The Innuos PULSAR is a high-performance network music player designed to deliver an exceptional audio experience. It serves as a central hub for your digital music collection, allowing you to stream and manage your audio files with ease and precision. The PULSAR is built with a focus on sound quality, incorporating advanced technologies to ensure a clean and accurate audio signal, making it an ideal choice for audiophiles and music enthusiasts who demand the best from their playback system.

Function Description

At its core, the Innuos PULSAR is a dedicated network music player. This means it connects to your home network, typically via an Ethernet cable, to access music stored on network-attached storage (NAS) devices, computers, or streaming services. It acts as a "renderer" or "endpoint" in a digital audio system, receiving digital audio data and outputting it to a Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) for conversion into an analog signal that can be amplified and played through speakers.

One of the primary functions of the PULSAR is to provide a high-quality digital audio output. It features a dedicated Digital Output Module with a USB Reclocker to DAC connection. This reclocker is crucial for minimizing jitter, a common source of distortion in digital audio, by precisely re-timing the digital signal before it reaches the DAC. This ensures that the audio data is delivered with the utmost accuracy, resulting in a more natural and detailed sound.

The PULSAR is designed to be controlled through the Innuos Sense app, available on various platforms including the Apple App Store, Google Play, and Amazon Appstore, or accessible via a modern web browser at my.innuos.com. This app allows users to browse their music library, select tracks, create playlists, and manage playback settings. The app provides a user-friendly interface for navigating extensive music collections and integrating with popular streaming services, offering a seamless and intuitive control experience.

Beyond playback, the PULSAR also offers connectivity for auxiliary devices. It includes an Auxiliary Ethernet Port, which can be used for connecting other network devices such as a NAS, allowing for direct and optimized data transfer. This dedicated port helps to isolate network traffic related to music storage, further enhancing playback quality by reducing potential interference. Additionally, the device features Auxiliary USB Ports, which are designated for backup purposes and future use, indicating potential for expanded functionality or external storage options in future updates.

For service and maintenance, the PULSAR includes an HDMI Output, which is exclusively for service use. This port is not intended for audio or video output to a display in a typical user setup but rather provides a means for technicians to diagnose and configure the device if needed. There is also a Ground Connection Port, which is optional, allowing users to connect the device to a dedicated ground for further noise reduction in specific audio setups, catering to advanced users seeking to optimize their system's electrical grounding.

Usage Features

The Innuos PULSAR is designed for straightforward setup and intuitive operation, while also offering features for advanced users to fine-tune their audio experience.

Ease of Setup: The Quick Start Guide emphasizes a simple unboxing and connection process. Users connect the mains power cable and an Ethernet cable from their router or network switch to the PULSAR's Network Input. The physical ON/OFF button, discreetly located under the front panel, allows for easy power management.

Control via Innuos Sense App: The primary method of interaction with the PULSAR is through the Innuos Sense app. This app serves as the central control interface, enabling users to:

Browse Music Libraries: Access and navigate music files stored on connected network devices or integrated streaming services.
Playback Control: Start, stop, pause, skip tracks, and adjust volume (if the DAC supports volume control via USB).
Playlist Management: Create, edit, and save playlists for personalized listening sessions.
System Configuration: Adjust various settings related to network, audio output, and other device parameters.
Integration with Streaming Services: Seamlessly integrate with popular music streaming platforms, allowing users to access their subscriptions directly through the app.

High-Quality Audio Output: The PULSAR's core strength lies in its commitment to audio fidelity. The dedicated USB Reclocker to DAC output is a key feature, ensuring that the digital audio signal is delivered with minimal jitter and noise. This results in a cleaner, more accurate, and ultimately more enjoyable listening experience. The design prioritizes the integrity of the audio signal from the moment it leaves the player until it reaches the DAC.

Network Optimization: The inclusion of an Auxiliary Ethernet Port specifically for connecting a NAS or other network audio devices highlights Innuos's attention to network performance. By providing a dedicated, optimized path for music data, the PULSAR aims to reduce network congestion and interference that could otherwise degrade sound quality. This feature is particularly beneficial for users with large, high-resolution music libraries stored on external network storage.

Power Management: The ON/OFF button is designed for a simple press-and-release action for both powering on and off. The guide specifically advises against holding the button down, indicating a controlled shutdown sequence that helps maintain system stability and data integrity.

Expandability and Future-Proofing: The Auxiliary USB Ports, designated for "Backup and future use," suggest that Innuos plans to introduce additional functionalities or support for external devices in the future. This provides a degree of future-proofing, allowing the PULSAR to evolve with new technologies and user needs.

Optional Grounding: For audiophiles seeking the absolute best performance, the optional Ground Connection Port allows for advanced grounding techniques. This can help to further reduce electrical noise and interference in complex audio setups, contributing to a blacker background and greater sonic clarity.

Maintenance Features

While the Innuos PULSAR is primarily a playback device, it incorporates several design elements and support mechanisms that contribute to its long-term reliability and ease of maintenance.

Software Updates: As a network-connected device, the PULSAR benefits from over-the-air software updates. These updates can introduce new features, improve performance, fix bugs, and enhance compatibility with new streaming services or audio formats. The Innuos Sense app would typically notify users of available updates and guide them through the installation process, ensuring the device remains current and performs optimally.

User Feedback Mechanism: Innuos actively encourages user feedback through its "Feedback Zone" at https://feedback.innuos.com/. This platform allows users to submit thoughts, feature requests, and report issues. This direct line of communication with the manufacturer is a valuable maintenance feature, as it enables Innuos to continuously improve the software and address user concerns, leading to a more refined and stable product over time.

Support Resources: The availability of a dedicated support page at https://innuos.com/support/ provides users with a comprehensive resource for troubleshooting, advanced setups, and general assistance. This online knowledge base is crucial for self-service maintenance, allowing users to find solutions to common problems without needing to contact support directly.

Fuse Holder: The inclusion of an accessible Fuse Holder on the rear panel is a practical maintenance feature. In the event of an electrical surge or fault, the fuse is designed to blow, protecting the internal components of the PULSAR. Users can typically replace a blown fuse themselves, which is a straightforward procedure, minimizing downtime and avoiding the need for professional repair for a common electrical issue.

Service-Only HDMI Output: The HDMI Output, designated for "Service Only," serves as a diagnostic port for technicians. While not for end-user interaction, it is a critical maintenance feature for Innuos service personnel to connect to the device, run diagnostics, and perform advanced configurations or repairs if necessary. This ensures that complex issues can be efficiently addressed by authorized service centers.

Robust Construction: Although not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the premium nature of Innuos products suggests a robust build quality. High-quality components and solid construction contribute to the device's durability and longevity, reducing the likelihood of hardware failures and the need for frequent maintenance.

Social Media Engagement: Innuos maintains an active presence on social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook. These channels serve not only for marketing but also as a means of communicating important updates, new features, and potential maintenance tips to the user community. Following these channels can keep users informed about their device and any recommended actions.

In summary, the Innuos PULSAR is a sophisticated network music player that prioritizes audio quality and user experience. Its functions revolve around precise digital audio delivery, intuitive app control, and optimized network performance. Usage features emphasize ease of access to music libraries and streaming services, coupled with advanced options for audiophile-grade sound. Maintenance is supported through software updates, a dedicated feedback channel, comprehensive online support, and practical design elements like an accessible fuse holder and service-specific ports, all contributing to a reliable and enjoyable long-term ownership experience.

innuos PULSAR - Box Contents; Innuos PULSAR Network Music Player; Mains Power Cable; 2 m Ethernet Cable