Combination streamer and music server…without DAC

After a long selection period, including a long hearing session comparing Innuos Zenith to 432 Evo Aeon, I got a Zenith MK3 and I am very happy with it. So my recommendation in the price range would be the Zenith.

You can run Qobuz with the Innuos Sense App.  The Sense App sounds better than Roon AND the are no subscription fees.

Rip your files in WAV not FLAC, it definitely sounds better.

Innuos has an Off-line mode that stops the ethernet input from adding noise when playing stored files.  It will bring you much closer to your CD player.

Save some money for an Ethernet filter like the EVO for the last leg.  I am using a SOtM CAT7u, for me it was better than the ENO Ag.

If you don't have a LPS for the EtherRegen your missing out.

@anzaanimalclinic 

+1, Etherregen also loves a good external clock

Leaning towards the Innuos.  I like the EVO too but when reading reviews I’m seeing something about altering the sound by playing back in a different musical key?  I’ve posted my opinion on the EtherRegen elsewhere but to repeat, in my set-up it neither adds or subtracts from the sound.  I noticed no difference.

@8th-note 

I went from a substantially tricked out Mac Mini to an InnuOS Zenith Mk3 and the difference wasn’t small. Digital audio is all about power supplies and superior clocking. Can you try and run your computer from an audiograde LPS? Alternatively use a streamer to check: I doubt that playback from a NAS or harddisk via your Asus shows you the full potential of your very good DAC and downstream equipment.