Innuos Zenith Mk3 or something else?

Mahughes the two servers do sound different and after I took delivery of my Aeon in 2019 a new clock board became available.

Evo do not not reclock but directly clock the USB board , the topology of this server is different of course however I had the new clock board installed by the dealer later further upgrades to the SSD and CPU including firmware updates, it’s a progressive design.

Initially when Innuos released their , “I felt very expensive reclocker”the Phoenix plus the added cost of a 2nd quality USB cable and a decent power cord brought the cost over $4,000.00 USD was a turn off for me which sparked an interest what was available in another brand of server in and around the price of the Zenith and Phoenix combined .
With some back and forth chatting a local dealer lent me the Aeon to  compare with my Zenith and as good as the Zenith is the Aeon much better and the sound was different which I preferred this was before the new clock board and other updates to the Aeon .  

Fast forward to today I now use a Innuos Statement that I like very much , it is a clear upgrade from the Evo Aeon for about the same price on the used market as a new Evo Aeon .

There are a few claims the Phoenix with the Zenith will get you 90 % of the performance of the Innuos Statement for thousands less , maybe, maybe not anyway the best way to determine what’s best for you is to actually listen to said components in your own system of course.

….’maybe, maybe not anyway the best way to determine what’s best for you is to actually listen to said components in your own system of course.’

Amen to that: the Zenith is quite sensitive to tweaking the USB link to the DAC: using an Intona Isolator as well as an Acoustic Revive RUT-1 Terminator helps quite a bit. I use a two pronged USB cable with the second leg providing clean 5V to the Dac. Furthermore setting it on a proper isolation platform helps as well: I use a Gingko Audio platform with good results. Finally putting an Acoustic Revive REM8 EMF canceller under the torroidal clears up fuzziness.

I strongly agree with the recommendation to demo a server/streamer in your home system before making a purchase, but that can often be difficult to do. For the month of November, Innuos has a promo through authorized dealers to encourage potential users to demo or purchase any of their units for chances to win a free unit. (I'm guessing that chances to win will be pretty slim, however.) I know that some dealers will set up an in-home demo, but most will rely on in-store demos.

I have never heard an Evo Aeon or an Innuos Zenith so I won't pretend to know how they sound. However, I bought an Innuos Zen when I was looking for servers under $3k and wanting a unit that sounded clear but smooth and non-digital. My dealer recommended the Zen as the "sweet spot" in the Innuos line and as sounding fuller and less edgy than the Lumin servers they also carried. I later added the Phoenix USB reclocker to optimize the USB signal path, and the new Innuos Sense software has taken my system to an even higher level.

Just to further reinforce the reason for an in-home demo, I have noticed that it's common for Agon members to throw out a quick comment about sound comparisons (e.g., "Gear A destroys Gear B") without always specifying how the gear differs in sound. For me, I look for sound that is smooth, full, dynamic, and natural while providing enough transparency and detail to sound "real" but not so much that it sounds "bright" or "edgy." In contrast, I know listeners who want maximum detail because that's what they like and that's what their system thrives on.

So be sure to buy gear that you like - not just the gear that someone on Agon likes. 

"My dealer recommended the Zen as the "sweet spot" in the Innuos line and as sounding fuller and less edgy than the Lumin servers they also carried. "

Would anyone else characterize the sound of Lumin servers as "edgy"? I have been seriously eyeing the T2. If this is the case I may have to go back to my original choice in the Auralic Altair. 

I have been using the Zenith Mk2 for some years and am very impressed. Both the sound and ease of use are excellent. Ripping really couldn't be easier. I believe the Mk 3 is a reasonable step up, incorporating many of the upgrades in the Zenith SE.

I have been trying to audition the Phoenix for some years. the epidemic has stopped several attempts, but I finally borrowed one for a weekend, expecting to be impressed. Was I? I'm afraid not, yes I could hear a difference, slightly better depth, a bit better dynamics. But worth to me, the significant cost, I'm afraid not. That's just me, I know others have been very impressed. I read one review suggesting you need a very good DAC to appreciate the difference. Whilst my Chord Qutest punches above it's weight, I'd be the first to admit it's not state of the art.