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 Pre-Amplifiers are involved, it will have an audible impact on sound quality. PhoenixNET can improve sound quality when used with nearly any audio component.
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' Innuos has now brought the concept to a network switch design that focuses exclusively on audio use for musical details that stand out, a blacker background, better instrument separation and realism.
Design is focused on 4 areas: Noise, Clock, Power and Vibration.
1) Minimise Network Switch Noise.
Simpler 100mbps network switch chip results in lower operating noise floor compared to Gigabit.
Network switch chip with no internal switching regulators. All 3 independent voltages supplied by internal Statement-grade linear power supply with independent ultra-low noise regulation.
Massive individual Network Isolation Transformers to further isolate from noise coming from 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 as blinking leds introduce considerable electrical noise.
EMI absorption at the right places so that interference produced can be captured before influencing other components.
2) Increase Clocking Precision and Stability.
Using the same 3ppb 25MHz OCXO oscillator as used in the Statement, individually powered by its own linear power supply and connected directly to the network switch chip, avoiding precision losses from using external master clocks.
3) Provide Pristine Power to the Components.
Two independent Statement-grade linear power supplies with Mundorf Caps to power individually the OCXO clock and the mainboard, keeping the power path short with less opportunity for EMI contamination.
4) Minimise Vibration on Components.
Vibration was managed at 3 levels: Anti-Vibration feet tuned to the resonant frequency of the chassis, top cover treatment to convert vibration captured from sound waves into small amounts of heat and sturdy RJ45 ports with silicone connection to the chassis.
Innuos was founded in 2009 in the United Kingdom with the vision that you don’t need to sacrifice sound quality nor be a technology wizard to enjoy the convenience of Digital Music at your fingertips. This vision can only be achieved through the combination of three core principles:01. Perfect Synergy Between Hardware and SoftwareOur multi-disciplinary team combines expertise in Computer Hardware, Audio Hardware, Networking and Software Engineering to create our products end-to-end.02. Customer-Driven Research and DevelopmentBy working closely together with end users and partners alike, we really understand what different customers require in a music solution. This has been driving our research and development since day one.03. Open PlatformDigital Audio is a fast-evolving area, with new products being constantly introduced in the market. Instead of designing closed solutions, we build our products to be open, allowing integration with the most popular Hi-Fi and Multi-room products in the market.
Find out more about Innuos