Silent Angel Rhein Z1C: Music Server and Streaming Bridge

The Rhein Z1C from Silent Angel is the little brother of the flagship Rhein Z1 Plus. DA conversion has been omitted and the Rhein Z1C concentrates purely on the digital part of streaming. In addition to excellent sound quality, the Rhein 1C is characterized by its versatile application possibilities, according to the designers. 

Silent Angel Z1C: optionally up to 4TB internal storage

The basis for operating the Silent Angel Z1C is the self-developed VitOS app. Using the available expansion packages, the Rhein Z1C can be configured as desired for a wide variety of scenarios via VitOS. Among other things, it offers full Roon functionality, just like the Rhein Z1 Plus. In combination with a Roon Ready Player, for example from the Silent Angel Munich series or from Lumin, the Rhein Z1C can be used as a Roon server. Alternatively, it can also be used as a Roon endpoint by simply connecting the device directly to a DA converter via USB. In both cases, the Rhein Z1C brings music into the setup via the certified Roon protocol and combines all available local or Internet sources in a library. Editorial content and background information on artists and music are available via the software, as well as information such as data rate and dynamics. The extensive music library management ensures ease of use.

The Rhein Z1C also shines in other application scenarios, for example as a streaming bridge via the VitOS Orbiter plug-in. For this, it only needs to be connected via USB to a separate DA converter, or a DA converter that is integrated in a CD player or amplifier, for example.

The Rhein Z1C plays music from Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify Connect and everything via Apple Airplay 2. The Rhein Z1C can also take on the central role for music. management and control of up to ten endpoints via DLNA. To ensure access to large music libraries, external storage media can be connected via the USB expansion slots. Internal storage is also possible up to 4 TB. The Rhein Z1C naturally supports high-resolution formats including FLAC, WAV and DSD256.

Despite all the functionality, build quality should not be neglected. That is why Silent Angel placed emphasis on the use of high-quality components and an elaborate construction for the Z1C. This is evident, for example, in the special USB audio output, which is optimized for the highest playback quality. Silent Angel also uses noise reduction filters in the Rhein Z1C. By using highly precise TCXO clocks and optimizing the peripheral circuits of the clock, the Rhein Z1C also minimizes network latency and jitter to a low level. The sturdy aluminum housing provides protection against unwanted electromagnetic interference.

Deliveries of the Silent Angel Rhein Z1C will begin in August 2024. It will retail for just under 1,700 euros.