ZEN NG

ZEN NG music server / streamer

Upgrade your streaming

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 the custom processor boards and all the way to specific software development minimizing power noise during operation.

The ZEN NG 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 NG 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 NG to be upgradeable to a ZENith NG at any time.

The new ZEN NG is a revelation in both sound, performance and flexibility. Come and experience it at a dealer near you.

*Available in Q3

ZEN NG music server / streamer

Main Features

01.

Innuos 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.

02.

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.

03.

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.

04.

Modular Architecture

You can configure the ZEN NG 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.

05.

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. 

06.

Innuos XSM

High Performance Expandable Storage Management System (XSM) allows a single pool of storage from multiple drives. The ZEN NG 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.

07.

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.

08.

Sense 3

Unique benefits for the ZEN NG and ZENith NG 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.

09.

Upgradeable

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

RECOMENDED RETAIL PRICE FROM

EUR €
€ 9 500
GBP £
£ 9 000
USD $
$ 12 000
CAD $
$ 15 800

Controlled via the Innuos Sense App

Managing your music should never get in the way of listening to your music - it should complement the experience. The Innuos Sense app is a powerful music management tool that works the way you do – it is made to help you manage, organize and play your music and navigate streaming services with ease. Sense is available as a free download and tightly integrates with high-end online music services and our in-house developed innuOS Operating System to deliver optimal music playback with the following features:
  • Qobuz and Tidal MAX integration including Artist Bios, Related Artists, Top Tracks and expanded streaming experience with Deezer and Hi-Res Audio
  • Management of Qobuz and Tidal MAX albums together with albums stored on one or more Network Attached Storage (NAS) for a unified Music Library
  • Internet Radio with easy preset facilities, plus access to FLAC Radio Paradise streams and mixes
  • Fast, integrated searches through internet radio, streaming services, local files and NAS drives
  • Easy creation of playlists from multiple streaming services, local files and NAS drives
  • Ability to play music from connected USB storage 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
  • Multiple ways to browse music (by Artist, Albums, Tracks, Tags etc...) with fast A-Z navigation
  • Seamless and automatic ripping of CDs including via external USB drives with Sense 3

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)
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 plugport

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) 

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