More than happy to expand on that comment quoted…
It’s a relative statement or comment, one item relative to another.
The Innous ZENmini is a fine product by itself.
Adding the separate LPSU is a nice upgrade and provides a modest uplift that can be clearly heard.
By that stage some GBP £ 2500 is spent. ( ZENmini mk3 S, 1TB SSD option, c/w LPSU ).
My simple point is that if you had a ZENmini and LPSU, upgrading to ZEN might not offer a significant upgrade, for your ears. A move to ZENITH would prove a much more noticeable move upwards.
However, you might choose the ZEN for different reasons. It has a different feature list. If you had £2500 and were looking at this type of product, you might start with ZEN and be satisfied.
A decent external DAC might also need to be factored in…
The ZENmini ( and also the PULSEmini too) is unique in that it has an internal DAC to get you started.
Having heard the PULSE recently, I would say this is clearly better compared to ND5 XS2, which is just slightly better than ZENmini + LPSU. (When all three used as transport, with nDAC ).
TBH, although I’ve heard several of these products, not all at the same time and in relation to each other. More one combination at a time, leading to an understanding of a potential hierarchy, over time.
Can’t offer any thoughts on difference between the various Innous combined server / streamers and the newer streaming transports. Instinct suggests that even at similar price points, they might sound slightly different. If you read the Innous “blurb” they talk about different implementations of their technologies, between the two types.
Suppose it really depends on your requirements - server AND streamer, or just streaming ???
As always, if you’re considering any of these items, alway best to audition either with your local dealer or even better at home.
By the way, the same separate Innous LPSU can also be partnered with the new PULSEmini. This provides a nice lift for the PM. Innous don’t mention this, (yet), in their “blurb” but it’s definitely an option.
The PULSEmini + LPSU with a decent external DAC (for example Chord Qutest) might make for a very appealing streaming source, at a modest budget. Offers the chance to go on a digital source journey. Start with just PM. Later, add an external psu. Also, add an external DAC.
Best wishes
R
Many thanks,.a really good and clear write-up.
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