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

[Taiko Audio]

Hi,

I’m late to the party too—I got my Taiko Olympus on Friday, hooked it up to my Ideon Clock and Streamer, and boom… it was amazing from day one. I’ve been a strong critic of Taiko for all the delays and everything, but I have to say my dealer was chef’s kiss when it came to customer service. He always gave me options, and now after six months, I have zero regrets, I’d share his name but he is banned here unfortunately.

The Olympus is better than anything I’ve ever heard in my system, and it just keeps getting better. Even after only three days, that little bit of digital glare I first noticed has already started to fade away.

Overnight, I became a big cheerleader for Taiko, and I can’t wait to see what’s next. I still need to try the XDMI analog card, but that’ll be in a few weeks—I just want to get more familiar with the Olympus first. Hopefully this is the start of a long-term partnership that might eventually end with a XDMI-compatible DAC and I/O down the road.

Thank you for the feedback @Dave777tx, great to have you onboard! Please do keep us posted on your journey and experiences, especially if you’re planning on doing any A/B types of comparisons.

 

[Taiko Audio]

Been using the Olympus with analog out for 5 months now. Many report that the sound isn't too good on first start up and concur that it takes 3 weeks minimum to have an idea what it will become. IMO these initial assessments shouldn't carry much weight.

At 3 weeks I plugged in our Lampi Baltic 4 with $$$ tubes via USB. I was surprised how much better the Lampi sounded, especially up top. Analog out sounded like a weak AD1865 chip implementation - no resolution. The Rohm chip used in analog out is high res delta-sigma from 2021, not the 1990's.

I repeated this compare at two months. Analog out was now much better - refined and 3D. The Lampi was now flat, lifeless, and unrefined.

Wish I had my old Horizon to compare, but this is all I have to report on.

Anyone who says analog out is bright or shrill is peddling BS. Definitely not voiced that way. Think organic flow.

For whatever reasons, the Olympus with analog out takes 2-3 months to come on song, possibly more. It's an interesting ride.

Very interesting experience indeed @Tuckia. The good old burn-in hat is clearly something we can’t seem to shake off.

Out of curiosity, I’ve been comparing some traded-in Extreme servers to my own, the very first unit ever built in 2018, and it genuinely does sound just a bit better than the 2020 Extremes, which in turn sound just a touch better than the 2022 versions, and so on.

I can’t help but keep thinking about this snippet and how it might apply to more than just wire:

“Audio Note Japan (Kondo) uses their own drawn silver wire that is then held in stock for approximately 20 years to achieve an ‘age-anneal’ effect, which is a crucial part of their manufacturing process to enhance its crystal boundary chemistry and achieve their desired sound quality. This extensive aging process allows the silver to reach an ideal quality level for their audio equipment, contributing to its characteristic smooth sound with minimal distortion.”

For electronics, though, there could be an inverse curve if we assume a ~20-year lifespan — which would suggest the “sweet spot” might lie somewhere in ..the middle?

 

[Taiko Audio]

@Christiaan Punter what is the thread size for the footers, in case I want to screw in after market footers?

Though answered, thank you @Opabin , for completeness:

Both Olympus Server and I/O units come with modular footers attached via an M6 thread, providing compatibility with any M6-equipped aftermarket footers.

 

[joet]

Thank you for the nice feedback @joet, glad to hear the wait hasn’t left you disappointed

A few clarifications that may help scratch the audiophile OCD itch that often comes with this hobby:

1) Battery charging
The batteries will always reach 100% within the configured charge window, but the time to recharge depends on what they’re powering, since drain is linked to consumption.

For example, if you set the charging window from 1–8 AM:

• The BPS powering the Network card might finish recharging and hit 100% at 4 AM, at which point charging stops.
• Meanwhile, the BPS powering XDMI with the analog module might only reach 100% at 6 AM.

So if you check levels at 7 AM, the Network BPS has already been discharging for 3 hours, while the XDMI BPS has only been discharging for 1 hour. This means they will neither both be at 100% at the same time, nor will they ever sit at exactly the same charge level, unless you start tweaking charge windows, which serves no functional purpose… unless, of course, you’re dealing with a particularly bad case of OCD .

2) Bluetooth range
The Bluetooth transmission power is deliberately kept low, and we also avoid mounting external antennas (even though we could). The reason is simple: the app is usually only used once for configuration, so it’s not an issue if you need to be within a few meters. This way the Bluetooth signal cannot couple into the Olympus or any of your other gear, avoiding both audible and measurable artifacts.

