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Aurender N20 versus Innuos Zen NG

Yes, I am addicted to this hobby, and I am enjoying it.

Based on some posts that I read here, I tried a DH Labs Silver Sonic D-110 AES/EBU Digital Cable connecting my Innous Pulse with the Bricasti M1S2 DAC. I a/b tested this cable versus the Innuos Phoenix USB using Pine Tree Audio USB cords and also Cardis Clear USB cords.  I heard essentially no difference between the Pine Tree and Cardis Clear cables with the Phoenix USB, and without it. The Phoenix USB was definitely an improvement over not having it in the system.

However, I was amazed at the difference I heard with the DH Labs Silver Sonic D-110 AES cable versus the Phoenix USB. After several days of a/b listening I sold the Phoenix USB for just a bit over what I purchased it for.

My preamp is the LTA MicroZOTL Level 2. I have committed to upgrading to the Level 3 in a couple of months. The next item on my upgrade path will be my streamer. The Innous Pulse is nice, but I know I can do better. I am not pleased with my Synology NAS system for my CD files. I need a better solution. The SACD player is still in play for the time being until I find a better file solution.

I appreciate the Innuos Sense app. So much better than any other I have tried. I have heard good things regarding the Conductor app as well. I have several friends that have abandoned their lifetime memberships with Roon so I am not inclined to explore that rabbit hole.

The Innuos Zen NG looks great according to all I have read. Multiple dealers have told me they can detect no difference between the Zen NG and the Zenith NG, and that the Statement NG is better, but only for the most extreme systems.

The Aurender N20 is approximately the same price as the Innuos Zen NG when configured similarly (2 TB member and AES upgrade for the Zen NG). The higher level Aurender players have similar feedback from dealers, in that they are a bit better than the N20, but only in the absolute pinnacle of systems. The Aurender is a slightly better deal used, but only because there are essentially no Zen NG units available since it is still so new. The N20 is a few years out and the ones that are available are typically from people that have upgraded with the Aurender family.

I am certain there are a few members that been able to compare the Zen NG with the N20. I am looking for your opinions. It is proving to be difficult to have both systems here at the same time to do a proper a/b test. At best I will be able to a/b either unit with the existing Pulse which I anticipate should be no contest.

Your thoughts and suggestions? Am I missing any other units to look at? Please do not suggest any units that need to run Roon. I will not mess with that.

Thanks!

thriftyaudio
ghdprentice
7,779 posts
 

I am very much an Aurender fan. From sound quality, build, service and the Conductor app. I have two and heard many others. In my system the quality and tone equal my very high quality vinyl system. However I have not heard the Zen. 

I often start with AI. Typically it is good with fuzzy stuff. Then I verify the summary they give. I cannot fault the Aurrender side of this someone will have to confirm the Zen side. 

Both the Aurender N20 and Innuos Zen NG are high-end music servers/streamers, but they cater to slightly different preferences in sound quality and functionality.

Aurender N20

The Aurender N20 is praised for its precision and clarity. It features an oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) clock, which significantly reduces jitter, resulting in a more stable and accurate sound2. The N20 delivers a transparent and detailed musical presentation, with a focus on dynamics and separation. Its AES/EBU, BNC, coaxial, and optical outputs provide flexibility and superior sound quality. Users often describe the sound as immersive, with a clean and refined bass response3.

Innuos Zen NG

The Innuos Zen NG, on the other hand, emphasizes neutrality and transparency. It incorporates advanced tuning and customizations on its mainboard, along with NGaN regulation and firmware-level AudioCore, which enhance sound precision5. The Zen NG is known for its effortless and natural sound, with a blacker background and improved sound staging. It offers a slightly warmer and more analog-like tonality compared to other models in the Innuos lineup5.

Key Differences

  • Aurender N20: Ideal for those seeking a highly detailed and dynamic sound with robust bass clarity.

  • Innuos Zen NG: Perfect for listeners who prefer a neutral, transparent, and analog-like sound with a focus on soundstage and naturalness.

Both are exceptional choices, but the decision ultimately depends on your personal sound preferences and system compatibility. Which one aligns more with your taste?

thriftyaudio's avatar
thriftyaudio OP
103 posts
 

@ghdprentice Thank you for the AI info. They both sound wonderful. I guess that is why I am having trouble deciding. The process will take a few months.

marco1's avatar
marco1
612 posts
 

This is an interesting question.  I have not compared the N20 to the NG but I did compare the N20 to the Innuos Pulsar.  It was in a dealers showroom so the audition only lasted a couple of hours with components I really wasn’t that familiar with.  But I ended up buying the Pulsar which I guess says it all for me. If you like the sound of your Pulse (and Sense) you might try listening to the Pulsar if you haven’t already.  I have not had a Pulse in my system but I did compare it to the Pulsar and the Pulsar is a big, big step up.

rick_n's avatar
rick_n
324 posts
 

I just did an inhouse demo of the N20 vs Pulsar, I couldn't get a Zen next-gen.  My key takeaway was that the Pulsar was more detailed, forward in the room and leaner than the N20.  The N20 was notably thicker and smoother, bigger bottom end and less sparkle up top.

This may be a non-issue but I preferred how the N20 connected to internet radio and Airplay (etc.), the Pulsar was finicky.  

They are very different sounding units.  Good luck and cheers!

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