In this thread, we will post sneak previews and information regarding new to-be-released Taiko Audio products.
Upcoming Releases
- Thread starter Christiaan Punter
- Start date
BPS - Battery Power Supply
Release date TBC
Price TBC
Battery Management System
The middle PCB is a BMS (Battery Management System), which allows the use of a battery pack to power the top DC input power supply. So, why did we go through the trouble of designing this while a BMS is widely available and/or included in virtually every battery pack? Because they sound bad and severely degrade battery supply audio performance to below an elaborate high-end AC-DC supply. With our approach, this is no longer the case.
Charger
The bottom PCB is a battery charger and controller with a remote-control interface that allows controlling the BMS.
3 Years of Development
The Taiko Battery Power Supply has been under development for almost 3 years and the release is now coming closer into focus. And as time passes, we come up with ever smarter ideas. The BPS will power (parts of) the Extreme Music Server. Our BPS solution not only makes the Music Server less sensitive to wavering power conditions, but it also adds an extra layer of immunity to network interference.
Purpose
These days, there is, unfortunately, a lot of energy pollution from solar cells, heat pumps, and various other sources. Our upcoming BPS (Battery Power Supply) aims to rid the Extreme and supporting devices, such as a router, and switch off these negative influences.
The BPS will power all vital parts of the Extreme Server whilst offering true isolation.
A major goal of this project has been to match or exceed the dynamics of a mains-powered linear supply, and to our delight, we have succeeded. Our BPS not only significantly outperforms even our biggest, most elaborate linear-powered build, but it is also more durable and uses fewer resources, both in build and in after-sales support. It has an advanced regulator section, which is also employed in the "5th gen Switch", or "Big Switch", that lowers overall noise levels to below what Linear Power Supplies are capable of.
We recently switched to a newer type of cell, which recently became available with a ~50% increase in performance, reducing the number of cells we need to use, which in turn allows the single box BPS Extreme at a lower than previously projected cost and some other new exciting developments we’ll disclose in due time. These cells are not available in regular retail channels and are built to order.
Size
Contrary to earlier information, the full-size BPS will not be an external component. Thanks to new 50% more efficient battery cells and some other changes, we can now allow for an Extreme Music Server to be retrofitted with a BPS in its current chassis. There is no more need for, nor a merit to, a larger external chassis.
Smaller version BPS
We will have a nice upgrade path by using a single external mini-BPS just powering the output card. A smaller size also means fewer hours on a charge. However, you can also charge while listening. You’re still running off batteries, but in a noisier environment, something we’ve not spent much time with yet.
Control
We implemented a Bluetooth controller that will interface with an iOS App to manage the BPS. Android support will likely be added later. At the moment, this is a separate app, but we may integrate it into XDMS later on. Naturally, an important aspect of this was to implement the controller in such a manner that it is extremely low noise and remains inaudible even though it is mounted inside the chassis. As it turned out, the blue-tooth controller as we designed it was the only option that had zero detectable influence on the sound, contrary to Wi-Fi or cabled Ethernet.
Made to Last
The battery that we use sports a life expectancy of over 30 years, and the BMS (Battery Management System) has been designed to meet the most stringent of safety requirements and certifications with sound quality in mind. For instance, we are using no electrolytic capacitors, which is quite a challenge.
For safety purposes, all connected devices will need to have a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) chip installed with a Taiko key communicating with the BPS to enable a DC output. The BPS can supply over 1000A of instantaneous current.
Government Grant
We received a government innovation grant for the BPS for applications outside of High-end audio as it has some unique features, such as a direct, very high-efficiency ATX power supply for servers which can power a whole server rack in a data center and last for 30 years, bypassing the need for a UPS solution.
Battery Capacity
The BPS can power the Extreme for 24 hours on a full charge. It can be configured and programmed to automatically recharge in a specific time window, for instance, every night between 4 and 6 AM, or perhaps you’d like to charge when you have spare solar power.
