Taiko Audio SGM Extreme : the Crème de la Crème

Kingsrule

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Feb 3, 2011
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This does indeed pose a challenge. A sturdy enough flight case takes the shipping weight over the limit for regular carrier services. This leaves pallet freight as the only option. This would then need to be completely crated rather then just palleted as pallet freight which cannot be stacked is quite expensive. And then there's what EuroDriver just posted, internal damage is much more likely to occur with flight cases.

Yes and good points

But the big problem with cardboard is potential water damage....especially on international shipping
 

nonesup

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Feb 15, 2017
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Thanks so much for the break-in chart. Still huffing and puffing a bit from getting it into my rack by myself (70 y/o)
Yes, weight is a big problem. After observing the increase of SQ when putting it under my Server, I am very interested in putting a new one under my DAC, but they are 60 Kg and on a shelf that is very high. Definitely a problem, although "only" will turn 64 :)
 
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Mike Lavigne

Member Sponsor & WBF Founding Member
Apr 25, 2010
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Yes, weight is a big problem. After observing the increase of SQ when putting it under my Server, I am very interested in putting a new one under my DAC, but they are 60 Kg and on a shelf that is very high. Definitely a problem, although "only" will turn 64 :)

at 68 years 'young' getting it in into my rack by myself, i had to place it on a platform at the rack height and scoot it into the slot. it was a workout. i had minimal top clearance which prevented any easy leverage angles.....making sure i did not gouge the beautiful casework.

why do all the best sounding pieces have to weight a ton?
 

kswanson27

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Nov 21, 2018
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What component are we talking about here? The Extreme weighs 43 kg--still heavy. You're putting it under something? Or am I misreading ...
 

nonesup

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If that is the question for me, I am talking about my DAC AC Kassandra.
It is on the upper shelf of an Artesania Audio Rack and due to its position it is difficult to move even between two people.
 
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nonesup

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3D40217C-005D-4A5B-AE98-56BE7E9F3EF4.jpeg
 
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drjimwillie

Well-Known Member
Mar 26, 2020
25
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Hi All
I have FiOS ONT, 30 feet coax to my Router, 30 feet Ghent catsnake JSSG 360, ER.
One user was fortunate enough to have extra FiOS cable to move his ONT next to his set up and then a short connection to his router and a short connection to his ER. He reported a great improvement, but it was probably mostly because he was able to eliminate a fiber optic module. I cannot move my ONT but I can, with some effort, move my router next to my set up. The concern is that Wi-Fi also comes from the router. I have an extra 3 foot Ghent catsnake I could use from the router to the ER but I am worried that the wi-Fi would negate the benefit of the shorter connection. Does anyone have any experience with this? I could probably go into the router and turn off the Wi-Fi.

Alternately I could run fiber optic The 30 feet from the router to the ER although, I would be sad to waste the 30 foot Ghent cable. It seems like it would be a good use for this fiber optic technology. My question is about power supplies. (I am using the stock power supply on the ER until I can get an appropriate LPS for it.) I recently put an LPS on the router and enjoyed the benefit it made. I had an issue with that LPS and had to remove it, I missed the benefit of it. If I add the optical module to supply the ER I am assuming The OR will benefit from a better power supply (experience please?)

Does anyone have experience if they are using the OR does it still benefit to use an LPS for the router?
 

Kris

Well-Known Member
Mar 4, 2019
948
971
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Hi All
I have FiOS ONT, 30 feet coax to my Router, 30 feet Ghent catsnake JSSG 360, ER.
One user was fortunate enough to have extra FiOS cable to move his ONT next to his set up and then a short connection to his router and a short connection to his ER. He reported a great improvement, but it was probably mostly because he was able to eliminate a fiber optic module. I cannot move my ONT but I can, with some effort, move my router next to my set up. The concern is that Wi-Fi also comes from the router. I have an extra 3 foot Ghent catsnake I could use from the router to the ER but I am worried that the wi-Fi would negate the benefit of the shorter connection. Does anyone have any experience with this? I could probably go into the router and turn off the Wi-Fi.

