Audio T Verdict
The Innuos ZEN Next-Gen combines many of the storage, software and output options of the ZENith Next-Gen with a more accessible RECAP2 NGaN power supply and Intel Core i3 processing platform.
It can operate as a streamer with no internal music storage, a complete server with up to 16TB of SSD capacity or a combined streamer and server for local files, online services and CD ripping.
Standard USB audio output is included. An optional output-module bay can add optical, coaxial and AES connections, a PhoenixUSB reclocked output or a configurable PhoenixI2S connection.
The RECAP2 power supply combines linear power modules with Innuos Gallium Nitride regulation. Its operating frequency has been selected to provide low impedance and a stable electrical supply for the processor, storage and digital-output circuitry.
The custom PreciseAudio mainboard is designed to minimise processor latency, power noise and electromagnetic interference. A current-generation Intel Core i3 processor combines four physical cores with four virtual cores, supported by 16GB of industrial-grade low-noise DDR4 memory.
Innuos AudioCore assigns dedicated physical processor cores to audio tasks, while the Real-Time Kernel prioritises the most important playback processes within the operating system.
The system software is held on a dedicated industrial-grade 3D TLC SSD with power-loss protection. Optional music storage remains separate and can be expanded using Innuos XSM.
An internal PCIe NVMe drive of up to 8TB can be combined with an additional M.2 NVMe expansion drive of up to 8TB. Sense presents both drives as one seamless library with a maximum combined capacity of 16TB.
The ZEN Next-Gen has no internal DAC or analogue output, and its built-in HDMI connection is reserved for service. It must connect to a compatible DAC or digital input using USB or the selected optional output module.
One of its most significant features is the future upgrade path. Innuos has designed the modular chassis and internal components so that a ZEN Next-Gen can be upgraded to ZENith Next-Gen specification through the approved service route.
Innuos ZEN Next-Gen Music Server and Streamer
The Innuos ZEN Next-Gen is a premium wired digital source that combines streaming, optional local music storage, CD-ripping support and several digital-output configurations.
It can be used as:
- A USB streaming transport
- An optical, coaxial or AES digital transport
- A PhoenixUSB reclocked source
- A PhoenixI2S digital source
- A local music server
- A combined streamer and server
- An external USB CD-ripping server
- A Roon Core or Roon endpoint
- An Innuos Sense server
- A UPnP server for compatible network players
Understand the Base Configuration
The standard ZEN Next-Gen is supplied without music-library storage and without an optional digital-output module.
Standard USB audio output is included, but the base configuration has:
- No internal music-library SSD
- No optical output
- No coaxial output
- No AES output
- No PhoenixUSB reclocked output
- No PhoenixI2S output
- No internal DAC
- No analogue audio output
- No built-in CD mechanism
- No Wi-Fi connection
RECAP2 NGaN Power Supply
The ZEN Next-Gen introduces Innuos’s RECAP2 power architecture with Gallium Nitride regulation.
The NGaN stage enhances the RECAP2 linear power modules and operates at a tuned switching frequency selected to provide lower power-supply impedance.
The supply powers the processing, storage and digital-output sections within the chassis without requiring an external power adapter.
Gallium Nitride Regulation
Gallium Nitride devices can operate at higher switching speeds than conventional silicon components.
Innuos applies the technology as part of a complete audio power supply rather than using an ordinary off-the-shelf switching adapter.
The regulator works alongside the transformer, rectification, capacitors, mainboard and software platform.
PreciseAudio Mainboard
The custom PreciseAudio board is built for music-server and streamer operation.
Its design focuses on:
- Reduced processor latency
- Lower power noise
- Reduced electromagnetic emissions
- Enhanced onboard regulators
- Solid-capacitor power delivery
- Direct integration with the system SSD
Intel Core i3 Processing
The embedded Intel Core i3 processor combines four physical cores with four virtual cores.
This provides sufficient performance for Sense, music-library management, streaming, CD ripping and Roon operation while maintaining comparatively low heat output.
