I have not heard the Zenith 3, but I did upgrade streaming Tidal from a 2024 iPad Pro to the Streaming 1 with LPS1, 2 TB SSD, and the Zenith USB digital module. (I had ordered the unit right after its announcement, and both In iOS and my dealer honored the prices listed at the time of order.) I tried both the normal USB output and the Zenith USB module output, both feeding into my Schiit Gungnir 2 DAC, and there was a noticeable—but not vast—improvement through the Zenith module. The difference compared to the iPad was astounding, and I had thought the iPad did a pretty good job. On one acoustic guitar/vocal song, I could hear the result of the singer moving a bit closer to the microphone. The tonal quality of the instruments is superb, and the soundstage and imaging are incredible. Perhaps you might want to find a dealer to check it out for yourself. I would recommend it highly, even without the Zenith USB module; there is a discount on the module, however, if you purchase it at the same time as the Stream1. My dealer has told me he thinks the “Stream 1 beats their previous $8,000 model,” and I have found him to be a very straight-forward and accurately informative guy.
New innuos stream series vs the pulse ZENITH 3 is upgrade necessary
I have a zenith 3 , and has 3 separate power supplies and plenty of SS HARD DRIVE , THE STREAM is faster and maybe better isolation ,that being said the innuos 3 has plenty of filtering and premium Mundorf top power capacitors , with digital to buffer music it is not lacking , imo you are much better suited upgrading your ethernet ,and usb cables , maybe buying the reclocker would better the sound rather then upgrade for better cables will still make much more of a improvement
I put 2 AQ TORNADO SOURSE Power cords on dac ,Zenith 3. A very noticeable upgrade , my friend has the latest and he is starting from scratch ,Thst makes sence , cables even Ethernet hub upgrades upgrade as your budget allows I still have 2 years on the warranty , the AUDIENCE TOP DIGITAL CABLES ARE RESPECTABLE ,WITH MY TUBULUS DIGITAL CABLES MUCH BETTER THEN THE MORE COMMERCIAL BRANDS I WONT NAME FOR DIGITAL
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@mike4597 I assume you have the PhoenixUSB board, not Zenith, if this is with the Stream1? I also thought the bundled discount was for the LPS1, not the PhoenixUSB board. I have ordered a Stream1, LPS1 and PhoenixUSB module but have no idea when I might get it. My dealer hasn't even received their demo unit yet. |
I owned the Zenith MK 3 as well as the Pulsar. I talked to Innuos at Axpona regarding the Stream 3 vs the Pulsar in terms of sound quality. They told me they both sound essentially the same and that the Stream just gives you much more flexibility and features if that’s what you’re looking for. You will pay for those add-ons. My personal experience , as well as a good friend with the same Innuos upgrade path, is that the Pulsar was a nice step up in sound quality over the Zenith MK 3. The Stream will be a sonic upgrade also. This assumes you pay for the Stream 3 . If you don’t need a dac, file storage and just want to stream, then a used Pulsar is the best value by far!
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Marco1 You are right it is the Phoenix USB board! Thanks! There was originally also a discount on the Phoenix USB module if purchased at the same time. It is no longer shown. I ordered mine right after the announcement--before the introduction, so I was told I was one of the first to place an order. My dealer got his demo unit about two months ago, and I received my unit about a month ago. I was really grateful when they honored the original pricing for my order because it had been placed at the lower prices. |
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