Audio T Verdict
The Innuos ZENith Next-Gen is a reference music server and streamer designed for systems where the quality of the digital source is every bit as important as the DAC, amplifier and loudspeakers.
It can be configured as a streaming transport with no music storage, a complete server holding a large local library or a combination of the two. Up to 8TB of internal PCIe NVMe storage can be combined with a second externally accessible M.2 NVMe drive of up to 8TB, creating one seamless library with a maximum capacity of 16TB.
Standard USB audio output is included, allowing the base ZENith Next-Gen to connect to a compatible USB DAC without an optional output board. Its modular output bay can also accommodate a dedicated S/PDIF board, PhoenixUSB reclocked output or PhoenixI2S connection.
The ARC6 NGaN power supply is central to the design. It combines active rectification, a 300VA audio-grade toroidal transformer, a high-performance choke, more than 130,000uF of Mundorf capacitance and Innuos Gallium Nitride regulation.
The custom PreciseAudio mainboard has been developed to reduce processor latency, power noise and electromagnetic interference. An Intel Core i7 processor provides eight physical cores, allowing Innuos AudioCore to dedicate selected cores to audio processing while retaining a fast and responsive control experience.
The operating system is held on an independently powered industrial-grade pSLC SSD. Its simplified storage architecture is intended to produce less electrical noise than a conventional system drive while providing power-loss protection and long-term resilience.
Sense brings local files, NAS libraries, compatible streaming services, internet radio and podcasts into one interface. The ZENith Next-Gen can also operate as a Roon Core, Roon endpoint, HQPlayer NAA endpoint or UPnP server.
Unlike earlier ZEN and ZENith models, the Next-Gen version does not contain an internal optical drive. CD ripping remains available through a compatible external USB drive once music storage has been installed.
The ZENith Next-Gen contains no internal DAC or analogue output. It must connect to an external DAC or compatible digital input using standard USB or the selected optional output module.
This is a highly configurable source and should be specified around the existing system. Customers should decide how much storage is required, which DAC connection will be used and whether the system will operate primarily through Sense or Roon before ordering.
Innuos ZENith Next-Gen Reference Music Server and Streamer
The Innuos ZENith Next-Gen is a premium wired music server and streamer with expandable solid-state storage, advanced digital-output options and a substantial internal linear power supply.
It can be configured for several different roles:
- Streaming transport for a USB DAC
- S/PDIF or AES digital transport
- Reclocked PhoenixUSB source
- HDMI-format I2S source
- Local music server with internal SSD storage
- Combined streamer and server
- External USB CD-ripping server
- Roon Core or Roon endpoint
- Innuos Sense server and multiroom source
- UPnP server for compatible network players
Understand the Base Configuration
The base ZENith Next-Gen is supplied without music-library storage and without an optional digital-output module.
Standard USB audio output remains available, but the following are not included unless the corresponding options are selected:
- No internal music-library SSD as standard
- No optical digital output as standard
- No coaxial digital output as standard
- No AES digital output as standard
- No PhoenixUSB reclocked output as standard
- No PhoenixI2S output as standard
- No internal DAC
- No analogue RCA or XLR output
- No built-in CD mechanism
- No Wi-Fi connection
ARC6 NGaN Power Supply
The ZENith Next-Gen uses Innuos’s ARC6 NGaN power-supply architecture.
Its principal components include:
- 300VA audio-grade toroidal transformer
- ARC6 active-rectification stage
- High-performance power-supply choke
- More than 130,000uF of Mundorf capacitance
- Innuos Gallium Nitride regulation
- Low-impedance power delivery
- Medical-grade mains filtering
The substantial transformer and capacitor bank provide electrical headroom for the processor, storage system and optional digital-output circuitry.
Active Rectification
The ARC6 stage replaces a conventional passive rectifier arrangement with active circuitry designed to reduce voltage loss and impedance.
This feeds the large capacitor bank and NGaN regulator, creating the low-noise DC supplies required by the ZENith Next-Gen hardware.
The design has been developed from the power-supply work used within the Innuos STATEMENT Next-Gen.
Innuos NGaN Regulation
NGaN is Innuos’s Gallium Nitride power-regulation technology.
