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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
rushfan71's avatar
rushfan71
315 posts
 
@in_shore 

Not wrapped up in anything hi-fi guy or any other reviewer or YouTube channel has to say as I have already mentioned.
I don't subscribe to the channel either but I have seen some of his videos and I point this out only because he takes one apart on video for all too see what's inside. That's it no more no less.

That video may be useful to someone considering one. That's why I mentioned it here.

I understand some may not have the knowledge to assemble the parts and set up the software. But when YOU can buy the parts minus the case, I'm sure you could pay a high school student to, and the total cost is still WAY less. Which was my original post. Over priced.

Seems like someone is wrapped up in what Darko has to say though...

Or maybe it's just because he agrees with how you feel about it.

Either way,

Enjoy the music

dougthebiker
231 posts
 
I have the Zen Mk3 going into an Yggy DAC through Audioquest Diamond.  It’s drop dead stunning.  I put my spare Audioquest Forest (cheap) in there just for grins, and all the magic went away.  Could be part of your problem.
in_shore's avatar
in_shore
596 posts
 
 Rushfan again making assumptions about components you haven’t listened to then finding fault with people who have because you watched a YouTube video of a know it all narcissist i find pretty funny,,.
soix
11,242 posts
 
Im looking at what's in the box and the cost of those parts that are available for the public to purchase.
OMG another kenjit.  @rushfan71 — You’d never buy any audio component if you think the only value of it is the cost of the individual parts.  I know how to make a good bolognese sauce, but give me and a good chef the same ingredients and I’m pretty sure I’d prefer eating his sauce.  Ingredients/parts are only one small part of the equation, so please don’t play that ignorant and useless card here — you’ve been well beaten to it. 

If you’re so damn smart and are confident you know so much better, then instead of spouting off your nonsense here go design, build, and sell your own streamer/server that performs as well as an Innuos for a lot less.  If you’re right you’ll be rich and Innuos will be out of business.  My money’s on Innuos.
jksec OP
23 posts
 
I’m hoping to try out a high quality USB cable next week, but I’m a bit skeptical if it will have enough influence to bring Zenith to the level several of you have described. I’m not saying that Zenith could excellent in your system, rather that something else needs to happen in mine that I would concider Zenith to be far better compared to Node. We’ll see what kind of impact cable makes.

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