Innuous Pulse vs Pulsar

Very late to the party but I just heard something very interesting regarding the new line of “Steam” Innuos streamers.  Also there was another recent thread here that I commented in regarding the Pulsar and new Stream 1.  In that thread the comment was made that the Stream 1 was better than the Pulsar, which I found hard to believe.  This past weekend I attended the Capitol Audio Fest.  While there I spoke to two different Innuos dealers that both commented (unsolicited) that the Stream 1 with separate power supply sounded better than a Pulsar.  Still finding it hard to believe but take it for what it’s worth.

On the Community Forum on the Innuos website, Stephen Healy from Innuos states the following:

STREAM1 replaces ZENmini and PULSEmini 

STREAM1 + LPS1 replaces ZEN Mk3 and PULSE 

STREAM3 replaces ZENith Mk3 and PULSAR

This appears to be the overall structure of the Innuos line (below the higher end Statement and Nazare products). However, there is considerable flexibility in how the new products can be configured, depending on output modules and power supplies.

When I replaced my Zen Mk3 with the Pulsar, I heard immediate improvements in bass extension and impact, as well as in high-frequency transparency and openness. I was already using a PhoenixUSB unit with my Zen, so I simply kept the PhoenixUSB rather than adding a Phoenix "Lite" module to the Pulsar. I haven't heard either the Stream1 or Stream3 in my own system, so I don't have any direct experience in hearing differences in sound quality with respect to the new models.

@sdl4 I saw the same thing that’s why I was very surprised to hear, from dealers yet, that the Stream1 with LPS1 sounded better than a Pulsar.  I also own a Pulsar which I am extremely happy with.  I have mine with the PhoenixNet which took it up another notch.  What Healy reports makes more sense but the proof is in the hearing I guess.

@marco1  Yes, the proof is in the hearing, but it's not too surprising that a dealer might have a tendency to play up the sound and/or features of a new model over those of a discontinued model. I've also seen a tendency of some listeners to be more impressed by exaggerated detail than tonal body in a piece of gear (or the reverse preference for richness over detail). I know I've read rave reviews for products that don't have a natural, realistic balance in sound quality when I get a chance to hear them in my home system.

@grannyring The Pulsar is a significant step up from the Zenith 3 sonically.

Thanks for the tip