The regulation stage uses a carefully selected operating frequency to achieve lower impedance and fast response while controlling the electrical noise reaching sensitive digital circuitry.
The complete power supply is built into the chassis, so no external linear power supply is required.
PreciseAudio Mainboard
The custom PreciseAudio server mainboard is designed specifically for the demands of a high-quality digital music source.
Innuos has optimised the board for:
- Low processor latency
- Reduced power-supply noise
- Lower electromagnetic interference
- Improved onboard regulation
- Solid-capacitor power delivery
- Direct integration with the operating-system SSD
The ZENith Next-Gen is therefore a dedicated music appliance rather than a standard desktop computer placed inside a Hi-Fi case.
Eight-Core Intel Core i7 Processor
An embedded Intel Core i7 processor provides eight physical processing cores.
This allows Innuos AudioCore to allocate selected physical cores exclusively to audio processes while retaining sufficient capacity for library management, streaming, metadata and control functions.
The additional processing headroom is also useful where the ZENith Next-Gen is used as a Roon Core with a large library or several playback zones.
16GB Industrial-Grade Memory
The processor is supported by 16GB of industrial-grade low-noise DDR4 memory.
This allows databases and music data to be cached for fast browsing and responsive playback control.
The memory is selected as part of the complete Innuos platform and is not presented as a conventional user-upgradeable computer component.
AudioCore Technology
AudioCore allows Innuos to separate audio-processing work from general system activity.
Dedicated processor cores can handle the critical playback processes while other cores manage the Sense interface, library searches, metadata and background functions.
This separation is designed to reduce competing processor activity during music playback.
Real-Time Kernel
Sense uses a custom low-latency Real-Time Kernel on the ZEN Next-Gen platform.
The operating system prioritises important audio processes and reduces unnecessary scheduling delays.
This software optimisation works alongside the power supply, mainboard and storage architecture rather than relying on processing specifications alone.
Independently Powered pSLC System SSD
The Innuos operating system is stored on an industrial-grade pseudo single-level-cell SSD fitted directly to the PreciseAudio mainboard.
The drive is independently powered and includes power-loss protection.
Its comparatively simple controller architecture is intended to reduce electromagnetic interference during the frequent read and write activity generated by the operating system.
This drive is separate from the optional SSD storage used for the music library.
Expandable XSM Storage
Innuos XSM combines compatible internal and expansion drives into one seamless storage pool.
The ZENith Next-Gen supports:
- One internal PCIe NVMe SSD of up to 8TB
- One externally accessible M.2 NVMe SSD of up to 8TB
- Up to 16TB of combined music storage
- Storage management through Innuos Sense
- A unified music library across both drives
The second drive does not need to appear as a separate library or folder structure during normal use.
Expandable Storage Is Not a Backup
Combining two drives through XSM increases capacity but does not remove the need for an independent backup.
Important music files should also be copied to a separate 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
The correct capacity depends on the size and resolution of the music library. High-resolution PCM and DSD files require considerably more storage than standard CD-quality FLAC files.
Standard USB Audio Output
Standard USB audio output is included even when no optional module is fitted.
A compatible USB Audio Class 2 DAC can support:
- PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz
- DSD up to DSD256 through DoP
- Native DSD up to DSD512 on selected DACs
The connected DAC, driver and playback configuration determine the formats that can actually be used.
Optional Digital-Output Module Bay
One modular output bay allows a specialised digital-output board to be added.
Current ZENith Next-Gen options are:
- S/PDIF Output Board
- PhoenixUSB Output Board
- PhoenixI2S Output Board
Only one optional output board can be fitted at a time.
Dealer Installation Is Required
Innuos output modules must be installed or changed by an authorised dealer.
Do not remove the product case or attempt to fit a board yourself.
S/PDIF Output Board
The S/PDIF module adds three conventional digital outputs:
- Optical Toslink
- 75-ohm coaxial S/PDIF
- Balanced AES digital output
The module supports PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz and uses an optimised low-noise power supply with high-quality gold-plated connections where applicable.
It does not support DSD output or provide analogue conversion.
