Stay tuned for more! New series of music streamer/servers

[Stephen Healy]

Hi @Stephen Healy
Now it would be interesting to get complete information about Stream 3.
• What is the difference compared to
Zenith mk3.?

• Performance difference Phoenix USB reclocker vs the built-in USB reclocker.?

• What is the difference between the
different power supplies Zenith mk3 vs
Stream 3.?

• How big is the increasing difference in
sound quality between,.Zenith mk3 vs
Stream3.?

• What is the price of a Stream 3 with
1TB SDD,.to compare against an
equivalent Zenith mk3 with 1TB SSD.?

Other things that differentiate Zenith mk3 from Stream 3.?

I'm still drafting the 'megathread' which will go into more detail, but am conscious i said i would reply today so will have to give very quickfire and short answers:
Generational benefits of Stream vs Mk3 are all on the website; faster, better chassis, modular, optional storage, better PSU, IR control.
External PhoenixUSB still has the edge, so hang to it if you already have one unless you want to downsize and declutter with less boxes and cables.
Stream3 uses very similar PSU to PULSAR.
I cannot quantify sound differences, but its of course decent improvement and markedly so if using the output module.
Prices will be shared by this time tomorrow.

 

[Peanutspal]

So, I use the hd on my zen mini mk3 for my music, with two back up drives. What are the options if i move to a stream 1. It sound like I can add an internal ssd. Would the stream1 be able to play off the backup drive?

 

[ThriftyAudio]

It looks like both the Zen and Pulse lines are replaced by the Stream line. I found the prices for the stream products listed online for a dealer in Washington with the Stream1 @ $2800 and the Stream3 @ $7250. The optional board prices were not listed.

I wonder how the tariffs will impact US pricing?

 

[mooney058]

It looks like both the Zen and Pulse lines are replaced by the Stream line. I found the prices for the stream products listed online for a dealer in Washington with the Stream1 @ $2800 and the Stream3 @ $7250. The optional board prices were not listed.

I wonder how the tariffs will impact US pricing?

Wowsers, if so then not really a Zen Mk3 replacement, more like in between Zenith and Zen NG

 

[Stephen Healy]

Wowsers, if so then not really a Zen Mk3 replacement, more like in between Zenith and Zen NG

Keep in mind Stream series replaces both Mk3 and PULSE series. The base PULSAR RRP is $6649; the Stream3 is $7250 and uses a similar power architecture to PULSAR but has all the generational benefits of much faster performance, full server (UPnP and Roon Core functionality), option to rip CDs, IR remote support, SSD storage bay etc. So for a less than 10% increase, you get many more potential functions/features.
Meanwhile the Stream1 is cheaper than ZEN Mk3...

 

[Stephen Healy]

So, I use the hd on my zen mini mk3 for my music, with two back up drives. What are the options if i move to a stream 1. It sound like I can add an internal ssd. Would the stream1 be able to play off the backup drive?

Yes the Stream1 could play off the USB drive, but that is not really advisable on a long term basis. If you were considering an upgrade via the Stream series, then I would suggest a Stream1 with internal storage and restore your backup into that. You then have scope now or in the future to specialise further an audio output module, and/or the LPS1 upgrade.

 

[mooney058]

Thanks Stephen, do you already have prices in EUR?

 

[Stephen Healy]

Thanks Stephen, do you already have prices in EUR?

Prices went to dealers yesterday so you will now begin to see online listings for the new products with their prices gradually appearing - some are already up now.
In Euros, Stream1 starts at €2250 and Stream3 starts at €5800 (storage and modules, if needed, would be added to this).
LPS1 will be €1150 but we will be carrying on the 'bundle' scheme like we used to have with the ZENmini and LPSU, so becomes €920 if bought with Stream1.

 

[mooney058]

Stephen, hope a not too dumb of a question re LPS1 second output for which tech specs says 5v/12v. 1,.5A output. Would it still work say with Laiv Harmony uDAC that has 15V/2A marking on its back panel? Scratching my head slightly as my streamer and DAC upgrade budget would not stretch to Stream3 and Pontus15th. Instead it looks like Stream1 + LAIV uDAC

 

[Kimb]

Prices went to dealers yesterday so you will now begin to see online listings for the new products with their prices gradually appearing - some are already up now.
In Euros, Stream1 starts at €2250 and Stream3 starts at €5800 (storage and modules, if needed, would be added to this).
LPS1 will be €1150 but we will be carrying on the 'bundle' scheme like we used to have with the ZENmini and LPSU, so becomes €920 if bought with Stream1.

