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Innuos Zenith mk3 complete disappointment

I have the following setup: Accuphase e480 with dac50 module, Magico A3, Chord SarumT speaker cables, Node2i a streamer only as I use Accuphase's day module. Chord Anthem bnc cable between Node and dac. (ethernet connection to streamer). I also have PSU mod for my Node2i.
I had opportunity to test Innuos Zenith mk3 during this week in my system. The same ethernet connection was used. From Innuos to dac I used entry level USB cable. 

I used Qobuz through Roon in Zenith and through BluOS in Node when testing. From the start Zenith sounded flat compared to Node2 and more I went through different music it became apparent that dynamic range was not on same level as with Node2. Especially the lower bass took a big hit compared to Node.  I also tested some highres music files with Roon and it was shocking to hear DSD with Zenith. PCM was "normal", but DSD was completely muffled, it was like hearing the music from the other room. One of the DSD records I tested was Temporary Circumstances - Clandestine Amigo (PS Audio - DSD64).

With Zenith all the testing I did was with the Roon, as iPeng client which I also tried was utter rubbish. I tried to level the sound volumes with iPhone app, but don't know how good job it did. For me Zenith was a complete disappointment from the sound quality point of view. Roon is Roon and I like it, but I think iPeng client is not on suitable level for the high end device like this. 
The problems with Zenith could be caused of course by my system: dac module on Accuphase or for example USB cable. Still I'm shocked how uninteresting sonically Zenith was compared to Node2i, as from price point of view it should be other way round.
jksec

Showing 1 response by kennyc

kennyc
1,173 posts
 
@rushfan71
Since people spend significant money for the Zenith for improved sonic benefit, comparisons should be made sonically. A simple A/B sonic comparison keeping all other things constant. Your claim of just matching parts without regard to execution yield the same sonics is false. Listening is the true measure of comparison.

Also, there seems to be discontent (ripoff) between cost of parts and the price of the Zenith. There’s a BIG difference between building a unit at home vs bringing the product to market aka running a business. What’s your time worth? If it took you 8 hours to build a unit, how much should you mark up the product? What about the time for other jobs like shipping, ordering parts, bookkeeping, etc? What about time/expertise in accounting? Like yourself, people are trying to earn enough for a living. Talented people don’t come cheap. What about the building? Utilities? Equipment? Expensive R&D? Bottom line - running a business isn’t easy or cheap - profit from sales must cover these costs.
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