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Innous Zen Mini MK 3

Here goes, another streamer thread. Does anyone have any experience with this streamer, specifically with the internal DAC. The Mini is at the top of my price range and, for now, I would like to avoid buying an external DAC. How would it compare to the internal DAC in the Node 2i?
As an aside I like that the Innous has a CD ripper, but I could do without one.
ericsch
thyname's avatar
thyname
3,107 posts
 

arafiq225 posts06-07-2020 6:20pm....I feel that the Zen Mini should only be reviewed as a streamer and CD ripper.

You forgot one very important thing: it's a Server too
arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,702 posts
 
@thyname ... yes, you're right. But my main point was that it should not be evaluated as a DAC combo, although it does come bundled with one. 
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thyname
3,107 posts
 
Yes @arafiq  --- I agree with you. DAC on the Mini is simply a "convenience" feature. 
ericsch OP
761 posts
 
@arafiq 
Kind of odd, but my Orchid came with a power cord. I was not expecting one, as I already had an aftermarket cord.
jimintally
24 posts
 
Hi chrizola-

The DAC I bought is XiangSheng DAC 05B, thru Amazon.  Was $399.  Has both a SS output stage and tubed output stage using a NOS GE 5670.  I only had one other DAC to compare it to and that was the ZEN Mini's built-in DAC, and the XS is clearly better, so I've kept it.  Perhaps will try another DAC one day.
I prefer the SS output from this DAC btw.  
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