PhoenixUSB Output Board
The PhoenixUSB module adds a dedicated regenerated and reclocked USB 2.0 audio output.
Its design includes:
- 3ppb 24MHz oven-controlled crystal oscillator
- Ultra-low-noise LT3045 linear regulators
- Independent regulation for the USB voltage rails
- No switching regulators on the principal USB chip
- A clean regulated 5V USB line
- PCM support up to 32-bit/768kHz
- DSD256 through DoP
- Native DSD up to DSD512 on selected DACs
This provides the core reclocking principles associated with the standalone Innuos PhoenixUSB within the ZENith Next-Gen chassis.
PhoenixI2S Output Board
The PhoenixI2S module provides an I2S connection through an HDMI-format socket.
It uses:
- 3ppb 24MHz main clock
- Two premium FemtoClocks
- Eight selectable pin configurations
- PCM support up to 32-bit/768kHz
- Native DSD compatibility up to DSD1024
I2S over HDMI Is Not Conventional HDMI
The PhoenixI2S output does not carry television video, HDMI ARC or ordinary HDMI audio.
Connect it only to a DAC with a compatible HDMI-format I2S input and matching pin configuration.
Choosing the Correct Output
Standard USB
- Included without an optional board
- Broad compatibility with USB Audio Class 2 DACs
- Supports high-resolution PCM and DSD
- Useful starting point before upgrading
S/PDIF Board
- For optical, coaxial or AES DAC inputs
- PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz
- No DSD output
- Useful for DACs without USB or I2S
PhoenixUSB Board
- Reclocked USB output
- High-resolution PCM and native DSD
- Broad USB DAC compatibility
- Clean regulated USB 5V line
PhoenixI2S Board
- For compatible HDMI-format I2S DACs
- Eight selectable pin arrangements
- Compatibility up to DSD1024
- Requires careful DAC matching
CD Ripping with an External Drive
The ZENith Next-Gen does not contain an internal CD drive.
With music storage installed, a compatible external USB optical drive can rip Red Book audio discs, CD-Rs and CD-RWs.
Sense supports:
- FLAC ripping at compression level 0
- Uncompressed WAV ripping
- Drive-head alignment for accurate ripping
- Discogs metadata
- FreeDB metadata
- GD3 metadata
- MusicBrainz metadata
Innuos quotes an average ripping time of approximately five minutes, although this varies according to the disc and optical drive.
Innuos Sense
Sense provides control, playback and library management through a compatible phone, tablet or web browser.
Current features include:
- Unified local and streaming libraries
- Qobuz, TIDAL, Deezer, HIGHRESAUDIO and IDAGIO
- Spotify Connect
- TIDAL Connect
- Qobuz Connect
- Internet radio and podcasts
- Radio Paradise FLAC
- Smart Mixes and mixed playlists
- Home-screen widgets
- Innuos multiroom grouping
- UPnP playback and serving
- Now Playing television casting
Service availability and subscriptions can change according to region and provider.
Roon, HQPlayer and UPnP
The ZENith Next-Gen can operate in several system modes:
- Innuos Standalone using Sense
- Innuos Endpoint
- Roon Core
- Roon Bridge endpoint
- HQPlayer NAA endpoint
- AssetUPnP server
A separate Roon subscription is required for Roon operation.
NAS and USB Music Playback
Music stored on compatible NAS drives and network servers can be added to the Sense library.
USB storage can also be played through Folder View. Full Sense library integration requires the files to be imported to internal storage or added from a compatible network library.
Wired Network Connection
The ZENith Next-Gen provides two bridged Gigabit Ethernet connections.
One normally connects to the router or network switch, while the second Streamer port can pass a wired network connection to another compatible product.
There is no built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
Ethernet Is Required
A wired network connection is required for Sense control, software updates, metadata retrieval and online streaming.
Other Connections
- Three USB 3.2 Gen 2 connections for DACs, imports, backups and accessories
- One 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 fixed HDMI socket is for service purposes only and does not provide audio or video output.
Premium Aluminium Chassis
The chassis is constructed from 10mm CNC-machined aluminium with a bead-blasted and anodised finish.
A vibration-damped transformer platform helps isolate the substantial toroidal transformer from the mainboard and storage system.
