I guess just goes to show how everything is system dependent. I've had many high-end, well regarded R2R DACs. I've had a lot of amazing sound here. However, with my Lumin T3 doing the streaming and digital to analog conversion, I'm getting a very natural and pleasing sound. Thrilled with my Lumin.
Dave - Great video. I agree with on on Innuous, I tried the Hifi Rose and Lumin and by far, the Innous Zen III was far superior. I now have the Pulsar with the Phxnet and Roon nucleus (with Teddy Pardo external power supply) and it is at a whole 'notha level.
wow nice.I want you to do an experiment and take the roon out of the equation and stream directly from the pulsar sense app.The sound will be superior with roon out of the equation.I have suggested this to many and they agreed.Many others already know this.Hey less money in the end but better sound.Roon ads a very slight edge to the sound.Very subtle .Please try you wont know till you try?
I’m very happy with my Innuos purchases, I started with the Zen Mini Mk3. Then went through a complete system upgrade got a Holo May L2 DAC and Zenith Mk3. Later added the Phoenix Network switch. Damn it’s expensive, but I hate to admit it the gains was quite remarkable! Yet they still have a USB reclocker, which I’m skeptical about. Not sure if I should try it or not haha…..
I’ve been looking at the Pulse series. Do you think there is a big difference between the Pulse Mini and the Pulse? I don’t plan on using the hard drive, just the streaming functionality. Is a toroidal transformer important in a streamer? Hmmm….
i say so.The power supply is a big part of any component and the sean jacobs in the zen mk3 is incredible as would the pulse the pulse mini would need the separate to compete.You can feel the music.I would say if your budget can attain 2-$2500 on used market the zen mk3 is the sweetspot
I recently got a Zenith MK3, what a peace of mind. You just listen to the music, it gives you the sound message with extraordinary fullness, it feels like touching the instruments. Unfortunately or fortunately, digital sounds different, this is for those who maintain that all bits are the same. I greet you and hug you from Naples
i have owned zen streem with elite psu.Not to be rude but roon affects sound and brings glare.Even the zen mini will be more musical and better than roon with its own app.If you dont believe me compare your streaming with roon and without with the tidal through zen alone.There is an unwanted glare that roon brings .Just try it.Innuos is a different level from ifi in functionality and all areas of sound.Roon is just not needed either.Please compare as everyone I have told to do this have agreed with me
@@greatlookinglandscap I believe you about roon. I found tidal connect to sound better, roon just make it easy if I have my own library of music with masterings that are better than tidal.
@@dajikbatarang1i feel streaming brings less noise than using external or internal storage or sources.Plus they can fail.We end up playing same albums even with 1000s at our disposal🤷
@@greatlookinglandscap This reply is 7 months late, so it may not be helpful anymore... I own a Zen Stream (w/S-Booster power supply), using Audirvana software (UPnP output). It sounds really good. Alpha Audio tested Roon vs Audirvana (vs. J River and a couple others) This comparison is on youtube -- I think last year. They liked Audirvana, "By Far the best". It's especially more spacious and natural, according to them... --- Last Week I got an Innuos Zenith (good deal on a used one!). I've been shocked how GREAT it sounds! Much better than I ever imagined! I can't stop listening! The Innuos is an amazing product and TOTALLY worth the extra money! system: Innuos Zenith > Holo Audio Spring dac > Linear Tube Audio integrated > .....
I have an Innuos Zen mk3 as Roon Server feeding a Linn Selekt DSM. Yet you claim I am doing it wrong / suboptimal ? How are Roons bits different from the same Hardware ?
I am not saying you are doing anything wrong I am saying although roon is a great organization software it effects the sound in a negative to my ears.All softwares effect sound.I have asked many to do the experiment and have reported that I am in fact correct.All I am saying is please try it using the streamer software and stream your subscription direct from there via tidal,qobuz listen for the more natural sound.Stream direct from innuos through sense app
I owned auralic g1.1 no dac it was not as analog nor real sounding as the innuos zen mk3,but its less money.The auralic software very good.If I was to build multiple boxes its innuos
@@swiss889Thanks! and hey I think exposure is beautiful sounding even the the little xm integrated I had was awesome.The issue is here in north America the resale is very low.So sad because its musically awesome but build is plain.Resale matters for the ones still searching
i owned t2 and used both as dac/streamer and streamer.I feel is a complete different sound from innuos.Innuos has body and effortless weight with no hard edge nor over analytical sound.The too Lumin to me it sounded just too crisp clean and unrealistic.But some like that.All I say for anyone that hasnt tried innuos.Please do if you can
the 2.1 is double the cost of innuos zen mk 3 had aries g1.1 not as real nor analog sounding as the innuos zen mk 3.The natural weight of the music missing unlike the effortless way the innuos presents.The innuos has beat out units at twice the cost.Auralic still nice and software excellent with lightning app.I suggest trying innuos
@@domenicofpv6490I didnt have an issue with ayre qb-9.Usb implementation is very important no pops between tracks etc.People overlook it and Ayre brought it to market.I dont think any well engineered dac wouldnt sound awesome through the innuos.Again people think the latest chips are the best and its so far from the truth some builders still build around vintage philips 1541 crown.
