Ndx2/SN3 maybe in your case.
You mean I should replace my Naim Nova with Ndx2/SN3? And I’m going to keep my Zen MK2 and not upgrade it?
Yes. You would have a better streamer, better pre and better amp.
My point of view. Because I really doubt that going for the Zen NG would give you such uplift as going from Nova to Ndx2/ SN3.
I think the Zen NG is too expensive and was thinking more about whether there will be a Zenith MK 4 in the new year.
Seacat77 I’d be interest to see where you end up with this as I have exactly the same front end as you (Zenith MK3 / Phoenix USB with two Wireworld Platinum Starlight 8’s).
The thought of being able to lose a box and a USB cable does appeal to me but it would need to give me a worthwhile upgrade for the cost. I did ask the question to Innuos Support and got this reply…
“Both of the new Next Gen models will outperform the ZENith Mk3. You could even sell your PhoenixUSB to help fund the purchase as you can have the next gen models fitted with a PhoenixUSB lite module.”
Of course this needs to be taken with a little pinch of salt coming from the manufacturer but food for thought of course.
There were discussions online about a Mk 4 version back in 2021, so there’s no guarantee it will appear in 2025. However, one thing is certain: if the Zenith Mk 4 is ever released, it will cost £5k plus.
There’s one member friend here who prefers Zenith / Nova to Ndx2/ SN3.
@obsydian . He may give you an advice.
I auditioned Zenith v NDX2 twice and it was Zenith all the way for me.
Thank you, @frenchrooster. Historically speaking, yes, every dealer demo (two) just left the NDX2/SN3 marginal, but the demos did not include the Zenith MK2.
I even considered the NDX2/SN3 a third time earlier in the year without the Zenith, when the Naim summer sale was on, so it was circa £7k, still felt wasn’t worth the upgrade and box count.
Sadly I would not recommend Innuos, I am neck high after 18 months with their legal team and courts, awaiting a half-day trial.
As did I and reached the same conclusion. With the pheonix usb in place the difference was even greater. The hifi rose is better than zenith and pheonix usb so I sold both
Interesting. I’m more than happy with the source and so currently concentrating on reducing my remaining 4 Naim boxes down to 1 300B SET, which should prove a better match for my Zu speakers.
Am I right in thinking you have a Chord Dave? Still got that?
I have Roon lifetime subscription so I was wondering if Roon server Nucleus One could be an idea? At the moment I don’t think I can hear the difference between Sense and Ronn from my Zen MK 2
Just a thought, but do you therefore actually need to change? Bit rich coming from me; but I thought I would ask
No, maybe not. Just thinking that an upgrade could give something. I’m also thinking of upgrading my Naim Nova but will wait a bit as I think a Supernait 4 will be coming in the new year or buy the NSC 222/ NAP 250
Yes, still got the Chord Dave, uts a superb dac
Will be Supernait 5.