Output Voltage
The battery itself supplies a single voltage, but the BPS includes an array of regulators that can potentially power other devices.
We will supply 12-24V and maybe an additional 5V, it depends a bit on the interfaces we are currently testing. We actually have multiple new interfaces, which can add a lot of flexibility and expansion options.
Compatibility
Whilst the BPS will still be able to power multiple devices and potentially also power non-Taiko devices, now that it will be implemented into the Extreme Server by default, the options may change. Therefore, this is TBC.
More info can be found on the Taiko Audio Website. For these upcoming products, we currently have Summary & FAQ Documents, which are kept up to date.
Taiko Audio Downloads Section
Release date TBC
Price TBC
Next Gen Technology
DC input power supply
The top PCB in the photo above is a DC input power supply enabling the usage of an external power supply. This utilizes GaN (Gallium Nitrate) FETs, can supply up to 11.500 watts, and runs cool.Battery Management System
The middle PCB is a BMS (Battery Management System), which allows the use of a battery pack to power the top DC input power supply. So, why did we go through the trouble of designing this while a BMS is widely available and/or included in virtually every battery pack? Because they sound bad and severely degrade battery supply audio performance to below an elaborate high-end AC-DC supply. With our approach, this is no longer the case.
Charger
The bottom PCB is a battery charger and controller with a remote-control interface that allows controlling the BMS.
3 Years of Development
The Taiko Battery Power Supply has been under development for almost 3 years and the release is now coming closer into focus. And as time passes, we come up with ever smarter ideas. The BPS will power (parts of) the Extreme Music Server. Our BPS solution not only makes the Music Server less sensitive to wavering power conditions, but it also adds an extra layer of immunity to network interference.
Purpose
These days, there is, unfortunately, a lot of energy pollution from solar cells, heat pumps, and various other sources. Our upcoming BPS (Battery Power Supply) aims to rid the Extreme and supporting devices, such as a router, and switch off these negative influences.
The BPS will power all vital parts of the Extreme Server whilst offering true isolation.
A major goal of this project has been to match or exceed the dynamics of a mains-powered linear supply, and to our delight, we have succeeded. Our BPS not only significantly outperforms even our biggest, most elaborate linear-powered build, but it is also more durable and uses fewer resources, both in build and in after-sales support. It has an advanced regulator section, which is also employed in the "5th gen Switch", or "Big Switch", that lowers overall noise levels to below what Linear Power Supplies are capable of.
We recently switched to a newer type of cell, which recently became available with a ~50% increase in performance, reducing the number of cells we need to use, which in turn allows the single box BPS Extreme at a lower than previously projected cost and some other new exciting developments we’ll disclose in due time. These cells are not available in regular retail channels and are built to order.
Size
Contrary to earlier information, the full-size BPS will not be an external component. Thanks to new 50% more efficient battery cells and some other changes, we can now allow for an Extreme Music Server to be retrofitted with a BPS in its current chassis. There is no more need for, nor a merit to, a larger external chassis.
Smaller version BPS
We will have a nice upgrade path by using a single external mini-BPS just powering the output card. A smaller size also means fewer hours on a charge. However, you can also charge while listening. You’re still running off batteries, but in a noisier environment, something we’ve not spent much time with yet.
Control
We implemented a Bluetooth controller that will interface with an iOS App to manage the BPS. Android support will likely be added later. At the moment, this is a separate app, but we may integrate it into XDMS later on. Naturally, an important aspect of this was to implement the controller in such a manner that it is extremely low noise and remains inaudible even though it is mounted inside the chassis. As it turned out, the blue-tooth controller as we designed it was the only option that had zero detectable influence on the sound, contrary to Wi-Fi or cabled Ethernet.
Made to Last
The battery that we use sports a life expectancy of over 30 years, and the BMS (Battery Management System) has been designed to meet the most stringent of safety requirements and certifications with sound quality in mind. For instance, we are using no electrolytic capacitors, which is quite a challenge.
