Best Server Currently to replace the Zenith SE

[vortecjr]

On 5/21/2020 at 6:47 PM, Yorkshireman said:

I'm looking to replace my Innuos Zenith SE and was hoping to get some advice from the good people of Audiophile Style on whether I should go for the Innuos Statement or if there is currently a better alternative at a similar price point.

 

I am not techy enough to build my own custom made server so will have to rely on an off the shelf ready to go option.

 

All feedback, advice and opinions are welcomed.

Maybe describe the rest of the system...DAC, per-amp, amp, etc.

[vortecjr]

23 hours ago, Yorkshireman said:

I currently have two systems on the go on the digital side of things both using the Zenith SE as a source component.

 

System1. 

Zenith SE > Allnic D5000 dac using Tellurium Q Black USB > Naim Nac 52 Pre amp using Custom HiFi Cables Silver RCA - DIn cable > Naim Snaxo Crossover > 4x Naim Nap 135 Mono Blocks > Naim SBL speakers using Naim Nac A5 speaker cable.

 

System 2.

Zenith SE > Chord M Scaler using Tellurium Q Black USB > Chord Hugo TT2 dac > Allnic T2000 KT150 Integrated amplifier using Tellurium Q Ultra Silver XLR > Naim SBL speakers using Naim Nac A5 speaker cable. (currently looking for a new speaker for this system and a new speaker cable to go with them).

 

All currently powered using a Musicline Powerigel (hedgehog) 6 way mains block.

 

As I normally use the Zenith for playback from the SSD I haven't really spent a lot of time or money on upgrading and improving of the internet switch side of things but will be looking into trying to make improvements in this area going forward.

What's wrong with the current server?  

[vortecjr]

33 minutes ago, Yorkshireman said:

Nothing but If I don't upgrade mine in the near future it will become less valuable on the secondhand or part exchange market and it will be become more expensive to upgrade and also I can currently afford to upgrade and know that the Statement (will be) or Taiko Audio mini/Jr (should be) an improvement.

 

My current Server is OK and I've not had any problems with it but I feel ready to go to the next level and try and improve the SQ.

You will be in the same predicament in six months because these servers are based in part on computer hardware which is constantly changing. Your decision should be based on the capability and performance of the unit as a whole since you are using it as server and player/renderer. I decouple the server from the player/renderer in the my system over the network. This allows me to consider server capabilities separately from the player/renderer performance.         

[vortecjr]

37 minutes ago, matthias said:

 

Several audiophiles found now that when the server has a certain quality level the server alone does sound better than as a combo with an additional endpoint.

 

Matt

Several influencers vs several thousands customers:) I respect their decision to spend good money chasing their tails, but I can't in good faith recommend it to people because it's not necessary.