Reporting back here on this thread that I started a few months ago.
I 'upgraded' from an Ifi Zen Stream streamer to the Innuos Pulse_Mini streamer.
I had been experiencing really annoying user interface issues with the Ifi and although it sounded good to my ears within my relatively modest system, I assumed and expected another streamer up the chain to bring audible improvements as well.
Regarding the user interface issues, I tried various solutions, including the JPLAY app...which is a really good product btw.
After getting the Innuos, I committed to just spending time with it and getting to know it ...and the Sense app.
After spending 3 months with it, I will say this. Yes there is a different sound, a different presentation...and most would probably say it's 'better' than the Ifi, but I guess I'd chalk it up to more of a flavor.
There is a density and darkness to the Innuos that is rounder and deeper....I think it's probably more natural sounding than the Ifi....although maybe less incisive or spicy. I've grown used to it and now that I'm living in 2 places, I have two set ups... One has the Ifi Zen Stream and the other has the Innuos Pulse mini.
The systems are different...so impossible do a direct comparison ..but I will say that in my apartment in the city, I'm now very much enjoying my original Ifi Zen Stream hooked up to a Border Patrol se-i DAC going into a Belles Audio Aria pre/power combo feeding Falcon ls3/5a's. Pretty compelling fidelity that is both direct and detailed and dynamic but also relaxed and natural.
The Ifi is being controlled by the JPLAY app and accessing Qobuz.
The Pulse Mini is feeding a Van Alstine tube pre / s.s. power amp combo driving Fritz Carbon's . There's more meat on the bones in that system. I feel you can reach in deeper to the stereo image being presenting and there is more texture with this set up...I assume a lot of that has to do with the Innuos but also the Fritz speakers.
This is all to say, that system matching can really help balance things out and right now enjoying both setups.
I'm not 100% into the Sense app. It's good but I find it a little laggy sometimes and I think the JPLAY app is a slightly better interface. That said, the Sense app is written specifically for Innuos products.
