Innuos PULSE Mini?

@soix and @charles1dad I'm following this discussion closely.   Both the rip or not rip, and the entry level or the next step up question.  What do you think about the minis in either line with the added LPS in lieu of the pricier step ups? The Zen mini and Zen mini S with LPS seem quite the value.  I'm an Orchid, Grannyring modded DAC user so I too do not have USB.

Far be if from me to have an opinion on these but I'm also seeing recent endorsements from long-term Agonners with stellar reputation that Innuos 2.0 sounds fantastic.

@charles1dad That is one beautiful piece of work, and goodonya for supporting our friends in Ukraine in this difficult time. 

@akgwhiz If you’re interested in ripping I think the Zen is the better value than the Zen Mini because you don’t need to buy the extra LPS, which makes the price differential between the two to be negligible.  Buy a DDC like the Singxer SU6 or Musician Pisces/Denafrips Iris and it’ll convert the USB from the Innuos to SPDIF, AES/EBU, or i2S your DAC can then use.  That’s what I’d do.  Hope this helps. 

@soix

Thank you. Abbas requires a 3 month build period due to the labor intensity. There were just a couple of delays due to blackouts after attacks Abbas told me. I’m very grateful he has stayed “relatively “ safe through these ongoing war conditions and find a way to continue working.

I hope to have it in my audio system in a couple of weeks. I believe that it will pair wonderfully with the Pro-Ject RS2T transport and server/network player once chosen (So many intriguing choices). I’ve decided to pursue wireless Wi-Fi via mesh routers. LAN cable connecting mesh with streaming unit.

I have received very positive feedback from those who successfully stream in this manner. As always, implementation is paramount to achieve a good outcome. CD spinning sounds splendid in my system but I am looking forward to exploring Tidal/Qobuz and internet radio.

Charles

@akgwhiz 

Far be if from me to have an opinion on these but I'm also seeing recent endorsements from long-term Agonners with stellar reputation that Innuos 2.0 sounds fantastic

Yes, this is why I am looking forward to subsequent feedback on the new Innuos Pulse units. High interest in Aurender as well. Also a network player from the Netherlands has caught my interest. I’ll have to be patient with the selection process.

Charles 

@charles1dad 

agreed , in particular I’d be curious to compare the new Pulse (not the mini) with the new-ish Aurender N150 streaming-only unit.

seems that those two share a similar feature set , although the Aurender uses a monochromatic screen vs the Pulse not having a screen.  Also the N150 is usb out only.

If one is streaming only and not using Roon, I wonder which of the interfaces (Sense or Conductor) is a better experience ?

im coming from an Ifi zen stream so either unit would be a big step up for me .  At $3250 and $3500 respectively they aren’t insignificant investments.