A compact digital source that can grow with the system

The Innuos STREAM1 is a half-width music streamer and server whose configuration can be tailored to the job. It can begin as a streaming transport for an existing DAC, gain an internal DAC board for direct analog output, or add M.2 NVMe storage and become the center of a locally stored music library. That flexibility makes it useful in systems that are expected to evolve rather than remain frozen on installation day.

Its Stream-series platform combines a 13th-generation Intel quad-core processor with 8GB of industrial DDR5 memory. The operating system resides on a dedicated TLC SSD with power-loss protection, and Innuos applies a real-time kernel to reduce latency. Two bridged 2.5Gb Ethernet ports allow one network connection to be passed to another component. Three USB 3.2 ports and one USB-C port support DACs, backups, imports, external storage and compatible optical drives.

The standard USB output can be supplemented by optional StandardDAC, PerformanceDAC, SPDIF or PhoenixUSB modules. A dedicated CX regulator, developed with Dr. Sean Jacobs, supplies the output-module section. Factory-fitted 2TB and 4TB storage choices are available, and owners may install compatible M.2 storage themselves. The matching LPS1 replaces the supplied switch-mode power unit and can also feed a second compatible low-voltage device.

Playback and library control run through the Innuos Sense app. Supported services include Qobuz, TIDAL, Deezer, HighResAudio, IDAGIO, internet radio and podcasts, with Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect and Qobuz Connect available for their respective apps. Local playback reaches PCM 32-bit/768kHz and native DSD512 through compatible outputs; SPDIF and StandardDAC modules are limited to 24-bit/192kHz.

Command Performance AV can specify the output board, storage and power arrangement around the DAC and network already in the system. STREAM1 is compact, but its options deserve a real system plan rather than a hopeful collection of boxes.