A revelation in sound, performance, and flexibility
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.
Main 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 between no storage or up to 16TB configurations and optional audio output slot for different modules such as USB, I2S, or AES/Coaxial/Optical 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.
Storage Options
EUR €
| No storage | € 9 500 |
| 2TB SSD | € 9 850 |
| 4TB SSD | € 10 150 |
| 8TB SSD | € 11 400 |
| 16TB SSD | € 13 300 |
GBP £
| No storage | £ 9 000 |
| 2TB SSD | £ 9 325 |
| 4TB SSD | £ 9 600 |
| 8TB SSD | £ 10 750 |
| 16TB SSD | £ 12 550 |
USD $
| No storage | $ 12 000 |
| 2TB SSD | $ 12 450 |
| 4TB SSD | $ 12 800 |
| 8TB SSD | $ 14 300 |
| 16TB SSD | $ 16 600 |
CAD $
| No storage | $ 15 800 |
| 2TB SSD | $ 16 350 |
| 4TB SSD | $ 16 850 |
| 8TB SSD | $ 18 900 |
| 16TB SSD | $ 22 000 |
(additional cost)
EUR €
| AES/Coax/Opt Board | + € 600 |
| PhoenixUSB Lite Board | + € 1 100 |
| PhoenixI2S Lite Board | (to be released soon) |
GBP £
| AES/Coax/Opt Board | + £ 600 |
| PhoenixUSB Lite Board | + £ 1 000 |
| PhoenixI2S Lite Board | (to be released soon) |
USD $
| AES/Coax/Opt Board | + $ 750 |
| PhoenixUSB Lite Board | + $ 1 350 |
| PhoenixI2S Lite Board | (to be released soon) |
CAD $
| AES/Coax/Opt Board | + $ 950 |
| PhoenixUSB Lite Board | + $ 1 750 |
| PhoenixI2S Lite Board | (to be released soon) |
Controlled via the Innuos Sense App
Sense delivers optimal music playback with the following features:
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 Lite Board, PhoenixI2S Lite Board, AES/Coaxial/Optical SPDIF (Sold Separately) | |
| Auxiliary 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 ripper required |
| CD Formats | Red Book |
| Disc Compatibility | CD, CD-R, CD-RW |
| CD Ripper Formats | FLAC (compression level 0), WAV |
| Playback Audio Formats | WAC, 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 | Modern Web Browsers from iOS, Android, Windows and OS X |
| 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) |
| Processor | Intel Core i3: 4 x Physical Cores + 4 x Virtual Cores |
| Memory | 16GB DDR4 Industrial-Grade RAM |
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 complying to USB Audio Class 2 | |
| Selected USB DACs supporting Native DSD |
REQUIREMENTS
| Network | Internet connection required for metadata lookup, streaming services and software updates. |
| Network access via Ethernet | |
| Premium subscription required for streaming services such as Qobuz, Tidal etc. |
POWER
| Mains Supply | 230V AC / 115V AC (Switchable) |
PHYSICAL
| Dimensions | 410mm x 350mm x 150mm (W x D x H) |
| Weight | 12,7 kg |
| In the box | Innuos ZEN Next-Gen |
| Mains Cable | |
| 2m Ethernet Cable | |
| Quick Start Guide |