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

Olympus launch. Cover P1.jpg

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".
 
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@Taiko Audio Please excuse me if you have answered this question before: If I buy the Olympus first (with the analog and digital XDMI cards installed in the server), can I easily move the cards myself to I/O later when I opt to buy it later?
 
@Taiko Audio Please excuse me if you have answered this question before: If I buy the Olympus first (with the analog and digital XDMI cards installed in the server), can I easily move the cards myself to I/O later when I opt to buy it later?
The question has surely been answered already.

Here's part of the answer. It doesn't answer your question directly, but the idea is there.


You can indeed buy the Olympus Server XDMI first, then add the Olympus I/O later.

I'm sure Emile (@Taiko Audio ) will confirm this later... in 2024.

He's probably out celebrating New Year's Eve. :):D

A well-deserved New Year's Eve!! :)
 
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...yes, I believe it does. In my case of IO only, remove NIC and USB cards from Extreme (traded in) and utilize new versions in the IO. I believe I have that correct, and would be true for Olympus too, but with XDMI card, if added, as most seem to be doing.
PS: Happy New Year to all.
 
...that is my understanding too, @VPN USB lives in the I/O too, but it's an either/or...not USB and XDMI simultaneously. Sorry @dminches if my comment lacked clarity.

I am retaining the USB output from I/O for now, contrary to most, until such time as there is a solution for ISL direct to MSB. That seems to be a more extended timeline, so I decided I would cross or jump-off that bridge when I come to it.
 
First and foremost, I send you all my best wishes for 2024!

I compiled an all-encompassing "Introduction & FAQ document" for everything relating to XDMI and Olympus. It contains all the info shared in this thread so far, and I will keep adding to it as questions are asked and answered or new information is received. Also included is SwissTom's helpful diagram:) (Thanks, Tom!)

Alas, the file is too large to post here. It can be found in the Downloads section on the Taiko Audio Website:
https://taikoaudio.com/taiko-2020/taiko-audio-downloads
 
First and foremost, I send you all my best wishes for 2024!

I compiled an all-encompassing "Introduction & FAQ document" for everything relating to XDMI and Olympus. It contains all the info shared in this thread so far, and I will keep adding to it as questions are asked and answered or new information is received. Also included is SwissTom's helpful diagram:) (Thanks, Tom!)

Alas, the file is too large to post here. It can be found in the Downloads section on the Taiko Audio Website:
https://taikoaudio.com/taiko-2020/taiko-audio-downloads
You forgot the waffle card.
 
First and foremost, I send you all my best wishes for 2024!

I compiled an all-encompassing "Introduction & FAQ document" for everything relating to XDMI and Olympus. It contains all the info shared in this thread so far, and I will keep adding to it as questions are asked and answered or new information is received. Also included is SwissTom's helpful diagram:) (Thanks, Tom!)

Alas, the file is too large to post here. It can be found in the Downloads section on the Taiko Audio Website:
https://taikoaudio.com/taiko-2020/taiko-audio-downloads
Hi Christiaan, thank you for the useful information. One question. If I use XDMI with DIGITAL AES output, can I still use XDMS-NSM? If so, do you mean All digital output interface now can be played by XDMS-NSM? Also for Network?

I remember XDMS was USB only.

thanks.
 
I have one last question that also needs answering. In light of the trade up pathway, I did ask about the redundancy of the Taiko USB card but so also is there a redundancy with the DCD which no longer will be needed . Is there a trade back pathway for those two items as well
Thankyou for asking this question. I just recently purchased network card, router and switch.
 

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