INNUOS
Innuos PhoenixUSB reclocker rises
Launching at the Rocky Mountain show this month the Innuos PhoenixUSB reclocker is designed to upgrade the performance of network servers by providing three functions. It’s a USB regenerator, a linear power supply and an external master clock with its own linear power supply. The tech behind these elements is derived directly from Innuos’ flagship Statement network server, one the finest examples of its kind.
The key elements of the PhoenixUSB consist of a USB chip regenerating the signal contains no switching regulators. All three independent voltages to the chip originate from an independent linear power supply with further regulation provided by three sets of LT3045 regulators. A 3PPB OCXO clock running directly at 24MHz and connected via a board track just a couple of inches away from the USB chip. This is so that no precision is lost within cables and connectors, as is the case when using an external master 10MHz clock with an additional 24MHz clock generator.
It has two independent Statement-level linear power supplies, one dedicated to the OCXO clock and the other used for powering the USB chip/5V USB line. While designed to enhance the performance of Innuos servers its USB input means that it should work with a range of network servers. A sample has been requested.
Retail pricing of the new PhoenixUSB Reclocker will be $3,149
PHOENIXUSB RECLOCKER
BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO YOUR DAC
RECLOCK AND REGENERATE THE USB SIGNAL FROM ANY SOURCE
The PhoenixUSB Reclocker takes the USB signal from any source and completely regenerates it to an extremely high-precision signal to feed into your DAC, allowing it to perform at its best.
The PhoenixUSB offers in one unit the equivalent of 3 separate components: A USB regenerator, a linear power supply and an external master clock with its own linear power supply.
Innuos applied 3 main design approaches learning from their experience with the Innuos flagship music server, the STATEMENT:
The USB chip regenerating the signal contains no switching regulators. All 3 independent voltages to the chip originate from an independent linear power supply with further regulation provided by 3 sets of LT3045 regulators.
The use of a 3ppb OCXO clock running directly at 24MHz and connected via a board track just a couple of inches away from the USB chip. Therefore, no precision is lost within cables and connectors, as is the case when using an external master 10MHz clock with an additional 24MHz clock generator.
Two independent Statement-level linear power supplies, one dedicated to the OCXO clock and the other used for powering the USB chip/5V USB line.
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HiFi: Innuos Zen Mini MKIII Review with Phoenix USB Re-Clocker and LSPU.
HiFi: Innuos Zen Mini MKIII Review with Phoenix USB Re-Clocker and LSPU.
By Steve Huff
Hello all fans of HiFi Audio. Today I will be posting another review of two products in HiFi that have really made me appreciate what a digital streamer setup under $5k can really do. For the last few weeks I have been running an Innuos Zen Mini MKIII streamer with the brand new Innuos Phoenix USB Re-Clocker and it has been an enjoyable experience.
(and I did buy both of these pieces after I evaluated them and compared them to what I had on hand, as well as other options).
OUR SERVERS
ZEN MK3 MUSIC SERVERS
The new ZEN Mk3 Music Server Series brings in exciting new improvements in sound quality based on trickle-down technology from our award-winning ZENith SE:
- Custom motherboards with custom firmware on all servers
- Analogue (RCA) and Digital outputs (Optical/Coaxial) to the ZENmini
- New Dual-Linear PSU design for the ZEN and Triple-Linear PSU with Mundorf Caps for the ZENith, both designed by Dr. Sean Jacobs
- Asymetrical Anti-Vibration feet for the ZEN and ZENith based on the ZENith SE
ZENMINI MK.III STD
1TB (HDD) – $1249
2TB (HDD) – $1399
4TB (HDD) – $1649
8TB (HDD) – $1999
Optional Linear PSU for ZenMini MkII MkIII $699, and bundled with ZenMini $649
ZENMINI + LPSU |
|
|
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ZENmini Mk3 & LPSU
gets high marks
from Darko Audio!The combination receives praise for its performance and value,
Whether used as a transport or via its analog output, the double-stack offers gratifying sound with a particularly strong sense of spaciousness – I can’t think of anything in this price class which can touch it in that regard
. Combined with the features and functionality on offer,we end up with a rather compelling device which represents “trickle down” technology at its very finest.
