2. digital
  3. 179911-125055

Innuos Statement vs Zenith Mk3 + PhoenixUSB

Has anyone compared the sound quality of the Innuos Statement vs the Zenith Mk 3 + PhoenixUSB, on a fairly revealing system? I’ve read several pro reviewers saying the boost in sound quality moving to the Statement is pretty small. One reviewer even said it was hard for him to hear the improvement of the Statement over the Zenith Mk3 + PhoenixUSB, but thought the Statement may have been slightly better. I also have the PhoenixNET.

My question pertains to the original Statement without the new next gen power supply upgrade. But, if anyone has experience with the next gen upgrade I’d be interested in that as well. The difference the upgrade makes is clearly audible on the YouTube demo comparisons, so I imagine the benefit in real life goes much further.

 

nyev
mahughes
171 posts
 

Yes, I’ve read elsewhere that the Phoenix will take you 85% of the way to the Statement and I don’t think that’s too far off. Having heard both it’s certainly understandable. What I would say is that it’s only true if the rest of your system is working as it ought though. If something isn’t quite right you’ll soon know about it.

nyev OP
1,031 posts
 

@mahughes yep that makes sense.  Pretty certain at this point I’m not chasing any issues in components or cabling (after many years of doing so…)..

gdnrbob
4,444 posts
 

I own both the Zen Mini with Power supply and Phoenix USB, and the Zenith MK 3 (without the Phoenix USB). As they are 2 different systems, I didn't bother to make the comparisons, as I get tired of moving equipment and cables around.

What I can say is the Phoenix USB did make a noticeable difference in sound quality, for the better. I really should move it to the Zenith and see if it does the same.

Considering the sizable price increase between the Zenith and Statement, and the fact that some reviewers find it not a significant upgrade, would give me pause.

In fact, I ended up moving up the DAC chain and got a Brinkmann Nyquist II to replace the Ayre QB-9 Twenty. It was quite significant upgrade in sound reproduction.

I have no doubt that Innuos believes it's Statement is as good as they believe it to be. But, the amount that it will 'improve' your system is dependent upon you are using, as well as how good your hearing is. 

Bob

More to discover