Innuos AudioCore can assign selected physical cores exclusively to audio processes.
16GB Industrial-Grade DDR4 Memory
The ZEN Next-Gen includes 16GB of industrial-grade low-noise DDR4 memory.
The additional capacity allows more music data and database information to be cached, helping the interface remain responsive with a large library.
The memory forms part of the complete Innuos platform and is not intended as a routine user-upgradeable computer component.
AudioCore and Real-Time Kernel
AudioCore separates important playback processes from general server activity by allocating dedicated processor resources to audio.
The custom Real-Time Kernel further reduces operating-system latency and gives critical audio tasks a predictable processing priority.
These software features are designed to work with the low-noise mainboard and power-supply architecture.
Dedicated Industrial System SSD
The operating system is stored on a dedicated industrial-grade 3D TLC SSD.
The drive includes power-loss protection and is selected for low electrical noise, low power consumption and low thermal output.
It remains separate from the optional PCIe and M.2 NVMe drives used for the music library.
Innuos XSM Storage
XSM allows an internal storage drive and an expansion drive to operate as one seamless library.
The ZEN Next-Gen supports:
- One internal PCIe NVMe drive of up to 8TB
- One externally accessible M.2 NVMe drive of up to 8TB
- Up to 16TB combined capacity
- Storage management through Sense
- One unified library across both drives
Storage Expansion Does Not Replace Backup
XSM creates one larger storage pool but should not be treated as an independent copy of the music library.
Keep a separate backup on a suitable USB drive or network location.
Storage Configurations
Current configurations include:
- No music storage
- 2TB internal SSD
- 4TB internal SSD
- 8TB internal SSD
- 16TB using 8TB internal and 8TB expansion storage
A streaming-only system does not require internal storage. Storage is needed for a locally managed Sense library and CD ripping.
Standard USB Audio Output
Standard USB audio output is available without an optional output module.
With a compatible USB Audio Class 2 DAC, the platform supports:
- PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz
- DSD up to DSD256 through DoP
- Native DSD up to DSD512 on selected DACs
The actual formats available depend on the DAC, driver and playback configuration.
Optional Output Modules
The ZEN Next-Gen can be configured with one of three optional digital-output boards:
- S/PDIF Output Board
- PhoenixUSB Output Board
- PhoenixI2S Output Board
Only one optional module can be installed at a time.
Authorised Dealer Installation
All Innuos output modules must be installed or replaced by an authorised dealer.
S/PDIF Output Board
The S/PDIF module adds:
- Optical Toslink output
- Coaxial S/PDIF output
- Balanced AES digital output
- PCM playback up to 24-bit/192kHz
- Optimised low-noise power regulation
The board does not support DSD or provide analogue audio output.
PhoenixUSB Output Board
The PhoenixUSB module provides a dedicated regenerated and reclocked USB output.
It incorporates:
- 3ppb 24MHz OCXO master clock
- LT3045 ultra-low-noise regulators
- Independent regulation for the USB voltage rails
- No switching regulation on the principal USB chip
- Clean regulated USB 5V supply
- PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz
- DSD256 through DoP
- Native DSD up to DSD512
PhoenixI2S Output Board
The PhoenixI2S module connects to a compatible DAC through an HDMI-format I2S socket.
It provides:
- 3ppb 24MHz main clock
- Two premium FemtoClocks
- Eight selectable pin configurations
- PCM support up to 32-bit/768kHz
- Native DSD compatibility up to DSD1024
Not a Conventional HDMI Output
The PhoenixI2S socket must not be connected to a television, projector or AV receiver.
The DAC must provide a compatible HDMI-format I2S input with the correct pin arrangement.
Choosing the Correct Output
Standard USB
- Included as standard
- Broad USB DAC compatibility
- High-resolution PCM and DSD
- Useful starting configuration
S/PDIF Board
- Optical, coaxial and AES outputs
- PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz
- Suitable for DACs without USB
- No DSD output
PhoenixUSB Board
- Regenerated USB output
- OCXO clocking
- Native DSD support
- Clean regulated USB power line
PhoenixI2S Board
- Direct I2S connection
- Eight pin configurations
- Compatibility up to DSD1024
- Requires careful DAC matching
External USB CD Ripping
The ZEN Next-Gen has no built-in optical mechanism.