NOV 2019
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This is a cogent, powerful server that is both upgradable and very good in its own right. What’s not to like?
The ZENmini Mk3 receive a great review from HiFi+, praising the ZENmini Mk3 for its versatility, value, and performance while the addition of the LPSU moves it
from ‘good general purpose music server’ to ‘low-cost powerhouse’
.NOV 2019
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Glowing review of the ZENmini Mk3 and LPSU by HiFi Einsnull!
The ZENmini Mk3 and LPSU combination receive an excellent review from German magazine HiFi Einsnull, who praise it for the flexibility, operation, sound quality and price, placing it among the best compact servers on the market.
READ EINSNULL FULL REVIEW (DE) > READ HIFITEST.DE FULL REVIEW (DE) >
NOV 2019
ZEN MK.III STD
1TB (HDD) – $2599
2TB (HDD) – $2749
4TB (HDD) – $2999
8TB (HDD) – $3349
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Innuos Zen MK3 Music Server
There are many companies that offer music servers, often based on standard motherboards and run-of-the-mill housings. Innuos is not one of those. They use their own motherboard, housing and firmware, all designed for low noise – both acoustically and electrically. And it’s versatile, does LMS, UPnP, Sonos and Roon. Yep, also Roon Core.
JUN 2019
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Complimentary review of ZEN Mk3 from fairaudio.de
The ZEN Mk3 receives a great review from German review site Fairaudio, who praise the ZEN for its high functionality, uncomplicated usability, attractive design and excellent sound quality.
NOV 2019
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ZEN Mk3 awarded Best of HiFi Einsnull 2019
APR 2019
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Innovation Engine
HiFi Vision commends the value for money of the ZEN Mk3 thanks to the wonderful operation, wide number of features, and its great sound.
APR 2019
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A short film about the Innuos ZEN MK3
John Darko provides a great review of the ZEN Mk3, along with a fantastic discussion on the world of high-end Digital Audio.
FEB 2019
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Outstanding review from HiFi Einsnull
The ZEN Mk3 receives a fantastic review from German HiFi magazine HiFi Einsnull, recommending the ZEN Mk3 to any digital audio enthusiast due to its many features and exceptional sound.
FEB 2019
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HiFi-IFAs awards full 6/6 to ZEN Mk3
The ZEN Mk3 receives full marks from German blog HiFi-IFAs, who praise the ZEN for its intuitive operation and natural, spacious sound.
DEC 2018
ZENITH MK.III STD
1TB (SSD) – $4249
2TB (SSD) – $4899
4TB (SSD) – $5649
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The Innuos ZENith Mk3 is the ZEN Mk3 on steroids. It is also a one box server/streamer solution of high quality.
Hans Beekhuyzen has followed up on his comprehensive ZEN Mk3 video review by taking a look at the next model up in the range – the ZENith Mk3.
It keeps surprising me to what degree sound quality can be improved by taking more care when sending a digital signal over USB to a DAC – and the ZENith Mk3 does a damn good job doing just that.
NOV 2019
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Hi-Fi Choice give Recommend Award to ZENith Mk3
UK publication Hi-Fi Choice have awarded their coveted Recommended badge to the ZENith Mk3, praising the unit for having a
potent and flexible spec with one of the best interfaces going
, whilst it alsodelivers outstanding performance that will inspire confidence even for those starting out in network audio, and so should be near the top of any shortlist
.JUL 2019
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5-Star Review from Head-Fi.org
The ZENith Mk3 received a
revelatory
review from audiophile headphone-enthusiast site Head-Fi.org, who praise the ZENith for its substantial convenience benefits and thesignificant sound quality gains to be had by using a digital transport solution like the Innuos Mk3.
I would highly recommend auditioning the Innuos line of music servers and for those looking to incorporate a music server into their system, be sure to add Innuos to your shortlist.
MAR 2019
STATEMENT
MUSIC SERVER
Our flagship server, designed to take Digital Audio to a new level of performance.
