Innuos ZEN Next-Gen

A pristine digital signal requires a dedicated digital source, with meticulous detail starting from the ultra-low noise power supplies, through a custom mainboard and all the way to specific software development minimizing power noise during operation.

The ZEN Next-Gen is the first model within the ZEN Series to include both new and trickled-down NG technology developments: new cutting-edge Gallium Nitride regulated NGaN RECAP2 PSU, new PreciseAudio custom mainboard, Sense 3 with real-time kernel together with AudioCore technology, selected industrial-grade low noise DDR4 RAM and a dedicated, direct-attached, ultra-low noise SSD for the Operating System to name just a few.

Connect the ZEN Next-Gen to your DAC and be amazed at the difference.

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, the ZEN Next-Gen is upgradeable to a ZENith Next-Gen at any time.

The new ZEN Next-Gen is a revelation in both sound, performance and flexibility. 

Key Features

• Innuos RECAP2 NGaN PSU: New 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.

• Innuos PreciseAudio Mainboard: An all-new custom server-grade mainboard, ultra-tuned for low processor latency, power noise and EMI emissions; further improved by enhanced power regulators and solid capacitors.

• High Performance, Low Power: 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.

• Modular Architecture: You can configure the ZEN Next-Gen as a Music Server/Streamer, Server-only or Streamer-only easily. Choose to have no internal drives, or up to a maximum of 16TB SSD storage. Leverage the ZEN as a premium streamer through an optional Digital Audio Output slot for different modules such as PhoenixUSB Lite, PhoenixI2S Lite, or SPDIF.

• Dedicated OS SSD: Dedicated industrial-grade 3D TLC SSD for the OS with power-loss protection to prevent any issues with the system in case of a power cut. Extremely low levels of power consumption, electrical noise and thermal output. 

• Innuos XSM: High Performance Expandable Storage Management System (XSM) allows a single pool of storage from multiple drives. The ZEN Next-Gen supports an internal, high performance NVMe PCIe drive up to 8TB with an additional externally accessible M.2 NVMe slot for up to 8TB for a total 16TB of seamless storage. Intelligent management and data protection provided through Sense.

• Premium Chassis: Newly-designed 10mm thick CNC-machined bead-blasted and anodized aluminium chassis, containing new vibration-dampened transformer platform and with Chassis Ground port connection.

• Sense 3: Unique benefits for the ZEN Next-Gen and ZENith Next-Gen through Sense 3, including new Real-Time Kernel, lowering latency even further for the core Operating System, AudioCore for audio process to run in dedicated physical cores, Expandable Storage Management interface, and new CD-ripping via external USB drives with drive-head alignment for accurate ripping.

• 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.

• Provide a superior SPDIF Coaxial, Optical and AES outputs for your DAC
• Supports PCM up to 24bit/192KHz
• Optimised power supply for ultra-low noise
• High-Quality Gold-plated Connectors

PhoenixUSB Lite Board

• Regenerated and Reclocked USB signal to your Class 2 USB DAC, greatly increasing sound quality
• High-precision 3ppb 24MHz OCXO clock for greatly improved timing and signal integrity
• Ultra-low noise LT3045 linear regulators for each independent voltage, no switching regulators on main USB chip
• Provides a pristine 5V line for the USB connection on your DAC

• Bypass conversion stages with a direct connection straight to your DAC chip
• 3ppb 24Mhz main clock, with two premium FemtoClocks
• HDMI connector with 8 pin-configurations.
• Ensure maximum audio resolution compatibility up to DSD1024 

SPECIFICATIONS

Audio outputs

• Digital Output  - 3 x USB 3.2 Gen2 (Up to 32bit/768KHz, Up to DSD256 via DoP, Up to DSD512 via Native DSD)  
• Optional Digital Output Modules - SPDIF Board Adds 1 x AES, 1 x Coaxial, 1 x Optical (Up to 24bit/192KHz PCM). PhoenixUSB Lite Board Adds 1 x Reclocked USB 2.0 Output (Up to 32bit/768KHz PCM, Up to DSD256 via DoP, Up to DSD512 via Native DSD). PhoenixI2S Lite Board (Up to 32bit/768KHz PCM, Full DSD support up to Native DSD1024)         

Connectivity

• Ethernet - 2x isolated RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet      
• USB - 3 x USB 3.2 Gen2 (Backup/Import/Aux/DAC) 
• Chassis Ground - 4mm'Speaker plug' port      
  

Formats

• Ripping - External USB-connected CD ripper required
• 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, MQA        
  

Sample rates

• Sample Rates  - 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4KHz. 192kHz, 352.8KHz, 384KHz , 768kHz, DSD over PCM (DoP) up to DSD256, Native DSD up to DSD512 (on selected DACs) 
  
• Bit Depths - 16bit, 24bit, 32bit         

User control interfaces

• Web Interface - Web Browsers from iOS, Android, Windows OS X browsers   
• Mobile - Innuos Sense App for iOS/Android/Kindle Fire   

Hardware

• Storage - 3D TLC SSD for OS [Optional] 1 x PCIe NVMe SSD – 2TB / 4TB / 8TB (Factory fitted) [Optional] 1 x m.2 NVMe SSD(User or factory fitted)CD/DVD drive -TEAC Slot-loading drive    
• Processor - Intel Core i3: 4 x Physical Cores + 4 x Virtual Cores      
• Memory - 16Gb DDR4 Industrial-Grade RAM        

Streaming and CD storage

• Streaming Services - Qobuz, Tidal, Deezer, HighResAudio, Internet Radio
• UPnP/DLNA - AssetUPnP  
• USB - Connect and play to USB DACs (USB Audio Class 1 and Class 2, DoP)    
• Average CD Storage Time - 5 minutes    
• CD Metadata - FreeDB, Musicbrainz, Discogs, GD3 
• Compatible Music Systems - USB DACs complying to USB Audio Class 2, Selected USB DACs supporting Native DSD, Sonos, DLNA/UPnP Compatible Devices

Requirements

• Network: Internet connection required for metadata lookup, streaming services and software updates.
• Network access via Ethernet
• Premium subscription required for some streaming services such as Spotify, Qobuz and Tidal

Power

• Mains Supply -- 230V AC / 115V AC (Switchable)

Physical

• Dimensions 420 x 365 x 105 mm x 420 x 320 mm (W x D x H)
• Weight 12.7 Kg