Peter Zapp

Sadly no longer for Mk II devices.

Note that the current operating InnuOS 2.6 runs on the older Mk2 platform. Roon has additional functionality, but for me it's not worth the extra cost.

Use iFi Stream App for "ZS" set up. It's a computer. After power on it takes at least three minutes to boot. Press three seconds the small hotspot button on the right. Then the "ZS" should appear in the app. Or use a browser and type http://ifi.local. Now select "ZS", WiFi, enter passwort, select digital output, activate or deactivate functions, play files from USB stick, play internet radio etc.. Use mconnect Player App to stream Qobuz to "ZS". Select Qubuz, type your account ID and passwort, browse and play. Again, after power on the "ZS" takes at least three minutes to boot and until it shows in the Player App.

In principle, yes. There are second-hand Phoenix and ZENith or ZEN or ZENmini, Mk3 or Mk2. The PHOENIX can improve streamers that you already own. There are no second-hand PULSAR, yet.

It was a distinct and immediate improvement to my ZENmini Mk2 (with Keces P3) and after this to my ZENith Mk2. Prior to that the ZENmini MK2 was an significant improvement as against iPad or iPhone as streamer. The Keces P3 significantly improved the ZENmini Mk2. A better power supply for my router improved my chain a little bit (iFI Audio Power X, 12V). My unmodified Zyxel GS108B improved my chain a little bit more (only €20, bought after the modified Zyxel out of curiosity). My modified Zyxel GS108B improved my chain a little bit more (Sellarz clock and other measures). A better power supply for the switch improved my chain a little bit more (iFi Audio Power X, 5V). Some say the modified Zyxel betters entry-level commercial switches (for example Silent Angel Bonn N8, likewise based on the Zyxel). Some say higher linear power supplies further improve the Zyxel. My (second-hand) PHOENIX USB is the most expensive digital component in my (second-hand) digital chain, but turns out as good value that improves entry- and upper-level components alike. The sequence of emerging bargains biased the sequence of upgrades, i.e. 1st PHOENIX USB, 2nd ZENith Mk2. I abstained from an MK2 SE double the price (and I at times regret). So far no bargain ZEN Mk3 or ZENith Mk3 or PHOENIX NET. I understand PULSAR makes the PHOENIX USB redundant. The STATEMENT in addition makes the PHOENIX NET redundant. It's a loaded budget and an inflation of separate boxes at my digital front end, but biased by the "it's alI 1s and 0s" camp I had no confidence in buying an upmarket one-box-solution, in particular by mail-order from a private seller. With the same DAC and active speakers I believe that after the upgrades I hear in part small and in part astonishing improvements. Anyway, my flat with medium-sized room, neighbours above and below, wooden floor and ceiling, limits space and sound level for bigger speakers, horn speakers or electrostatic speakers that occasionally impressed me at audio shows. An audio show with Grimm MU-1, LS1be and SB1 triggered my recent journey. I wasn't immediately impressed at the show, but I stayed longer, came back and afterwards at home I missed something. I still struggle to verbally describe the missing quality, just as I dodge to verbally describe the perceived quality improvements in my digital front end. Some day I may conclude that Grimm MU-1, PULSAR or STATEMENT would have saved me money and a long journey, but isn't the journey the reward?

I thought my "old" ZENmini MkII with Keces P3 and Phoenix USB was good enough. I now think my "new" ZENith MKII with Phoenix USB is better enough.

https://feedback.innuos.com/b/feature-requests/qobuz-autoplay The current InnOS version isn't able to engage your Qobuz account's autoplay tool. 21 hours ago status change to "planned". Five months ago status changed to "under review". One year ago Nuno explained a workaround with the favorites feature.

I think ZenMini Mk2 isn’t bad either and was cheap. I’m happy with the external USB-DAC. InnOS 2.3.5 works on it. Innuos announced a possible update with SSD and larger RAM, but the hard disk is already quiet and I don’t need more processing power (no Roon for me, no use as music server for other streamers).

Was there any side-by-side comparison between Zenith, Zen, ZenMini Mk3 and Mk2 generation? ZenMini Mk2’s brochure justified the absence of WLAN and S/PDIF with Lowe noise and better sound quality. However, Mk3 delivered S/PDIF and DAC on top.

I inserted the Phoenix USB to my rather moderate set up, comprising Zen Mini Mk2 with Keces P3 (16V, 3A) and RME ADI-2 DAC FS. I second the previous observations. The improvements are obvious. No need for hours of AB-comparison. As a former user of Apple Music I was curious whether the Phoenix USB does magic to more profane sources, for example an iOS device. It doesn't. The Phoenix USB's previous owner upgraded to a PS Audio streamer with integrated DAC. He told me he could no longer hear an improvement (with his old DAC). The Zen Mini Mk2 lacks the Mk3's integrated DAC, coaxial and optical S/PDIF outputs (for better sound quality, as explained in the old brochure), but for the offered price it was a no brainer.