The digital source has become a known sight on Hi-Fi systems for its convenience. Almost all music can now be accessible at the touch of a button. But playing sound is one thing and playing music is another. To get the true essence of the recording, your digital signal must be as pristine and well-timed as possible so your DAC can play at its best. Feed it with a noisy signal and that will just be amplified along the chain.
A pristine digital signal requires a dedicated digital source, with meticulous detail starting from the ultra-low noise power supplies, through a custom mainboard and all the way to specific software development minimizing power noise during operation.
The ZENith Next-Gen takes our innovations such as the PreciseAudio mainboard, NGaN regulator and AudioCore technology to new heights compared to the ZEN Next-Gen. First, the ARC6 NGaN Power Supply, trickled-down from the power supply of the acclaimed STATEMENT Next-Gen with its Active Rectification, 300VA Audio Grade Transformer, high-performance choke and 130000uF of Mundorf capacitors, provide all the current the system needs with very low impedance so that no transient is missed.
The ZENith Next-Gen upgrades the ZEN Next-Gen with a Core i7 Embedded processor with 8 performance cores, providing further core separation for AudioCore whilst maintaining excellent overall performance for a responsive system at all times.
The ZENith Next-Gen also features a pSLC (pseudo Single-Level Cell) industrial-grade SSD for the OS, powered independently, is added directly to the PreciseAudio board. As pSLC contains simplified controllers, they generate much less EMI compared to standard SSDs. Being the OS SSD that bears most of the system work, this results in a considerably lower operating noise with direct impact on sound quality.
This combination brings a new dimension to the ZENith Next-Gen. It's no longer about the frequencies, pace or even the size of the soundstage. Details in music now emerge as if by revelation. The breathiness of a voice, the vibrations on a drum's skin, the presence of fingers sliding down a guitar neck. They are presented with a transparency that starts feeling like a live presence.
It's hard to put into words but if you listen, you'll know.
Main Features
Combining the trickled-down version of the ARC6 Active Rectification board with a 300VA Audio Grade Transformer, high-performance choke and over 130000uF of Mundorf capacitors with the cutting-edge Gallium Nitride Innuos NGaN Regulation stage results in a marked improvement in sound transparency and realism compared to the ZEN Next-Gen.
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.
New generation of Intel Core i7 with 8 physical cores for enhanced Innuos AudioCore performance, 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.
You can configure the ZENith Next Gen as a Music Server/Streamer, Server-only or Streamer-only easily. Choose between no storage or up to 16TB configurations and optional audio output slot for different modules such as USB, I2S, or AES/Coaxial/Optical SPDIF.
Superior industrial-grade pSLC SSD for the OS for even lower operating noise, independently powered and with power-loss protection for extra resiliency and durability.
High Performance Expandable Storage Management System (XSM) allows a single pool of storage from multiple drives. The ZENith 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.
Optional pre-installed modular output boards (additional cost)
AES/Coax/Opt Board |
+ $ 750 |
PhoenixUSB Lite Board |
+ $ 1 350 |
PhoenixI2S Lite Board |
(to be released soon) |
Click here for more information!