Silent Angel Rhein Z1 Plus Music Server and Roon Core

High performance music server designed for Roon Core, local music storage, digital audio transport, and advanced streaming applications.

A Purpose Built Music Server for Serious Digital Audio

The Silent Angel Rhein Z1 Plus was created for audiophiles who want more than a network streamer. While a streamer focuses primarily on playback, the Z1 Plus functions as the central computing engine for an entire digital music system. It can serve as a Roon Core, music server, network library manager, HQPlayer endpoint, DLNA server, and high resolution digital transport all within a compact aluminum chassis.

For music lovers with large local music collections, multiple streaming zones, or sophisticated digital playback systems, the Z1 Plus provides the computing power and storage architecture required to manage a modern high performance audio network. Rather than relying on a general purpose computer located somewhere else in the home, the Z1 Plus was engineered specifically for audio applications and optimized to reduce noise, improve stability, and simplify operation.

Designed Around the Needs of Roon Users

One of the primary reasons customers choose the Rhein Z1 Plus is its ability to function as a dedicated Roon Core server. Instead of running Roon on a desktop computer, NAS drive, or shared household machine, the Z1 Plus provides a dedicated platform optimized for music playback.

Its Intel Quad Core J6413 processor and available memory configurations allow it to handle large music libraries, multiple playback zones, DSP processing, and PCM to DSD transcoding. Silent Angel specifically optimized the platform to support Roon DSP transcoding up to DSD256 while maintaining smooth and stable operation. For serious Roon users, the Z1 Plus offers the convenience of a dedicated appliance combined with the performance of a specialized audio server.

High Performance NVMe Storage Architecture

Unlike the original Rhein Z1, which utilized SATA based storage, the Z1 Plus adopts a high speed NVMe SSD architecture. This significantly improves access speed, responsiveness, and overall system performance.

Silent Angel goes beyond simply installing an SSD. The company incorporates specially selected NVMe storage modules with dedicated power regulation circuits and EMI suppression technology to isolate storage related electrical noise. The result is a storage system designed not only for speed but also for preserving the integrity of digital audio playback. Available storage capacities range from 250GB to 4TB, allowing users to build substantial local music libraries directly within the server.

Dual Network Architecture for Cleaner Audio

One feature that immediately separates the Rhein Z1 Plus from conventional computers and servers is its dual Gigabit Ethernet design. One Ethernet connection is intended for the primary network while the second can be dedicated to an audio player or downstream streaming device.

Silent Angel also equips each Ethernet interface with its own dedicated TCXO clock system. By separating network traffic and minimizing clock interaction between ports, the Z1 Plus is designed to provide a cleaner and more stable network environment for digital audio transmission. This architecture is particularly attractive to audiophiles building dedicated streaming networks around high performance DACs and network players.

Advanced Clocking and External Clock Upgrade Capability

The Rhein Z1 Plus incorporates a highly accurate TCXO clock system as part of its digital architecture. Timing accuracy remains one of the most important factors in digital audio performance, and Silent Angel designed the Z1 Plus to minimize jitter and maintain precise synchronization across the network environment.

For enthusiasts pursuing even greater levels of performance, the Z1 Plus includes a dedicated 25MHz external clock input. This allows integration with external master clock products such as the Silent Angel Genesis GX. A rear panel selector switch allows users to move between internal and external clock operation depending on system configuration. This level of flexibility is rarely found in music servers at this price point.

Optimized USB Audio Performance

The Rhein Z1 Plus was developed not only as a server but also as a high performance digital transport. Through its dedicated USB Audio output, the Z1 Plus can connect directly to an external DAC and function as a playback source.

Silent Angel's second generation USB Audio output incorporates additional high frequency filtering and noise reduction circuitry designed to reduce distortion and electrical contamination before the signal reaches the DAC. The platform supports PCM playback up to 768kHz and DSD512, allowing compatibility with virtually every modern high resolution audio format currently available.

Engineered for Low Noise Operation

Every aspect of the Rhein Z1 Plus was designed with noise reduction in mind. The 6061 aluminum chassis provides excellent rigidity and shielding while a fanless architecture eliminates mechanical noise entirely.

Graphene based thermal materials and a copper heat sink transfer heat efficiently from the processor and storage devices to the enclosure. Silent Angel also incorporates high permeability EMI absorption materials throughout the design to suppress electrical interference generated by internal components such as memory, processors, SSD controllers, network interfaces, and USB circuits. The goal is simple: create the quietest possible environment for digital music playback.

How the Rhein Z1 Plus Compares to the Original Rhein Z1

The original Rhein Z1 established Silent Angel as a serious player in the music server category. The Rhein Z1 Plus builds upon that foundation with a faster Intel J6413 processor, expanded memory capacity, NVMe storage architecture, dual Ethernet ports, a significantly improved USB Audio output stage, support for external 25MHz clock synchronization, and support for DSD512 playback.

For users seeking the highest performance available from a Silent Angel music server platform, the Z1 Plus represents a substantial advancement over the original design.

The Digital Foundation for a Reference Streaming System

The Rhein Z1 Plus is designed for listeners who view digital audio as a complete ecosystem rather than a single component. Whether functioning as a Roon Core, HQPlayer NAA endpoint, music server, DLNA server, or digital transport, it provides a highly optimized platform for managing and delivering digital music throughout a modern audio system.

