Innuos ZEN NG

The Innuos ZEN Next-Gen — ZEN NG — is where the range moves from "serious music server" to genuine high-end engineering. Where the STREAM3 covers the core requirements exceptionally well, the ZEN NG goes considerably further, built around Innuos's PreciseAudio mainboard and a Gallium Nitride power supply borrowed from the thinking behind the flagship Nazaré. It rips, stores and streams through Sense like every Innuos server, but at a level where the source stops being the limitation in most systems. See the full Innuos range we stock.

At its heart is an Intel Core i3 processor with 16GB of industrial-grade DDR4 RAM, running on the PreciseAudio mainboard — a custom, server-grade board tuned specifically for low processor latency, low power noise and clean clocking. This is hardware designed around the demands of audio rather than adapted from general computing.

RECAP2 NGaN Power Supply

The ZEN NG uses Innuos's RECAP2 NGaN power supply, which adds a Gallium Nitride power regulation stage to the RECAP2 linear power modules. Gallium Nitride allows faster, cleaner regulation than conventional silicon, lowering noise at the point where it matters most. In a server of this class the power supply is doing much of the audible work, and the NGaN design is a large part of why the ZEN NG sounds the way it does.

Storage and Outputs

Storage is handled by the Expandable Storage Management System (XSM): an internal slot for up to 8TB and an external expansion slot taking total capacity to 16TB, with a dedicated SSD for the Sense operating system kept separate from your music.

The output is modular and ships bare, so you specify the board that matches your DAC:

• SPDIF Board — AES, coaxial and optical outputs (up to 24-bit/192kHz)
• PhoenixUSB Lite Board — a reclocked USB 2.0 output
• PhoenixI2S Lite Board — HDMI I2S output with selectable pin configurations

Connectivity and Formats

Three USB 3.2 Gen2 ports handle DAC connection, imports and backup, alongside RJ45 Ethernet. The ZEN NG plays PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD up to DSD512 native (DSD256 over DoP). It is finished in a 10mm CNC-machined, bead-blasted and anodised aluminium chassis, available in black and silver.

Technical Specifications

Who Is It For?

The ZEN NG is for someone building a high-end system who wants a server with no meaningful limitations for the money — a source that can sit in front of an expensive DAC and downstream electronics and not hold them back. It is the point in the range where the PreciseAudio mainboard and NGaN power supply move things beyond what the STREAM series can do. If your system is more resolving still, the ZENith NG refines the same architecture further; if you are not yet at this level, the STREAM3 is the sensible step below. We are happy to help you decide which is right for where your system is going.

Buying from Martins Hi-Fi

Martins Hi-Fi have hosted Innuos in Norwich for years, and were the first UK dealer to hold an Innuos Nazaré event — so we know this range well across every price point. The ZEN NG rewards a proper demonstration against whatever you are streaming from now; bring your own music and hear the difference for yourself.

When you get in touch, you'll be speaking with Dave, Chris and Tim at info@martinshifi.co.uk, call 01603 627010, or WhatsApp on 07554 687137. You can read more about how we work on our Why Martins page. We are at 85–91 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY.