Silent Angel Rhein Z1 16GB is a music server designed to organize and manage digital listening in a dedicated configuration. The device integrates the VitOS operating system and can be used as a Roon Server, Roon Core and Roon Bridge, as well as supporting operation as a DLNA server and renderer. Bridge mode enables output through the USB audio port, allowing the server to be connected to an external audio device equipped with a compatible USB input.

The Rhein Z1 can become the center of a network-based music source: it receives and manages digital streams, makes content available and supports various output formats. Its configuration is intended for those who want to separate the role of the music server from that of the converter or playback device, while maintaining the digital connection via USB. The model presented here is the 16 GB version with a black chassis, identified by product code Z1-16G-BLACK.

A music server for digital audio management

The Silent Angel Rhein Z1 16GB is conceived as a computing node dedicated to digital music. On a home network, it can perform the functions required to organize, manage and send audio content to the listening system. Roon support includes Roon Server, Roon Core and Roon Bridge; this feature makes it possible to place the device in the role intended by one’s Roon architecture, without confusing the server with the digital-to-analog converter.

The main audio connection indicated for Bridge mode is through the USB audio port. This is a digital output intended for interfacing with an external audio device, while the Rhein Z1 remains the component responsible for managing the software and music stream. The equipment also includes a 100/1000 Base-T GbE Ethernet port, intended for wired network connection.

For those using DLNA-based environments, the product supports operation both as a DLNA server and as a DLNA renderer. The DLNA server makes content available on the network according to this standard, while the renderer identifies the function of receiving and managing streams sent by a compatible device. The functions actually available nevertheless depend on the network organization and software used.

Audio formats and signal management

The Rhein Z1 supports digital signals in PCM format, Native DSD up to DSD256 and DoP up to DSD64 at output. These data describe the signal formats that the device can transmit through its digital audio configuration. The final compatibility of the chain also depends on the connected device, the available USB audio input and the playback software used.

• PCM for playback of content encoded in this format;
• Native DSD up to DSD256;
• DoP up to DSD64;
• digital output via the USB audio port.

The presence of a USB audio output makes the device suitable for systems in which the network server and signal conversion are assigned to separate components. The Rhein Z1 is not described as having an integrated DAC: in this configuration, its task is to provide and transfer the digital signal to the connected device. Before installation, it is therefore advisable to check that the DAC or audio interface being used supports the desired format.

Roon, VitOS and network services

The installed operating system is VitOS, the software environment intended for operation of the music server. The indicated Roon support includes the Roon Server, Roon Core and Roon Bridge components. The Rhein Z1 can therefore be selected by those building a system with library management and playback based on Roon, or by those wanting a component dedicated to server functions within the music network.

The device is also described as a digital music center for using diverse streaming services. In this context, the server manages the stream over the network and routes it to the intended output. The availability of individual services, access methods and interface functions depend on the software and platform used; the available data do not specify a list of compatible services.

The Ethernet port supports 100/1000 Base-T GbE speeds and is equipped with a connection and speed indicator. The wired connection provides an orderly way to integrate the server into the home network, without attributing Wi-Fi functions to the product that are not indicated in the specifications. For this reason, the Rhein Z1 connection must be set up via Ethernet.

Storage and available ports

The configuration includes a customized 120 GB Silent Angel SSD system disk. The option of a customized 1 or 2 TB Silent Angel SSD storage disk is also provided. The capacity actually available for content therefore depends on the purchased configuration. The system disk and the disk intended for storage perform different roles: the former hosts the system environment, while the latter is intended for storing music data.

The connection panel includes:

• one USB audio port, with declared power supply of 5 VDC and 0.5 A maximum;
• two USB 2.0 ports, each with declared power supply of 5 VDC and 0.5 A maximum;
• one USB 3.0 port, with declared power supply of 5 VDC and 2 A maximum;
• one 100/1000 Base-T GbE Ethernet port;
• one HDMI 1.4 interface.

The USB audio port is the one indicated for digital output in Bridge mode. The other USB ports can be used according to the requirements of the configuration and connected peripherals, respecting the declared power limits. The presence of the HDMI 1.4 interface expands the connection equipment, but the supplied data do not specify a particular use or detailed video function.

Construction, cooling and interference control

The chassis is made of 6061 aluminum alloy and has a thickness of at least 8 mm. The dimensions are 200 × 65 × 200 mm, respectively width, height and depth. This format makes it possible to place the server near the other system components, while still leaving sufficient space for network, power and USB cables.

The internal design is fanless, meaning without a fan. The absence of an internal fan is a declared construction feature of the product and helps define the server’s mechanical configuration. However, it should not be interpreted as an absolute measure of the overall noise of the system, since the result also depends on the environment, power supply and connected devices.