A state-of-the-art source for the most discerning audiophiles.
One Server.
Zero compromise. Beyond Digital.
Zenith Statement –
1TB (SSD) – $13750
2TB (SSD) – $14400
4TB (SSD) – $15150
The new ZENith Statement builds on the award-winning ZENith Special Edition, which was considered by many as one of the best sounding digital sources to date.
the ZENith Statement takes Digital Audio to a new level by innovating a number of areas:
Double encloSure linear power Supply
- New power supply architecture designed in partnership
with Dr. Sean Jacobs. - Separately enclosed AC/DC conversion stage to isolate transformer vibration and EMi emissions.
- Regulation stage within main system enclosure to shorten the clean DC power path.8 inDepenDent power railS
- Reduces electrical noise generated by regulators’ voltage conversions.
- An individual dedicated power supply for each critical component.cuStom DeSigneD componentS
- innuos-designed USB board with a dedicated 5V power line.
- independently powered 3ppb OCXO clock for higher precision and lower phase noise.
- Custom motherboard exclusively designed for innuos.the ZENith Statement’s world premiere will be at Axpona in Room 674, where innuos will partner with renowned American hiFi brands such as YG Acoustics, Audio Research, and transparent Audio to bring visitors a unique experience that will challenge common beliefs about Digital Audio.the innuos team will be on hand in Room 674 as well as in Room 470 (US Distributor Well Pleased Audio Vida).
STATEMENT
MUSIC SERVER
Our flagship server, designed to take Digital Audio to a new level of performance.
A state-of-the-art source for the most discerning audiophiles.
AVAILABLE IN:
- BLACK / SILVER
- 1TB SSD £9 800 • €11 000 • $13 750 • CAD$17 900
- 2TB SSD £10 300 • €11 500 • $14 400 • CAD$18 900
- 4TB SSD £10 800 • €12 100 • $15 150 • CAD$19 700
- New linear power supply
architecture whit
8 independent PSU Rails - EMI-optimised motherboard exclusively designed for Innuos
- Custom-designed Ethernet
and USB Reclockers
with 3bpp OCXO clocks
- 10mm CNC-machined
aluminium chassis - 8GB RAM with 4GB
In-Memory Playback - New Generation
Quad-core Intel CPU - Asymmetrical
isolation feet
Powered by innuOS
innuOS allows complete Music Library management
using a tablet or smartphone
New Linear Power Architecture
Partnering once again with Dr. Sean Jacobs, a new power supply architecture was designed exclusively for the Statement. The power supply is distributed between two enclosures, with one enclosure containing the AC/DC conversion stage and the other containing the regulation stage together with the server components.
The advantage is clear: regulated “clean” power traverses a very short path, soldered point to point, with the least impedance and exposure to EMI. This is superior in efficiency compared to a traditional architecture where a separate power supply is used – regulated “clean” power needs to go through more obstacles of internal cabling, output connectors, cable, input connectors and more internal cable before it reaches its destination.
8 Independent Linear PSU Rails
Each critical component of the server receives its own dedicated power supply from one of the 8 independent power rails, further preventing component cross-contamination. Of particular note is the use of a dedicated power supply for each of the Ethernet and USB high-precision OCXO clocks, ensuring these clocks work at their best.
Custom-designed Ethernet
and USB Re-clocker
Not fully satisfied with existing USB and Ethernet re-clocking designs, Innuos designed in-house their own boards for this purpose. At the heart of the design are 3 principles: The use of very high-precision OCXO clocks for timing the signals, extreme care in powering important components preventing cross-contamination, and extremely short paths between components.
While the use of OCXO clocks is not new, the way they are powered and the layout of the board has proven to be extremely important for their performance. As an example, dozens of USB controllers were analysed in terms of how they were powered and clocked so that they allowed this control to be done externally. The USB Controller is regulated by no less than 3 ultra-low noise regulators, one per independent voltage.
Keeping the clock very close to the controllers, via a dedicated track on the board itself, helps to avoid the losses in signal quality that come with the use of external clock units.