For safety purposes, all connected devices will need to have a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) chip installed with a Taiko key communicating with the BPS to enable a DC output. The BPS can supply over 1000A of instantaneous current.
Government Grant
We received a government innovation grant for the BPS for applications outside of High-end audio as it has some unique features, such as a direct, very high-efficiency ATX power supply for servers which can power a whole server rack in a data center and last for 30 years, bypassing the need for a UPS solution.
Battery Capacity
The BPS can power the Extreme for 24 hours on a full charge. It can be configured and programmed to automatically recharge in a specific time window, for instance, every night between 4 and 6 AM, or perhaps you’d like to charge when you have spare solar power.
Output Voltage
The battery itself supplies a single voltage, but the BPS includes an array of regulators that can potentially power other devices.
We will supply 12-24V and maybe an additional 5V, it depends a bit on the interfaces we are currently testing. We actually have multiple new interfaces, which can add a lot of flexibility and expansion options.
Compatibility
Whilst the BPS will still be able to power multiple devices and potentially also power non-Taiko devices, now that it will be implemented into the Extreme Server by default, the options may change. Therefore, this is TBC.
More info can be found on the Taiko Audio Website. For these upcoming products, we currently have Summary & FAQ Documents, which are kept up to date.
Taiko Audio Downloads Section
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XDMI - Extreme Direct Music Interface (formerly known as TACDD/TACDA)
Release date TBC
Price TBC
A proprietary digital interface called XDMS that is unlike AES/EBU, S/PDIF, I2S, USB, or any other existing format. This will be a 2-prong solution with a dedicated interface in the Extreme Music Server and a dedicated interface in the receiving DAC. We are speaking with various manufacturers to support XDMI in their products natively. For those products that cannot support our interface, we will have an alternative solution that still makes use of XDMI on the Extreme Server side.
Initial output module options:
- S/PDIF digital out
- AES/EBU digital out
- RCA analog out
Additional options currently under development:
- MSB Pro ISL digital out
- Dual AES/EBU digital out
- I2S digital out
More info can be found on the Taiko Audio Website. For these upcoming products, we currently have Summary & FAQ Documents, which are kept up to date.
Taiko Audio Downloads Section
Release date TBC
Price TBC
A proprietary digital interface called XDMS that is unlike AES/EBU, S/PDIF, I2S, USB, or any other existing format. This will be a 2-prong solution with a dedicated interface in the Extreme Music Server and a dedicated interface in the receiving DAC. We are speaking with various manufacturers to support XDMI in their products natively. For those products that cannot support our interface, we will have an alternative solution that still makes use of XDMI on the Extreme Server side.
Initial output module options:
- S/PDIF digital out
- AES/EBU digital out
- RCA analog out
Additional options currently under development:
- MSB Pro ISL digital out
- Dual AES/EBU digital out
- I2S digital out
More info can be found on the Taiko Audio Website. For these upcoming products, we currently have Summary & FAQ Documents, which are kept up to date.
Taiko Audio Downloads Section
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Regarding the BPS:
"Size
Contrary to earlier information, the full-size BPS will not be an external component. Thanks to new 50% more efficient battery cells and some other changes, we can now allow for an Extreme Music Server to be retrofitted with a BPS in its current chassis. There is no more need for, nor a merit to, a larger external chassis."
Has Taiko been able to make a user (with technical knowlege) upgrade package for the internal BPS, so one does not have to ship back the Taiko? Or the only option for the internal BPS is to send the Taiko Extreme back to Taiko's factory?
"Size
Contrary to earlier information, the full-size BPS will not be an external component. Thanks to new 50% more efficient battery cells and some other changes, we can now allow for an Extreme Music Server to be retrofitted with a BPS in its current chassis. There is no more need for, nor a merit to, a larger external chassis."
Has Taiko been able to make a user (with technical knowlege) upgrade package for the internal BPS, so one does not have to ship back the Taiko? Or the only option for the internal BPS is to send the Taiko Extreme back to Taiko's factory?
