Innuos SPDIF Board

Output Module for STREAM1, STREAM3, ZEN Next-Gen, and ZENith Next-Gen

Not every DAC has USB. Plenty of excellent digital processors, preamplifiers, and integrated amplifiers accept only S/PDIF — coaxial, optical, or AES/EBU. The SPDIF Board gives any STREAM or ZEN Next-Gen server all three outputs from a single module with its own independent power supply.

The Engineering

The independent power supply keeps noise from the host chassis out of the digital output stage — the same philosophy that runs through the entire Innuos platform. Gold-plated connectors throughout. PCM up to 24bit/192kHz, which is the ceiling for S/PDIF as a protocol regardless of implementation. There's no headroom left on the table.

Three Situations Where This Is the Right Call

First: your DAC's S/PDIF inputs sound better than its USB input in your system — this happens more often than people expect, particularly with older or budget DAC implementations where USB was an afterthought. Second: you're connecting to a digital processor or integrated amplifier with no USB input at all. Third: you want a second simultaneous output — optical to a headphone DAC while another module handles your primary path.

Press Recognition

The SPDIF Board has been mentioned in reviews of the STREAM and ZEN Next-Gen platforms by Hifi News and Hi-Fi+. Reviewers noted it as the practical solution for S/PDIF-only setups and praised the independent power supply as a genuine sonic benefit over typical server outputs.

Specifications

• Outputs: AES/EBU (XLR), Coaxial S/PDIF (RCA), Optical S/PDIF (TOSLINK)
• PCM support: Up to 24bit/192kHz
• Power supply: Optimized independent supply
• Connectors: Gold-plated
• Compatible: STREAM1, STREAM3, ZEN Next-Gen, ZENith Next-Gen
• Installation: Factory-fitted at purchase or retrofitted later

Unsure whether your DAC's coaxial or AES input will outperform its USB input with an Innuos source? We've compared both in a number of systems and can give you an honest read — reach out.