As a owner of zenith mk3 and phoenix usb, a very cost effektive sq upgrade could be, to buy a “bare” zen NG or stream3, as the player via the Phoenix usb and use the mk3 as a NAS/ripper . Then later, if needed to remove the mk3, the zen NG/stream3 can be fitted by me with 4tb m.2 NVme storage and a external optical drive.

 

[mooney058]

As a owner of zenith mk3 and phoenix usb, a very cost effektive sq upgrade could be, to buy a “bare” zen NG or stream3, as the player via the Phoenix usb and use the mk3 as a NAS/ripper . Then later, if needed to remove the mk3, the zen NG/stream3 can be fitted by me with 4tb m.2 NVme storage and a external optical drive.

Why? Strem3 with Pheonix USB board would do the same.

 

[Peder]

Why? Strem3 with Pheonix USB board would do the same

The regular InnuOs Phoenix USB-reclocker is a level higher if I understand @Stephen Healy correctly.

 

[Stephen Healy]

Stephen, hope a not too dumb of a question re LPS1 second output for which tech specs says 5v/12v. 1,.5A output. Would it still work say with Laiv Harmony uDAC that has 15V/2A marking on its back panel? Scratching my head slightly as my streamer and DAC upgrade budget would not stretch to Stream3 and Pontus15th. Instead it looks like Stream1 + LAIV uDAC

It depends, but 15v/2a is obviously more peak potential current than 12v/1.5a can offer, so I think that could be pushing it. Maybe get in touch with them and find out what the typical wattage consumption is under the type of usage you would use, as its quite possible their power intake allows for more headroom than completely needed.

 

[Stephen Healy]

As a owner of zenith mk3 and phoenix usb, a very cost effektive sq upgrade could be, to buy a “bare” zen NG or stream3, as the player via the Phoenix usb and use the mk3 as a NAS/ripper . Then later, if needed to remove the mk3, the zen NG/stream3 can be fitted by me with 4tb m.2 NVme storage and a external optical drive.

Absolutely - that all is correct and sounds like a sensible approach! A 'bare' Stream3 would be very much like adding a PULSAR, but the difference here is that a Stream3 could be adapted to a full-on server with storage, ripping etc. A ZEN Next-Gen would be very similar in functionality to Stream3 but take things even further in terms of sound quality.

 

[Kimb]

The regular InnuOs Phoenix USB-reclocker is a level higher if I understand @Stephen Healy correctly.

Correct, and SQ vise, zen NG is superior to stream3, and can be upgraded to a zenith NG (hieraki as I read it SQ vise; stream1, stream1+lpt1, stream3, zenNG, zenith NG and statement NG)

 

[Stephen Healy]

Why? Strem3 with Pheonix USB board would do the same.

It would bring you close, but the main benefit of this approach would be a reduction in sheer number of boxes and cables etc, so its a question of your specific priorities really. It would be appealing to someone like me who prefers minimalism, but to more 'performance maximisers' the approach outlined by @Kimb would be recommended

 

[tedwoods]

Will a trade-in option towards Stream 3 be given to Pulsar owners?

 

[Stephen Healy]

Will a trade-in option towards Stream 3 be given to Pulsar owners?

Not in the immediate pipeline but some consideration could be put around this. Keep in mind that PULSAR -> Stream3 be more a gain in features/functions rather than SQ but makes sense if there are some aspects of Stream3 you would really like to have (storage, IR remote etc)

 

[ThriftyAudio]

Absolutely - that all is correct and sounds like a sensible approach! A 'bare' Stream3 would be very much like adding a PULSAR, but the difference here is that a Stream3 could be adapted to a full-on server with storage, ripping etc. A ZEN Next-Gen would be very similar in functionality to Stream3 but take things even further in terms of sound quality.

I am very excited regarding the Stream3. It brings together the SQ of the Pulsar (maybe a bit more) with the Zenith Mk3 flexibility. The pricing seems very good. The hard part for me will be choosing between the Stream3 and the ZEN NG in my system. Will the extra $4750 justify the NG? The Stream3 may be the 'just right' spot for many.

 

[Peanutspal]

Yes the Stream1 could play off the USB drive, but that is not really advisable on a long term basis. If you were considering an upgrade via the Stream series, then I would suggest a Stream1 with internal storage and restore your backup into that. You then have scope now or in the future to specialise further an audio output module, and/or the LPS1 upgrade.