Innuos music servers/streamers - overview

Innuos' new music servers aren't just an tweaking of the Mk3 models - they're a complete redesign, an evolution, replacing the five strong ZEN server and PULSE streamer ranges with just two models - far simpler, but with more options. Options can cause confusion, so here are the models and options explained.

Both models no longer offer integral CD ripping due to the removal of the CD drive present on the older models. A little more inconvenient maybe, but the removal of this drive greatly reduces any potential unreliability of the unit, and any need to return to Innuos in Portugal to be repaired. While I've never experienced a CD mech go wrong, its mechanical nature means it will always be a possibility.

If you already have your entire collection backed up with your current Innuos, it's a nice easy port. If you want to physically rip your CD collection, you'll have to purchase a separate optical USB drive to do so. These can be had for £30-40, maybe even cheaper. Easy to use though, just plug in, adjust a few setting in the Stream's setup, and away you go - it'll then rip and store in exactly the same way as the old ZEN servers. And if the drive fails, just buy a new one, plug in, and continue!

Both models no longer come with any digital storage as standard. This is now offered as an option, so that the Stream 1 and Stream 3 can be purchased and used purely as music streamers (as replacements for the PULSE streaming range). Either STREAM model can be ordered with SSD storage from the factory, but you're now free to buy your own M2 SSD storage and install it yourself. This may not be quite as reliable an option as the SSD storage Innuos offer, but now you can buy storage cheaper, and in the case of an issue, can be easily swapped out by the end user. Again, no need for the unit to have to go on holiday to Portugal.

The previous ZEN models had a USB output for connecting to a DAC, and one or more USB sockets for backing up or transferring music. While the new stream models retain these, they now offer a range of changeable analogue and digital output boards to suit your specific requirements, which can be easily swapped out (by your dealer) at any point. So if your system needs alter, requiring a change in connection, you won't be left out in the cold.

These storage and output options make the Stream series the most flexible Innuos options ever available.

STREAM 1

The Stream 1 physically offers a package similar to the ZEN Mini. It is a more compact unit with an optional offboard power supply, the LPS1, which can be added any time after the purchase of the Stream 1, but is offered a little cheaper if bought at the same time.

Its internal CX power supply is designed by long time collaborator Dr. Sean Jacobs, and includes a dedicated feed for the optional output boards. Adding the LPS1 PSU improves the overall sound quality of the STREAM 1 using a 150VA toroidal transformer, Mundorf capacitors, and Nichicon capacitors.

At the heart of the STREAM 1 is a 13th GEN Intel QUAD-CORE processor with 8GB of industrial grade DDR5 RAM.

Upgrade options include the LPS1 power supply, which you save £190 on if purchased at the same time as the STREAM 1. Also, the PhoenixNET network switch and the PhoenixUSB reclocker can be added - each of these are available at a reduced price of £2600 (instead of £3250) when purchased with the STREAM 1.

STREAM 3

The Stream 3 is a full width streamer/server, much like the old ZENith.

Its internal ARC6-CX power supply is also designed by Dr. Sean Jacobs, using a large 300VA toroidal transformer and Mundorf capacitors, with medical grade AC filtering.

At the heart of the STREAM 1 is a 13th GEN Intel QUAD-CORE processor with 8GB of industrial grade DDR5 RAM.

Upgrade options include the PhoenixNET network switch and the PhoenixUSB reclocker - each of these are available at a reduced price of £2600 (instead of £3250) when purchased with the STREAM 1.

OPTIONAL PLUG-IN BOARDS

STANDARD DAC BOARD (analogue and digital output)

This offers coaxial and optical digital outputs (up to 24/192), along with unbalanced stereo RCA outputs, allowing connection to almost any conventional hi-fi system.

Available for the STREAM 1.

PERFORMANCE DAC BOARD (analogue output only)

This higher quality DAC board only offers unbalanced RCA outputs, using an AKM DAC chip and high grade TCXO clocks to cover up to 32bit/768KHz and native DSD512.

Available for the STREAM 1 and STREAM 3.

PHOENIX DAC BOARD (analogue output only)

This option offers unbalanced RCA outputs and adds balanced XLR outputs, using dual AKM DAC chips, OCXO and Femto clocks, and is fed by a dedicated PSU, and decoding up to 32bit/768KHz and native DSD.

Available for the STREAM 3 only.

SPDIF BOARD (digital output only)

This digital only board adds optical, coaxial, and AES/EBU digital outputs, supporting up to 24bit/192KHz.

Available for the STREAM 1 and STREAM 3.

PHOENIX USB BOARD (digital output only)

This board offers a single USB output, using a 3ppb 24MHz OCXO reclocked output, essentially performing the job of the stand alone Phoenix USB reclocker for this output.

Available for the STREAM 1 and STREAM 3.

PHOENIX i2S BOARD (digital output only)

This board offers an adjustable, ultra hi-res i2S HDMI output, with a 24Mhz main clock, and dual Femto clocks. This board covers up to DSD1024.

Available for the STREAM 3 only.

INNUOS TRADE UP SCHEME

Running until the 31st of October 2025, you can trade in your existing Innuos components to the new STREAM models.

If you have any questions about the new range, or the trade in offer, please feel free to contact us at the emails below, or on 01676 611079 and we'll be happy to help.

davidf

info@thelittleaudiostore.co.uk

david@thelittleaudio.company