Innuos ZEN Next-Gen Streamer and Server

A revelation in sound, performance, and flexibility

The digital source has become a known sight on Hi-Fi systems for its convenience. Almost all the music can now be accessible at the touch of a button. But playing sound is one thing and playing music is another. To get the true essence of the recording, your digital signal must be as pristine and well-timed as possible so your DAC can play at its best. Feed it with a noisy signal and that will just be amplified along the chain.

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: our new cutting-edge Gallium Nitride regulated NGaN RECAP2 PSU, the 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, 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. Come and experience it at a dealer near you.

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, PhoenixI2S, or SPDIF boards.

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.

Controlled via the Innuos Sense App
Navigating your music collection is now more intuitive and responsive, offering a premium experience whether you’re ripping CDs, creating playlists, importing files, or exploring streaming services. Sense delivers optimal music playback with the following features: Seamless and automatic ripping of CDs on Innuos music servers. Navigating streaming services like Qobuz, Tidal, Deezer, HighResAudio or IDAGIO with ease. TIDAL Connect and MAX resolution supported, with more streaming services to come. Fully unified library combining music stored locally (on Innuos music servers) or on a NAS with music from Qobuz and TIDAL, blending related artists and discographies. Internet Radio with easy preset creation. Dedicated Podcast section. Radio Paradise, a popular internet-radio service available in CD-quality FLAC. Easy creation of mixed playlists plus support for Qobuz collaborative playlists, with fast universal searches across multiple streaming services and music stored locally or on NAS drives. 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 including via external USB drives with Sense 3 Innuos Multiroom grouping, Refined Sense UPnP and 'Now Playing' TV Casting

Optional Digital Output Module

PhoenixUSB 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

PhoenixI2S Board

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

SPDIF Board

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

Specification

File Formats: WAV, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC, AAC, MP3, DSF, DFF, MQA Supported

Sample Rates: PCM: Up to 32bit/768KHz, DSD: Up to DSD256 via DoP, up to DSD512 via Native DSD (24bit/192KHz maximum output on SPDIF module)

USB (for DACs, Imports, Backups, USB Drive playback)

3 x USB 3.2

Network

2 x Gigabit Ethernet, Bridged (wired only)

Other

1 x Digital Output Module Bay

1 x Storage Expansion Bay (1 x M2 nVME SSD)

1 x HDMI (service only)

1 x AC Power Inlet

Streaming Services*:

Qobuz

TIDAL

Deezer

HighResAudio

IDAGIO

Spotify Connect

TIDAL Connect

Qobuz Connect

Internet Radio & Podcasts

Radio Paradise FLAC and Interactive services

Local Music Files

Internal M2 NVMe SSD + PCI-E SSD drives

NAS Drives/Servers

USB Drives**

*Premium subscription required

**’Folder View’ only, full library integration unavailable

CD Ripping
Available via external USB Optical Drive + installed SSD storage

Metadata Sources: Discogs, FreeDB, GD3, Musicbrainz

Ripping format options: FLAC or WAV

Control Software & Integrations

Innuos Sense App for iPadOS/iOS v16.6 (or later)

Innuos Sense App for Android 7 (or later)

Innuos Sense App for Amazon Fire OS 7 (or later)

Any web browser via my.innuos.com or IP address.

Optional:

Roon (Core and Endpoint modes supported)

HQPlayer (NAA Endpoint mode only)

AssetUPnP (UPnP Server mode only)

Power: 230V AC / 115V AC

Dimensions: 420mm x 365mm x 105mm (W x D x H)

Weight: 12.7 kg

Contents:

ZEN Next-Gen

AC Power Cable (2.0m)

Ethernet Cable (2.0m)

Quick Start Guide