Alternately I could run fiber optic The 30 feet from the router to the ER although, I would be sad to waste the 30 foot Ghent cable. It seems like it would be a good use for this fiber optic technology. My question is about power supplies. (I am using the stock power supply on the ER until I can get an appropriate LPS for it.) I recently put an LPS on the router and enjoyed the benefit it made. I had an issue with that LPS and had to remove it, I missed the benefit of it. If I add the optical module to supply the ER I am assuming The OR will benefit from a better power supply (experience please?)

Does anyone have experience if they are using the OR does it still benefit to use an LPS for the router?

Buy wire only router ( ubiquiti edgerouter x) and separate poe wifi access point.
connect everything the way it sounds best in your system with other devices like Eter Regen ,
just make sure to use one FO between the access point and router (to isolate AP).
and the other FO connection somwere on the pathway to the server .
Every component ( router , switch, Optical modules, access point) , should be supplyed by high quality LPS with Mundorf siver gold DC wires And Oyaide DC plug.
Longer Ethernet runs replace with FO and Optical modules . Use Planet 20 km 1310 nm SFPs. Extended temperature.
This is very unexpensive way of getting any system sound amazing .
 

Kris

Well-Known Member
Mar 4, 2019
948
971
183
Or use Startech Media cnverter with Startech 1G 80 km 1550 nm SFPs As it might be a better option in some systems .
 

Mobiusman

Well-Known Member
May 24, 2010
704
560
1,655
Jersey Shore- waterside
The First Listen
Thank you again for allowing me into this privileged group. Although I have been listening to Queen's Radio GaGa (derivatives for only about 30 minutes and listening to music that I would not normally listen to, but promised myself while watching Bohemian Rhapsody in IMAX, dead center on the screen and in the theater that Radio GaGa would be my first digital playback? All I can say is that I am totally blown away because of how real it sounds---markedly better than the entire IMAX theater could produce.

What I am hearing is hard to describe short of saying that the sound is much more cohesive top to bottom so that it sounds like you are there and the venue is PERFECT. The detail and musicality are incredible and thus no surprise it is totally enveloping.

It is now an hour later and I have not been able to get out of my listening chair as Roon does it work and the Extreme takes making the sound incredible more seriously than I have ever heard digital before. I must also give the MSB Reference DAC kudo's because it is clearly an essential part of single path. While no doubt many will disagree, I also think that MasterBuilt Ultra USB is truly something special and still breaking in.

In my system powered by tubes, I cannot imagine a tube DAC sounding better, even with tube rolling, which I want nothing to do with. Of course I will go listen to Steve's system with a Lampi Pacific fed by an Extreme and connected to with a MasterBuilt Ultra USB to his Lamms and Wilsons to see what I think, but I suspect I have found my favorite vanilla, and my main speakers are on sick leave. Almost scary to think what it will sound like all together and when broken in.

I have to periodically remind myself that I am listening to my bedroom speakers and not my Ultra 9's, but the sound is as good as I have heard, virtually anywhere, and probably better than all but a very small number of systems I have heard anywhere in my entire 60 years with audio.
Bravo Emile
 

drjimwillie

Well-Known Member
Mar 26, 2020
25
6
68
61
Buy wire only router ( ubiquiti edgerouter x) and separate poe wifi access point.
connect everything the way it sounds best in your system with other devices like Eter Regen ,
just make sure to use one FO between the access point and router (to isolate AP).
and the other FO connection somwere on the pathway to the server .
Every component ( router , switch, Optical modules, access point) , should be supplyed by high quality LPS with Mundorf siver gold DC wires And Oyaide DC plug.
Longer Ethernet runs replace with FO and Optical modules . Use Planet 20 km 1310 nm SFPs. Extended temperature.
This is very unexpensive way of getting any system sound amazing .

Thank you
I guess mostly what I was wondering is if the power supply for the router matters as much, if you’re using the OM with a good power supply?
I would like to put a good power supply on everything, including the ONT but Verizon strongly suggested not to modify it.
I feel forced to keep the Verizon router because I have their support and I use it for the TV and the house Internet.
Having the Wi-Fi separate is a good idea. I do have two other wired Wi-Fi access points and I have another one that I’m not currently using. I could turn off the Wi-Fi on the main router and add the other wired access point, so I would not have a loss of signal.
I was encouraged by the report of the increase in sound quality by having the router closer to the server. I guess If I stay with the logic that the OM is better than even a short ethernet cable, then my decision is made for me.
I am definitely going to try the Mundorf wires. They sound magical. I’ve been talking to a friend about making some up for me.
 

