Silent Angel Rhein ZX Music Server / Streamer / Transport
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The Silent Angel Rhein ZX is a new flagship digital music hub that combines a built-in Roon Core server, a studio-grade master clock and a fanless, dual NVMe SSD storage architecture in a single component. The Silent Angel Rhein ZX sits above the brand’s existing Rhein Z1 line as its most ambitious network music server to date, aimed at listeners who want a single box to replace a NAS, a Roon server and an outboard streamer/DAC transport.
Silent Angel builds the Rhein ZX around what it calls nine core technologies, including its proprietary VitOS operating system, an octa-core processor, an OCXO precision clock, physically isolated dual LAN ports and native Roon Server support. Processing on the Silent Angel Rhein ZX comes from an Intel Core i5-12450H, an 8-core/12-thread chip built on a 10nm process with a 2.0GHz base and 4.4GHz turbo frequency, paired with 16GB, 32GB or 64GB of DDR4 memory depending on configuration. Silent Angel says that processing headroom is there specifically to handle real-time upsampling and transcoding for large, high-resolution libraries without taxing the system.
Built for Quiet, Precise Digital Transport
A ±0.05 ppm studio-grade OCXO master clock anchors timing accuracy, while an AC linear power supply and a custom power matrix keep noise away from the audio circuitry. The Rhein ZX is entirely fanless, relying on a CNC-machined pure copper heatsink and the aluminium chassis itself to dissipate heat. Digital outputs cover coaxial, AES/EBU, optical and I2S, alongside USB DAC output, with support up to DSD512 and PCM 768kHz/32-bit across most of those paths via the XMOS XU316 USB audio processor.
The Rhein ZX is shown in a Silver finish, with a 6061 aluminium, dual-layer 5mm chassis, and ships with a power cord, an Ethernet cable, a user manual and a warranty card.
The Silent Angel Rhein ZX also introduces a dual-mode grounding system, letting owners switch between grounded and floating modes to cut mains-frequency hum in complex, multi-component racks, alongside a dual-redundant firmware design intended to prevent update-related system failures. Silent Angel already has an established line-up, including the Munich MU streamer, and the Rhein ZX is positioned as the top of that range, aimed squarely at owners building a dedicated digital front end around Roon.Powered by a high-performance 7nm CPU with 8 cores and 12 threads, delivering ample processing headroom for handling large-scale audio data with ease.
A purpose-built motherboard architecture optimized exclusively for audio, combined with ultra-low-noise microvolt-level power delivery, helps preserve digital signal integrity across the board while reducing system noise at its source.
To prevent electromagnetic interference and audible noise caused by PWM-controlled cooling fans, ZX adopts a completely fanless thermal design. A solid CNC-machined pure copper heatsink works together with the chassis as a large passive heat-dissipation structure, ensuring stable around-the-clock operation while maintaining an exceptionally quiet background for critical listening.
Built around the latest-generation XMOS XU316 asynchronous digital architecture, ZX is engineered for both speed and stability. Multiple dedicated LDO power rails, a physically separated board design, and an optimized shortest-path signal layout work together to preserve digital signal integrity throughout transmission.
Equipped with a ±0.05 ppm studio-grade OCXO master clock, ZX minimizes digital jitter to preserve the texture and integrity of the original master recording.
With a dual NVMe SSD storage architecture, ZX combines a built-in 500GB high-speed SSD with expandable storage of up to 8TB—providing a stable, reliable local music library for high-resolution audio.
Supports PCIe 3.0 ×4 2280 SSDs with capacities up to 8TB. The flush-mounted cover integrates seamlessly with the chassis while helping keep stored data secure.
A full array of digital outputs supports resolutions up to DSD512 and PCM 768kHz/32-bit, providing flexible connectivity with a wide range of high-end DACs.
Physically Isolated Dual LAN
Network noise can compromise streaming performance. ZX employs two physically isolated network paths to separate audio traffic from system operations.
- One dedicated to clean, high-resolution audio streaming
- One dedicated to background system services
By isolating external network interference, ZX helps preserve stable, precisely timed data transmission for high-resolution music.
Ground-loop noise can become a major issue in multi-device audio systems. With one-touch grounding mode switching, ZX adapts to different system configurations to provide a cleaner ground reference and reduce mains-frequency hum caused by ground loops. Whether used in older residential electrical environments or complex multi-component racks, ZX helps maintain a quieter, darker background for critical listening.
Proprietary VitOS System
An upgraded app experience is coming soon, with low-load scheduling optimized specifically for Hi-Fi playback to help maintain clean, interference-free audio performance.
Through the dedicated VitOS Orbiter App, ZX integrates leading music services from around the world, including QQ Music, Qobuz, TIDAL, Amazon Music, and Spotify Connect. Enjoy convenient access to extensive online music libraries without relying on physical CDs or lossy Bluetooth transmission—making music discovery, selection, and playback easier than ever.
