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"Remarkable" Network Switch Design Focuses Exclusively on Audio Use
PhoenixNET is an audiophile-grade network switch that Innuos designed from the ground up for network audio.
The PhoenixNET is the realization of Innuos' philosophy of simplicity and signal purity applied to the network switch. Having started with improvements to the Ethernet ports' clock on our flagship Statement, Innuos has now taken the concept to the next level with a completely new network switch design that focuses exclusively on audio use.
Typical IT network switches/routers are designed with the sole purpose of taking data from A to B with a noise floor and precision that is "enough" for the rate of transmission. This is fine for data networks, but when sensitive components such as DACs and preamplifiers are involved, it can have an audible impact on sound quality.
"A Remarkable Masterpiece of Design and Engineering"
"The PhoenixNET exceeds the typical features of an audiophile Ethernet switch and stands as a remarkable masterpiece of design and engineering. Innuos has spared no expense in crafting a device that is both aesthetically and sonically pleasing.," notes Jay Luong, audiobacon.net, April 12, 2023.
"Let me start my conclusion by saying that before I had the PhoenixNET in my system, I listened to streaming music about 20% of the time and digital downloads the rest of the time. With the PhoenixNET, this ratio has completely flipped. I also have not purchased a single download since putting the PhoenixNET in my system," reports theaudiobeatnik.com, January 18, 2022.
"The answer is an emphatic yes. So, did this difference improve the sound? I used a trial-and-error method to get my answer…. Not only did it make a huge difference in the sound of music that I streamed, it also has the long-term potential to save me a lot of money that I would have spent on digital downloads."
Four Areas of Noise Reduction
The design of the Innuos PhoenixNET is focused on four areas of noise reduction: the switch chip and associated circuitry, the clock, power, and vibration.
"I was utterly surprised by how much additional performance this still compact modestly dressed box managed to squeeze from my own rig, just as its USB sibling more than two years ago," reports Dawid Grzyb, HiFi Knights, January 15, 2023.
"Let me stress that I’m fully aware that in theory network switches shouldn’t make any audible difference at all, but that’s just not my subjective experience. The way I see it, Innuos PhoenixNET fared brilliantly where it mattered most so did the exact opposite. That’s the takeaway and those who already consider such products meaningful will know what to do with it."
Minimizing Network Switch Noise
A simpler 100mbps network switch chip results in lower operating noise floor compared to Gigabit Network switch chip with no internal switching regulators. All three independent voltages supplied by internal Statement-grade linear power supply with independent ultra-low noise regulation.
Massive individual Network Isolation Transformers provide further isolation from noise coming from a router or connected devices.
Just the right amount of individually shielded, high quality ethernet ports soldered directly to the board with no ethernet activity lights, because blinking LEDs introduce considerable electrical noise.
PhoenixNET provides EMI absorption at the right places, so that interference produced can be captured before influencing other components.
"It’s Extremely Good at the Job"
"You need a good system to do this, of course, but if you have one adding a switch that minimises the noise floating around the network is more than the icing on the audio cake, it feels like a critical element, the missing link between the recording and the listening experience," observes Jason Kennedy, Hi-Fi+, December 20, 2021.
"The PhoenixNet is an expensive switch with the minimum of ports but it’s extremely good at the job thanks to its dedicated nature, if you want to know what your streaming system is really capable of, I recommend you have a listen."
Increased Clocking Precision and Stability
PhoenixNET uses the same 3ppb 25MHz OCXO oscillator as is employed in the Innuos Statement music server, individually powered by its own linear power supply and connected directly to the network switch chip. This avoids precision losses that can result from using external master clocks.
Pristine Power Supply for the Components
Two independent Statement-grade linear power supplies with Mundorf Caps provide pristine power to the switch components. These individually power the OCXO clock and the main board, keeping the power path short with less opportunity for EMI contamination.
Component Vibration Minimization
Two independent Statement-grade linear Potential sources of vibration are managed at three levels. Anti-vibration feet are tuned to the resonant frequency of the chassis, while a top cover treatment converts vibration captured from sound waves into small amounts of heat. Finally, sturdy RJ45 ports with silicone connection to the chassis provide further vibration reduction.
"Took the Sound in a Far More Natural Direction"
"My Innuos PhoenixNET network isolation switch arrived yesterday. Without even any break in, the results are sublime. It took all the benefits of the PhoenixUSB and added to them in a way that took the sound in a far more natural direction," observes reviewer Nyev, Audiogon Forum, June 17, 2022.
"Pro reviewers describe the sound as 'analog' to use that cliche. Another said more specifically, it is like a highest quality tape recording. I’d agree, but there is of course zero noise. My system just sounds like music now without any hint of nasty 'HiFi' qualities."
"The upgrade transcends the usual hi-fi descriptions," observes Blackmorec, whatsbestforum.com, February 24, 2023. "The music sound more like musicians playing instruments – i.e., it's more like ‘a trombone playing music’ than it is ‘music made by a trombone.' The music sounds like its being freshly created by the musicians."
"In addition the playing venue and all its reverberations and characteristics are more clearly portrayed. In other words you hear music being played in a venue that is most definitely not your room."
Sense 3.2 App Available Now!
Innuos is proud to announce the release of Sense 3.2, the latest version of its in-house developed control software. Key highlights from this free update include:
IDAGIO Classical Streaming –Sense now supports IDAGIO streaming to provide a new option to enjoy a richer classical music experience.
Innuos Multiroom Grouping – This update allows grouping of Innuos streamers and SqueezeLite players for synchronized playback across the entire network, throughout your home.
Innuos Multiroom Grouping – This update allows grouping of Innuos streamers and SqueezeLite players for synchronized playback across the entire network, throughout your home.
'Now Playing' to TV Casting – Show off the 'Now Playing' screen of Sense app to a larger audience through Chromecast-enabled displays.