A compatible external USB CD drive can be used once internal music storage has been installed.
Supported ripping features include:
- Red Book CD, CD-R and CD-RW compatibility
- FLAC compression level 0
- Uncompressed WAV
- Drive-head alignment
- Discogs metadata
- FreeDB metadata
- GD3 metadata
- MusicBrainz metadata
Innuos quotes an average storage time of approximately five minutes per disc.
Innuos Sense
The Sense app controls playback, streaming services, local libraries, internet radio and system settings.
Current features include:
- Unified local, NAS and streaming libraries
- Qobuz, TIDAL, Deezer, HIGHRESAUDIO and IDAGIO
- Spotify, TIDAL and Qobuz Connect
- Internet radio and podcasts
- Radio Paradise FLAC
- Mixed playlists and Smart Mixes
- Home-screen widgets
- Innuos multiroom
- UPnP playback and serving
- Now Playing television casting
Roon and Other System Modes
The ZEN Next-Gen supports:
- Innuos Standalone mode
- Innuos Endpoint mode
- Roon Core mode
- Roon Bridge endpoint mode
- HQPlayer NAA endpoint mode
- AssetUPnP server operation
A separate Roon subscription is required.
NAS and USB Libraries
Sense can integrate music held on a compatible NAS or network server.
USB drives can be played through Folder View. Import the files to internal storage where complete Sense library integration is required.
Two Bridged Ethernet Connections
The rear panel provides two bridged Gigabit Ethernet ports.
The LAN port connects to the network, while the Aux connection can pass Ethernet to another compatible component.
The ZEN Next-Gen has no built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
USB and Other Connections
- Three USB 3.2 Gen 2 connections
- One optional digital-output module bay
- One externally accessible M.2 NVMe expansion bay
- One HDMI service connection
- One 4mm chassis-ground connection
- One IEC mains inlet
The HDMI connection is for service only and does not provide consumer audio or video output.
Premium Aluminium Chassis
The ZEN Next-Gen uses a 10mm CNC-machined aluminium chassis with a bead-blasted and anodised finish.
A vibration-damped transformer platform helps reduce mechanical energy reaching the mainboard and storage system.
Black and Silver finishes are available.
Upgradeable to ZENith Next-Gen
Innuos has designed the ZEN Next-Gen so that it can be upgraded to ZENith Next-Gen specification in the future.
The upgrade is expected to involve major internal hardware and power-supply changes and is not a user installation.
Availability, pricing, transport and the exact work required should be confirmed with Audio T and Innuos when the upgrade is being considered.
ZEN Next-Gen or ZENith Next-Gen?
Choose ZEN Next-Gen When
- You want up to 16TB storage
- The same three output modules meet your needs
- RECAP2 NGaN power suits the system
- Core i3 processing is sufficient
- You want a future ZENith upgrade path
- The lower starting investment is preferable
Choose ZENith Next-Gen When
- You want ARC6 active rectification
- A 300VA transformer is justified
- You want eight physical processor cores
- A pSLC independently powered OS drive is important
- The system will perform demanding server duties
- The wider system can reveal the higher-level source
ZEN Next-Gen or STREAM3?