Thank you for the explanation, Emile. I'm using the default charge window of 12 -7. When I check around 7 the IO XDMI is usually around 92%, and the others are at 99%. IO XDMI discharges fastest so I assumed that it was not fully charged within the charge window. Im glad to hear that it was.

 

[Steve Williams]

Thank you for the explanation, Emile. I'm using the default charge window of 12 -7. When I check around 7 the IO XDMI is usually around 92%, and the others are at 99%. IO XDMI discharges fastest so I assumed that it was not fully charged within the charge window. Im glad to hear that it was.

Like Emile stated as I have found the same.....the Taiko. BPS app is a use it once and forget it . At the beginning like you I was fixated on the charging and discharging discrepancies until Emile explained why as he did above. I havent looked at that app in over a year

 

[Taiko Audio]

Thank you for the explanation, Emile. I'm using the default charge window of 12 -7. When I check around 7 the IO XDMI is usually around 92%, and the others are at 99%. IO XDMI discharges fastest so I assumed that it was not fully charged within the charge window. Im glad to hear that it was.

XDMI does in fact use between 5–7 times more power than the others, which is why it discharges faster. My earlier answer didn’t mention this, and without that context it wasn’t entirely clear, XDMI will indeed show a lower level more quickly than the others despite finishing its charge later.

Furthermore, the charge level isn’t perfectly linear. It tends to drop faster from 100–90%, then slows down, since batteries hold proportionally more of their usable capacity in the ‘middle’ of the range than at the extremes. This is simply due to the discharge curve: voltage falls off more quickly at the very top and very bottom, while it’s flatter and more stable through the mid-range (and the charge percentage is derived from the voltage level). None of this has any effect on SQ, in case you were wondering

 

[nenon]

One important note about the BPS:

If you put it in shipping mode for any reason, make sure to connect with the BMS app at least once after you start using it again. This ensures that the BMS properly syncs the time.

 

[nenon]

Emile and I replying together to WBF posts @Taiko Headquarters in Oldenzaal.

 

[John T]

One important note about the BPS:

If you put it in shipping mode for any reason, make sure to connect with the BMS app at least once after you start using it again. This ensures that the BMS properly syncs the time.

When I had that one little hiccup I now remember why you did what you did...Or what you instructed me to do...

 

[Ackcheng]

XDMI does in fact use between 5–7 times more power than the others, which is why it discharges faster. My earlier answer didn’t mention this, and without that context it wasn’t entirely clear, XDMI will indeed show a lower level more quickly than the others despite finishing its charge later.

Furthermore, the charge level isn’t perfectly linear. It tends to drop faster from 100–90%, then slows down, since batteries hold proportionally more of their usable capacity in the ‘middle’ of the range than at the extremes. This is simply due to the discharge curve: voltage falls off more quickly at the very top and very bottom, while it’s flatter and more stable through the mid-range (and the charge percentage is derived from the voltage level). None of this has any effect on SQ, in case you were wondering

This may post additional challenge to the balanced version of analog output! May double the power consumption?

 

[Taiko Audio]

This may post additional challenge to the balanced version of analog output! May double the power consumption?

Good catch! Fortunately this has a negligible effect on overall power use, which is overwhelmingly dominated by the CPU and its peripherals on the XDMI baseboard. On top of that, the BMS can be set to charge at double or even quadruple the charging current, plenty of headroom left for future expansion.

 

[joet]

XDMI does in fact use between 5–7 times more power than the others, which is why it discharges faster. My earlier answer didn’t mention this, and without that context it wasn’t entirely clear, XDMI will indeed show a lower level more quickly than the others despite finishing its charge later.

Furthermore, the charge level isn’t perfectly linear. It tends to drop faster from 100–90%, then slows down, since batteries hold proportionally more of their usable capacity in the ‘middle’ of the range than at the extremes. This is simply due to the discharge curve: voltage falls off more quickly at the very top and very bottom, while it’s flatter and more stable through the mid-range (and the charge percentage is derived from the voltage level). None of this has any effect on SQ, in case you were wondering

Thank you! You know us all too well. We're always obsessing on SQ. Although, knowing you from your posts and products, I didn't think it would have an effect on SQ. If it did you would have fixed it.

 

[VPN]

I quite like the HifiStay Absolute Point footers - it's hard to unhear what these do once you hear them.
I am sending a couple of sets of these on a tour in the US for people to try.

HifiStay just made custom caps for the Olympus (and I/O).
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Thanks for the tip! I am currently using Revopods with my Olympus. Did you, by any chance, compare those with Revopods?

