Antipodes Oladra

[exupgh12]

After several years with the Melco N1Z, I received my new Antipodes Oladra today.
Even fresh out of the box, it's audio performance are a leap forward, sweet mids and authoritative bass. And the chassis beautiful curves are something i can look for hours.

 

[Synaxis]

Congrats!

I think you're going to love it. I had the K41 and K22 and they sounded great. The Oladra I'm sure is next level.

I did find mine needed about 300 hours to sound their best.

Keep us updated how it's progressing.

 

[LL21]

Congrats! Definitely keeping my eye on this one, as the Zanden DAC is definitely 4-box digital (Transport & DAC, each with separate power supply and interlinked optimally via the RJ45 i2s connection...a connection that the Oladra (with excellent feedback on being a true reference quality piece) uniquely also has.

 

[exupgh12]

Congrats!

I think you're going to love it. I had the K41 and K22 and they sounded great. The Oladra I'm sure is next level.

I did find mine needed about 300 hours to sound their best.

Keep us updated how it's progressing.

Thanks! That’s great to hear. I’ll definitely share updates as it breaks in over time.

 

[exupgh12]

Congrats! Definitely keeping my eye on this one, as the Zanden DAC is definitely 4-box digital (Transport & DAC, each with separate power supply and interlinked optimally via the RJ45 i2s connection...a connection that the Oladra (with excellent feedback on being a true reference quality piece) uniquely also has.

Thanks, appreciate it.

 

[ricjor1]

I've owned the Oladra for a little over a year. I went from a Antipodes K41/K21 combination to the Oladra. In my system the Oladra provides better spacing between instruments, produces a wider and deeper soundstage. The Oladra produces slightly more detail, without a hint of brightness. Some say it's stupid to spend so much money on a music server. Based on my experience, I would do it again and submit it's one of my best audio purchases.

 

[exupgh12]

I've owned the Oladra for a little over a year. I went from an Antipodes K41/K21 combination to the Oladra. In my system the Oladra provides better spacing between instruments, produces a wider and deeper soundstage. The Oladra produces slightly more detail, without a hint of brightness. Some say it's stupid to spend so much money on a music server. Based on my experience, I would do it again and submit it's one of my best audio purchases.

I totally agree with your description, it’s been less then 48 hours I got the Oladra, and I’m amazed just how I enjoy listening to what I hear from my digital setup, it’s like a whole new experience and quality.

With previous server I had image to die for, but the sound was not close to be sensual as my analog setup. Now with the oladra I’m amazed at how good my digital source sound had become.

 

[Juiced]

Wow! congrats @exupgh12 !

Major upgrade

 

[exupgh12]

Wow! congrats @exupgh12 !

Major upgrade

Thanks! Indeed a major upgrade.

 

[Synaxis]

I totally agree with your description, it’s been less then 48 hours I got the Oladra, and I’m amazed just how I enjoy listening to what I hear from my digital setup, it’s like a whole new experience and quality.

With previous server I had image to die for, but the sound was not close to be sensual as my analog setup. Now with the oladra I’m amazed at how good my digital source sound had become.

It's amazing how different servers/streamers can sound and just how good digital can be.

Don't forget to put a good isolation platform or footers under the Oladra for an even bigger improvement.

 

[exupgh12]

IDon't forget to put a good isolation platform or footers under the Oladra for an even bigger improvement.

That part will have to wait till I buy anther shelf for my Bassocontinuo reference rack.

 

[exupgh12]

Oldara Sound Impressions After Several Days​

One word: transformative. I've experienced excellent digital sources before, but the Oladra operates on another level entirely. What struck me most was the organic, natural presentation. Gone is any trace of digital harshness or artificiality—the music simply flows with a relaxed, inviting quality that draws you deeply into each recording.

The detail retrieval is remarkable yet never analytical or fatiguing. Fine details emerge naturally within the musical fabric rather than being artificially spotlit. Tonal colors, instrumental weight, and vocal presence are rendered with emotional impact—which is, after all, the ultimate purpose of this hobby.

Bass performance has improved dramatically (surpassing even my analog setup in this regard)—deeper, more controlled, and precisely articulated. Through the Magicos, low frequencies are not just heard but physically felt.

Connection Insights: AES/EBU vs USB

I've traditionally favored USB connections, both for their format flexibility and because my MSB Premier implementation uses Pro ISL\USB to reclock signals and route them through the Femto clock in the MSB.