Combined with a quality DAC, high performance network infrastructure, and premium streaming services, the Rhein Z1 Plus serves as the foundation for a truly reference level digital audio experience.

Key Specifications Block

• Product: Silent Angel Rhein Z1 Plus
• Category: Music Server and Roon Core
• Processor: Intel Quad Core J6413
• RAM Options:
  • 16GB
  • 32GB
• Storage Options:
  • 250GB NVMe SSD
  • 4TB NVMe SSD
• Operating System: VitOS
• Roon Core Support: Yes
• Roon DSP Transcoding:
  • PCM to DSD256
• HQPlayer NAA Support: Yes
• DLNA Server Support: Yes
• USB Audio Output: 1
• USB Audio Resolution:
  • PCM up to 768kHz 32 Bit
  • DSD512
• Ethernet:
  • Dual Gigabit Ethernet Ports
• USB Ports:
  • USB 3.1 x2
  • USB 2.0 x1
• USB Type C:
  • 1
• External Clock Input:
  • 25MHz
• Clock Type:
  • High Precision TCXO
• Chassis Material:
  • 6061 Aluminum Alloy
• Cooling:
  • Fanless Design
  • Graphene Thermal System
  • Copper Heat Sink
• Available Finishes:
  • Black
  • Silver
• Input Power:
  • 12V 3A External Supply
• Width:
  • 200mm
  • 7.87 Inches
• Height:
  • 65mm
  • 2.56 Inches
• Depth:
  • 200mm
  • 7.87 Inches
• Weight:
  • 3.6kg
  • 7.94 Pounds
• Certifications:
  • CE
  • FCC
  • CCC
• Warranty:
  • Contact All Elite Audio for Current Manufacturer Warranty
• Price:
  • Contact All Elite Audio for Current Pricing

Why Buy From All Elite Audio

All Elite Audio is an authorized dealer for Silent Angel and every brand we carry. Every product we sell is sourced directly through authorized distribution channels and includes full manufacturer support.

Call: 443-402-5055

Text: 443-402-5064

Visit: 1921 York Rd, Timonium, MD 21093

FAQ

What is the Silent Angel Rhein Z1 Plus?

The Rhein Z1 Plus is a dedicated music server designed specifically for digital audio applications. It can function as a Roon Core, music library server, DLNA server, HQPlayer NAA endpoint, and digital transport. Unlike a standard streamer, it serves as the processing and storage center for an entire digital audio ecosystem. This makes it ideal for users with extensive music libraries and advanced streaming systems.

Does the Rhein Z1 Plus include a DAC?

No. The Rhein Z1 Plus is not a DAC and does not provide analog outputs. It is designed to deliver digital audio data to compatible playback devices and external DACs through its USB Audio output. Most users pair the Z1 Plus with a dedicated DAC or network player as part of a larger system.

Can the Z1 Plus run Roon Core?

Yes. Running Roon Core is one of the primary functions of the Rhein Z1 Plus. The Intel Quad Core processor and available memory configurations are specifically designed to support large music libraries, multiple playback zones, and DSP processing tasks. Many customers purchase the Z1 Plus specifically as a dedicated Roon server.

What is the benefit of the NVMe SSD architecture?

NVMe storage provides significantly higher speed and lower latency than traditional SATA SSD designs. Faster access to music libraries improves responsiveness and overall system performance. Silent Angel further enhances the storage architecture with noise isolation and dedicated power regulation designed specifically for audio applications.

Why does the Z1 Plus have two Ethernet ports?

The dual Ethernet architecture allows one network connection for the main network and another dedicated connection for an audio player. This separation can help optimize network traffic and improve system organization. Silent Angel also assigns independent clocking to each Ethernet interface to reduce interference.

What is the highest playback resolution supported?

The USB Audio output supports PCM playback up to 768kHz 32 Bit and DSD512. This level of performance exceeds the requirements of virtually every commercially available high resolution music format. Compatibility ultimately depends on the capabilities of the connected DAC.

What is the 25MHz clock input used for?

The 25MHz clock input allows synchronization with an external master clock such as the Silent Angel Genesis GX. External clocking can improve timing accuracy and reduce jitter throughout the playback chain. This feature provides significant upgrade potential for advanced digital audio systems.

Can the Z1 Plus store music internally?

Yes. Depending on the selected model, the Z1 Plus can include up to 4TB of internal NVMe SSD storage. This allows users to maintain extensive local music libraries directly within the server. Music can also be imported from external USB drives using the VitOS Manager software.

How does the Z1 Plus compare to the original Rhein Z1?

The Z1 Plus offers a faster processor, more memory, NVMe storage, dual Ethernet ports, improved USB Audio output design, external clock support, and DSD512 playback capability. These improvements represent a significant evolution of the original Rhein Z1 platform. For serious digital audio systems, the Z1 Plus is the superior choice.

Where can I buy the Silent Angel Rhein Z1 Plus?

You can purchase the Silent Angel Rhein Z1 Plus directly from All Elite Audio. As an authorized Silent Angel dealer, we provide manufacturer supported products, expert system matching guidance, and personalized service before and after the sale. Call 443-402-5055, text 443-402-5064, or visit 1921 York Rd, Timonium, MD 21093.