise. Both are the result of almost 3 years of Research and Development. Expandable Storage Other features include the new Expandable Storage Management System (XSM) supporting up to 16TB of seamless internal storage. This can be added by the user, and the Innuos OS will automatically format and integrate the user added drive to the internal drive of the Zen seamlessly. Additional Audio Output Modules.  The Zen NG also offers 3 upgrade modules. Digital Output Module that offers RCA coax, Balanced AES and TOSlink digital outputs.  Phoenix USB Lite - Adds a reclocked USB output that is a significant upgrade from the standard USB output that comes with the stock unit Phoenix I2S Lite - Adds and I2S output -or- The second module is the PhoenixUSB Lite, a reclocker for the USB output. Precision machined chassis Both ZEN NG and ZENith NG are enclosed in a high-precision 10mm thick CNC-machined aluminium chassis, bead-blasted and anodised in either silver or black. NGaN-regulated RECAP2 Power Supply The Zen comes with a cutting-edge Gallium Nitride power regulation stage to enhance the RECAP2 linear power modules with a tuned switching frequency offering much lower power supply impedance for a more transparent sound with better instrument separation. High Performance Processing, Low Power Consumption The Zen has a 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 more databases and files for a speedy response. Upgradeable The modular construction of the chassis and components means the ZEN Next-Gen can be upgraded to a ZENith Next-Gen in the future for even better sound quality and performance. Why Innuos? Aside from the amazing products, what I like about Innuos is they don't rush a product to market, and they follow their own path of innovation. They are also good people who really support their dealers and products well. Their products are super easy to install into your home network and audio system. Once set up, rarely is there ever an issue with streaming your music collection (unless of course the internet, or your home network goes down).  FAQ Q: If I order a Zenith NG without the storage, does that preclude it from ever being used as a server? A: If you order the Zenith NG without storage, as long as no storage is added, it cannot store music nor act as a server. However, whether you’re going to use pre-installed storage or storage you install later it will react the same way.  As long as the unit has storage installed it will operate as a server or Roon Core.   Q: Can the DDC and the Phoenix Lite boards be installed at the same time? A: No, one can only choose either the DDC board with the additional digital outputs, or the PhoenixUSB Lite. The Tweek Geek Advantage When you buy an Innuos Zenith NG streamer from Tweek Geek, you not only get the support of Innuos and their expertise, you get my 14 years experience with music streaming, and the Tweek Geek level of service as well. The New Sense 3 To explore the most out of the new platform, Innuos has developed Sense 3, the next generation of innuOS. Sense 3 will be based on a custom Real-time OS Kernel for ultra-low latency and includes AudioCore technology to ensure audio-related processes are run without interruptions, resulting in audible improvements in sound. Sense 3 will further add TIDAL Connect, new music library and playlist management tools, support for external USB optical drives with drive-head alignment for accurate ripping, and UI improvements.