The Oladra has changed my perspective. Since all connections (including USB) undergo reclocking in this server, I've found the AES/EBU connection delivers superior musicality, preserving harmonics that seem diminished via USB. The Oladra extracts even more from the already excellent MSB DAC through this connection.

The Premier is undoubtedly a good DAC, but its pairing with the Oladra represents genuine synergy. The soundstage immediately expanded, offering more air between instruments, greater dimensionality, and foundational bass that anchors the entire presentation. Everything simply feels "right."

UX Experience

I'm using Roon as server software, but opted for Squeezebox as the player. The Oladra offers multiple player options, with Squeezebox providing seamless operation, rapid navigation, and instantaneous response. While I haven't explored all available server and player combinations, the flexibility is appreciated.

After just days of listening, it's clear this represents my most significant digital upgrade in years. While not inexpensive, the Oladra's performance justifies its premium positioning. For those with revealing systems seeking digital music excellence, it deserves serious consideration.

 

[matthias]

After several years with the Melco N1Z, I received my new Antipodes Oladra today.

I am just curious did you compare Oladra to other servers in the same price range?
Thanks

 

[tom539]

congrats @exupgh12

Give HQPlayer a try - I found it "best" player on my K50 G4 (used also Squeeze as player with Roon-Server)

atb, Tom

 

[exupgh12]

I am just curious did you compare Oladra to other servers in the same price range?
Thanks

I’ve listened to servers from Taiko, Pink Faun, Wadex, Aurender, and Innuos at exhibitions, distributor showrooms, and friends’ homes. Unfortunately, arranging a home demo wasn't possible at this time.

All of these top-tier server/streamer brands offer excellent products. However, when considering distributor support, price-to-performance ratio, and musical engagement across various outputs, the Oladra stood out as a strong contender—especially from the perspective of an MSB DAC user.

 

[exupgh12]

congrats @exupgh12

Give HQPlayer a try - I found it "best" player on my K50 G4 (used also Squeeze as player with Roon-Server)

atb, Tom

Thanks for words, and the advice Tom, I will give it a a try.

 

[gds7368]

Do you hear a difference between streaming vs locally stored files on the Oladra?

 

[kennyb123]

One word: transformative. I've experienced excellent digital sources before, but the Oladra operates on another level entirely. What struck me most was the organic, natural presentation. Gone is any trace of digital harshness or artificiality—the music simply flows with a relaxed, inviting quality that draws you deeply into each recording.

The detail retrieval is remarkable yet never analytical or fatiguing. Fine details emerge naturally within the musical fabric rather than being artificially spotlit. Tonal colors, instrumental weight, and vocal presence are rendered with emotional impact—which is, after all, the ultimate purpose of this hobby.

Congrats on this. What you describe mirrors my experience with the K50 G4 though I’m sure the Oladra takes it to the next level.

As others have mentioned, it will be a few more weeks before you no longer hear improving sound quality due to it settling in. At no point do these servers ever sound bad, but they so improve subtly in a number of areas.

I'm using Roon as server software, but opted for Squeezebox as the player. The Oladra offers multiple player options, with Squeezebox providing seamless operation, rapid navigation, and instantaneous response. While I haven't explored all available server and player combinations, the flexibility is appreciated.

I use Squeeze/Squeeze when I want to hear the best sound from music in my library. I use Roon/HQPlayer when I am in music discovery mode. I wish I could stick with Roon, but at the present time, Squeeze/Squeeze does less harm to the music. Familiarity with Squeeze/Squeeze can make it more difficult to enjoy Roon as what it can overlay on the music becomes easier to perceive. I find it a non-issue though when listening to unfamiliar music.

Nice that we have options.

 

[exupgh12]

Do you hear a difference between streaming vs locally stored files on the Oladra?

I have not done blind testing (and honestly I’m not into it), but the quality is very consistent, network or internal storage. If I need to say, it’s more on the file quality you play then were it is stored. Maybe after more time with the server I’ll have more solid opinions regarding files location.

 

[itay123]

looks fantastic!
The OLADRA is definitely on my menu as a future upgrade from the K50...
The thing is that the K50 surprised me so much and I'm so happy with it,
which makes me squinting less at the upgrade above it.
However, Let's be Honest, the OLADRA will definitely come and even sooner than expected.