Innuos ZEN Mini Mk3 vs Innuos Stream 1: Live Listening Session — Saturday 14th March
We're hosting a dedicated listening session at our Norwich showroom on Saturday 14th March, comparing two of the most talked-about products in the current Innuos range side by side: the Innuos ZEN Mini Mk3 music server and streamer, and the new Innuos Stream 1.
It's a relaxed, drop-in day — come whenever you suit, stay as long as you like. No booking required.
If you're considering a move into serious digital streaming — or wondering whether a newer platform would improve what you already have — this is well worth an hour of your Saturday.
What We'll Be Comparing
Innuos ZEN Mini Mk3 — Music Server, CD Ripper and Streamer
The Innuos ZEN Mini Mk3 is Innuos's entry-level all-in-one music server and streamer. It rips CDs, stores your library internally via SSD (available in 1TB, 2TB, or 4TB), and streams — all from a single compact box. Key features include a custom motherboard with dual Ethernet ports, onboard analogue, optical, and coaxial digital outputs, an integrated DAC, and fanless operation. It supports Qobuz, TIDAL, and Spotify, and works as both a Roon Core and Roon endpoint. An optional linear power supply upgrade (LPSU) is available for those wanting to take it further.
Innuos Stream 1 — New Generation Streamer and Server
Innuos Stream 1 — New Generation Streamer and Server
The Innuos Stream 1 is Innuos's newly launched entry point into their Stream series, and it represents a significant step forward from the previous generation. Built around a 13th Gen Intel Quad-Core processor with 8GB of industrial-grade DDR5 RAM, it delivers processing speeds more than twice as fast as its Mk3 predecessors — something you notice in system responsiveness as much as anything else.
At the heart of its audio performance is the CX Regulator, developed in collaboration with Dr Sean Jacobs, which supplies independent, low-noise power directly to the output module stage. The result is a quieter signal path and a more precise audio output. The Stream 1 ships with USB audio outputs as standard, with optional output modules available — Standard DAC board, Performance DAC board, SPDIF board, or PhoenixUSB board — allowing you to match the output to your existing system or upgrade as your setup evolves.
Storage is handled via an M.2 NVMe SSD expansion bay. Add 1TB, 2TB or 4TB of internal storage and the Stream 1 becomes a fully capable music server, with complete library management through the Innuos Sense app — including metadata, artwork, and playlist tools. NAS drives and USB drives are also supported for those with existing libraries.
CD ripping is available too. Connect a USB optical drive and the Stream 1 uses Innuos's own ripping engine — the same one used across the wider range — to rip CDs directly to internal storage. It draws metadata from Discogs, FreeDB, GD3 and MusicBrainz, so accurate tagging is rarely an issue even with less common releases.
Connectivity includes dual 2.5Gb ethernet ports with a bridged streamer output, USB-C, and multiple USB 3.2 ports. Streaming services supported include Qobuz, TIDAL, Deezer, Spotify Connect, and internet radio. Roon Core and endpoint functionality is included. An optional LPS1 linear power supply is available as a separate upgrade, housed in a matching chassis.
Bring Your Own CD
If you'd like to hear something familiar, bring a CD along. We'll rip it on the Innuos ZEN Mini Mk3 and play back through both units — a straightforward way to hear the difference on music you actually know.
Why Come?
Reading specifications only gets you so far. Hearing both Innuos units back to back, on the same system, with familiar music, tells you considerably more. We'll be running both through the same downstream components so the comparison is as straightforward as possible.
Whether you're currently running a computer, a NAS, or nothing at all as a digital source, this session should give you a clear picture of what a dedicated Innuos music server or streamer actually does for the sound.
We'll also be contacting customers directly ahead of the day — so if you hear from us, that's why.
The Details
Date: Saturday 14th March Format: Drop in any time — open all day Venue: Martin's Hi-Fi, 85–91 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY
Entry is free. No obligation. Free parking is available at the shop.
Call 01603 627010 Email info@martinshifi.co.uk WhatsApp: 07554 687137 Url www.martinshifi.co.uk
