Wadax Reference Dac and Server arrive

[Lagonda]

We never heard the Wadax feed by the Taiko. The Taiko is $22k??. The Wadax server $120k??? Come on. Lets keep the Taiko comparisons to Innuos and Aurender. When my server meets its end, I will consider a Taiko. Consider. I'm more in the $9K range in component pricing.

They are both just specialized computers with mostly regular parts, i doubt the big price difference comes down to much more than bragging rights. Mike already owns one, and is very happy with it, most normal people would take that into account, but then again Mike is not most people !

 

[Scott W]

We never heard the Wadax feed by the Taiko. The Taiko is $22k??. The Wadax server $120k??? Come on. Lets keep the Taiko comparisons to Innuos and Aurender. When my server meets its end, I will consider a Taiko. Consider. I'm more in the $9K range in component pricing.

The Wadax Reference Server is $59,000. The Optical System adds $17495.

 

[bryans]

That’s not how i read it. I think Mike wants the Wadax server to be best but I think he sees there is a risk since it depends on Roon. There is a risk to relying on Roon since they have their own goals. What he does know that is that the Taiko team wants to be able to control everything, which is why they are writing their own software.

Maybe Wadax has their own software plans as well. I am not sure about that.

I think we should let Mike tell us for himself. This whole depending on Roon, etc. is crazy. How about listening to both Wadax and Taiko and pick the one that sounds best. I can't be the only person who actually picks gear based on how it sounds when listening to it.

 

[dminches]

I think we should let Mike tell us for himself. This whole depending on Roon, etc. is crazy. How about listening to both Wadax and Taiko and pick the one that sounds best. I can't be the only person who actually picks gear based on how it sounds when listening to it.

I think I made it very clear it was just my opinion.

I disagree that the Roon dependency is crazy. I don’t know if you use Roon but the sound quality has wavered over time. How would you feel if you turned on your system one day and it sounded worse than the day before because the software vendor decided to make changes which degraded the sound? I pick equipment based on how it sounds and that’s why I don’t use Roon anymore.

 

[bryans]

I think I made it very clear it was just my opinion.

I disagree that the Roon dependency is crazy. I don’t know if you use Roon but the sound quality has wavered over time. How would you feel if you turned on your system one day and it sounded worse than the day before because the software vendor decided to make changes which degraded the sound? I pick equipment based on how it sounds and that’s why I don’t use Roon anymore.

Yes I have used Roon. I also pick equipment based on how it sounds. This is exactly what I said. I click play and the one that sounds the best is the best one for me. It really is that simple.

I can't control how something might sound in the future. If that is the case how can one ever decide on anything especially with music servers. The bulk of them are always coming out with a new version of code, NICs, power supplies, etc.

 

[bryans]

I think I made it very clear it was just my opinion.

Oh and sorry I must have missed this in your post.

 

[dminches]

Yes I have used Roon. I also pick equipment based on how it sounds. This is exactly what I said. I click play and the one that sounds the best is the best one for me. It really is that simple.

I can't control how something might sound in the future. If that is the case how can one ever decide on anything especially with music servers. The bulk of them are always coming out with a new version of code, NICs, power supplies, etc.

I don’t want to continue to take this thread off topic so I will just make one more comment.

Taiko audio has only made changes which have improved the sound quality, including writing their own software. The hardware change they made was to add an upgraded USB output via a new card. However, no user was required to add it.

My point is that they control everything about their server, including the software. Servers which use Roon are subject to the changes in the software which they do not control. The changes have not always been positive.

 

[SCAudiophile]

I agree,...let's allow Mike to enjoy this awesome audio moment, listen, evaluate and let us know what he hears and what HE chooses.

 

[Elliot G.]

you have it exactly right Marc. i'm exhausted.......just got back from dropping Elliot off at the airport (icey slippery drive). after 2 weeks of dealing with snow and trying to keep my driveway clear for a delivery, then the last 4 days picking up the Wadax from the depots, working each day, and also listening 100% of the remaining time and hosting Elliot and the other visitors. moving gear, changing my racks. whew!

but....i do have a sh*t-eating grin on my face.

i tried my best to post the basics of what was going on. i need to take a deep breath now and take it easy and enjoy the fruits. and try to post as i can.

Just arrived home. it was a good flight but really a long one. Thanks for the hospitality and it was fun meeting all your friends and putting a face to a few WBF members. Your system is wonderful and I truly enjoyed what we did and accomplished in a few days.
Have fun, get a little sleep LOL
Elliot

 

[Elliot G.]

I don’t want to continue to take this thread off topic so I will just make one more comment.

Taiko audio has only made changes which have improved the sound quality, including writing their own software. The hardware change they made was to add an upgraded USB output via a new card. However, no user was required to add it.

My point is that they control everything about their server, including the software. Servers which use Roon are subject to the changes in the software which they do not control. The changes have not only been positive.

BTW the new Roon update is fantastic!

 

[dminches]

BTW the new Roon update is fantastic!

That seems to be the consensus. It is their inconsistency which has been worrisome.

