Taiko Audio SGM Extreme : the Crème de la Crème
- Thread starter CKKeung
- Start date
Installed over the weekend, and now waiting for your sonic observations
I haven’t been on here for months now and have completely lost touch with what’s been going on. I stopped listening to my main system and tbh completely lost interest months back due to developing tinnitus which, thankfully, did subside after a prolonged abstinence, so I’ve been happily using my main system again. I suspect a combination of headphones and too loud listening as the culprits so lesson learned there.
Anyway, after a side by side demo at home comparing my H1 with H360 - helpfully arranged by Greg at G-Point - moving to 360 was an obvious conclusion for me and I have been greatly enjoying it in my system in recent times. Then, a couple of days ago, I received a flag stating that my version of XDMS had expired, so I emailed support at Taiko and, sure enough, Ed popped up and got me installed with the latest version. It makes me laugh watching him as he speedily zips around my Extreme like Roadrunner on steroids.
So last night I gave it a good listen and was quite surprised at the sound. I’m a lifetime Roon user and have used it for years but comparing XDMS with Roon SQ, I found the differences quite similar to comparing H360 with H1 in that the sound initially seems darker and less detailed until your ears adjust and you realise that, actually, there is more - of everything. It seems to me to combine the best elements of digital and analogue providing a new kind of presentation that is far more revealing and dimensional and yet natural and free flowing. I’ve been very happy with H360 and so discovering the new XDMS is a real bonus, especially since the two together seem so complementary, like they were designed to go together. I had no idea what to expect since I hadn’t read any of the feedback from users on here - still haven’t yet - but XDMS, to me, has been equivalent to a component level kind of improvement in my system. It seems that no matter what point you have reached, there is always more to be had, one of the joys and frustrations of audio systems.
I am largely avoiding headphones still and have been using my speakers at lower volumes than before in order to protect my ears so I am happy to note that the combination of H360 and XDMS allow greater enjoyment at lower volume levels than previously was the case. So thanks to Ed and Taiko for a complementary and very welcome upgrade in sound quality here. I keep an SPL measuring device by my side since, with the new arrangement, it is all too easy for sound levels to creep back up without being aware of how far and, in measuring, I am finding that I am often running louder than I think.
Anyway, after a side by side demo at home comparing my H1 with H360 - helpfully arranged by Greg at G-Point - moving to 360 was an obvious conclusion for me and I have been greatly enjoying it in my system in recent times. Then, a couple of days ago, I received a flag stating that my version of XDMS had expired, so I emailed support at Taiko and, sure enough, Ed popped up and got me installed with the latest version. It makes me laugh watching him as he speedily zips around my Extreme like Roadrunner on steroids.
So last night I gave it a good listen and was quite surprised at the sound. I’m a lifetime Roon user and have used it for years but comparing XDMS with Roon SQ, I found the differences quite similar to comparing H360 with H1 in that the sound initially seems darker and less detailed until your ears adjust and you realise that, actually, there is more - of everything. It seems to me to combine the best elements of digital and analogue providing a new kind of presentation that is far more revealing and dimensional and yet natural and free flowing. I’ve been very happy with H360 and so discovering the new XDMS is a real bonus, especially since the two together seem so complementary, like they were designed to go together. I had no idea what to expect since I hadn’t read any of the feedback from users on here - still haven’t yet - but XDMS, to me, has been equivalent to a component level kind of improvement in my system. It seems that no matter what point you have reached, there is always more to be had, one of the joys and frustrations of audio systems.
I am largely avoiding headphones still and have been using my speakers at lower volumes than before in order to protect my ears so I am happy to note that the combination of H360 and XDMS allow greater enjoyment at lower volume levels than previously was the case. So thanks to Ed and Taiko for a complementary and very welcome upgrade in sound quality here. I keep an SPL measuring device by my side since, with the new arrangement, it is all too easy for sound levels to creep back up without being aware of how far and, in measuring, I am finding that I am often running louder than I think.
A couple of weeks ago I got a Taiko Extreme Switch and as promised I wanted to post some impressions. First, my signal path: cable modem - TP Link router - 6' fiber optic bridge - Ansuz D2 Powerswitch - Taiko Extreme SGM. For the past two weeks I have had the Extreme switch inserted between the Ansuz Powerswitch and the Extreme SGM. I can say there is a definite increase in SQ, not earthshaking, but a definite increase. I have posted in other threads that the Ansuz was the best switch I have ever tested in my system. In the next couple of days I will remove the Ansuz and see what difference that makes. Stay tuned......
I finally got to the point of submitting my ticket to Taiko for getting upgraded to XDMS.......
Ed is great. I hold the record for slowest scan speed on the XDMS install, currently at 12 hours. He tested my internet speed and it was at 490mb. So their cloud server must be slow…..Ed's the best
So after about 13 1/2 hours XDMS is finally up and running on my Extreme There was one slight glitch, it seemed that my enhanced USB was not working. Ed loaded new USB drivers and tried a few other things, no luck. Poor Ed, after such a long day he was quite frustrated. We switched to the USB Dac port and when I finished listening to music for the day he wanted me to turn off the power to the Extreme from the main. He was going to get back to me today to work on it. I decided to try something this morning, with the Extreme still off I moved the USB cable back to the enhanced port, I went through my normal startup and the enhanced USB port is working again . I have to say I had never used the normal USB Dac port, the enhanced port really makes a difference........
There was one slight glitch, it seemed that my enhanced USB was not working. Ed loaded new USB drivers and tried a few other things, no luck. Poor Ed, after such a long day he was quite frustrated. We switched to the USB Dac port and when I finished listening to music for the day he wanted me to turn off the power to the Extreme from the main. He was going to get back to me today to work on it. I decided to try something this morning, with the Extreme still off I moved the USB cable back to the enhanced port, I went through my normal startup and the enhanced USB port is working again . I have to say I had never used the normal USB Dac port, the enhanced port really makes a difference........