The ZENith Next-Gen is available in Black and Silver.
ZENith Next-Gen or ZEN Next-Gen?
Choose ZENith Next-Gen When
- You want the ARC6 active-rectification power supply
- The 300VA transformer and Mundorf capacitor bank are justified
- You require eight physical processor cores
- The system will perform demanding Roon duties
- The independently powered pSLC system SSD is important
- The wider system can reveal the additional performance
Choose ZEN Next-Gen When
- You want the same core storage and output flexibility
- RECAP2 NGaN power is sufficient
- Four physical and four virtual cores meet the requirement
- You prefer the lower starting investment
- A future upgrade to ZENith remains attractive
System Matching
Well Suited To
- Reference digital playback systems
- High-quality USB DACs
- DACs with optical, coaxial or AES inputs
- Compatible HDMI-format I2S DACs
- Large local music collections
- Extensive CD libraries
- Sense and Roon systems
- Multiroom installations
- Systems requiring up to 16TB storage
Check Before Buying
- The correct output connection has been selected
- The base unit contains no analogue output
- Music storage is optional
- Only one output module can be fitted
- Output modules require dealer installation
- I2S pin compatibility has been confirmed
- CD ripping requires storage and an external drive
- A wired network connection is available
- An independent library backup has been planned
- The equipment shelf can support 14.3kg
Innuos Products and Audio T Guides
Key Features
- Reference music server and streamer
- Standard USB audio output
- Optional S/PDIF output board
- Optional PhoenixUSB output board
- Optional PhoenixI2S output board
- One dealer-upgradeable output bay
- ARC6 active rectification
- Innuos NGaN regulation
- 300VA audio-grade toroidal transformer
- High-performance power-supply choke
- More than 130,000uF Mundorf capacitance
- Medical-grade mains filtering
- Custom PreciseAudio mainboard
- Intel Core i7 processor
- Eight physical processing cores
- 16GB industrial-grade DDR4 memory
- AudioCore processing separation
- Low-latency Real-Time Kernel
- Independently powered pSLC system SSD
- Power-loss protection
- Innuos XSM storage management
- Up to 8TB internal PCIe NVMe storage
- Up to 8TB M.2 NVMe expansion storage
- Up to 16TB total storage
- External USB CD-ripping support
- 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 endpoint 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
- Black and Silver finishes
- Three-year manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the base ZENith Next-Gen include music storage?
No. Music-library storage is optional.
Does it have USB audio output without an optional board?
Yes. Standard USB audio output is included.
Does it contain a DAC?
No. A compatible external DAC or digital input is required.
Which optional output boards are available?
S/PDIF, PhoenixUSB and PhoenixI2S modules are available.
Can more than one output board be installed?
No. There is one modular output bay.
Can I install the board myself?
No. Output modules must be installed by an authorised Innuos dealer.
How much storage can be installed?
Up to 16TB using an 8TB internal PCIe NVMe drive and an 8TB M.2 NVMe expansion drive.
Does it have a built-in CD drive?
No. CD ripping requires a compatible external USB optical drive and installed music storage.
Does it support Roon?
Yes. It can operate as a Roon Core or Roon endpoint with a separate Roon subscription.
Does it have Wi-Fi?
No. A wired Ethernet connection is required.
What is the maximum USB resolution?
Up to PCM 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 is the maximum PhoenixI2S resolution?
The module provides compatibility up to native DSD1024 with a suitable DAC and pin configuration.
Which processor does it use?
An embedded Intel Core i7 with eight physical cores.
What are its dimensions and weight?
It measures 420mm wide, 365mm deep and 105mm high, and weighs approximately 14.3kg.
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?
- Reference digital-source demonstrations
- ZEN and ZENith Next-Gen comparisons
- Storage-capacity guidance
- Authorised output-module installation
- Standard USB and PhoenixUSB demonstrations
- S/PDIF and AES cable matching
- PhoenixI2S compatibility checks
- External DAC matching
- Innuos Sense setup
- CD-ripping and music-import support
- Roon Core and endpoint guidance
- Network and Ethernet planning
- Music-library backup advice
- 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 ZENith Next-Gen storage and output configuration.