10mm CNC-machined
Aluminium Chassis
Housed in a casing of 10mm-thick CNC-machined aluminium, the Statement is not just a pretty face. The thick metal enclosure helps to isolate external EMI, and its weight helps dampen harmful vibration into the system. By using a double-enclosure design, it also helps to contain the vibration effects of the massive 540VA toroidal transformer at its heart.
Custom-designed Motherboard
The motherboard has been fully EMI-optimised to our own exclusive design by, removing any unnecessary, noise-generating components capable of compromising audio. A fully-customised BIOS ensures the hardware works at its lowest noise without impairing performance. Further EMI treatment is then applied to the motherboard so that EMI is absorbed rather than reflected to other components.
Tech Specs
| AUDIO OUTPUTS | |
| Digital Output | Re-clocked USB 2.0 supporting USB Audio Class 2 |
| DoP, Native DSD and MQA | |
| Re-clocked dedicated Ethernet Streamer Port | |
| CONNECTIVITY | |
| Ethernet | 2 x rear panel RJ45 – Bridged Gigabit Ethernet |
| USB | 2x USB 2.0 (1x re-clocked, 1x non-reclocked), 1x USB 3.0 (Backup) |
| FORMATS | |
| CD Formats | Red Book |
| Disc Compatibility | CD, CD-R, CD-RW |
| Audio format for stored CDs | FLAC (zero compression), WAV |
| Audio Formats Supported for streaming and playing | WAV, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC, AAC, MP3, MQA (with supported DACs) |
| SAMPLE RATES | |
| Sample Rates | 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4KHz. 192kHz, 352.8KHz, 384KHz , up to DSD128 via DoP, Native DSD on selected DACs |
| Bit Depths | 16bit, 24bit, 32bit |
| USER CONTROL INTERFACES | |
| Web Interface | Web Browsers from iOS, Android (4.0 and up) or up-to-date Windows and OS X browsers |
| Mobile | App for iPhone/iPad, Android and Windows 10 |
| HARDWARE | |
| CD/DVD drive | TEAC Slot-loading drive |
| Hard Drive | 1TB SSD with Vibration and EMI treatment |
| CPU | Intel Quad Core N4200 |
| Memory | 8GB DDR3 Low-Voltage RAM (4GB Dedicated for RAM Playback) |
| STREAMING AND CD STORAGE | |
| UPnP/DLNA | Integrated UPnP Server |
| Streaming Services | Qobuz, Spotify Connect, Tidal, Internet Radio |
| Roon Compatibility | Roon Core and Roon Bridge |
| Average CD Storage Time | 5 minutes |
| CD Metadata | FreeDB, MusicBrainz, Discogs, GD3 |
| Compatible Music Systems | Sonos Multi-room Wireless Music System |
| DLNA/UPnP compatible devices | |
| USB DACs complying to USB Audio Class 2 | |
| USB DACs supporting DSD over DoP protocol | |
| Selected USB DACs supporting Native DSD | |
| REQUIREMENTS | |
| Network | Internet connection to access album metadata when storing CDs, Internet Radio, Streaming Services and software updates |
| Network router with at least one available ethernet port | |
| Premium subscription required for some streaming services such as Spotify, Qobuz and Tidal | |
| Recommended App (USB Connection Only) | iPeng 9 (iOS), OrangeSqueeze (Android), Squeeze Control (Windows 10) |
| POWER | |
| Mains Supply | 230V AC / 115V AC – 8x Internal Linear Power Supply |
| Power Consumption | 20W when idle, 35W peak |
| PHYSICAL | |
| Dimensions | Main: 90 x 420 x 350mm (H x W x D) |
| Power: 110 x 420 x 350 (H x W x D) | |
| Weight | Main: 8.2kg |
| Power: 13.4kg | |
| In the box | Innuos Statement Music Server |
| Mains Cable | |
| 2x 0.3m umbilical interconnect | |
| 2m Ethernet Cable | |
| Quick Start Guide: english / german |
Reviews
-
The Statement makes it in to the HiFi+ list of
Top 100 products from the past 20 years!Taking the already excellent ZENith SE platform to its conclusion, the two-box music server from Innuos is proving to be a tough act to beat in today’s music server world.