Rich Streaming Ecosystem · Ready to Play
With Roon Core built in, there is VitOSed for an external NAS or computer. Powered by strong onboard DSP processing, ZX handles real-time audio transcoding and system-wide upsampling with ease. Combined with the fully upgraded VitOS platform and extensive lossless streaming services, ZX integrates seamlessly into a whole-home Hi-Fi ecosystem—putting comprehensive music access and control at your fingertips.
Independent Multi-Room Playback Without Interference
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Supports simultaneous lossless playback to up to 10 endpoints, with independent output for each room. Music selection and volume can be controlled separately, while high-bitrate audio remains smooth even during synchronized multi-room playback.
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A dual-redundant firmware design helps prevent update-related system failures, while a hybrid thermal solution minimizes heat-related performance degradation and supports stable 24/7 operation.
Features
- Self-developed VitOS System: Designed exclusively for Hi-Fi. Low-load scheduling ensures pure audio free of interference.
- 8-core Intel Core i5-12450H: High-performance processing, supports multitasking, real-time DSP and high-load computing.
- Professional Audio Engine: OCXO oven-controlled crystal oscillator (±0.05ppm) paired with AC linear power supply, reduces jitter and ripple to ensure consistent sound quality.
- Full-scenario Digital Output: USB DAC (DSD512/PCM 768kHz), I²S (DSD512/PCM 768kHz),
- Coaxial/AES/EBU/Optical (192kHz/24bit), DoP DSD64, covering all specifications.
- Dual NVMe SSD Architecture: 250GB system drive as standard, with 4TB/8TB optional data drives.
- Physical isolation prevents playback stuttering, ensures data security and enables easy capacity
- expansion.
- Dual Ethernet Ports with Physical Isolation: Separate audio and data networks to eliminate network interference and maintain stable bandwidth.
- Dual-Mode Grounding System: Selectable common ground / floating ground, adaptable to professional setups and eliminates mains noise.
- Native Roon Server: Supports DSP transcoding (DSD256), meeting high-end ecosystem requirements.
- Multi-Device Concurrent Playback: Simultaneous lossless playback for up to 10 devices, independent multi-room streaming without stuttering.
- Reliable Hardware Safeguards: Dual redundant firmware prevents brick failure; partitioned cooling (copper + graphene) enables stable 24/7 operation.
Specifications
| Chassis Material | 6061 aluminum alloy, dual-layer 5 mm construction |
| Dimensions | 439 (W) × 63 (H) × 250 (D) mm / 17.29 (W) × 2.49 (H) × 9.95 (D) in |
| Weight | 9.4 kg (Gross Weight) |
| Included Accessories | Power Cord ×1, Ethernet Cable ×1, User Manual ×1, Warranty Card ×1 |
| Operating / Storage Temperature | Operating: 0–30°C (32–86°F) / Storage: -10–60°C |
| Environmental Humidity | Operating: 20%–80% RH, non-condensing / Storage: 10%–90% RH, non-condensing |
| Certifications | CE, FCC |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-12450H, 8-core / 12-thread processor (4 Performance Cores + 4 Efficient Cores), 2.0 GHz base frequency, up to 4.4 GHz turbo frequency, 10 nm process |
| Memory Options | DDR4 16 GB / 32 GB / 64 GB |
| USB Audio Processor | XMOS XU316 |
| AC Input | AC input, 100V / 220V versions (voltage selector switch located inside the chassis) |
| EMC & Safety Standards | Compliant with IEC/EN 61000-4, CISPR 32 / EN 55032, UL/EN/IEC 62368, IEC 62477 |
| Power Interface | AC Power Input ×1, Power Indicator ×1 |
| Grounding & Clock Interfaces | Ground Terminal ×1 with Ground / Floating switch; 25 MHz BNC External Clock Input ×1 with Internal / External Clock switch |
| Network & Video Interfaces | Gigabit Ethernet ×2, HDMI Video Output ×1 |
| USB Interfaces | USB 3.1 ×2 for external storage, USB Audio ×1, USB 2.0 ×1, XMOS Firmware Programming Port ×1 |
| Digital Audio Outputs | Coaxial ×1, I2S ×1 (HDMI physical interface), AES/EBU Balanced ×1, Optical ×1 |
| USB Input Support | USB Audio Class 2.0 asynchronous; PCM 44.1 kHz–768 kHz / 16–32 bit; DSD64 / 128 / 256 / 512, DoP v1.2 |
| Coaxial / Optical / AES Output Resolution | PCM: 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192 kHz, 16 / 24 bit; DoP only: DSD64 (2.8 MHz). Optical output specifications are identical to coaxial output. |
| I2S / USB Output Resolution | PCM: 44.1–768 kHz, 16–32 bit; DSD64 / 128 / 256 / 512 |
| Streaming Music Support | DLNA Renderer, HQPlayer NAA, Roon Server, ReadyMedia, AirPlay 2, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Amazon Music HD, built-in TIDAL, built-in Qobuz, built-in QQ Music |