ZEN Next-Gen

ZEN Next-Gen music server and streamer front

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.

* Trade-Up Campaign running until 31st December 2024

ZEN Next-Gen music server and streamer front

Main Features

01.

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.

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 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 Lite, PhoenixI2S Lite, or 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 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.

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 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.

09.

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.

RECOMMENDED RETAIL PRICE
Black and Silver

EUR €
No Storage
No Modular Output Board		      €  9500
GBP £
No Storage
No Modular Output Board		  £ 9000
USD $
No Storage
No Modular Output Board		   $  12 000
CAD $
No Storage
No Modular Output Board		  $ 15 800
Optional pre-installed storage
(additional cost and also available for separate purchase)

EUR €
2TB SSD (Internal Storage)      +  €  350
4TB SSD (Internal Storage)      +  €  650
8TB SSD (Internal Storage)      +  €  1900
16TB SSD (8TB Internal + 8TB External Storage)      +  €  3800
GBP £
2TB SSD (Internal Storage)  + £ 325
4TB SSD (Internal Storage)  + £ 600
8TB SSD (Internal Storage)  + £ 1 750
16TB SSD (8TB Internal + 8TB External Storage)  + £ 3 550
USD $
2TB SSD (Internal Storage)  + $  450
4TB SSD (Internal Storage)  + $  800
8TB SSD (Internal Storage)  + $  2 300
16TB SSD (8TB Internal + 8TB External Storage)  + $  4 600
CAD $
2TB SSD (Internal Storage)  + $ 550
4TB SSD (Internal Storage)  + $ 1 050
8TB SSD (Internal Storage)  + $ 3 100
16TB SSD (8TB Internal + 8TB External Storage)   + $  6 200
Optional pre-installed modular output boards
(additional cost and also available for separate purchase)

EUR €
SPDIF Board + €  600
PhoenixUSB Lite Board + € 1 100
PhoenixI2S Lite Board + € 1 600
GBP £
SPDIF Board + £  600
PhoenixUSB Lite Board + £ 1 000
PhoenixI2S Lite Board + £ 1 450
USD $
SPDIF Board + $  750
PhoenixUSB Lite Board + $ 1 350
PhoenixI2S Lite Board + $ 1 950
CAD $
SPDIF Board + $  950
PhoenixUSB Lite Board + $ 1 750
PhoenixI2S Lite Board + $ 2 550

Optional Digital Output Modules

PULSAR, ZEN Next-Gen and ZENith Next-Gen are now available with optional PhoenixUSB Lite Board
PhoenixUSB Lite 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
PULSAR, ZEN Next-Gen and ZENith Next-Gen are now available with optional PhoenixI2S Board
PhoenixI2S Lite 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
PULSAR, ZEN Next-Gen and ZENith Next-Gen are now available with optional SPDIF Board
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

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 or HighResAudio 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
    • Read more
    Our ZEN Next-Gen music server and streamer now offers optional digital output modules. You can buy it with no digital ouput module or with: - SPDIF board - PhoenixUSB Lite board - PhoenixI2S Lite board

    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

    Manuals

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