Introducing Olympus & Olympus I/O - A new perspective on modern music playback

For those who just started reading up on Olympus, Olympus I/O, and XDMI, please note that all information in this thread has been summarized in a single PDF document that can be downloaded from the Taiko Website.

https://taikoaudio.com/taiko-2020/taiko-audio-downloads

The document is frequently updated.

Scroll down to the 'XDMI, Olympus Music Server, Olympus I/O' section and click 'XDMI, Olympus, Olympus I/O Product Introduction & FAQ' to download the latest version.

Good morning WBF!​

We are introducing the culmination of close to 4 years of research and development. As a bona fide IT/tech nerd with a passion for music, I have always been intrigued by the potential of leveraging the most modern of technologies in order to create a better music playback experience. This, amongst others, led to the creation of our popular, perhaps even revolutionary, Extreme music server 5 years ago, which we have been steadily improving and updating with new technologies throughout its life cycle. Today I feel we can safely claim it's holding its ground against the onslaught of new server releases from other companies, and we are committed to keep improving it for years to come.

We are introducing a new server model called the Olympus. Hierarchically, it positions itself above the Extreme. It does provide quite a different music experience than the Extreme, or any other server I've heard, for that matter. Conventional audiophile descriptions such as sound staging, dynamics, color palette, etc, fall short to describe this difference. It does not sound digital or analog, I would be inclined to describe it as coming closer to the intended (or unintended) performance of the recording engineer.

Committed to keeping the Extreme as current as possible, we are introducing a second product called the Olympus I/O. This is an external upgrade to the Extreme containing a significant part of the Olympus technology, allowing it to come near, though not entirely at, Olympus performance levels. The Olympus I/O can even be added to the Olympus itself to elevate its performance even further, though not as dramatic an uplift as adding it to the Extreme. Consider it the proverbial "cherry on top".

 

Olympus without T router:
Too little...
Olympus with T router:
Too much.
Olympus with T router and switch:
Perfect..

Ymmv

 

Olympus without T router:
Too little...
Olympus with T router:
Too much.
Olympus with T router and switch:
Perfect..

Ymmv

In our experience the DAC cable length is more critical when using the router w/o the switch with an optimal length of 2 meters, if you care about “timing” that is.

 

For those attending the Florida International Audio Expo in Tampa, FL this month, we will have both the Olympus and Olympus I/O on display in the "Brandon 2" room, playing XDMI analog.

If you're planning to attend, please stop by and say hello!

We are also confirmed for the SouthWest Audio Fest in Dallas in March and Axpona in Chicago in April. More shows where we'll present the Taiko Olympus server with XDMI analog to come. I am hoping to personally meet many of the folks here as we tour around the US.

 

Olympus without T router:
Too little...
Olympus with T router:
Too much.
Olympus with T router and switch:
Perfect..

Ymmv

Same experience here (and don't skimp on power to the network stack!!)

 

@tomas329 , @Kingsrule , @MarkusBarkus , thank you on reporting on the necessity of accumulating some burnin time on the XDMI / MSB Pro ISL module. I’m beyond pleased all the time and effort we put into making this interface happen is starting to pay dividends!

While on the subject, we do not recommend using DAC cables to replace the fiber cable for the MSB Pro ISL link.

The recommendation for using DAC cables strictly applies to our own router/switch/networkcard as those have been designed for that specifically where the MSB Pro ISL interface has been designed to work with the supplied SFP fiber modules.

 

Anyone try different footers on the Olympus?

 

Anyone try different footers on the Olympus?

I plan to, as soon as I get my Olympus-I/O . Among many options I've got at home, I'm especially curious to try a set of LessLoss Giant Steps that I recently purchased. Just seemed to--perhaps--be a good matchup.

 

We are also confirmed for the SouthWest Audio Fest in Dallas in March and Axpona in Chicago in April. More shows where we'll present the Taiko Olympus server with XDMI analog to come. I am hoping to personally meet many of the folks here as we tour around the US.

I wish you could confirm the Elon North Carolina Show. Its a rather small secluded venue without much notoriety. However, exceptional wine and food always on hand!

 

Same experience here (and don't skimp on power to the network stack!!)

I totally agree.
Until a few days ago my Paul Hynes, which powers the DCD Taiko and therefore the Taiko Switch and Taiko Router, had a Shunyata Alfa V1 cable. I tried changing it for a Shunyata Sigma V2 and I couldn't believe the improvement I experienced.

 

... I’m beyond pleased all the time and effort we put into making this interface happen is starting to pay dividends! ...

Thanks for doing this for MSB owners Emile!

 

We are also confirmed for the SouthWest Audio Fest in Dallas in March and Axpona in Chicago in April. More shows where we'll present the Taiko Olympus server with XDMI analog to come. I am hoping to personally meet many of the folks here as we tour around the US.

Hopefully that will include the Costa Mesa show.

 

Hopefully that will include the Costa Mesa show.

Yes, that's the plan!

 

A while back I suggested my goal is to be in the venue where the it was recorded and not have the sense the performance was in my room.
Someone asked, "is this possible?"
Yes. The O brings me a whole lot closer to that goal. I look forward to the addition of the IO.
O/v1a

Ymmv

 

@tomas329 , @Kingsrule , @MarkusBarkus , thank you on reporting on the necessity of accumulating some burnin time on the XDMI / MSB Pro ISL module. I’m beyond pleased all the time and effort we put into making this interface happen is starting to pay dividends!

While on the subject, we do not recommend using DAC cables to replace the fiber cable for the MSB Pro ISL link.

The recommendation for using DAC cables strictly applies to our own router/switch/networkcard as those have been designed for that specifically where the MSB Pro ISL interface has been designed to work with the supplied SFP fiber modules.

Hi. Could you give an update on Olympus shipments?

 

Hi everyone, I wanted to provide a quick update on what's brewing!

Right now, our team is on the road visiting the new Anodizer to check out the quality of their process, make arrangements, and plan ahead. Plus, they’ll be heading over to our current Anodizer this Friday to discuss what’s been happening and lay out some fresh plans.

I know you’re all eager for details, and trust me, I wish I could share more right now. We have several irons in the fire, and we expect to have more concrete information in just 1-2 weeks. So, it's best to hold off on a big announcement until we have everything ready to share.

Stay tuned for a detailed update very soon!

 

Should we translate this to mean that production has stopped for now?

 

Should we translate this to mean that production has stopped for now?

Not at all. It means we will be able to provide a clear picture of how we will ramp up the production rate and what can be expected going forward.

 

Hi all,

Good news from the BMS App front!

We have identified and fixed the issue that was prevented use of the BMS app with Samsung devices. The new BMS app, version 1.1 with Samsung Support, is now live in the Google Play Store.

Changelog Android BMS App
V1.1

• The issue with not detecting devices on Samsung phones is now resolved.
• Improved compatibility with older Android devices.
• Added changelog popup the first time the app is opened after update.
• BMS values in settings that are also shown on the device’s overview screen are removed from settings.
• The following settings entries are no longer user accessible
  • BMS Serial number
  • BMS Software version
  • BMS monitor serial number
  • BMS monitor software version
  • User override duration
  • Minimum SoC
  • Factory reset

• The ‘timezone’ and ‘charge start- & end time’ can only be changed if ‘always charging’ is not enabled.
• Timezone selection now contains the GMT offset per timezone.
• In the ‘scanning for devices’ screen, each device now has a charging state icon.
• In the ‘scanning for devices’ screen, multiple devices can be selected (long press) and simultaneously put in ‘Shipping mode’.
• App icon updated.
• Various small UI improvements.
• Minor Bug fixes.

 

Hi all,

Good news from the BMS App front!

We have identified and fixed the issue that was prevented use of the BMS app with Samsung devices. The new BMS app, version 1.1 with Samsung Support, is now live in the Google Play Store.

Changelog Android BMS App
V1.1

• The issue with not detecting devices on Samsung phones is now resolved.
• Improved compatibility with older Android devices.
• Added changelog popup the first time the app is opened after update.
• BMS values in settings that are also shown on the device’s overview screen are removed from settings.
• The following settings entries are no longer user accessible
  • BMS Serial number
  • BMS Software version
  • BMS monitor serial number
  • BMS monitor software version
  • User override duration
  • Minimum SoC
  • Factory reset

• The ‘timezone’ and ‘charge start- & end time’ can only be changed if ‘always charging’ is not enabled.
• Timezone selection now contains the GMT offset per timezone.
• In the ‘scanning for devices’ screen, each device now has a charging state icon.
• In the ‘scanning for devices’ screen, multiple devices can be selected (long press) and simultaneously put in ‘Shipping mode’.
• App icon updated.
• Various small UI improvements.
• Minor Bug fixes.

Thank you..

 

Hi everyone,

Some of you will already be familiar with me—hopefully on a positive note! I just wanted to give you all an update from my perspective, as I'm both new to the Taiko Team and stepping into the audiophile world for the first time.

Emile brought me on board to help tackle some of the challenges we're facing, and the first one I’ve tackled is shipping. I’m happy to report that we've got it sorted out about 95%. We’re now able to ship worldwide, though there are still a few remote areas where things can get tricky. But don’t worry—I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve to handle those situations, even if it means a little more patience on our end.

Next up is the anodizing issue, which, as some of you know, has been a beast. It’s been a complicated process, but we’ve made great strides. We’ve partnered with a new vendor, and after the first test runs, they’re gearing up for full production in the next two weeks. I totally understand that waiting has been frustrating for all of you, and believe me, no one at Taiko expected this delay when the Olympus was released and none of us are happy with how this has been going.

On the side, we’re also experimenting with a coating variant, which, if all goes well, could replicate the anodized colour and potentially eliminate the anodizing problem altogether. The final tests for both silver and black will be wrapped up in 12 days.

However, if you can hang in there just a little longer, we’re about to ramp up production significantly. Our goal is to get to the point where we’re building and shipping at least 10 units a week, and to ultimately have stock ready to go after everyone finally has their Olympus order. I promise, we’re working as fast as we can, and we’re just as frustrated by the delays as you are.

I’m planning to visit the new anodizing partner again after the weekend and—if they allow it—I’ll try to get some video footage of the process. I can’t promise I’ll look particularly exciting in the video, but the process itself might just be worth the watch.

Rest assured, we’re committed to delivering the best product possible, even if it’s taking a lot longer than expected. Thanks for your continued patience and understanding!

EDIT: We are producing currently, just at a slower rate than we want. (Thought this was important to mention)