Hi-Fi+ Top 100 • APR 2019
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HiFi+ Award Statement the Music Server of the Year 2018
The Statement wins the HiFi+ Music Server of the Year, who found that
even the briefest of exposure to the ZENith Statement shows you are in the presence of something special.
The Hi-Fi+ AWARDS 2018 • Dec 2018
-
Statement awarded 5-stars from The Ear
The flagship Statement server streamer receives a full 5-Star review from The Ear, impressed by its transparent and open sound quality.
The Statement is a more subtle source than most, its qualities are those of omission, it leaves out the distortion so that the music can come through. In this and all other respects this Innuos is a genuine state of the art component, put it on your ‘must hear’ bucket list straight away.
Read Full Review (the-ear.net) > • Dec 2018
Powered by innuOS
innuOS allows complete Music Library management
using a tablet or smartphone
New Linear Power Architecture
Partnering once again with Dr. Sean Jacobs, a new power supply architecture was designed exclusively for the Statement. The power supply is distributed between two enclosures, with one enclosure containing the AC/DC conversion stage and the other containing the regulation stage together with the server components.
The advantage is clear: regulated “clean” power traverses a very short path, soldered point to point, with the least impedance and exposure to EMI. This is superior in efficiency compared to a traditional architecture where a separate power supply is used – regulated “clean” power needs to go through more obstacles of internal cabling, output connectors, cable, input connectors and more internal cable before it reaches its destination.
8 Independent Linear PSU Rails
Each critical component of the server receives its own dedicated power supply from one of the 8 independent power rails, further preventing component cross-contamination. Of particular note is the use of a dedicated power supply for each of the Ethernet and USB high-precision OCXO clocks, ensuring these clocks work at their best.
Custom-designed Ethernet
and USB Re-clocker
Not fully satisfied with existing USB and Ethernet re-clocking designs, Innuos designed in-house their own boards for this purpose. At the heart of the design are 3 principles: The use of very high-precision OCXO clocks for timing the signals, extreme care in powering important components preventing cross-contamination, and extremely short paths between components.
While the use of OCXO clocks is not new, the way they are powered and the layout of the board has proven to be extremely important for their performance. As an example, dozens of USB controllers were analysed in terms of how they were powered and clocked so that they allowed this control to be done externally. The USB Controller is regulated by no less than 3 ultra-low noise regulators, one per independent voltage.
Keeping the clock very close to the controllers, via a dedicated track on the board itself, helps to avoid the losses in signal quality that come with the use of external clock units.
10mm CNC-machined
Aluminium Chassis
Housed in a casing of 10mm-thick CNC-machined aluminium, the Statement is not just a pretty face. The thick metal enclosure helps to isolate external EMI, and its weight helps dampen harmful vibration into the system. By using a double-enclosure design, it also helps to contain the vibration effects of the massive 540VA toroidal transformer at its heart.
Custom-designed Motherboard
The motherboard has been fully EMI-optimised to our own exclusive design by, removing any unnecessary, noise-generating components capable of compromising audio. A fully-customised BIOS ensures the hardware works at its lowest noise without impairing performance. Further EMI treatment is then applied to the motherboard so that EMI is absorbed rather than reflected to other components.
Powered by innuOS
innu allows a complete Music Library management using a tablet or smartphone. Ripping CDs, importing music, editing album data (including covers) and backing up your music library can all be easily done easily without the need for a PC.
innuOS also contains many intelligent features to help organise your Music Library such as our rule-based music import engine or the Assisted CD Ripping mode.
INTELLIGENT CD RIPPING
Bit-Perfect Ripping
Using AccurateStream technology, extract every last bit of your CDs into WAV or FLAC files.
Automatic CD Ripping
Just pop-in a CD! innu will automatically get full album data and cover from multiple online databases, rip your CD and eject when done.
Assisted CD Ripping
Assisted CD Ripping allows you to see and edit all the album data and cover obtained from the online databases before you rip the CD. Great for Classical Music!
