Antipodes Audio - Updated Range and Upgrade Program - July 2023

[matthias]

Looking at the processing diagrams of Oladra vs K50 we see that with Oladra I2S, AES and SPDIF have one additional reclocking step in comparison to USB, so it can be argued that these outputs might be sounding even better than USB.
Listening impressions with Oladra G4 seem to confirm this.

Matt

 

[Macattack]

I have been living with the update Kala K50 for a few weeks. The upgrade has brought a more musical sound to my room. I call it ‘internal dynamics’. The colors the musicians make are more dynamic, more vibrant.

My default setup has been to use ROON server and Squeeze player via AES/EBU. With the upgrade, I am now listening without Squeeze and via a Tubulus Concentus USB. It sounds fantastic and allows native transmission avoiding the limitations that both Squeeze and AES bring.

I have only heard an Oladra in Munich so cannot make any comparisons.

For me, the upgrade has been a slam dunk.

 

[gentcan]

I just got my Oladra upgraded to MK2 today but it’s strange that there’s a new ground screw added near the power IEC socket so I couldn’t plug my PC into the socket. Is there any way to do that? Please see attached picture and advise. Thanks.

 

[matthias]

I just got my Oladra upgraded to MK2 today but it’s strange that there’s a new ground screw added near the power IEC socket so I couldn’t plug my PC into the socket. Is there any way to do that? Please see attached picture and advise. Thanks.

Can you not simply remove the screw?

Matt

 

[gentcan]

Can you not simply remove the screw?

Matt

If I want to remove it I need to open the server and will avoid warranty. I am using a cheap/normal PC for the moment. With the ground srew installed we only use a cheap pc for Oladra and one more option is to buy a IEC jitter /adapter. Thank you

 

[matthias]

If I want to remove it I need to open the server and will avoid warranty. I am using a cheap/normal PC for the moment. With the ground srew installed we only use a cheap pc for Oladra and one more option is to buy a IEC jitter /adapter. Thank you

AFAIK, the ribbed golden part is a screw. You should be able to turn it counter-clockwise. IIUC, when you turned it enough you should be able to remove it, so no need to open the server.

Matt

 

[gentcan]

@mathias Do you think the ground screw is a big improvement part of upgrade (golden part). If yes, we should keep it and find a way to connect our existing audio grade PC to server. Out of the box with cheap PC inserted Oladra still sounds as good as before upgrading. Need more time to burn it. Thanks

 

[kennyb123]

Do you think the ground screw is a big improvement part of upgrade (golden part)

It's there only to allow a separate ground cable to be attached.

 

[matthias]

@gentcan
All my devices are chassis earthed by 3x4sqmm PC and very low resistance to ground, so I see no need for additional ground screws and grounding devices.

Matt

 

[kennyb123]

All my devices are chassis earthed by 3x4sqmm PC and very low resistance to ground, so I see no need for additional ground screws and grounding devices

I know many how use Shunyata power cords can claim the same, and yet it seems all who've tried Altaira hear a significant upgrade. Seems that having a way to clean/filter the ground and also isolate grounds can provide additional benefits. I'm off topic with this post so to get back on topic I will just say that I don't know if Oladra's ground connection can provide additional benefits.

 

[OLADRA]

The grounding post is not user-removable, as it is secured from inside the OLADRA.
Either a different power chord, cutting down the binding post or returning to Antipodes for removal are the options

 

[gentcan]

It's there only to allow a separate ground cable to be attached.

I do have my ground box and Oyaide GR cable for it. Thanks mate

 

[matthias]

and yet it seems all who've tried Altaira hear a significant upgrade

"The ALTAIRA is a centralized grounding system that eliminates inter-component ground-loops while reducing ground-plane noise that is known to cause audible humming, buzzing and other undesirable distortions."

I have no inter-component ground-loops since chassis ground and signal ground are connected at one point only. Even with no attenuation and 99dB sensitivity speakers there is no audible humming etc.

So I would like to spend the money for Altaira on a new DAC

Sorry for OT @OLADRA

Matt

 

[kennyb123]

So I would like to spend the money for Altaira on a new DAC

Or spend it on an even better Antipodes server!

 

[kennyb123]

I have no inter-component ground-loops since chassis ground and signal ground are connected at one point only.

I will just toss out one more remark and then let things get back on track. I have no reason to not believe that what you said about your system also applies to mine and yet a Altaira is on my list of future upgrades. What has been said about it suggests that it brings the kind of improvements that I tend to favor the most. I got a little taste of what a ground box can do by purchasing a very affordable box from Quartz Audio. You could not pry that box from my dead fingers.

Having said that, I would prioritize server upgrades ahead of a box like the Altaira. Everything matters in this crazy hobby so the challenge is figuring out how best to apply limited dollars.

 

[Sampajanna]

The grounding post is not user-removable, as it is secured from inside the OLADRA.
Either a different power chord, cutting down the binding post or returning to Antipodes for removal are the options

This doesnt look like a particularly large cable by audiophile standards. I think you are going to have lots of this issue….

 

[7ryder]

This doesnt look like a particularly large cable by audiophile standards. I think you are going to have lots of this issue….

I was able to connect my Shunyata Sigma V2 NR cable with no issues.

 

[Sampajanna]

Nice. So maybe that is a BIG cable Oladra is on my radar and I have Shunyata, so that is great to hear

 

[rspyder]

Is there a WBF post comparing the original Oladra with the "upgraded" Oladra in terms of performance (i.e. sound)?

Thanks,

Ray

 

[matthias]

Is there a WBF post comparing the original Oladra with the "upgraded" Oladra in terms of performance (i.e. sound)

I would look here (not WBF):

Antipodes Audio - Updated Range and Upgrade Program - July 2023

I think I am one of the lucky ones to have been at the front of the upgrade list and it is possible that I have one of the first upgraded versions of the Oladra in my system. No doubt people will be interested to know what I think about the Oladra upgrade having had it now for just over a day...

antipodes.support

Matt