The specifications also list the Silent Angel Noise Absorber, identified by the abbreviation SANA, as an EMI absorber. This data identifies the presence of this solution in the Rhein Z1 configuration; no quantitative measurements or interference-reduction values are provided. It is therefore correct to consider it a design element of the product, without attributing undocumented performance to it.

Power supply and consumption

The Rhein Z1 uses a 12 VDC and 7 A switching power supply. The input power is specified as 12 VDC, with 2 A maximum, while the declared maximum consumption is 24 W. CPU consumption is specified as 6 W. These values describe the electrical data provided for the device and its power configuration.

For correct installation, the specified power supply must be used and adequate ventilation must be ensured around the chassis, even though the internal design is fanless. The specifications indicate an operating range of 0 to 35 °C and operating humidity from 10% to 90% relative humidity, non-condensing. Storage conditions specify temperatures from -20 to 70 °C and humidity from 5% to 95% non-condensing.

Dimensions, weight and appearance

The product is available in black and silver according to the general characteristics indicated; the code for this configuration identifies the black version. The chassis dimensions are 200 mm wide, 65 mm high and 200 mm deep. The declared gross weight is 6.45 kg, equal to 14.22 lb. This value refers to gross weight and must not be confused with the weight of the device alone without packaging.

The 6061 aluminum structure, minimum thickness of 8 mm and fanless cooling define the server’s physical design. The result is a device intended to be integrated into a stable digital audio system, with Ethernet connection and USB audio output to the conversion or playback component.

Who it is intended for

The Silent Angel Rhein Z1 16GB is intended for those seeking a dedicated music server with Roon and DLNA support, a USB audio output and a VitOS platform. It is a solution to consider when you want to concentrate music management in a separate device, connected to the network via Ethernet and integrated with a DAC or another USB audio device.

Before purchasing, it is worth checking four aspects: the available network format, the compatibility of the USB audio device with PCM and DSD, the required storage capacity and the software you intend to use. The configuration may include an optional 1 or 2 TB storage SSD, while the system disk is a 120 GB Silent Angel SSD. This makes it possible to evaluate the product according to the role it will perform in your system and the connections actually required.

Key features

• Output audio formats: PCM; Native DSD up to DSD256; DoP up to DSD64
• Available color: Black / silver
• Chassis material: 6061 aluminum alloy
• Chassis thickness: at least 8 mm
• CPU consumption: 6 W
• Dimensions: 200 × 65 × 200 mm; width × height × depth

Technical specifications

Output audio formats	PCM; Native DSD up to DSD256; DoP up to DSD64
Available color	Black / silver
Chassis material	6061 aluminum alloy
Chassis thickness	at least 8 mm
CPU consumption	6 W
Dimensions	200 × 65 × 200 mm; width × height × depth
DLNA support	DLNA renderer and server
EMI absorber	Silent Angel Noise Absorber (SANA)
Ethernet interface	1 x 100 / 1000 Base-T GbE
Fanless design	Fanless internal design
Gross weight	14.22 lbs / 6.45 kg
HDMI interface	HDMI 1.4
Input power	12 VDC, 2 A maximum
Maximum consumption	24 W
Operating system	VitOS
Power supply	12 VDC, 7 A, switching
Roon support	Roon Server, Roon Core and Roon Bridge
Storage disk	1 or 2 TB customized Silent Angel SSD, option
System disk	120 GB customized Silent Angel SSD
USB 2.0 ports	2 ports; 5 VDC, 0.5 A maximum
USB 3.0 ports	1 port; 5 VDC, 2 A maximum
USB audio	1 port; 5 VDC, 0.5 A maximum

Technical insights

The specifications provided help compare the product’s configuration, compatibility and performance.

Related products

Shanling SMT1.3 · Shanling SM1.3 · Aune S10N

Frequently asked questions

Which Roon functions does the Silent Angel Rhein Z1 16GB support?

The device supports Roon Server, Roon Core and Roon Bridge, as indicated in the specifications.

What is the Rhein Z1’s main audio output?

The indicated audio output is a USB audio port, usable in Bridge mode to transfer the digital signal to an external audio device.

Which audio formats can it transmit?

It supports PCM, Native DSD up to DSD256 and DoP up to DSD64. Final compatibility also depends on the connected device.

Does the device have storage for music?

A 120 GB Silent Angel system SSD is provided. For content storage, an optional 1 or 2 TB customized Silent Angel SSD is indicated.

Does the Rhein Z1 use a fan?

No. The specifications describe a fanless internal design, therefore without a fan.