Choose ZEN Next-Gen When
- Server and expandable storage functions are central
- Up to 16TB is required
- PhoenixUSB or PhoenixI2S output is required
- You want the future ZENith upgrade path
- An internal analogue DAC is unnecessary
Choose STREAM3 When
- A modular internal analogue DAC is required
- PhoenixDAC or PerformanceDAC is preferred
- Balanced XLR analogue output may be needed
- A supplied physical remote is important
- Up to 8TB factory storage is sufficient
System Matching
Well Suited To
- Premium USB DACs
- DACs with S/PDIF or AES inputs
- Compatible HDMI-format I2S DACs
- Large local music collections
- CD-ripping systems
- Sense and Roon installations
- Innuos multiroom systems
- Libraries requiring future expansion
Check Before Buying
- The correct output has been selected
- No analogue output is included
- Music storage is optional
- Only one module can be installed
- Dealer installation is required
- I2S pin compatibility is confirmed
- CD ripping requires storage and an external drive
- Ethernet is available at the equipment rack
- An independent backup has been planned
- The shelf can support 12.7kg
Innuos Products and Audio T Guides
Key Features
- Premium music server and streamer
- Standard USB audio output
- Optional S/PDIF output board
- Optional PhoenixUSB output board
- Optional PhoenixI2S output board
- One dealer-upgradeable module bay
- RECAP2 linear power architecture
- Innuos NGaN regulation
- Custom PreciseAudio mainboard
- Embedded Intel Core i3 processor
- Four physical processor cores
- Four virtual processor cores
- 16GB industrial-grade DDR4 memory
- Innuos AudioCore
- Low-latency Real-Time Kernel
- Industrial-grade 3D TLC system SSD
- Power-loss protection
- Innuos XSM storage management
- Up to 8TB internal PCIe NVMe storage
- Up to 8TB expansion storage
- Up to 16TB total capacity
- External USB CD ripping
- FLAC and WAV ripping
- Qobuz, TIDAL and Deezer
- HIGHRESAUDIO and IDAGIO
- Spotify, TIDAL and Qobuz Connect
- Internet radio and podcasts
- Radio Paradise FLAC
- Roon Core and endpoint support
- HQPlayer NAA support
- AssetUPnP server support
- Two bridged Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Three USB 3.2 Gen 2 connections
- 4mm chassis-ground connection
- 10mm CNC-machined aluminium chassis
- Upgradeable to ZENith Next-Gen
- Black and Silver finishes
- Three-year manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the base ZEN Next-Gen include music storage?
No. Music storage is optional.
Does it have USB audio output as standard?
Yes. A compatible USB DAC can be connected without an optional output board.
Does it contain a DAC?
No. An external DAC or compatible digital input is required.
Which output boards are available?
S/PDIF, PhoenixUSB and PhoenixI2S boards are available.
Can more than one optional board be fitted?
No. The ZEN Next-Gen has one output-module bay.
Can I install the module myself?
No. It must be installed by an authorised Innuos dealer.
What is the maximum storage capacity?
Up to 16TB using an 8TB internal drive and an 8TB expansion drive.
Does it have a built-in CD drive?
No. A compatible external USB optical drive and installed storage are required.
Does it support Roon?
Yes. Roon Core and endpoint modes are supported with a separate subscription.
Does it have Wi-Fi?
No. It requires wired Ethernet.
What processor does it use?
An embedded Intel Core i3 with four physical and four virtual cores.
Can it be upgraded to ZENith Next-Gen?
Yes. Innuos has designed the product for a future authorised upgrade to ZENith Next-Gen specification.
What is the maximum USB resolution?
PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD256 through DoP and native DSD512 on selected DACs.
What is the maximum S/PDIF resolution?
PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz.
What are its dimensions and weight?
It measures 420mm wide, 365mm deep and 105mm high, and weighs approximately 12.7kg.
Which finishes are available?
Black and Silver.
What is the warranty?
Innuos provides a three-year manufacturer warranty under its current terms.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- ZEN and ZENith Next-Gen demonstrations
- Storage-capacity planning
- Authorised output-module installation
- USB, S/PDIF and I2S demonstrations
- External DAC matching
- Innuos Sense setup
- CD-ripping and file-import support
- Roon Core and endpoint guidance
- Network and Ethernet planning
- Music-library backup advice
- Future ZENith upgrade guidance
- Part exchange may be available
- Three-year manufacturer warranty support
- Ongoing software and system assistance
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss the correct ZEN Next-Gen storage and output configuration.