Innuos PhoenixI2S Board

Inside every DAC, the audio travels to the converter chip as I2S: separate lines for the music data and the clocks that time it. A USB or S/PDIF input has to receive the signal and rebuild that I2S stream before the chip can use it. If your DAC has an I2S input, the PhoenixI2S Board lets your Innuos server skip that rebuilding step and hand the DAC chip exactly what it wants.

Speak the DAC chip's own language, straight from the server.

The Design

Because I2S carries its clocks alongside the data, the clock you send is the clock the DAC chip uses. So Innuos put serious clocking on this board: a 3ppb 24MHz main clock, accurate to three parts per billion, plus two premium FemtoClocks for extremely low jitter on the audio path.

The signal travels over an HDMI connector, the industry's common carrier for I2S between components. I2S pin assignments vary from one DAC maker to the next, so the board offers eight pin configurations to match your DAC. Resolution reaches DSD1024.

How It Sounds

The benefit grows with the DAC. DACs built around I2S as their preferred input gain the most, because the PhoenixI2S delivers clean, precisely clocked data directly to the conversion stage.

Where It Fits

The PhoenixI2S Board fits the STREAM3, ZEN Next-Gen, and ZENith Next-Gen. It's the right output when your DAC has an HDMI I2S input and you want the most direct digital connection Innuos offers from those servers. For USB DACs, choose the PhoenixUSB Board. For ZEN Next-Gen and ZENith Next-Gen owners with DACs from MSB, CH Precision, or EMM Labs, the Next-Gen FLOW and its native-protocol modules are the next step up.

The one thing to check first is your DAC's I2S pinout. Send us your DAC's model or spec sheet and we'll confirm the match before you order.

Press Recognition

The PhoenixI2S Board earns its reputation inside complete Innuos systems, and board-specific reviews are on the way. We'll add them here as they're published.

Curious whether I2S will lift your DAC beyond its USB input? Give us a call. We'll check your DAC's pinout and talk through what to expect.

Specifications

• Type: I2S digital output board
• Interface: I2S via HDMI connector
• Main clock: 3ppb 24MHz
• Audio clocks: Two premium FemtoClocks
• HDMI pin configurations: 8
• Maximum resolution: Up to DSD1024
• Compatible with: Innuos STREAM3, ZEN Next-Gen, ZENith Next-Gen
• Installation: Factory-fitted with a new system, or fitted later by an authorized Innuos dealer
• Country of origin: Portugal (handmade in Faro)