Innuos Zen NEXT GEN Streamer

The ZEN Next-Gen sets a new benchmark in digital audio source design, delivering a pristine signal through a deeply integrated combination of advanced hardware and software. Every detail is engineered for sonic purity—from the ultra-low-noise Gallium Nitride RECAP2 power supply and custom PreciseAudio mainboard to a dedicated, direct-attached SSD for the operating system and industrial-grade low-noise DDR4 RAM.

As the first model in the ZEN Series to incorporate both new innovations and trickle-down NG technology, the ZEN Next-Gen also debuts Sense 3 with a real-time kernel and proprietary AudioCore engine—ensuring precision, timing, and musical realism in every track.

Designed with a modular architecture, this highly versatile component can operate as a dedicated streamer or fully featured music server, supporting up to 16TB of seamless onboard storage. Users can tailor the digital output with optimized module options to match their system, all enclosed in a robust, CNC-machined 10mm aluminum chassis for optimal vibration control and thermal performance.

And with a future-ready design, the ZEN Next-Gen is fully upgradeable to the flagship ZENith Next-Gen—making it a long-term foundation for any high-performance audio system.

ZEN Next-Gen is more than a streamer—it’s a breakthrough in sound, performance, and flexibility.

Innuos RECAP2 NGaN PSU
New cutting-edge Gallium Nitride power regulation stage to enhance the RECAP2 linear power modules with a tuned switching frequency offering much lower power supply impedance for a more transparent sound with better instrument separation.

Innuos PreciseAudio Mainboard
An all-new custom server-grade mainboard, ultra-tuned for low processor latency, power noise and EMI emissions; further improved by enhanced power regulators and solid capacitors.

High Performance, Low Power
New generation of Intel Core i3 combining 4 physical cores with 4 virtual cores for responsive speeds yet low heat dissipation, enhanced with Innuos AudioCore providing separate cores dedicated only to audio processes. Supported with 16GB of industrial-grade low-noise DDR4 RAM allowing to cache more databases and files for a speedy response.

Modular Architecture
You can configure the ZEN Next-Gen as a Music Server/Streamer, Server-only or Streamer-only easily. Choose to have no internal drives, or up to a maximum of 16TB SSD storage. Leverage the ZEN as a premium streamer through an optional Digital Audio Output slot for different modules such as PhoenixUSB, PhoenixI2S, or SPDIF boards.

Dedicated OS SSD
Dedicated industrial-grade 3D TLC SSD for the OS with power-loss protection to prevent any issues with the system in case of a power cut. Extremely low levels of power consumption, electrical noise and thermal output.

Innuos XSM
High Performance Expandable Storage Management System (XSM) allows a single pool of storage from multiple drives. The ZEN Next-Gen supports an internal, high performance NVMe PCIe drive up to 8TB with an additional externally accessible M.2 NVMe slot for up to 8TB for a total 16TB of seamless storage. Intelligent management and data protection provided through Sense.

Premium Chassis
Newly-designed 10mm thick CNC-machined bead-blasted and anodized aluminium chassis, containing new vibration-dampened transformer platform and with Chassis Ground port connection.

Sense 3
Unique benefits for the ZEN Next-Gen and ZENith Next-Gen through Sense 3, including new Real-Time Kernel, lowering latency even further for the core Operating System, AudioCore for audio process to run in dedicated physical cores, Expandable Storage Management interface, and new CD-ripping via external USB drives with drive-head alignment for accurate ripping.

Upgradeable
The modular construction of the chassis and components means the ZEN Next-Gen can be upgraded to a ZENith Next-Gen in the future for even better sound quality and performance.

• Audio Outputs
  • 3 × USB 3.2 Gen2 (Up to 32bit/768kHz PCM, DSD256 via DoP, DSD512 via Native DSD)
  • Optional Digital Output Modules:
    • SPDIF Board: 1 × AES, 1 × Coaxial, 1 × Optical (Up to 24bit/192kHz PCM)
    • PhoenixUSB Lite Board: 1 × Reclocked USB 2.0 Output (Up to 32bit/768kHz PCM, DSD256 via DoP, DSD512 via Native DSD)
    • PhoenixI2S Lite Board: HDMI connector with 8 pin-configurations (Up to 32bit/768kHz PCM, Native DSD up to DSD1024)
• Connectivity
  • 2 × LAN RJ45 Bridged Gigabit Ethernet (LAN, Aux)
  • 3 × USB 3.2 Gen2 (Backup/Import, Aux, DAC)
  • 1 × Chassis Ground 4mm ‘Speaker plug’ port
• Formats
  • Ripping: External USB-connected CD ripper required
  • CD Formats: Red Book
  • Disc Compatibility: CD, CD-R, CD-RW
  • CD Ripper Formats: FLAC (compression level 0), WAV
  • Playback Audio Formats: WAV, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC, AAC, MP3, MQA
• Sample Rates
  • 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 768kHz
  • DSD over PCM (DoP) up to DSD256
  • Native DSD up to DSD512 (on selected DACs)
  • Bit Depths: 16bit, 24bit, 32bit
• User Control Interfaces
  • Web Interface: Modern Web Browsers from iOS, Android, Windows, and OS X
  • Mobile: Innuos Sense App for iOS/Android/Kindle Fire
• Hardware
  • Storage:
    • 3D TLC SSD for OS
    • Optional 1 × PCIe NVMe SSD – 2TB / 4TB / 8TB (Factory fitted)
    • Optional 1 × M.2 NVMe SSD (User or factory fitted)
  • Processor: Intel Core i3 (4 Physical Cores + 4 Virtual Cores)
  • Memory: 16GB DDR4 Industrial-Grade RAM
• Streaming and CD Storage
  • UPnP/DLNA: AssetUPnP
  • Streaming Services: Qobuz, Tidal, Deezer, HighResAudio, Internet Radio
  • Average CD Storage Time: 5 Minutes
  • CD Metadata: FreeDB, Musicbrainz, Discogs, GD3
  • Compatible Music Systems:
    • Sonos Multi-room Wireless Music System
    • DLNA/UPnP Compatible Devices
    • USB DACs complying to USB Audio Class 2
    • Selected USB DACs supporting Native DSD
• Requirements
  • Network: Internet connection required for metadata lookup, streaming services, and software updates
  • Network Access: Ethernet
  • Note: Premium subscription required for streaming services such as Qobuz, Tidal, etc.
• Power
  • Mains Supply: 230V AC / 115V AC (Switchable)
• Physical
  • Dimensions: 420mm × 365mm × 105mm (W × D × H)
  • Weight: 12.7 kg
  • In the Box:
    • Innuos ZEN Next-Gen
    • Mains Cable
    • 2m Ethernet Cable
    • Quick Start Guide