I will be contacting Taiko next week to get XDMS installed on my Extreme. I’m looking forward to it as everything I’ve read has been hugely positive……
Taiko Audio SGM Extreme : the Crème de la Crème
- Thread starter CKKeung
- Start date
For the Nagra HD DAC X, USB 2 (see https://taikoaudio.com/taiko-2020/w...pported-DACs-USB-Profile-Guide_v42.x80569.pdf )
The sound profile option exists because preferences differ, aka try
Look forward to installing XDMS Beta on your Extreme, Saturdays and Sundays included
A few of us are quite active on Discord too. Providing experiences and feedback for Ed and team. As usual, they are very responsive.
Thanks. If this hasn’t change since it was written, I am good as I would have set it up that way. This cannot be changed from XDMS control Beta yet, but the Sound profile option can, correct?For the Nagra HD DAC X, USB 2 (see https://taikoaudio.com/taiko-2020/w...pported-DACs-USB-Profile-Guide_v42.x80569.pdf )
The sound profile option exists because preferences differ, aka try
Thank you Ed. Fortunately for you I'm retired and available anytime it fits into your schedule
. I will send you an email in the next couple of days.....
Can someone @Taiko Audio explain (again) why the DC Distributor is better than two well designed PSUs? A well-designed PSU, such as from Farad [https://faradpowersupplies.com/], do not “pollute” the AC line and therefore neighbouring components. A well designed PSU does not emit high-frequency noise (most don’t emit low frequency but do emit Hf).
From the Taiko website:
The Extreme DC Power Distributor is a recent development resulting from discoveries made while addressing noise issues associated with Wi-Fi access points. For example, the discovery that the degradation caused by Wi-Fi noise is not dominated by the airborne / radio function but by its interaction with the supply that powers it, and how that, in turn, affects the mains supply that powers our entire systems, gave us a different perspective to investigate. [Why PSUs were used in this testing?]
While testing a variety of power supply designs and various filters, the Extreme Switch and Router turned out to perform better by being powered by a single power supply instead of dual power supplies. This is because a 2nd power supply, even a very low noise linear design, produces more (interacted) noise than the Switch and Router combined. This is where the DC Power Distributor comes in.
Farad claims otherwise. Perhaps it’s because they make the Pink Faun are are competitors to Taiko; but their PSUs are the best in the industry in my view. They have supercaps, among other features.
From Farad’s designer/engineer:
A good supply is in practice the perfect net filter, towards the load, but also towards the AC mains. This also means that noise from one device on the one supply with a good supply will never reach the AC mains, and the noise of the AC mains should never reach the load. Most supplies are built around the regulator and this is where the designers oversee the real problem. A regulator at max does 80dB noise reduction over a bandwidth of 100kHz, while a good supply should be able to do at least 120dB up to preferable maybe GHz range. This 40dB up to 100kHz and the full 120 dB up to the GHz range must be done elsewhere, starting with a good transformer, rectification, pi filter with high bandwidth, etc, etc. Farad is one of the very few supplies that is built for low Hf noise. Low frequency noise is very easy to get rid of (we do this with double regulation and the supercaps, ripple cannot be measured, that low it is), Hf noise is the main enemy and our supplies also really good there, this is also why they perform so well on digital equipment also.
Or is the main benefit of the DCD that you can tune the sound to your preferences?
I have already ordered the DCD, I guess I am looking for some additional justification
From the Taiko website:
The Extreme DC Power Distributor is a recent development resulting from discoveries made while addressing noise issues associated with Wi-Fi access points. For example, the discovery that the degradation caused by Wi-Fi noise is not dominated by the airborne / radio function but by its interaction with the supply that powers it, and how that, in turn, affects the mains supply that powers our entire systems, gave us a different perspective to investigate. [Why PSUs were used in this testing?]
While testing a variety of power supply designs and various filters, the Extreme Switch and Router turned out to perform better by being powered by a single power supply instead of dual power supplies. This is because a 2nd power supply, even a very low noise linear design, produces more (interacted) noise than the Switch and Router combined. This is where the DC Power Distributor comes in.
Farad claims otherwise. Perhaps it’s because they make the Pink Faun are are competitors to Taiko; but their PSUs are the best in the industry in my view. They have supercaps, among other features.
From Farad’s designer/engineer:
A good supply is in practice the perfect net filter, towards the load, but also towards the AC mains. This also means that noise from one device on the one supply with a good supply will never reach the AC mains, and the noise of the AC mains should never reach the load. Most supplies are built around the regulator and this is where the designers oversee the real problem. A regulator at max does 80dB noise reduction over a bandwidth of 100kHz, while a good supply should be able to do at least 120dB up to preferable maybe GHz range. This 40dB up to 100kHz and the full 120 dB up to the GHz range must be done elsewhere, starting with a good transformer, rectification, pi filter with high bandwidth, etc, etc. Farad is one of the very few supplies that is built for low Hf noise. Low frequency noise is very easy to get rid of (we do this with double regulation and the supercaps, ripple cannot be measured, that low it is), Hf noise is the main enemy and our supplies also really good there, this is also why they perform so well on digital equipment also.
Or is the main benefit of the DCD that you can tune the sound to your preferences?
I have already ordered the DCD, I guess I am looking for some additional justification
Great comments. I haven’t listened to the alpha version. Ed has just set up Beta for me. Previously I was using roon. A large step up in SQ. Transparency, accuracy is superb. Sounds closer to analog. Roon interface clearly better and will be great as the team improve that.
I have ordered Farad Power Supplies for my Switch and Router, replacing Teddy Pardo LPS. I have replaced Teddy Pardo with Farad (System10 and System3) in other parts of my system, with dramatic effects.
