Innuos Zenith Mk3 or something else?

@longinc  I've been very happy with my Innuos Zen Mk3. I decided to get the Zen rather than the Zenith because I saw the Zen as an excellent value and I could put the cost savings toward the cost of the Phoenix USB, which I later did. (By the way, Innuos is running a promotion in October for 15% off the cost of the Phoenix for any current Zen or Zenith owners, or for those who buy the Phoenix along with the Zen or Zenith.)

With regard to the upgrade issues you asked about, I would recommend the Phoenix USB and an Ethernet filter like the ENO from Network Acoustics. Their effects are additive. If I had to choose between the two, I'd give the nod to the Phoenix, but a demo in your own system could help you decide for sure. After I already had the Phoenix and ENO filter in my system, I noticed some improvement from going to an English Electric 8Switch to replace a basic Netgear switch in my Ethernet set-up. I have not upgraded my cable modem or router (or their power supplies) so I can't estimate how much of an improvement those changes might make.

Good luck with your decisions.

I strongly agree with the recommendation to demo a server/streamer in your home system before making a purchase, but that can often be difficult to do. For the month of November, Innuos has a promo through authorized dealers to encourage potential users to demo or purchase any of their units for chances to win a free unit. (I'm guessing that chances to win will be pretty slim, however.) I know that some dealers will set up an in-home demo, but most will rely on in-store demos.

I have never heard an Evo Aeon or an Innuos Zenith so I won't pretend to know how they sound. However, I bought an Innuos Zen when I was looking for servers under $3k and wanting a unit that sounded clear but smooth and non-digital. My dealer recommended the Zen as the "sweet spot" in the Innuos line and as sounding fuller and less edgy than the Lumin servers they also carried. I later added the Phoenix USB reclocker to optimize the USB signal path, and the new Innuos Sense software has taken my system to an even higher level.

Just to further reinforce the reason for an in-home demo, I have noticed that it's common for Agon members to throw out a quick comment about sound comparisons (e.g., "Gear A destroys Gear B") without always specifying how the gear differs in sound. For me, I look for sound that is smooth, full, dynamic, and natural while providing enough transparency and detail to sound "real" but not so much that it sounds "bright" or "edgy." In contrast, I know listeners who want maximum detail because that's what they like and that's what their system thrives on.

So be sure to buy gear that you like - not just the gear that someone on Agon likes.