 

[joet]

Thank you! You know us all too well. We're always obsessing on SQ. Although, knowing you from your posts and products, I didn't think it would have an effect on SQ. If it did you would have fixed it.

One more question on this and then I promise to drop it! The IO XDMI continues to charge after the charging window ends. Does that affect SQ? If not, why is a charging window needed? (The IO light continues to flash and then I confirmed that it was charging in the app.)

 

[lwr]

Something feels off here.

Just in case this information is helpful to others: My Olympus is being held in customs because they require my social security number. The issue isn't customs, it's FedEx. 1) I proactively needed to get FedEx to send me the relevant form (which is submitted to them via DocuSign). 2) After 5 days, FedEx still haven't forwarded the completed form to customs. They claim it's "being reviewed." However, DocuSign ensures all necessary fields are completed, and the form contains only personal information that FedEx would be unable to validate. What's more likely is that they are understaffed and items are slipping through the cracks. Once customs receives the form, who knows how long they'll take to follow up. To others in the US: If Taiko allows it, consider giving them your relevant ID so they can include it when your Olympus ships. It might save considerable time.

I had the same experience

 

[ctydwn]

quick update here (Taiko Olympus / I/O / Extreme ) as it has been a minute...

been fortunate to have had the Olympus and I/O to listen to the past 4 to 5 months. Quick spoiler: you will not regret the purchase, if on fence, just do it.

Been a long time user of all Taiko server and network products over the past 4-5 years with the Olympus and I/O replacing the Extreme most recently (quick insert: would like to say here that I have never had a single issue with the Extreme in all that time. robust like a tank. An uber computer that ran for ~5 years, without a single hiccup. just my experience, without saying how other server companies are faring).

In a quick effort to try to provide a brief summary of transitioning from the Extreme to the Olympus and I/O....
Inserting the Olympus and I/O via USB to the Lampizator Horizon 360 was IMMEDIATELY transformational. The USB stage imho needed no warm up, no break in, dead cold, everything that we love that the Extreme has delivered (via same USB) was on steroids. It was a serious component level upgrade and I already knew the deal was done regardless of what XDMI might offer. Musical engagement, bass, tonal saturation, less digital overtones, etc etc. A number have posted extensive reviews. Going out on a limb, and based on conversations with a number of friends, the delivery from the Olympus out of the gate via usb, is simply mind blowing and redefining what we hear/describe as digital or streaming.

Over the past 4-5 months we (me and the pups) have been ensuring full break in of the Lampizator XDMI card to the 360 (KBL Extrema XDMI cable) and made headway on the Taiko analog card. Quick separate shout out to Von Schweikert (@Damon Von Schweikert and @gleeds) and their incredible Ultra 7 speakers and Masterbuilt Ultra cable lines which I can't say enough about, but different thread.

As far as connecting the Olympus to the Horizon 360, I really did have to spend time, as things broke in over many weeks, appreciating the differences between USB to the 360 and the XDMI card to the 360. In a nutshell, in my system, XDMI has a slightly more laid back presentation, and this is a complement, with more natural immersive vocals, slightly wider soundstage, on par micro details, and I believe less fatiguing overall. USB adds a bit of pace and sounds a bit more digital on the margins, perhaps a little extra fuel to dynamics. Overall they are relatively close but honestly I think my hearing/appreciation is maturing as I listen to them both. One defining moment for me is that I have had moments of absolute magic, transfixed and lost in sonic bliss with XDMI to the 360. An experience I never thought possible. I am not versed to describe analog versus digital sound, but XDMI enters a territory on sonic attributes that I love but have no comparative bearing.

And then the analog XDMI card.... While incredible given what it is trying to compete against out of the gate, I have also seen what folks describe as a long transformation over hundreds of hours. I am 'only' at 350 hours and I know I need to double that amount. I am excited to hear what it can deliver (using cardas rca to xls adaptors to boot) over time, but am really quite interested in the analog version 2 xlr module in the future as many are!

Lastly, and most importantly, I would like to say thanks to @nenon / Vassil for his constant effort to navigate the Taiko landscape, challenges and customer base with incredible passion, humility, expertise and kindness. I know many of us have experienced his unbelievable customer support, he's literally dropped 4 hours of his personal time, i know, just to navigate a logistical situation, working into the night often and of course with a baby as well. Vassil man you are amazing.

Ok, seriously in sum, just a couple pics attached...

 

[jbrrp1]

Sweet system! The Ultra 7's really caught my ear at a couple of shows, and certainly must sound wonderful in a well sorted setting with such a great source.