I haven’t seen any other LPS that is as advanced as the Farad units (which can be ordered as standalone PSUs).
faradpowersupplies.com
All use Supercaps, which is more like a battery powered supply, without the drawbacks. Foil output stages, voltage compensation, no fuse, and high frequency filtering are some of the key features.
I haven’t seen any other LPS that is as advanced as the Farad units (which can be ordered as standalone PSUs).
Super10 - Farad Power Supplies - High Current Linear Power Supplies
Enjoy perfect power for your high-current needs, enjoy endless headroom in your low-current applications with the Farad LPS Super10.
faradpowersupplies.com
We now have a whole bunch of Taiko DC owners powering with new JS-4; And even more Farad owners upgrading and discussing our flexible and sophisticated supply. But as with every month since June, we are sold out and forced to accept reservations 1-2 months in advance. So it's January for new orders now.
JS-4 with Taiko DCD for Extreme Switch & Router
JS-4 replacing Farads #1
JS-4 replacing more Farads, PH SR-4, etc.
Also, at least 3 Taiko Extreme or Olympus owners here at WBF, including @MarkusBarkus, are JS-4 owners.
Great. What is a “Farad#1”? I’m using dual System6 and I bet they will sound better than one + a DCD. I’m willing to try it out if Taiko will let me.
What power supply should I use to power my Taiko DCD power supply’s, power supply? Seems like it’s getting a bit redundant…..We now have a whole bunch of Taiko DC owners powering with new JS-4; And even more Farad owners upgrading and discussing our flexible and sophisticated supply. But as with every month since June, we are sold out and forced to accept reservations 1-2 months in advance. So it's January for new orders now.
JS-4 with Taiko DCD for Extreme Switch & Router
JS-4 replacing Farads #1
JS-4 replacing more Farads, PH SR-4, etc.
Also, at least 3 Taiko Extreme or Olympus owners here at WBF, including @MarkusBarkus, are JS-4 owners.
IIUC, they all replaced Farad Super3, not Super6 or Super10We now have a whole bunch of Taiko DC owners powering with new JS-4; And even more Farad owners upgrading and discussing our flexible and sophisticated supply. But as with every month since June, we are sold out and forced to accept reservations 1-2 months in advance. So it's January for new orders now.
JS-4 with Taiko DCD for Extreme Switch & Router
JS-4 replacing Farads #1
JS-4 replacing more Farads, PH SR-4, etc.
Also, at least 3 Taiko Extreme or Olympus owners here at WBF, including @MarkusBarkus, are JS-4 owners.
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In those published reports yes. Yet we have received private emails and calls from a couple of people who also own the Super6, and one who recently had a Super10.
Enough reports for us to be very confident in the comparisons.
[Plus we appear to be priced rather low for what is delivered. At least that is what most all are saying. Guess that is why we keep selling out. It pays for us to stay small. It sure keeps us busy so I have no complaints, just no budget for advertising or any marketing staff whatsoever.
]I’ve also felt the same way—and really our isolated dual-output JS-4 can easily power both the Taiko Switch and Router directly. But I guess Taiko products and Taiko product owners are called “Extreme” for a reason.
Honestly it makes us happier when our supplies are used to power a components further downstream, such as a preamp, DAC, DDC, or streamer. That’s when we truly shine.
This is getting a bit too "sales-y" for me. I get that you are the manufacturer, @Superdad but I don't love it when manufacturers push their own stuff. Obviously, you are going to say it's the best, etc...
I prefer the Farad System6 on specs alone:
- the Super6 does not use a fuse; fuses can deteriorate sound quality,
- the Super6 has WAY more (~20X-60X) supercap capacitance,
- Farad is quite unique in how they filter high frequency noise. Most LPS will handle low frequency noise well, that's not difficult;
but I understand it's not all about specs in this hobby! It's nice that as customers we have choice. Let's leave it at that.
Regarding the question from @J007B - BE CAREFUL with grounding among the Router, Switch, and Extreme. If you are using an external ground solution, like the ALTAIRA, you may create micro ground loops if you are not careful. Always check each possible combination of grounding. In my case, I just realized that having only the Extreme grounded is best. This is especially true because I am using DAC cables, which carry a ground.
Initially I assumed that with a system like ALTAIRA, it's best to ground everything. This is wrong.
I prefer the Farad System6 on specs alone:
- the Super6 does not use a fuse; fuses can deteriorate sound quality,
- the Super6 has WAY more (~20X-60X) supercap capacitance,
- Farad is quite unique in how they filter high frequency noise. Most LPS will handle low frequency noise well, that's not difficult;
but I understand it's not all about specs in this hobby! It's nice that as customers we have choice. Let's leave it at that.
Regarding the question from @J007B - BE CAREFUL with grounding among the Router, Switch, and Extreme. If you are using an external ground solution, like the ALTAIRA, you may create micro ground loops if you are not careful. Always check each possible combination of grounding. In my case, I just realized that having only the Extreme grounded is best. This is especially true because I am using DAC cables, which carry a ground.
Initially I assumed that with a system like ALTAIRA, it's best to ground everything. This is wrong.
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Post #21,391 was also sounding "a bit too sales-y to me". Glad @Superdad chimed in actually. I’ve been using both Farad and Uptone PSUs for years (including the latest JS-4), and both brands really do deserve credit. I’m also using the JS-4 to power my Taiko DC Distributor, and it’s been a great combo.
How is my post "sales-y" when I'm not selling anything!?
What do you use for grounding, if anything, and where is it grounded?
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