Just installed the Furutech NCF Clear Line USB isolator in the default DAC output USB output. It’s too soon to tell if it achieves my goal or reducing background noise as it needs time to settle. So far, it doesn’t seem to be harming the sound, and perhaps making it slightly more ‘natural’ and with a bit more clarity. The voice separation in Lonestar, when Norah is singing with the chorus is more pronounced, in a very good way: it now sounds more convincingly like 3 vocalists. Nice! There also seems to be a bit better alignment of instruments to vocalists in terms of placement in the room.
furutech.com
NCF Clear Line-USB - Furutech
furutech.com
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I tried it in the open USB port in my NAS with negative results. I'm on Olympus, so nothing goes in its (or the router's) USB unless that's how you chose to connect to the DAC. I put Furutech XLR terminators in the preamp with marginal positive impact to my ears. Others have more sensitive hearing.Just installed the Furutech NCF Clear Line USB isolator in the default DAC output USB output. It’s too soon to tell if it achieves my goal or reducing background noise as it needs time to settle. So far, it doesn’t seem to be harming the sound, and perhaps making it slightly more ‘natural’ and with a bit more clarity. The voice separation in Lonestar, when Norah is singing with the chorus is more pronounced, in a very good way: it now sounds more convincingly like 3 vocalists. Nice! There also seems to be a bit better alignment of instruments to vocalists in terms of placement in the room.
NCF Clear Line-USB - Furutech
It’s not in the signal path so you can try it in the Olympus USB, unless it’s physically not connected to anything. It seems to be a small EMI filter that also cleans up the 5V USB voltage. It could be at the expense of the ‘airiness’ of the highs; which is always a potential drawback when you add filtering.
I’ll continue to evaluate mine after a few days, then unplug and listen without. If the initial impressions were correct: more clarity and improved sound space e,g., by better vocal separation and placement, it may be worth it even if there is some loss of airiness. It becomes a way to fine-tune the sound to your room/equipment/preferences.. Especially for ~$250 it’s worth a try.
I’ll continue to evaluate mine after a few days, then unplug and listen without. If the initial impressions were correct: more clarity and improved sound space e,g., by better vocal separation and placement, it may be worth it even if there is some loss of airiness. It becomes a way to fine-tune the sound to your room/equipment/preferences.. Especially for ~$250 it’s worth a try.
Thanks if I remember Emile's post correctly, a device in any USB port in the Olympus or router will add noise.
I’m sure Emile has not tried everything, with all possible equipment configurations. If you have it, why not try it? Aren’t you also posting about how a static vs dynamic IP has improved A/V quality on your ATVX? Why be close-minded when it comes to this but not when it comes to a static IP having any benefit (which I don’t understand)…
This is not an attack at all, please don’t take it that way.
Just my 2 cents that we should all continue to be open-minded, because anything can make a difference…
This is not an attack at all, please don’t take it that way.
Just my 2 cents that we should all continue to be open-minded, because anything can make a difference…
No, I didnt post about a static IP being better than a DNS assigned one. I was explaining to someone who was asking how to make an IP static because their NAS IP kept on switching addresses and it was inconvenient. As for not trying it, it's not about being close minded. It's work to get behind the Olympus, I trust Emile, and Ive been routinely disappointed by these types of products when I used them elsewhere. However, I might try it in the future. I'll just need half an hour an a lot of band aids.
Ok, sorry, it was the other poster about the Static IP... which may be totally valid of course... I realize not everything can be explained in this hobby!
And I totally get things that are a pain to access. My Extreme is sitting in a custom stand nearly vertically (generously made by Emile/Taiko) behind my couch - don't ask me how I access the front button!
And I totally get things that are a pain to access. My Extreme is sitting in a custom stand nearly vertically (generously made by Emile/Taiko) behind my couch - don't ask me how I access the front button!
Hello all,
Ed just installed XDMS on my Extreme and all I can say is wow! I’ve had my system in its current configuration for over a year and this is new territory. I love the next-level soundstage, and the air and sparkle in the highs. Well done, Ed and team!!
Ed just installed XDMS on my Extreme and all I can say is wow! I’ve had my system in its current configuration for over a year and this is new territory. I love the next-level soundstage, and the air and sparkle in the highs. Well done, Ed and team!!
Black Friday / Cyber Monday Special:
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, Taiko Audio is offering the North American market a limited number of certified pre-owned Taiko Extreme servers, recently traded in by customers upgrading to the new Taiko Olympus. Each unit will be fully refurbished before shipping and will be available for $15,000 with a full 1-year warranty. This is a rare opportunity to own a Taiko Extreme at a special, limited-time price—available only while supplies last.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, Taiko Audio is offering the North American market a limited number of certified pre-owned Taiko Extreme servers, recently traded in by customers upgrading to the new Taiko Olympus. Each unit will be fully refurbished before shipping and will be available for $15,000 with a full 1-year warranty. This is a rare opportunity to own a Taiko Extreme at a special, limited-time price—available only while supplies last.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
Ultimate Cyber Monday Sound Quality Special
I was at the home of cat6man last night to carefully sound quality evaluate Wilson's latest otimized build of XDMS Beta which he has been working on for a couple of weeks
The SQ is amazing uplift (again) XDMS Beta 4.08 will be released this week, and the cost is Free, but of course you do have to have an Extreme ;-)
I was at the home of cat6man last night to carefully sound quality evaluate Wilson's latest otimized build of XDMS Beta which he has been working on for a couple of weeks
The SQ is amazing uplift (again) XDMS Beta 4.08 will be released this week, and the cost is Free, but of course you do have to have an Extreme ;-)
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