Innuos ZEN NG

Innuos NG

The digital source has become a staple of hi-fi systems due to its convenience. Today, virtually any music can be accessed at the touch of a button. But while reproducing sound is one thing, reproducing music is quite another. To capture the true essence of a recording, your digital signal must be as pure and precise as possible so your DAC can achieve its full potential. A noisy signal, on the other hand, will only be amplified further down the chain.

A pristine digital signal requires a dedicated digital source that pays attention to every detail: from ultra-low-noise power supplies to custom-designed processor cards and specially developed software to minimize interference during operation.

Optional storage

Optional pre-installed memory :
The ZEN NG offers flexible storage options with PCI-E NVMe SSDs in 2 TB, 4 TB, or 8 TB capacities. The 16 TB option occupies both the internal and the secondary, user-accessible storage bay.

Optional pre-installed modular output boards :

• The PhoenixUSB Lite board with a 3ppb 24 MHz OCXO USB 2.0 reclocker for precise signal transmission.
• The DDC board with 1 x AES/EBU, 1 x Optical and 1 x Coaxial, all with a maximum resolution of 24 bit/192 kHz.

New and advanced technologies

The ZEN NG is the first model in the ZEN series to integrate both new and enhanced NG technologies: the state-of-the-art, gallium nitride-regulated NGaN RECAP2 power supply, the new PreciseAudio mainboard, Sense 3 with real-time kernel combined with AudioCore technology, select industrial-grade low-noise DDR4 RAM, and a dedicated, direct-attached, ultra-low-noise SSD for the operating system, to name just a few highlights. Connect the ZEN NG to your DAC and experience the difference.

Modular extensions

A new modular approach to storage and audio connectivity options makes the device extremely versatile: Use it either as a pure streamer without onboard storage or as a music server with Sense or Roon Core and up to 16 TB of seamless storage. Maximize sound quality by choosing the optimal digital output module—all packaged in a premium, 10 mm thick, CNC-machined aluminum chassis. And as if that weren't enough, the ZEN NG is designed to be upgradeable to a ZENith NG at any time.

The new ZEN NG is a revelation in terms of sound, performance, and flexibility. Experience it at a dealer near you.

Special features

Innuos NGaN power supply

New, state-of-the-art gallium nitride power control stage to enhance the RECAP2 linear power modules with a tuned switching frequency providing much lower mains impedance for a more transparent sound with better instrument separation.

Innuos PreciseAudio mainboard

An all-new, custom-designed server-grade motherboard tuned for low processor latency, power noise, and EMI emissions, further enhanced with improved power regulators and solid-state capacitors.

High performance, low power consumption

The next-generation Intel Core i3 combines four physical cores with four virtual cores for responsive performance and low heat dissipation, complemented by the Innuos AudioCore, which provides dedicated cores for audio processing. Supported by 16GB of low-noise, industrial-grade DDR4 memory, it can cache more databases and files for faster response.

Modular architecture

You can easily configure the ZEN NG as a music server/streamer, a dedicated server, or a dedicated streamer. Choose between configurations without storage or with up to 16 TB of storage, and optional audio output slots for various modules such as USB, I2S, or AES/Coaxial/Optical SPDIF.

Dedicated OS SSD

Dedicated industrial-grade 3D TLC SSD for the operating system with power-loss protection to prevent system issues in the event of a power outage. Extremely low power consumption, electrical noise, and heat generation.

Innuos XSM

The high-performance Expandable Storage Management System (XSM) enables a single storage pool with multiple drives. ZEN NG supports one internal, high-performance NVMe PCIe drive up to 8 TB and an additional externally accessible M.2 NVMe slot for up to 8 TB, for a total of 16 TB of seamless storage. Intelligent management and data protection with Sense.

Premium case

Newly developed, 10 mm thick, CNC-machined, bead-blasted and anodized aluminum housing with new vibration-damped transformer platform and chassis ground connection.

Sense 3

Unique benefits for ZEN NG and ZENith NG through Sense 3, including a new real-time kernel that further reduces latency for the core operating system, AudioCore for running audio processes in dedicated physical cores, an extensible interface for memory management, and a new CD ripping feature via external USB drives with drive head alignment for precise ripping.

Upgradeable

The modular design of the cabinet and components means that the ZEN NG can be upgraded to a ZENith NG in the future for even better sound quality and performance.

Specifications

Audio outputs

• Digital output:
  • USB (up to 32bit/768KHz, up to DSD256 via DoP, up to DSD512 via Native DSD)
  • 1 x Digital Output Module: PhoenixUSB, PhoenixI2S, AES/Coaxial/Optical SPDIF (sold separately)
  • Additional Ethernet port for streamer or NAS

Connectivity

• Ethernet:
  • 2 x LAN RJ45 Bridged Gigabit Ethernet (LAN, Aux)
• USB:
  • 3 x USB 3.2 Gen2 (backup/import, Aux, DAC)
• Chassis Ground:
  • 4mm 'Speaker Plug' port

Formats

• Ripping:
  • External USB-connected CD ripping device required
• CD formats:
  • Red Book
• Disc compatibility:
  • CD, CD-R, CD-RW
• CD ripper formats:
  • FLAC (compression level 0), WAV
• Playback audio formats:
  • 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 (with selected DACs)
• Bit depths:
  • 16-bit, 24-bit, 32-bit

User control interfaces

• Web interface:
  • Modern web browsers for iOS, Android, Windows and OS X
• Mobile:
  • Innuos Sense app for iOS/Android/Kindle Fire

Hardware

• Memory:
  • 3D TLC SSD for operating system
  • [Optional] 1 x PCIe NVMe SSD – 2TB / 4TB / 8TB (factory installed)
  • [Optional] 1 x m.2 NVMe SSD (user or factory installed)
• Processor:
  • Intel Core i3: 4 physical cores + 4 virtual cores
• RAM:
  • 16GB DDR4 industrial memory

Streaming and CD storage

• UPnP/DLNA:
  • AssetUPnP
• Streaming services:
  • Qobuz, Tidal, Deezer, HighResAudio, Internet radio
• Average CD storage time:
  • 5 minutes
• CD metadata:
  • FreeDB, Musicbrainz, Discogs, GD3
• Compatible music systems:
  • Sonos Multi-Room Wireless Music System
  • DLNA/UPnP compatible devices
  • USB DACs that comply with USB Audio Class 2
  • Selected USB DACs that support Native DSD

Requirements

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

Power supply

• Mains supply:
  • 230V AC / 115V AC (switchable)