 

[Opabin]

quick update (Taiko Olympus / I/O / Extreme ) here as it has been a minute...

been fortunate to have had the Olympus and I/O to listen to the past 4 to 5 months.
Been a long time user of all Taiko server and network products over the past 5 years with the Olympus and I/O replacing the Extreme most recently (quick insert: would like to say here that I have never had a single issue with the Extreme in all that time. robust like a tank. An uber computer that ran for 5 years, without a single hiccup. just my experience, without saying how other server companies are faring).

In a quick effort to try to provide a brief summary of transitioning from the Extreme to the Olympus and I/O....
Inserting the Olympus and I/O via USB to the Lampizator Horizon 360 was IMMEDIATELY transformational. The USB stage imho needed no warm up, no break in, dead cold, everything that we love that the Extreme has delivered was on steroids. It was a serious component level upgrade and I already knew the deal was done regardless of what XDMI might offer. Musical engagement, bass, tonal saturation, less digital overtones, etc etc. A number have posted extensive reviews. Going out on a limb, but based on conversations with a number of friends, the delivery from the Olympus is simply mind blowing and redefining, wiping away what we hear/ascribe as digital or streaming.

Over the past 4-5 months I have ensured full break in of the Lampizator XDMI card to the 360 and made headway on the Taiko analog card. Quick separate shout out to Von Schweikert and there incredible Ultra 7 speakers and Masterbuilt Ultra cable lines which I can't say enough about, but different thread.

As far as connecting the Olympus to the Horizon 360, I really did have to spend time, as things broke in over many weeks, appreciating the differences between USB to the 360 and the XDMI card to the 360. In a nutshell, in my system, XDMI has a slightly more laid back presentation, and this is a complement, with more natural immersive vocals, slightly wider soundstage, on par micro details, and I believe less fatiguing overall. USB adds a bit of pace and sounds a bit more digital on the margins, perhaps a little extra fuel to dynamics. Overall they are relatively close but honestly I think my hearing/appreciation is maturing as I listen to them both. One defining moment for me is that I have had moments of absolute magic, transfixed and lost in sonic bliss with XDMI to the 360. An experience I never thought possible. I am not versed to describe analog versus digital sound, but XDMI enters a territory on sonic attributes that I love but have no comparative bearing.

And then the analog XDMI card.... While incredible given what it is trying to compete against out of the gate, I have also seen what folks describe as a long transformation over hundreds of hours. I am 'only' at 350 hours and I know I need to double that amount. I am excited to hear what it can deliver (using cardas rca to xls adaptors to boot) over time, but am really quite interested in the analog version 2 xlr module in the future as many are!

Lastly, and most importantly, I would like to say thanks to @nenon / Vassil for his constant effort to navigate the Taiko landscape, challenges and customer base with incredible passion, humility, expertise and kindness. I know many of us have experienced his unbelievable customer support, he's literally dropped 4 hours of his personal time I recall just to navigate a logistical situation, working into the night often and of course with a baby as well. Vassil man you are amazing.

Ok, seriously in sum just a pic or two attached...View attachment 159190View attachment 159191

Very descriptive and interesting report and photos, @ctydwn. Thanks.
What cable are you using from Lampizator XDMI card to the 360?

Edit: All right, your newly-posted photos above show a KBL EXtrema XDMI link to your 360, very nice.

 

[Christiaan Punter]

One more question on this and then I promise to drop it! The IO XDMI continues to charge after the charging window ends. Does that affect SQ? If not, why is a charging window needed? (The IO light continues to flash and then I confirmed that it was charging in the app.)

Hi Joet, the highest sound quality is achieved when running on battery power, and this is what the charging cycle addresses. Ideally, your charge window should be set so that all batteries are charged before your listening sessions. Normally, this will happen overnight for all batteries. The precise level of charge does not matter for SQ. The batteries do not continue charging when the charging window ends, unless the charge level falls below a certain threshold.

If you observe inconsistencies, it may be advisable to re-sync the system by connecting with the BMS app so that the BMS time is set correctly. This is always required once after setting the system in Shipping Mode.

 

[joet]

Hi Joet, the highest sound quality is achieved when running on battery power, and this is what the charging cycle addresses. Ideally, your charge window should be set so that all batteries are charged before your listening sessions. Normally, this will happen overnight for all batteries. The precise level of charge does not matter for SQ. The batteries do not continue charging when the charging window ends, unless the charge level falls below a certain threshold.

If you observe inconsistencies, it may be advisable to re-sync the system by connecting with the BMS app so that the BMS time is set correctly. This is always required once after setting the system in Shipping Mode.

Thank you.