Qutest, Hugo TT2, Mscaler

Of course - sorry I forgot.

And is that run on a NUC?

Are you using the Zen just as a server, or also to stream from Qobuz via Roon?

No the Roon core is on the Innuos. I use the Zen as a server/streamer.

How is it for web streaming?

Are they very similar in SQ to locally stored files?

It is in… and yes there is a subtle change… congested tracks sound a little more well… uncongested and the high treble seems a bit more resolved, and the deep bass is slightly more tight, possibly… I will see over the next few days with the Empyreans…

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Yes pretty similar, of course different recordings/resolutions change the outcome. All the rips were via my Unitiserve and transferred to the Innuos but if I’m honest usually I can find as good quality, if not better (maybe hi res) on Qobuz.

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Maybe erroneously, I am interested in how it presents/lifts average 44.1/16 discs I have primarily from the 70’s. The Dave is doing a good job so far, very impressed.

Why did you get the Zen rather than the Zenith?

Did you compare the Zen to any other streamers?

What cable links it to your MScaler/TT2?

If I’m honest Jim the Zen purchase has turned out better than I envisaged. I didn’t consider it in the context of a streamer, I bought it as a replacement for my Unitiserve. If I was to purchase now, knowing a bit more and seeing a role as a streamer, I would buy the Zenith. It was my long standing dealer suggested Zen as minimum over the Zen Mini. Now I am considering alternative streaming solutions but early days.
I only really compared the Uniticore in any detail.
I have Chord Dave with Chord Etude, no M Scaler, yet ! use Tellurium Black cables.

What’s on your shortlist?

Thinking of separating storage files/roon server, so maybe one of Roon’s boxes, and for the streaming side looking at Auralic, DCS etc. Also as said above looking at the Innuos Phoenix to lift performance.
My main set up is digital, no CD, Preamp, Deck etc so basically a rethink of what I actually need, first time I’ve approached it this way, I have 1200 albums ripped but don’t listen to that many, mainly use the available Qobuz remasters or hi res.
A wee bird tells me Chord may be releasing new streaming products to the market, so not really any rush, the Zen doesn’t disappoint in the interim.

Yes please.

Quickly clear that in my system the zenith has had more impact on sq than the MScaler did. All together they are pretty spectacular. I may try a free trial of roon and see if if affects sq either way although orange squeeze isn’t awful to be fair

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That’s interesting thanks, been reading the usual mind bending selection of posts from Head Fi as to whether the Innuos Phoenix or the M Scaler adds more to the system, odds heavily favour M Scaler but I have an open mind and much to understand.

I have the Aries G1 and a Roon NUC. Once I upgrade power cables to the network switch, added a Wireworld starlight 8 Cat8 Ethernet cable and used an ifi ipurifier 3 USB on the back of the M Scaler the sound quality using the Aries G1 was no better than the Roon NUC directly into the M Scaler.

Ultimately, I think I’ll add a LPS to the NUC but I don’t feel the need for a server that’s also a Roon endpoint and a separate streamer. Just an extra link in the chain.

If you’re going to get an MScaler, it may be worth hanging fire until you can compare the different options with it in place.

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Thanks, I saw your comments earlier re the Auralic, interesting.
I intend to demo the M Scaler and maybe the Innuos Phoenix plus alternatives. The Roon server has attractions, reasonable cost, good with Roon and can be hidden away.

The Zen should be really good on it’s own with the M Scaler which has good USB isolation. Add a ifi iPurifier 3 directly into the M Scaler or, an AudioQuest Jiltterbug with a very short cable to the M scaler… which I think Rob Watts does, should really clean up the feed to the point it sounds like an optical connection.

Does the Zen use SSD drives? If not, then a system such as a fanless Nucleus etc (or upgraded Zen) would be better. I’d imagine the Zenith would be very good and probably mean less effort is required cleaning the feed before it goes into the M Scaler. If you’re using Roon it would be all you need… no need for a separate transport.

Edit. Just to say, I read the white paper from Roon about the design of their Nucleus and they confirm the circuit boards in them are actually taken straight from the Intel Gen 7 NUC. So, if you are handy building computers etc, building your own fanless NUC can be quite a saving for the same tech. You pay the extra for their designed case

White paper link - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pUj-yFsAHPgTuV1TbcESA4va1_mxv1M_VQPJV___nuQ/mobilebasic

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There is a guy that posts on Headfi, and Audiophilstyle named Ray-dude that has done endless tests with servers,Nuc’s,cables,battery packs etc. Recently I read his latest demo with, what he says is the best music server in the world, made in Denmark…Taiko SGM extreme. It costs 26 k, but when he added up all the money he had tied up in all the gear he was using, it came close to what this beast costs.
If you look at what some guys here spent on an ND555 with two 555DR power supplies, and all the shelving and cables, it is a bargain.
Google Taiko SGM extreme review and click on the Audiophile style review to find this excellent review. He no longer uses an Mscaler, he uses HQPlayer with it. Antipodes has a new line, that could be labelled a poor man’s Taiko, so many rabbit holes to dive in.

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Struggle to wire a plug but thanks.

Never mind… the link below is probably one you’ve seen already but just in case. There seems to be a lot of upgrade options for your existing Zen! I’d imagine there are others as well

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I’ve got a spare jitterbug on my Mac, didn’t realise it would work on the innuos, I’ll give it a try tomorrow see if I can hear a difference