They all seem very bad value look how simple they are on the inside, A Jcat usb network card custom built pc should be wayy better for also way less money
I would say jcat alone no way if you could build a better dedicated server you may be right but theres a lot to it the inside of the innuos zen mk3 is built like an integrated amplifier.Its the Sean Jacob psu on the right side that is so impressive.Find an image online you will see.Well engineered psu is a craft in its own.Theres are only a few masters out there
it just have to be seperated in its own chasis the linear power supply then it should be good. its not even that in this model tho then you have to get this statement for 20k insane. noway these are value for money @@greatlookinglandscap
I guess just goes to show how everything is system dependent. I've had many high-end, well regarded R2R DACs. I've had a lot of amazing sound here. However, with my Lumin T3 doing the streaming and digital to analog conversion, I'm getting a very natural and pleasing sound. Thrilled with my Lumin.
Just bought the Zen mini. Love it. And the DAC is very good.
I bet it is!
I just got an Innuos Zenith. WOW, I'm blown away! Never thought it could sound this good... 😆👍👏
I know I sent many in the direction of innuos and they send a super thanks there so grateful for my wisdom
Dave - Great video. I agree with on on Innuous, I tried the Hifi Rose and Lumin and by far, the Innous Zen III was far superior. I now have the Pulsar with the Phxnet and Roon nucleus (with Teddy Pardo external power supply) and it is at a whole 'notha level.
wow nice.I want you to do an experiment and take the roon out of the equation and stream directly from the pulsar sense app.The sound will be superior with roon out of the equation.I have suggested this to many and they agreed.Many others already know this.Hey less money in the end but better sound.Roon ads a very slight edge to the sound.Very subtle .Please try you wont know till you try?
I’m very happy with my Innuos purchases, I started with the Zen Mini Mk3. Then went through a complete system upgrade got a Holo May L2 DAC and Zenith Mk3. Later added the Phoenix Network switch. Damn it’s expensive, but I hate to admit it the gains was quite remarkable! Yet they still have a USB reclocker, which I’m skeptical about. Not sure if I should try it or not haha…..
The streamer was good enough for me.Otherwise around and around I go
I’ve been looking at the Pulse series. Do you think there is a big difference between the Pulse Mini and the Pulse? I don’t plan on using the hard drive, just the streaming functionality. Is a toroidal transformer important in a streamer? Hmmm….
i say so.The power supply is a big part of any component and the sean jacobs in the zen mk3 is incredible as would the pulse the pulse mini would need the separate to compete.You can feel the music.I would say if your budget can attain 2-$2500 on used market the zen mk3 is the sweetspot
Dave, ifi Zen blue w/optical cable $300. " Sound quality is way up there". Best, D.
I recently got a Zenith MK3, what a peace of mind.
You just listen to the music, it gives you the sound message with extraordinary fullness, it feels like touching the instruments.
Unfortunately or fortunately, digital sounds different, this is for those who maintain that all bits are the same.
I greet you and hug you from Naples
That very accurate and well explained .Better than I can do it🤷Welcome sir!
Audiophiles talking shop. It's another world.
I like hearing him ramble on.
How are you doing?, do you think moding a Node2i streamer with the Sboost power supply is worth it ? Thanks
no not if you can afford a zen mk3 on used market.Completely different level.And end game
Right now I’m using a Zen stream with roon so no issues with software. How would the innous improve on it?
i have owned zen streem with elite psu.Not to be rude but roon affects sound and brings glare.Even the zen mini will be more musical and better than roon with its own app.If you dont believe me compare your streaming with roon and without with the tidal through zen alone.There is an unwanted glare that roon brings .Just try it.Innuos is a different level from ifi in functionality and all areas of sound.Roon is just not needed either.Please compare as everyone I have told to do this have agreed with me
@@greatlookinglandscap I believe you about roon. I found tidal connect to sound better, roon just make it easy if I have my own library of music with masterings that are better than tidal.
