Description
Main Features
01.
Innuos NGaN PSU
New cutting-edge Gallium Nitride power regulation stage to enhance the RECAP2 linear power modules with a tuned switching frequency offering much lower power supply impedance for a more transparent sound with better instrument separation.
02.
Innuos PreciseAudio Mainboard
An all-new custom server-grade mainboard, ultra-tuned for low processor latency, power noise and EMI emissions; further improved by enhanced power regulators and solid capacitors.
03.
High Performance, Low Power
New generation of Intel Core i3 combining 4 physical cores with 4 virtual cores for responsive speeds yet low heat dissipation, enhanced with Innuos AudioCore providing separate cores dedicated only to audio processes. Supported with 16GB of industrial-grade low-noise DDR4 RAM allowing to cache more databases and files for a speedy response.
04.
Modular Architecture
You can configure the ZEN NG as a Music Server/Streamer, Server-only or Streamer-only easily. Choose between no storage or up to 16TB configurations and optional audio output slot for different modules such as USB, I2S, or AES/Coaxial/Optical SPDIF.
05.
Dedicated OS SSD
Dedicated industrial-grade 3D TLC SSD for the OS with power-loss protection to prevent any issues with the system in case of a power cut. Extremely low levels of power consumption, electrical noise and thermal output.
06.
Innuos XSM
High Performance Expandable Storage Management System (XSM) allows a single pool of storage from multiple drives. The ZEN NG supports an internal, high performance NVMe PCIe drive up to 8TB with an additional externally accessible M.2 NVMe slot for up to 8TB for a total 16TB of seamless storage. Intelligent management and data protection provided through Sense.
07.
Premium Chassis
Newly-designed 10mm thick CNC-machined bead-blasted and anodized aluminium chassis, containing new vibration-dampened transformer platform and with Chassis Ground port connection.
08.
Sense 3
Unique benefits for the ZEN NG and ZENith NG through Sense 3, including new Real-Time Kernel, lowering latency even further for the core Operating System, AudioCore for audio process to run in dedicated physical cores, Expandable Storage Management interface, and new CD-ripping via external USB drives with drive-head alignment for accurate ripping.
09.
Upgradeable
The modular construction of the chassis and components means the ZEN NG can be upgraded to a ZENith NG in the future for even better sound quality and performance.
Read Dan’s full review of the Innuos ZEN NG.
The Hidden Home view: Innuos ZEN NG
I reviewed the ZEN NG for our own film, so this is from my own listening. It is a streamer and server with no DAC inside, so it needs a good DAC after it, and I heard it with the Mola Mola Tambaqui. Setting it up was friction-free. Each way of using it is a tick box and everything worked first time, every time. I fitted the PhoenixUSB output board on about day two and never went back because the difference was so remarkable. With that board the sound is detailed and unforced and the high frequencies are an absolute joy.
The two press reviews we found are just as positive. In March 2025 hi-fi+ wrote that it “thoroughly trounced” the older ZEN Mk3. HiFi Pig lived with one for a few weeks and wrote in February 2025 that it could find nothing to fault.
It is worth knowing that there is no CD drive, so ripping needs an external USB drive, and that hi-fi+ later found the dearer ZENith NG a lot better. A ZEN NG can go back to Innuos to be upgraded to one.
So it suits someone who already owns a very good DAC and wants the best from streaming and from stored music. If you have less space or a smaller budget, the Grimm MU2 is the alternative I would point you to. We sell both, so call us and we can compare them in our listening room in Bath.
Sources: hi-fi+, “Innuos ZEN Next-Gen”, 4 March 2025. HiFi Pig, “Innuos Zen Next-Gen”, 27 February 2025. hi-fi+, “Innuos ZENith Next-Gen”, 20 October 2025. Our own review, 6 October 2026.
Read what the critics say about more of our streamers in The Hi-Fi Review Bible.