Alrainbow

Well-Known Member
Dec 11, 2013
3,189
1,387
450
A week ago my Extreme was supposed to arrive, and then customs happened. I finally got it late this afternoon (the absolute wrong time to call The Netherlands)

It is in my house, but to be dealt with tomorrow AM when I am more "Extreme Focused".

Having said that I am truly excited to join this priveledged group, especially since I have never seen or heard one and I have not heard a single owner comment anything short of Amazing.

As I was waiting at Fedex to send my former server to San Diego and pick up the Extreme, I took the following picture of how Emile tapes the box. It remeinded that the interior of the Extreme had a massive impact on me and now I am showing Emile's attention to detail extends to taping his products for transportt.
. View attachment 63116
Wow I would of thought they would use a padded flight case I’m surprised. Is there one under the cardboard box ?
 

Alrainbow

Well-Known Member
Dec 11, 2013
3,189
1,387
450
This does indeed pose a challenge. A sturdy enough flight case takes the shipping weight over the limit for regular carrier services. This leaves pallet freight as the only option. This would then need to be completely crated rather then just palleted as pallet freight which cannot be stacked is quite expensive. And then there's what EuroDriver just posted, internal damage is much more likely to occur with flight cases.
Exactly my thoughts. How much does it weigh all in. I know some Heavey audio stuff use flight cases and ship fedx n DHL world wide ?
 

Alrainbow

Well-Known Member
Dec 11, 2013
3,189
1,387
450
You can keep the fios router just use a second router for all audio yes it’s WiFi for control. Then use a network switch in your room for all audio needs. I would recommend keeping any router min 10 feet or more away from all audio.
 

wisnon

Well-Known Member
Dec 12, 2011
3,525
635
1,200
The First Listen
Thank you again for allowing me into this privileged group. Although I have been listening to Queen's Radio GaGa (derivatives for only about 30 minutes and listening to music that I would not normally listen to, but promised myself while watching Bohemian Rhapsody in IMAX, dead center on the screen and in the theater that Radio GaGa would be my first digital playback? All I can say is that I am totally blown away because of how real it sounds---markedly better than the entire IMAX theater could produce.

What I am hearing is hard to describe short of saying that the sound is much more cohesive top to bottom so that it sounds like you are there and the venue is PERFECT. The detail and musicality are incredible and thus no surprise it is totally enveloping.

It is now an hour later and I have not been able to get out of my listening chair as Roon does it work and the Extreme takes making the sound incredible more seriously than I have ever heard digital before. I must also give the MSB Reference DAC kudo's because it is clearly an essential part of single path. While no doubt many will disagree, I also think that MasterBuilt Ultra USB is truly something special and still breaking in.

In my system powered by tubes, I cannot imagine a tube DAC sounding better, even with tube rolling, which I want nothing to do with. Of course I will go listen to Steve's system with a Lampi Pacific fed by an Extreme and connected to with a MasterBuilt Ultra USB to his Lamms and Wilsons to see what I think, but I suspect I have found my favorite vanilla, and my main speakers are on sick leave. Almost scary to think what it will sound like all together and when broken in.

I have to periodically remind myself that I am listening to my bedroom speakers and not my Ultra 9's, but the sound is as good as I have heard, virtually anywhere, and probably better than all but a very small number of systems I have heard anywhere in my entire 60 years with audio.
Bravo Emile
Go listen to Martys system too. LoL
 

ctydwn

Well-Known Member
Aug 23, 2019
345
1,350
208
When it comes to g-forces on gear in flight cases or wooden cases, the deformation of cardboard is actually quite good

Best is to have a box strapped to a wood pallet because then it hardly ever gets thrown around, but the shipping cost is quite a bit higher
I too was a bit nervous when I first saw the Extreme box as the delivery person walked away from my garage (west coast of US). Oh my, that box looks banged up... :eek: How is that even possible? But rest assured, upon opening, that baby Extreme was sleeping so soundly without a single blemish scratch or any hint of a treacherous journey. I suspect the packing did its job quite well. And as others have posted, within 30 seconds of boot up, a sound I had never heard before. Tonight just crossed the 1100 hour threshold...almost there. Pls take care everyone
 

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