 

[Mike Lavigne]

Just arrived home. it was a good flight but really a long one. Thanks for the hospitality and it was fun meeting all your friends and putting a face to a few WBF members. Your system is wonderful and I truly enjoyed what we did and accomplished in a few days.
Have fun, get a little sleep LOL
Elliot

thank you Elliot; for the hand-holding, the top flight DJ'ing, and being a fun guy to hang with for a few days. hope you enjoy your return to the warmth of So-Flo.

today i'm just relaxing and listening with zero direction in mind. oh and btw, thanks for allowing me to demo this amazing gear in my room. it was fun.

 

[adyc]

We never heard the Wadax feed by the Taiko. The Taiko is $22k??. The Wadax server $120k??? Come on. Lets keep the Taiko comparisons to Innuos and Aurender. When my server meets its end, I will consider a Taiko. Consider. I'm more in the $9K range in component pricing.

When does more expensive implies better sound? Why it is unfair to compare Taiko to Wadax server just because Wadax is more expensive? This line of thinking pushes manufacturers to churn out super expensive product.

 

[spiritofmusic]

My guess is Mike has a bigger dilemma on the server than the dac. It appears the dac is more to his taste than the MSB. Simple case of preferring one component to another.
In the case of the server, Mike will likely have balance what he hears knowing the Extreme has the proprietary software that he's declared more than once is an improvement over Roon, and not a subtle one, alongside the new server that has the proprietary optical interface with the dac promising great SQ.
I suspect this is quite the dilemma, unless the new server really does beat the Extreme before the Akansa is even considered.

 

[microstrip]

both days we played vinyl that was 'next level' to my own ears. and i have a number of tapes that are untouchable. but the Wadax brings these type thoughts into the realm of reality for the first time. it's not crazy talk.

if i get my own files loaded at some point, i may be able to speak more to this.

Mike,
Great to read fist impressions, but IMHO they are focusing on recordings that were sourced from analog origins and exist in both formats. Did you listen to redbook digital recordings recorded in digital?

 

[Kingrex]

Ultimately this is what were trying to recreate. However we make that happen and have it speak to us.

 

[Mike Lavigne]

Mike,
Great to read fist impressions, but IMHO they are focusing on recordings that were sourced from analog origins and exist in both formats. Did you listen to redbook digital recordings recorded in digital?

those references cited were from the time after the comparative sessions; except the Midnight Serenade, a direct to disc recording, dubbed to tape and then transferred to redbook. it was used since we had the source Lp to also play. i respectfully differ that the Wadax version was equivalent to the Lp.

here are the other references; all Quboz native digital recordings (you love this stuff i know);

Denver Jazz Quintet to Octet "Cyril Davies", "Coward of the County"
Damien Rice, 'O', "The Blower's Daughter"
Bozzio, Levin, Stevens, Black Light Syndrome, "Duende"
"Springsteen on Broadway", "Brilliant Disguise"

 

[Mike Lavigne]

and in my Wadax combo listening today, things are sounding better, maybe quite a bit better. i'm trying to be a bit low key.....the music is not cooperating.

---Tripoint Elite now connected to the Wadax dac power supply and dart pre. it had been disconnected for the compares.
---Wadax server is now on top of a Dazia on a stable shelf.
---no switching stuff and everything is another day removed from shipping.
---just me in my 'very' sweet spot.

mostly redbook but no matter.

 

[jonyung]

Great news indeed!

and in my Wadax combo listening today, things are sounding better, maybe quite a bit better. i'm trying to be a bit low key.....the music is not cooperating.

---Tripoint Elite now connected to the Wadax dac power supply and dart pre. it had been disconnected for the compares.
---Wadax server is now on top of a Dazia on a stable shelf.
---no switching stuff and everything is another day removed from shipping.
---just me in my 'very' sweet spot.

mostly redbook but no matter.

Wadax has the innate ability to stop you from fidgeting your gears. It is very high in "resolution " and at the same time highly "musical".
Words become very difficult in our audio vocabulary because we used to think "resolution "and "musical" as antithetical. It shouldn't be that way...

Enjoy

 

[Steve Vu]

I think I made it very clear it was just my opinion.

I disagree that the Roon dependency is crazy. I don’t know if you use Roon but the sound quality has wavered over time. How would you feel if you turned on your system one day and it sounded worse than the day before because the software vendor decided to make changes which degraded the sound? I pick equipment based on how it sounds and that’s why I don’t use Roon anymore.

Wadax already explored the custom server software path more than 7 years ago. In the meantime, a server software company called Roon appeared on the market with a distinctive approach. Instead of the ‘flat’ playback scheme of a file browser, Roon proposed a pivotal design around music and the associated ecosystem with a focus on the artistic side. Their periodic updates to add new features that enhance the musical experience together with a bit-perfect internal construction seduced Wadax to adopt Roon as the core for their servers.

Besides that, Roon will be enhanced with Wadax's custom extensions. Roon customization allowed to integrate further into Wadax server technology. The adaption of Roon as server software allows Wadax to focus on their core technologies.

Javier replied to me like that.

If you don't own Wadax, please do not judge them by Roon.