Quiet Mode
Love to listen to music whilst ripping your CDs and want absolute silence? Just engage Quiet Mode for slowing down ripping, making it much quieter and with less vibration.
Offline Ripping
CDs can be ripped without internet connection. When connected, album data and cover for all offline ripped CDs will be obtained with a simple click.
DIGITAL MUSIC IMPORT
Import Wizards for Existing Libraries
Pre-defined wizards for importing music from USB storage, Music Servers and NAS.
Intelligent Import Engine
innu takes all the hard work of importing music by intelligently analysing the music files and applying a number of rules such as:
- Organising the music based on format quality (compressed, cd quality or high-resolution), Artist and Album
- Removing very long file names or illegal characters
- Adding metadata to WAV files based on folder structure
Download from Online Stores
Qobuz, Linn Records, HD Tracks, HiResAudio, B&W Society of Sound, iTunes, Amazon and more. Just download the music files (even if they are in a zip or tar file) to the Auto Import shared folder and the server will take care of adding and updating the music library.
MUSIC LIBRARY MANAGEMENT
Edit or Delete Albums
Browse your library, select the album you want to update and just start editing directly on your tablet or smartphone. You can change the cover, manage genres based on previously used genres or simply delete the album – couldn’t be easier.
Quarantine
Quarantine is a staging area, separate from the Music Library, where any albums requiring attention are placed so they can be fixed before they go into the Music Library. These include:
- Albums with no metadata
- Ripped albums with damaged tracks
- Potentially duplicated albums
- Albums ripped offline
Automatic Music Library Update
After music is added, modified or deleted, the library is automatically updated as well as any connected systems such as Sonos or UPnP Streamers.
MUSIC SERVER MANAGEMENT
Automatic Network Identification
No more figuring out IP addresses find your server. Just go to my.innuos.com on your tablet or smartphone to list all Innuos devices on the network and access the innu App from there.
Remote Updates
Update the system with a touch of a button to benefit from our continuous improvements: new functionalities, enriched customer experience or enhanced sound quality.
Automatic Backup to USB Drive or NAS
Backup of your music library can be set on innuOS to start automatically based on library growth (e.g. every time 50 CDs are added) to either a USB backup drive or to a NAS on the network.
HI-FI MUSIC PLAYER
Rediscover Your Music and Discover New One
Play all your music as well as Internet Radio and streaming services with the best sound quality by connecting directly to a DAC or Digital Amplifier via asynchronous USB.
Spotify, Tidal and Qobuz require premium subscriptions
Supports All Major Music Formats
The innu Music Player plays FLAC, DSD, MQA, WAV, Apple Lossless, AIFF, M4A and MP3 supporting bitrates up to 32bit/384KHz and DSD256, when connecting to compatible DACs
Playback from NAS
Play music stored on an external NAS drive.
Roon-Ready Player
The innu Music Player can optionally become a Roon-Ready player so you can use the amazing Roon interface to explore your music like never before.
Find out more about Roon integration
STREAMERS AND MULTI-ROOM SYSTEMS
Perfect Integration with Sonos
innu can automatically connect its music library to a Sonos system at the touch of a button as well as automatically rescan the Sonos Music Library when any album is added, modified or deleted from the Music Library.
Fast and Reliable UPnP Server
innu also contains a UPnP Server configured out-of-the-box to work flawlessly with a number of UPnP-based systems:
- Wireless multi-room speakers such as Bang & Olufsen, Denon HEOS, BOSE and many others
- Music streamers from Naim, Linn , Moon, Auralic and many others
Roon Server
innu will also optionally integrate Roon Core* so you can use innu with other Roon-Ready streamers for a complete multi-room system.
* A Roon license, purchased separately, is required
Find out more about Roon integration
Home Automation
innu can be integrated with the most popular home automation control systems such as RTI, Control4, KNX, AMX, Elan, Crestron and iRidium.
Still got questions?
Contact the Innuos team for unbiased advice about which server is best suited to your specific needs. And don’t forget, all our servers are backed by our “love it or return it” satisfaction guarantee.
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