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.
“…where does the ZEN Next-Gen sit outside Innuos-world? This is an easy question to answer because it stands very tall indeed. Like the STATEMENT Next-Gen, it stands above its rivals at its price and continues to do so until you get into the super-high end of music servers. [...] Innuos has hit it out of the park again!"
Alan Sircom, Hi-Fi+
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 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.
Black and Silver
EUR €
| No Storage No Modular Output Board |
€ 10 900 |
GBP £
| No Storage No Modular Output Board |
£ 10 300 |
USD $
| No Storage No Modular Output Board |
$ 15 200 |
CAD $
| No Storage No Modular Output Board |
$ 18 500 |
(additional cost and also available for separate purchase)
EUR €
| 2TB SSD (Internal Storage) | + € 800 |
| 4TB SSD (Internal Storage) | + € 1 400 |
| 8TB SSD (Internal Storage) | + € 2 500 |
| 16TB SSD (8TB Internal + 8TB External Storage) | + € 5 000 |
GBP £
| 2TB SSD (Internal Storage) | + £ 770 |
| 4TB SSD (Internal Storage) | + £ 1 350 |
| 8TB SSD (Internal Storage) | + £ 2 350 |
| 16TB SSD (8TB Internal + 8TB External Storage) | + £ 4 700 |
USD $
| 2TB SSD (Internal Storage) | + $ 1 100 |
| 4TB SSD (Internal Storage) | + $ 1 900 |
| 8TB SSD (Internal Storage) | + $ 3 400 |
| 16TB SSD (8TB Internal + 8TB External Storage) | + $ 6 800 |
CAD $
| 2TB SSD (Internal Storage) | + $ 1 380 |
| 4TB SSD (Internal Storage) | + $ 2 400 |
| 8TB SSD (Internal Storage) | + $ 4 150 |
| 16TB SSD (8TB Internal + 8TB External Storage) | + $ 8 300 |
(additional cost and also available for separate purchase)
EUR €
| SPDIF Board | + € 700 |
| PhoenixUSB Board | + € 1 400 |
| PhoenixI2S Board | + € 1 800 |
GBP £
| SPDIF Board | + £ 680 |
| PhoenixUSB Board | + £ 1 300 |
| PhoenixI2S Board | + £ 1 650 |
USD $
| SPDIF Board | + $ 960 |
| PhoenixUSB Board | + $ 1 950 |
| PhoenixI2S Board | + $ 2 400 |
CAD $
| SPDIF Board | + $ 1 170 |
| PhoenixUSB Board | + $ 2 400 |
| PhoenixI2S Board | + $ 2 980 |
Optional Digital Output Modules
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
Controlled via the Innuos Sense App
Sense, developed entirely in-house by Innuos, is the intuitive control centre for your entire digital music collection, bringing streaming services and local music into one seamless experience:
- The Home For All Your Digital Music. Sense brings streaming services and locally stored music together in a single library, with deep metadata and intelligent organisation — including comprehensive support for Classical music.
- Complete Library Control. Sense supports integrated storage and NAS functionality, CD ripping, UPnP serving, file importing, editing, backup and library management — giving you complete control of your music from source to archive.
- Pure Digital Playback Designed in unison with our hardware, Sense is built around a purist approach to digital playback to achieve the best possible sound quality.
- Listen Your Way. Sense allows effortless control of your library with further access to your favourite music through TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect and AirPlay 2, plus support for Roon and HQPlayer too.
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 | 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 | 420mm x 365mm x 105mm (W x D x H) |
| Weight | 12,7 kg |
| In the box | Innuos ZEN Next-Gen |
| Mains Cable | |
| 2m Ethernet Cable | |
| Quick Start Guide |
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
File Formats
Sample Rates
Connectivity
Streaming Sources
CD Ripping
Control Software & Integrations
Power
230V AC / 115V AC
Dimensions
Contents
Reviews and Awards
Editor's Choice 2026
Hi-Fi +
Innuos ZEN Next-Gen with PhoenixUSB Board
``But the question now is not what I will continue to hear, but only in what order. What is certain is that it will be a special pleasure with the Innuos ZEN Next-Gen with PhoenixUSB board.``
Falk Visarius, Hi-Fi IFAs
The ZEN Master
“If you're looking for a top-of-the-line digital source, you should put the Zen Next-Gen on your shortlist”
Ralph Werner, Fairaudio
Innuos ZEN Next-Gen
``If you have the budget, are serious about getting the most from your digital playback and just want to sit back and enjoy a higher class of streaming experience without worrying about 'technology', then you don’t need to look any further.``
Alain McIntosh, Hi-Fi Pig
Reviewer’s Preference Award from Hi-Fi Pig
Innuos ZEN Next-Gen music server
“…where does the ZEN Next-Gen sit outside Innuos-world? This is an easy question to answer because it stands very tall indeed. Like the STATEMENT Next-Gen, it stands above its rivals at its price and continues to do so until you get into the super-high end of music servers. (...) Innuos has hit it out of the park again!``
Alain Sircom, Hi-Fi +
