If you have not yet done so, recommend you go to Antipodes website, https://antipodes.audio/guide.php , which provides written and video instructions. Antipodes has a web interface where you can select server and player configurations from a dashboard, and yes, there is an iPhone App you can...
I'm in process of initial play hours on a new Triode Wire Labs "Passion" USB cable. TWL website states in the feature/specs:
Advanced Two Step Demagnetization: The use of two distinct commercial, audiophile grade demagnetizer machines, which neutralizes magnetic fields around the cable...
FYI, Lumin does not support modifying their units for SBooster. My understanding is not only will doing so void warranty, but that Lumin will not perform work on a unit that has been modified unless returned to factory configuration. I have read multiple posts from users who have praised the...
My K50 first-release version is on the way to Antipodes for upgrade to G4 Oladra technology. I have been using a Mola Mola Makua with DAC (Tambaqui similar) via Roon Ready ethernet, USB , and AES/EBU with Sablon Bocchino cable most used up to now. I also have been using Lumin X1 via fiber.
@jackson_k,
I am not currently a PIayback Designs owner, but look forward to your feedback. Christiaan Punter has favored Jorma AES/EBU over USB from the K50. I have Sablon Bocchino for AES/EBU and Triode Wire Labs USB. I listen with both but favor AES/EBU more. My understanding is K50...
Christiaan Punter recently did reviews on Playback Designs MPS-X and then MPD-6. He tried an interesting experiment in his review of the MPD-6 inserting the MPS-X between his K50 and MPD-6 using AES/EBU from K50 and PLINK from MPS-X to the MPD-6. He was quite taken with sound quality...
I did indeed find improvement in my system with the AS cable compared to the stock one. I found it so on the various sample rates and different music selections I tested, with some very noticeable, some far more subtle, and in some cases not a clear preference. Overall, I found it worthwhile for...
You may want to consider posting your location. Possibly owner members potentially near you may reach out to offer an audition. You may also reach out to these manufacturers, who may also be able to assist coordinating an audition.
I was fortunate to find and purchase a preowned Mola Mola Makua with newly updated DAC card. I already had a DHT preamp with a installed DAC module and also a Lumin X1. I had previously run the X1 through the preamp, but changed to active crossover and amp direct with the Leedh processing...
Uh oh, paraphrasing the "Sopranos", just when you think you're out, they pull you back in again. I have a DC4 powering my PF Buffalo, but have so far resisted the ARC6.
When you evaluate footers, depending on the devices, you may try both placing under the existing rail supports vs. under the Tambaqui. I believe there are some vented areas under which you would not want to cover. I first tried the Oreas under the rails using 2 on each rail. The rails...
I also found that isolation/vibration control feet make a difference in sound presentation as well. Some may prefer the existing support rail legs, and I did so for some time. I had ordered some Orea Indigo feet I thought to use under my K50. However, I had some Daedalus DIDs already as...
My experience with the Mola Mola Makua with DAC module (Tambaqui) is that its presentation is influenced by cabling. While some may take that for granted it would make a difference, others on the objective end of spectrum may consider it heresy. I did not know what to expect with this DAC...
Sorry for the confusion, but I meant RJ-45 ethernet to the K50. I agree with you the Lumin X1 is an excellent unit. I also have a Mola-Mola Makua with the "Tambaqui" installed DAC. It is foolish for me to have both DACs, but I really like them both. I find myself listening one day to the...
I would not be surprised if there has been several incremental changes over time with the K50 as various supply chain parts issues proved challenging. That could very well continue to play out for the near future as well. I would expect Antipodes has a database of what specifically was...
I am using Daedalus DIDs (Daedalus Isolation Devices). I have had them for awhile, but were not currently in use. I purchased some Orea Indigos with intent to use them, but preferred the DIDs and currently have Oreas under one of the DACs.
@skids929, I applaud your patience and commitment to allowing the K50 to fully break in before changing cables, inputs, etc. In my case, I yielded to the temptation pretty early in the running hours. Good on you for staying the course on break-in. Though I complicated the evaluation with...
If you have large floor tiles with grouting, large thresholds or areas to traverse that may be bumpy or jarring, suggest considering getting some grey non-marking pneumatic wheels to replace the hard castor wheels. It is a much quieter and significantly softer ride for equipment.
My experience with K50 has been similar with increased texture and resolution and a bit tighter low end as it accumulates more run time. I have single PF Buffalo as switch. It may be wishful thinking on my part, but It seems Roon has improved since Antipodes rolled out software updates.
Enjoy
Ron, I personally suspect there are elements of both at play. I periodically change to a different digital input for a DAC if new digital or USB cable to the DAC and then go back to new cable assigned location. I find myself then more analytical on what I perceive on presentation. If it's a...
Thinking about this, I thought I better clarify my comments about you are there vs they are here. The Mola Mola for me displays distinctive individual musical contributions of voices and instruments and the illusion of their placement. The X1 for has more of a further sitting in a larger...
I am aware off anticipated Mk II DirectStream in the works. I would not be surprised that it may be longer in releasing due to supply chain difficulties. Parts pricing may also go up. I have an unmodified DirectStream that was part of the original batch release, and it has been in and out...
@Adimon,
Unfortunately, I am somewhat a DAC harlot ;), having several. One of them is the Directstream, which I just recently put back in rack to check out I2S from the K50. I read on their forum the postings from people buying a number of different I2S cables and picked up a closed out...
I think this can be DAC dependent, and not only by what digital inputs available to the DAC. I also believe that audible preference results can also be influenced by the cabling to the DAC and by the upstream components and network cabling to the K50, including the ethernet cabling used.
@Sampajanna,
I do have a K50 I received in early May of this year. I did read reviews prior to purchasing. I later read Antipodes info on supply chain issues and steps they implemented to mitigate. I compliment Antipodes regarding their transparency on the issue. I do not view my unit as...
abeidrov,
I too was experiencing the "metadata improver paused" spinning arrow issue for multiple weeks with Roon. I searched Roon for answer and tried some of the suggestions to no avail. The Home screen of Roon did not show the album artwork of newly added music to my library from Qobuz...
Very interesting. I appreciate the photos--looks like very well organized build. After Dark in Hong Kong has opened a forum on AS, promoting a variety of modded devices including rippers. Have you or your friends compared their rippers to this one? I have looked at After Dark website on...