Innuos Phoenix Review - Delightful Digital! Once you Re-clock, it's hard to stop. Polish that USB!

#Innuos #hifi #audiophile
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Hello everybody, and welcome to our review of the rather excellent, (but eye wateringly expensive) Innuos Phoenix USB Reclocker!
For the audiophile who wants to chase the best digital has to offer and is willing to pay top dollar for the final 10%! I like it...but I'm a mad audiophile!
Tested using:
Dynaudio Heritage Specials
Triangle Borea BR02
PS Audio P12 powerplant
Mola Mola Tambaqui Dac
Sonore Optical Rendu streamer
NAD C298
Synthesis A50 Taurus - Integrated Tube Amp (KT88)
Audioquest Go 4 speaker cables
Atlas 4dd power cable
Supra Ethernet cable

[@fletchermunson6225]

Thanks David. Always good to see your reviews. Small things matter. Yesterday I changed out the cable between my Bluesound Node and the Gungnir DAC going from a Gotham cable to one made in Sweden and the music became more lively and interesting. The toe started tapping and I was very pleased...for now. You know how that goes.

[@larazss3254]

Great review, thank you!

[@SmallRoomAudio]

Thank you 🙏 😊 👍

[@70grade37]

What about if you use the Innuos Pulsar (Step down from the Statement) with the Phoenix?? Worth it OR does the Pulsar do the Job just fine and there wouldn't be that big of increase in sound quality?
Thank you

[@SmallRoomAudio]

Not heard it yet, hopefully I’ll find out!

[@jim586]

Hi there.
Good channel with a balanced view.
The Mutec MC-3+ does the same job (or better) for under £1000. The better bit is it’s connectivity, as it also reclocks coaxial and aes, so it’s more versatile.
Cheers

[@SmallRoomAudio]

Thanks for the kind words Jim - I’ll have to check the Mutec out! 👍

[@Shoaibexpert]

Great review. IFI Zen Stream has a USB cleaner and a basic reclocker embedded with LPSU addition possibility for $399. I have 2 and it's a no brainer...

[@CedricRachmad]

Loved the sound of the ifi but sooo buggy. How is it nowadays?

[@IrenESorius]

Interesting. 👍‍‍👍‍‍

[@nespressoman]

Absolutely brilliant review, thank you.

[@SmallRoomAudio]

Thank you very much 😃 🙏

[@nespressoman]

@@SmallRoomAudio You’re welcome. I am so tempted to buy the Innuos Phoenix USB. I don’t understand why this is needed with my Zen 3 streamer though. Surely that already has a great-sounding USB-Out? Boys toys, sigh!

[@SmallRoomAudio]

@@nespressoman It’s never ending, but that’s part of the fun and the addiction of the hobby! Enjoy the music 😊

[@dajikbatarang1]

Very interesting product. You are right, this is probably the last thing to add to your system if at all.

[@SmallRoomAudio]

Definitely into the territory of diminishing returns!

[@Grizzly1644]

It’s been sometime since you reviewed this unit. Have you by any chance compared this device to the Intona 7055B which by the description you provided adds similar benefits.
I would also be interested in an SoTM USB Tx comparison. But there are already a few on the web….
Thanks for the review.

[@CedricRachmad]

With I2S in the mix there is a possible improvement over other connectors?? Would be an extra reason for me to add a reclocker before Ferrum Wandla.

[@rlowes]

I have the opticalRendu as well. Fantastic unit and by far my favourite streamer (this is my 5th or 6th streamer including other Sotm and Sonore products). Definitely seems like overkill to have to reclock its output however. Have you tried alternative power supplies for the Rendu, or your SFP optical converter/router, to get a similar effect?

[@SmallRoomAudio]

Hi Rick - yes I’ve tried different LPS options, but I haven’t been able to replicate the Phoenix’s output. It’s a pricey additional box, and definitely not a necessity, but worth trying if you get the chance.

[@brandonburr4900]

Seeing you have a sonore optical rendu I would have thought you would have a review of the streamer? Have a plan for a review of it? How long you had it? Prefer it over other options you have had? I have thought about getting one since I have a micro rendu. Also thought about stepping up to a innuos Zen mk3 . Thanks!

[@SmallRoomAudio]

I’ve had it for about a year - love it! If you check out the 13th note HiFi channel you can see Simon’s streamer shoot out - it’s my optical rendu streamer that topped the list when he borrowed it from me! I’ll get round to reviewing it eventually, just got loads of others to do - I tend to review the things I’ve purchased slower than the items I’m lent by manufacturers as you only get a set time to evaluate the product

[@CedricRachmad]

Im in the same boat upgrading from innuos pulsemini. I do love the innuos software and it sounds better than roon. Doubting if I just add a lpsu instead of the replacing with Zen mk3

[@nonchalantd]

❤

[@andrewmorgan7919]

I’m sure it’s great but given what this hobby seems to be costing you I wonder if a better upgrade may be a BIGGER ROOM?

[@SmallRoomAudio]

Haha fair point, although property costs a fair bit more than this - maybe one day, although then I’d have to change the channel name to ‘moderately sized room audio’ which isn’t quite so snappy! 😉

[@Grizzly1644]

@@SmallRoomAudio small rooms work just fine.
I have rather large speakers in my small room too. Enjoy the music.

[@phototristan]

This seems way overpriced at like $3800 US

[@net_news]

pi2aes, game over

[@Grizzly1644]

The pi2aes is amazing. Makes fun of streamers up to $3000. The only issue is it doesn’t help USB. Especially important if you are running a multi-way active setup via USB.

[@AudriusN]

so much snake oil

[@richardwigley]

What a load of utter nonsense. A total con product

[@TheMagician123456789]

Absolute snake oil.