The Future of the Music Streamers. Introducing the Pulsar

Now at True Audiophile

We listened to all streamers we could. They were either way too much money for what they delivered or too complex. Innuos is taking over the world market with the Pulsaer. In fact, the performance is so stunning it may lead to re-design of their other products. Brilliantly simple to use and modestly priced. Built from the ground up including their OS. -- True Audiophile mini review

Reviewers Choice Award 2024 by Part Time Audiophile - Nominated for Product of the Year for 2023

“It’s for people who just want to stream,” the folks from Faro told me when I first listened to the Innuos PULSAR network streamer.

“You mean people like me?” I asked, and they nodded in the affirmative.

After nominating the Innuos PULSAR for Product of the Year for 2023, I realize that this conclusion has been telegraphed, gratuitously so. But this was the product that proved to me that I need a dedicated network streamer, especially if I’m going to review other components while using my laptop as a source.

I will readily admit that my trip to Portugal influenced my enthusiasm for this product, and not just because of the sublime hospitality of Innuos. (I’ve got Portugal on the brain now, and I want to go back soon.) What I remember most about Innuos is their dedication to making everything the best it can be. While one part of me is still deeply connected to analog playback and conventional loudspeakers and tube amplifiers, a newly formed part of me, still in its infancy, realizes that the road to digital perfection is in the tiniest of details. The Innuos PULSAR is made by a company that knows there’s always more to learn and ways to make things better. That’s why the Innuos PULSAR earns my highest recommendation.

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PLEASE SPECIFY EITHER SILVER OR BLACK CHASSIS WHEN ORDERING

When it comes to HiFi, whether streaming from music services, a NAS, or a dedicated music server, you want your music to sound its best and your network music player needs to ensure you hear the music the way it was intended; this is where PULSAR really shines. PULSAR is the star of our PULSE Series network music players and it’s packed with things that make it stand out the moment you hear it. As amazing as PULSAR is on the ears, it’s equally beautiful to the eyes, both inside and out.

PULSAR is made with a full bead-blasted and anodised high-grade aluminium chassis in your choice of Silver or Black, that is both elegant and classic - yet the best is still reserved for what’s inside.

BENEATH THE SHELL
Beneath its sleek exterior, the PULSAR is packing a custom ARC6 module (Active Rectification with six Capacitors) with active rectification, over 130000 µF of Mundorf capacitors followed by a large inductor and a massive 300VA audio-grade toroidal transformer with an epoxy-filled center for dampening vibration, and magnetic screening with coated SYN-SHIELD copper tape between windings and wrapped in black Mylar Tape.

PULSAR features an optimized USB output to take sound quality to the PULSE line’s highest level by incorporating a PhoenixUSB Lite Reclocker. The reclocker is powered by a custom CX Regulator Module.

The SSD hosting the innuOS Operating System in PULSAR is also upgraded to a SLC (Single-Level Cell) module, as opposed to the more common TLC (Triple-Level Cell) for the best durability and lower operating power noise.

Just as with the PULSE, asymmetrical feet are installed on PULSAR to support the player while also being strategically placed to help dampen vibration from the sound system during playback. It's the little details like this, combined with larger ones like the power supply and integrated PhoenixUSB Lite reclocker that make for unforgettable playback.

PULSAR comes in your choice of Silver or Black, but the finish of the chassis and fascia in either color is breathtakingly beautiful yet understated.

BEST IN CLASS STREAMING
Whether you're streaming from an existing music server, NAS or streaming service, PULSAR will deliver you a large, deep soundstage with incredible instrument separation and true-to-life sound textures that bring emotion to your listening experience.

Controlled via Innuos Sense App

Managing your music should never get in the way of listening to your music - it should complement the experience. The Innuos Sense app is a powerful music management tool that works the way you do – it is made to help you manage, organize and play your music and navigate streaming services with ease. Sense is available as a free download, and tightly integrates with high-end online music services and our innuOS Operating System to deliver optimal music playback with the following features:

Qobuz and TIDAL integration including Artist Bios, Related Artists, Top Tracks and more.
Management of Qobuz and TIDAL albums together with albums stored on a Network Attached Storage (NAS) for a unified Music Library
Internet Radio with easy preset creation
Radio Paradise, a popular music stream
Easy creation of playlists from multiple streaming services and music on a NAS
Curated and configurable Smart Mixes based on your music
Home Screen widgets allow you to customize and access your favorite features at the touch of a button
Seamless and automatic ripping of CDs on Innuos music servers.

FLEXIBILITY
Each PULSAR series Network Music Player has two modes – these modes give you the flexibility to configure your network music player to work the way you want it to. Your music, played your way.

In Standalone mode, you can use the Innuos Sense app to play streaming services, Internet Radio and music stored on a NAS, to a multitude of audio systems. In this mode, the PULSAR becomes the center of your audio system, enabling you also to use the Sense app with other streaming devices on your network.

In Endpoint Mode, PULSAR connects to a main music server, be it an Innuos Music Server, HQ Player or any server running Logitech Media Server. The PULSAR will then show as a zone on the respective music server app and you can use your preferred app to browse and play music through the PULSAR.

PULSAR supports MQA Core Software Decoding, which means you can playback MQA audio files and streams, delivering the sound of the original master recording. MQA Core software decoding is provided free of charge and enables streaming and playback of MQA files up to 24bit/96 kHz for non-MQA DACs and up to 24bit/384 kHz for MQA Renderer/Decoder DACs. PULSAR can also passthrough MQA files to MQA Full Decoder DACs.

InnuOS Operating System 2.3 or higher is required for MQA Core Decoding.

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AUDIO OUTPUTS

Digital Output

USB DAC output with PhoenixUSB Lite Reclocker (Up to 32bit/768KHz, Up to DSD256 via DoP, Up to DSD512 via Native DSD). Other Modules to be made available in the future.

Ethernet	2 x rear panel RJ45 – Bridged Gigabit Ethernet
USB	4x USB 3.0

Audio Formats Supported for streaming and playingWAV, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC, AAC, MP3, MQA

Endpoint Mode

Connects to Innuos Music Servers, Logitech Media Server based Servers or HQPlayer Server

Web Interface	Modern Web Browsers from iOS, Android, Windows and Mac OS
Mobile	Innuos Sense App (iOS/Android/Kindle Fire)

CPU	Intel Quad Core N4200
Memory	8GB DDR3 Low-Voltage RAM (4GB Dedicated for RAM Playback)

UPnP/DLNA	Controls selected UPnP streamers as endpoints via Sense
Streaming Services	Internet Radio, Qobuz, Radio Paradise, Tidal
USB DAC Support	USB DACs complying to USB Audio Class 2
	USB DACs supporting DSD over DoP protocol
	Selected USB DACs supporting Native DSD

Requirements

UPnP/DLNA	Controls selected UPnP streamers as endpoints via Sense
Streaming Services	Internet Radio, Qobuz, Radio Paradise, Tidal
USB DAC Support	USB DACs complying to USB Audio Class 2
	USB DACs supporting DSD over DoP protocol
	Selected USB DACs supporting Native DSD

Mains Supply

230V AC / 115V AC – Internal Linear Power Supply

Power Consumption (Idle)

Power Consumption (Peak)

Standalone mode

13.7W

Dimensions:

Dimensions	16.5 in x 11.4 in x 3 in (W x D x H)
Weight	10,17 kg (11,5 kg boxed)
In the box	Innuos PULSAR Network Player
	Mains Cable
	2m Ethernet Cable
	Quick Start Guide