Streamer/Server to replace Innuos Zenith

Thank you. I am using a Chord Qutest as my current DAC.
@antigrunge2 I get a lot of times where the app and the web browser version (Mac Safari) both stop communicating with the server. My iPad is brand new with the latest iOS. I updated to the latest Innuos 2.0.6 and updated the Sense app yesterday and seems to have gotten worse. Just tired of all the hassle and waiting for the changes. Music is not fun anymore when I listen on the Innuos, just frustrating.

If you already have a Roon license, then why not go with a Intel fanless NUC? And add Fidelizer PRO.

You might want to talk to Benjamin from Mojo Audio about his Deja Vu Server. I ordered a refurbished used model with the latest JCAT USB and Ethernet cards, which I hope to receive in the next couple of weeks. He has a 45 full refund policy so you lose nothing by trying (except shipping). I look forward to seeing how it compares with the Innuos Zen MkIII that I am currently using. I was very impressed with the improvement in sound quality of the Zen after upgrading to Innuos 2.0.5 (didn't know about 2.0.6). Of course the Deja Vu with the JCAT upgrades is considerably more expensive than the Zen and Zenith. You will certainly have a very interesting conversation if you call him and he is very responsive.

Wolf Audio servers are reputed to be very good and worth a look, but you’d still need a streamer that I’d defer to the recommendations above.  I will say it seems odd that you’re having such an issue with the Zenith.  Have you checked the quality of your internet service or spoken to Innuos about the problem?  This seems like it should be fixable somehow.  Anyway, best of luck.

I am happy with my Small Green Computer (SGC) Sonictransporter i5 and MicroRendu streamer. This bundle has the UltraRendu. https://www.smallgreencomputer.com/collections/recommended-solutions/products/premier-server-player-combo-sonictransporter-i5-ultrarendu-7v-linear-power-supply?variant=12400215719970
The Sonictransporter is like the Roon Nucleus+ (my other suggestion) for less money. I plug an external ripping drive in to rip CDs; the ripper doesn’t need to be built in. I have a 2TB internal SSD for storage.

The Wyred4Sound server is the other one I considered. Darko gave it a good review. https://wyred4sound.com/products/music-servers/ms

Both are ROON servers. I’m committed to Roon. Aurenders get good reviews, as so others, but they run their own apps (ie, Conductor, for Aurender) and they are not Roon.

The Wyred would probably go in your rack (and does have more connection options, like I2S), but the SonicT doesn’t need to. I have it placed near my modem/router across the room, and run an ethernet to my DAC, and the Rendu takes the ethernet signal and feeds it to the DAC, https://positive-feedback.com/industry-news/sonore-microrendu-version-1-5/

Darko review of the previous gen Rendu: https://darko.audio/2017/01/classy-sonores-microrendu-takes-digital-audio-higher/