TECHWEEK
In 2019, Silent Angel introduced the Rhein Z1 audio server , which has become quite popular among audio streaming enthusiasts. Now the company has updated the model – the novelty is called Silent Angel Rhein Z 1 Plus . Like its predecessor, the Z1 Plus is housed in a stylish aircraft-grade aluminum chassis that minimizes mechanical vibration and electrical noise while providing efficient passive cooling. This is where the similarities between the old and new models end.
In the new Silent Angel Rhein Z1 Plus server, almost all systems have been upgraded. Cooling performance has been optimized with new graphene-based materials and a specially designed copper heatsink mounted on the motherboard. The result is improved thermal stability.
While the Rhein Z1 server used a standard Word Clock, the Z1 Plus is equipped with two Word Clock TCXOs, which Silent Angel says minimize network latency and jitter, which is good for sound quality. An external 25 MHz Word Clock input allows the use of an external clock generator such as the Silent Angel Genesis GX .
The Silent Angel Z1 Plus server supports the latest high definition audio formats including DSD512 and PCM up to 32bit/768kHz. Its powerful 4-core processor enables Roon Core DSP transcoding from PCM to DSD256, while its high-performance NVMe SSD makes efficient use of up to 4TB of music storage. All popular streaming services are supported, including Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz and Amazon Music HD. The ability to connect up to ten network players at the same time makes the Z1 Plus server a multi-zone component for serving the whole house.
Another unique advantage of the Silent Angel Z1 Plus server is the proprietary VitOS software, which allows you to run multiple music applications simultaneously with optimized audio output priority, low latency, high stability and accelerated high-speed network transmission. Silent Angel claims that VitOS makes the Z1 Plus a promising product as continuous software updates are available. The VitOS system update process is protected by a firmware that provides a redundant copy to prevent system failure due to an unexpected power outage.
Silent Angel claims that the Rhein Z1 Plus server provides a seamless connection to your digital music library and allows you to enjoy it at any time, whether the component is used as a music server, vehicle, Roon Bridge or HQPlayer NAA. Silent Angel Z1 Plus is MQA certified MQA Ready.
The new Silent Angel Rhein Z 1 Plus audio server will be available March 15, 2023 for a suggested retail price of $3,199 .