@@dajikbatarang1i feel streaming brings less noise than using external or internal storage or sources.Plus they can fail.We end up playing same albums even with 1000s at our disposal🤷
@@greatlookinglandscap This reply is 7 months late, so it may not be helpful anymore...
I own a Zen Stream (w/S-Booster power supply), using Audirvana software (UPnP output).
It sounds really good. Alpha Audio tested Roon vs Audirvana (vs. J River and a couple others) This comparison is on youtube -- I think last year. They liked Audirvana, "By Far the best".
It's especially more spacious and natural, according to them...
--- Last Week I got an Innuos Zenith (good deal on a used one!). I've been shocked how GREAT it sounds! Much better than I ever imagined! I can't stop listening! The Innuos is an amazing product and TOTALLY worth the extra money!
system: Innuos Zenith > Holo Audio Spring dac > Linear Tube Audio integrated > .....
I have an Innuos Zen mk3 as Roon Server feeding a Linn Selekt DSM.
Yet you claim I am doing it wrong / suboptimal ?
How are Roons bits different from the same Hardware ?
I am not saying you are doing anything wrong I am saying although roon is a great organization software it effects the sound in a negative to my ears.All softwares effect sound.I have asked many to do the experiment and have reported that I am in fact correct.All I am saying is please try it using the streamer software and stream your subscription direct from there via tidal,qobuz listen for the more natural sound.Stream direct from innuos through sense app
😎👍
What do you think about the Auralic Aries line?
I owned auralic g1.1 no dac it was not as analog nor real sounding as the innuos zen mk3,but its less money.The auralic software very good.If I was to build multiple boxes its innuos
Strange i dont get any of what you describe with my lumin t2 with my exposure 3510
Well all findings are different.I hope one day you can hear a innuos zen mk3 at almost half the cost would like to hear ur thoughts
@@greatlookinglandscap thanks I will, keep up the good work regards from the UK
@@swiss889Thanks! and hey I think exposure is beautiful sounding even the the little xm integrated I had was awesome.The issue is here in north America the resale is very low.So sad because its musically awesome but build is plain.Resale matters for the ones still searching
Cheer for Bills.
it would so nice to finally win a superbowl after those Jim Kelly heartbreaks.But the Chiefs are juggernauts
What lumin did you try
i owned t2 and used both as dac/streamer and streamer.I feel is a complete different sound from innuos.Innuos has body and effortless weight with no hard edge nor over analytical sound.The too Lumin to me it sounded just too crisp clean and unrealistic.But some like that.All I say for anyone that hasnt tried innuos.Please do if you can
What about auralic altair g2.1?
the 2.1 is double the cost of innuos zen mk 3 had aries g1.1 not as real nor analog sounding as the innuos zen mk 3.The natural weight of the music missing unlike the effortless way the innuos presents.The innuos has beat out units at twice the cost.Auralic still nice and software excellent with lightning app.I suggest trying innuos
@@greatlookinglandscap now using the altair g2.1, doubt to buy something else.
@@domenicofpv6490thats a good feeling but if you somehow can get a chance to hear an innuos please do
@@greatlookinglandscap what kind of dac do you reccomend with the innuos?
@@domenicofpv6490I didnt have an issue with ayre qb-9.Usb implementation is very important no pops between tracks etc.People overlook it and Ayre brought it to market.I dont think any well engineered dac wouldnt sound awesome through the innuos.Again people think the latest chips are the best and its so far from the truth some builders still build around vintage philips 1541 crown.
They all seem very bad value look how simple they are on the inside, A Jcat usb network card custom built pc should be wayy better for also way less money
I would say jcat alone no way if you could build a better dedicated server you may be right but theres a lot to it the inside of the innuos zen mk3 is built like an integrated amplifier.Its the Sean Jacob psu on the right side that is so impressive.Find an image online you will see.Well engineered psu is a craft in its own.Theres are only a few masters out there
it just have to be seperated in its own chasis the linear power supply then it should be good. its not even that in this model tho then you have to get this statement for 20k insane. noway these are value for money @@greatlookinglandscap
please listen to one before making that statement.Its just pointless to cast opinion without experience with a product