The Maturity of the Music Streamer Server. The Zen Mk3
Now at True Audiophile
We listened to all server streamers we could. They were either way too much money for what they delivered or too complex. Innuos is taking over the world market because they are none of those issues. Brilliantly simple to use and modestly priced. Built from the ground up including their OS. -- True Audiophile mini review
Before we launch into the rave reviews, here are the fundamental differences of the Zen:
● Full-width design.
● Dual Linear Power Supply with ultra-low noise regulators and Nichicon capacitors.
● Medical-grade mains filter.
● EMI-treated custom motherboard.
● Ethernet isolation transformers.
● Ultra-low noise USB audio output.
● Anti-vibration treatment on chassis and components.
● Asymmetrical resonance-tuned isolation feet.
● 8GB RAM with 4GB in-memory playback.
Standard Storage : 1 TB
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REVIEW & AWARDS
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very good case for using a dedicated audio server
rather than a NAS driveAll in all the Innuos ZEN MkII makes a very good case for using a dedicated audio server rather than a NAS drive and network switch, it sounds considerably better for one, making even a high end NAS seem distinctly crude by comparison. It also gives excellent results with both USB and Ethernet connections thanks to the efforts that the company has put into creating a quiet power supply and well isolated outputs.
JAN 2017
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LowBeats awarded the ZEN 4,8 out of 5 points - Outstanding
LowBeats, a reference German Hi-Fi blog tested the ZENmini and the ZEN MkII. They concluded that both were very innovative, incredibly fast, easy to use with a convincing sound quality and a great price/performance ratio. They found the additional price difference between the ZENmini and ZEN worth it and less expensive than usual in HiFi systems, given the sound improvement provided by the ZEN.
JUL 2017
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Einsnull considered the ZEN to be Enlightened
Einsnull concluded the ZEN clearly had the strength to finally establish this device category as a true HiFi System. The magazine considered it to be very user-friendly and with high audiophile standards - a Server that has earned the word "Music" in its name!
MAR 2017
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HiFi IFAS awarded the ZEN 6 out of 6 points
According to HIFI-IFAs - a well-respected German Hi-Fi blog, our ZEN is a step towards true dimensionality with unbelievable dynamics which let you truly experience music, besides being gorgeous and self-explanatory. They conclude that the ZEN is a highly recommendable device with high-end sound quality and great value for money.
If that's how much they loved the MkII just imagine how much you will love the MkIII.
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AUDIO OUTPUTS |
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Digital Output | Ultra Low Noise USB 2.0 supporting USB Audio Class 1, USB Audio Class 2 and DoP | |
CONNECTIVITY |
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Ethernet | 2x isolated RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet - LAN and Streamer connection | |
Other | 1x VGA (service connection only) | |
USB | 1x USB 2.0 (DAC), 1x USB 3.0 (Backup) | |
FORMATS |
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CD Formats | Red Book | |
Disc Compatibility | CD, CD-R, CD-RW | |
Audio format for stored CDs | FLAC (zero compression), WAV | |
Audio Formats Supported for streaming and playing | WAV, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC, AAC, MP3 | |
SAMPLE RATES |
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Sample Rates | 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4KHz. 192kHz, 352.8KHz, 384KHz , DSD64, DSD128 | |
Bit Depths | 16bit, 24bit, 32bit | |
USER CONTROL INTERFACES |
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Web Interface | Web Browsers from iOS, Android (4.0 and up) or up-to-date Windows and OS X browsers | |
Mobile | App for iPhone/iPad, Android and Windows 10 | |
HARDWARE |
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CD/DVD drive | TEAC Slot-loading drive | |
Hard Drive | 2Tb WD Red Hard Drive | |
CPU | Intel Quad Core 2GHz | |
Memory | 4Gb DDR3 - 2Gb dedicated for Memory Playback | |
STREAMING AND CD STORAGE |
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UPnP/DLNA | UPnP Server DLNA device compatible | |
USB | Connect and play to USB DACs (USB Audio Class 1 and Class 2, DoP) | |
Average CD Storage Time | 5 minutes | |
CD Metadata | OneMusicAPI aggregating multiple CD metadata sources | |
Compatible Music Systems | Sonos Multi-room Wireless Music System | |
Naim Mu-so Multi-room Wireless Music System | ||
Denon HEOS Multi-room Wireless Music System | ||
Squeezebox Multi-room Wireless Music System | ||
Naim Uniti music streamers | ||
Linn DS music streamers | ||
Pioneer N50A | ||
Cambridge Audio CXN | ||
Denon 720AE | ||
DLNA/UPnP compatible devices | ||
USB DACs complying to USB Audio Class 1 or 2 | ||
USB DACs supporting DSD over DoP protocol | ||
REQUIREMENTS |
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Network | Internet connection to access album metadata when storing CDs, Internet Radio, Streaming Services and software updates | |
Network router with at least one available ethernet port | ||
Premium subscription required for some streaming services such as Spotify, Qobuz and Tidal | ||
Music Controller | Remote control app compatible with the Logitech Media Server (Free and Paid versions available) or Web Browser - Most modern web browsers and platforms are supported | |
DAC / Converter | DAC with USB input supporting USB Audio Class 1, USB Audio Class 2 or DoP protocols | |
POWER |
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Mains Supply | 120V AC - Internal Linear Power Supply with ultra-low noise regulators | |
Power Consumption | 12W when idle, 25W peak | |
PHYSICAL |
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Dimensions | 70 x 420 x 320 mm (H x W x D) | |
Weight | 20 lbs | |
In the box | Innuos Zen Music Server | |
UK or EU Mains Cable | ||
2m Ethernet Cable (to connect to router) | ||
Getting Started leaflet |
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