Why? I save 5,000 by getting the Esoteric which has the same DAC as its 20,000 dollar top of their line N-01XD.
Innuous Zenith Mk3 and Phoenix vs Esoteric N-05XD
I own the Zenith and Phoenix, came from computer audio and was amazed at the quality difference these made, along with upgraded power cords, to transform my 20 year old system (which doesn’t even have my Krell amp in it..repair) into a very pleasing sound. The downside of owning these (it’s only been about 6 weeks) is that after using Audirvana (with computer) the Innuous Sense app drove me crazy. I’ve been told that this is one of the better softwares for controlling music compared to others...one man’s ceiling is another man’s floor. It drove me crazy and still has limited to no library management tools but it looks pretty with album cover displays and black background.
I’m being urged by a digital expert friend to trade that in for Esoteric 05-XD. He says it has world class DAC and i wouldn’t need to spend any more money. Scenario two is to keep the Innuous and spend at least 5,000 or more on new DAC (i am using 12 year old original PS Audio Perfect Wave DAC) My friend believes that even with new DAC and more money, that i won’t beat the Esoteric. For about the same additional money I could buy a Master Clock for the Esoteric and improve even more, he says. My problem is I can’t audition the Esoteric nor do I relish the idea of starting over on a new software wondering what it looks like, how it works and whether I’ll be as frustrated in the use of it as I was with Innuos’s Sense. Sound quality is number one for me but this recent experience of being so frustrated in making playlists as me wondering about usability along with sound quality. I would love the group's thoughts as all this is completely new to me, and is not my style to change something so quickly.
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@bossa : I have the N-01XD. Not the same DAC as the N-05XD. For sure. Great streaming DAC nonetheless. I you only need a streamer, not a server (Zennith does both), then I would tend to agree that replacing the Zennith + Phoenix + your existing PS Audio DAC with the N-05xd is a good move. |
I would keep the Innuos and get a better DAC. I own the Innuos (Mini and Zen 3), and I find them very capable. Albeit, I use Roon and not the Sense app, so I don't know what you are dealing with in that case. As far as DAC's go, the Ayre QB-9 Twenty, would be a great choice (I use it). And, can be had for less than $2K used. My main reason for going with separates is that DAC technology is constantly changing/improving. By having separates, you'll be able to keep pace with those changes. As far as the Innuos goes, I would look for the Phoenix units. The USB really improves sound quality, and the Ethernet one (which I just demoed today at Audioconnection) really, really cleans up the signal, as well. Yup, spend more money, but if you want to maximize what you own, these are great add-ons. Lastly, if you want to just have an All-In-One, get the Aurilic G.1.1. For $3.5K you get everything you need to stream, and get outstanding sound. I listened to this today, as well, and was wowed. Bob |
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