Innuos: A Cautionary Tale.



This post is a cautionary one in buying a Zen Mini used. I bought a four-week-old unit from a reputable seller. Unfortunately, the unit failed the first week and thus began a long and unfortunate set of events. If and this is critical one is to buy a used or second-hand unit the only way is from a dealer. Innuos customer service was next to useless and was simply dismissive. The lead designer could not connect with the unit, remotely, as the Ethernet port was the source of the problem, to reach him took multiple emails and a phone call, International,  over several days. After the unit was determined to have failed, several more emails were required to find out the next step. I was instructed, “go to the dealer you bought it from.” Hence the crux of the problem, I had no dealer to go to. I asked more than once to inform me where the unit was bought from, no response.

The seller would also not provide where he bought it from, so much for reputation. I was in an endless, time-consuming, and expensive circle. I reached out again to the lead designer, again after a clear and detailed email, explaining my dilemma, the response was clear: “send it to the dealer.” Fortunately, I was able to go through PayPal dispute the charge and receive a refund minus shipping costs.  

The unit when it worked was musical and engaging. My decision to go with another manufacturer was not a difficult one. So if one is to buy an Innuos please only go with a dealer.   Mike at Tweek Geek is a man of integrity and willingness to help.


lndryguru
I compared the Nucleus+ and Zenith Mk3 on Usb via Intona isolator and cables connected to an Antelope Zodiac Platinum with 10M clock. As I said, it wasn‘t even close regarding localisation of individual instruments on the soundstage, solo piano rendition and rhythmic snap. The difference actually increased further when switching from Roon to the Innuos server via Ipeng.
Sorry to hear about your experience. I think I'm in a similar situation. I just bought a used Statement and the LAN port is DOA. No link / TX/RX LEDs lighting and as such no connectivity. However I can connect via the Streamer port. Curious if you had a similar experience with your network port problem.
I just bought a demo Zen Mk 3 from a reputable dealer and the warranty starts from date of purchase. The unit works flawlessly and the response from Innuos support was prompt with regard to update of the firmware and app.

My previous server from another manufacturer died within the first week and had to be shipped abroad for repairs. Just 2 weeks ago, the same thing happened and hence my switch to Innuos, which has turned out to be greatly superior in terms of SQ. 

Certainly, it is safer to purchase from a reputable dealer.
Cheers!
@IndryGuru: 

"Audio is not a religion, yet in these forums, there is equal dogma to it".  

Sad but true...

I also had a good result with an Innuos issue.  I purchased a Zen-Mini-Mk3 and LPSU from TweekGeek and had difficulty getting it configured on my network.  Tech support at TweekGeek was very responsive and talked me through multiple scenarios but to no result.  They then set up a call with the Innuos factory team for the following day and the issue was quickly resolved with them logging into the Zen remotely and TaDa good to go ever since.  Just FYI, if you have a Logitech music server on your network it makes the Innuos very unhappy.