We have a very cool external upgrade solution coming up which is much more then “just a bps”. This is virtually plug&play, difficulty level similar to inserting the networkcard upgrade which every Extreme owner has managed to diy afaik.
Announcement soon!
Is I2S the planned interface between XDMI and the Lampi Horizon? What is the planned interface between XDMI and the Lampi Poseidon which doesn't have I2S AFAIK?
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I’m currently using XDMI with an AES/EBU daughterboard to the Horizon. While you could consider that driving with the parking-brake on, it still clearly shows the improvements from the new driver software, improved process flow with the elimination of the USB controller, and streamlined high bandwidth hardware (which is several thousands of times faster then USB).
Additional daughterboards with other output options like I2S to follow later, those take some more work due to things like muting functionality.
Dear Emile, Hopefully the XDMI with AES/EBU will be available soon, since I understand this would be the preferred option to connect to the Totaldac DAC Sublime. Cheers
Indeed, we discussed this with Vincent. The Totaldac works with AES/EBU both internally as externally. If you feed it from anything else it will be converted to AES/EBU anyway. Therefore AES/EBU is the obvious choice. As for availability, the first batch of production level circuitboards are scheduled to arrive mid January.
I am interested in aes/ebu as well but have a different wrinkle on this.
Today I have Taiko USB going to a battery powered sotm dx-usbHD (with super lock option) that converts and reclocks to aes/ebu, then into a recloclocker-sublime into the d1-triunity DAC. With the new xdmi aes/ebu output card, I will be giving up one stage of reclocking. Hopefully this will be more than compensated for by the xdmi interface, but time will tell.
P.S. looking forward to the individual Xdmi and BPS threads to come
They will be appearing as soon as I have official information to share!I am interested in aes/ebu as well but have a different wrinkle on this.
Today I have Taiko USB going to a battery powered sotm dx-usbHD (with super lock option) that converts and reclocks to aes/ebu, then into a recloclocker-sublime into the d1-triunity DAC. With the new xdmi aes/ebu output card, I will be giving up one stage of reclocking. Hopefully this will be more than compensated for by the xdmi interface, but time will tell.
P.S. looking forward to the individual Xdmi and BPS threads to come
I'll wait patiently for the dCS-compatible dual AES/EBU output daughter card as well as the TACDA analog output "DAC" daughter card. I think it would fun (and instructive) to be able to compare the two.They will be appearing as soon as I have official information to share!
Steve Z
Many are awaiting available items for their XMAS list.
From: Me, To: Me, Love Me
From: Me, To: Me, Love Me
As for me, I'm eagerly awaiting the new version of the Extreme Server BPS, with a design matching the Switch and Router. A single box with a North Sea pebble look.
Is the analog card already available for pre-orders? I may have missed the announcement I somehow have the impression that the analog card will be an underdog and perform way above its league ! Simple solutions tend to be hard to beat, just my naive intuition but I am all in
I somehow have the impression that the analog card will be an underdog and perform way above its league ! Simple solutions tend to be hard to beat, just my naive intuition but I am all in
No announcement or pre-order yet.Is the analog card already available for pre-orders? I may have missed the announcement
Steve Z
The new DC power supply could also be powered by the present/internal power supply of the Extreme server thus being an upgrade of the DC DC ATX board??
The precise BPS implementation, and how it will be powered, will be announced later.
I am interested in aes/ebu as well but have a different wrinkle on this.
Today I have Taiko USB going to a battery powered sotm dx-usbHD (with super lock option) that converts and reclocks to aes/ebu, then into a recloclocker-sublime into the d1-triunity DAC. With the new xdmi aes/ebu output card, I will be giving up one stage of reclocking. Hopefully this will be more than compensated for by the xdmi interface, but time will tell.
P.S. looking forward to the individual Xdmi and BPS threads to come
I have 3 TotalDAC reclockers on the way to the DAC. There is no way to remove 1 of them .
There is significant benefit of multiple reclockings.
But yes I belive you could drop the sotm as this is not on the level of TotalDAC reclockers performance.
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