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

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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 Important to declare O and IO as "computers" or "computer servers" with 8471 code. It was reported hours ago, details still unclear, that the US Customs and Border Protection agency listed last night 20 product categories in its list of exempted products, including the very broad 8471 code for all computers, laptops and disc drives and automatic data processing. Smartphones, laptops, computers, servers, memory chips, flat-panel displays, solar cells and hard drives are exempt from the additional 125% tariff on Chinese goods and 10% baseline levy on imports from other countries. The exclusions are effective retroactively to 12:01 a.m. on April 5. https://www.investors.com/news/tech...-iphone-nvidia-super-micro-tech-gear-tariffs/. Still not quite clear whether 8471 category products (including PCs and servers) are exempt from the 10% baseline tariffs (there are contrary reports). See https://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USDHSCBP-3db9e55?wgt_ref=USDHSCBP_WIDGET_2.
 
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@Taiko Audio (I disclaim any substantive knowledge in the US tariffs area). This is how I read the US CSMS # 64724565 - UPDATED GUIDANCE. In reference to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), for products (including computers and servers) classified under the 8471 code, "importers should report the secondary classification under heading 9903.01.32 to declare the exception from the reciprocal tariff provided in heading 9903.01.25 [which imposes 10% tariffs]" (quoted from the CSMS Guidelines). See HTSUS classification: https://hts.usitc.gov/search?query=9903.01.63. It seems that computers and servers are exempt from the 10% baseline tariffs, as reported by https://www.yahoo.com/news/smartphones-computers-including-china-exempt-165911377.html. The primary classification is 8471 (product category exemption); the secondary classification is 9903.01.32 (exemption from baseline universal 10% tariffs)
 
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Moladiego said:
@Taiko Audio (I disclaim any substantive knowledge in the US tariffs area). This is how I read the US CSMS # 64724565 - UPDATED GUIDANCE. In reference to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), for products (including computers and servers) classified under the 8471 code, "importers should report the secondary classification under heading 9903.01.32 to declare the exception from the reciprocal tariff provided in heading 9903.01.25 [which imposes 10% tariffs]". See HTSUS classification: https://hts.usitc.gov/search?query=9903.01.63. It seems that computers and servers are exempt from the 10% baseline tariffs, as reported by https://www.yahoo.com/news/smartphones-computers-including-china-exempt-165911377.html.
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Good input: They are in fact computers/computer servers. That's a good thing. Getting the initial correct classifications/secondary classification would seem paramount. I would make my website or any future description crystal clear noting COMPUTER SERVER...
 
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MarkusBarkus said:
This is just red-oak, maybe 100 bucks in materials? Posted to stimulate ideas for others. 10x15 inches.
IMG_2475.jpeg
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...updated: I prefer the shorter version seen below. I cut-off the legs of something I had built from previous gear arrangements. Ideally, this would be about a foot narrower for a tidier look. If I get inspired, I may build something.

Adding the Taiko router, which benefits from close proximity to the Olympus, brings the previously hidden network gear into the main room, which for me, insists upon visual and technical management.

Just sharing basic ideas. Cheers.
IMG_2606.jpegIMG_2604.jpeg
 
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MarkusBarkus said:
...updated: I prefer the shorter version seen below. I cut-off the legs of something I had built from previous gear arrangements. Ideally, this would be about a foot narrower for a tidier look. If I get inspired, I may build something.

Adding the Taiko router, which benefits from close proximity to the Olympus, brings the previously hidden network gear into the main room, which for me, insists upon visual and technical management.

Just sharing basic ideas. Cheers.
View attachment 148890View attachment 148891
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It all looks great Mark! Its also very helpful looking at others ideas/work for inspiration. I agree, I like the network rack closer to the floor...Well Done! I've been experimenting with isolation platforms. Everything from Panzerholz, to 4 different species of maple, oak, hickory. I've tried carbon fiber core, aluminum, closed cell foam, sandwhiched between MDF. Now I'm using Cork as the core, might be the best yet...Thanks for sharing this...
 
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...I think I have tried everything you noted @John T except hickory. In principle, I think some kind of vibration management is a "best practice" so I always have something in place.

For the Taiko network gear, I have Herbies Audio Lab "Tenderfoot" footers under the DCD and the router. I have a four-inch EVP "pad" under the switch. Things I had around, so I added them. Things sound great, so I keep them in.

Under the Farad3 power supply I have a piece of dense closed-cell foam. Experimenting with that. Also used a piece under the Synology NAS, with some unused footers on top as weights. I have SSDs inside, but in my worldview, I assume everything is vibrating and resonating, so I add something.

To wit: I was moving things around and a buddy asked me a question; when I replied, I heard a slight ring in the WestminsterLab Rei amps, as my head was close to them. Whaat?!

So, I added a Herbies "Sonic Stabilizer" I had around to each carbon-fiber lid. Perfect. I assume everything is vibrating, but not always audibly (to me), but we may be able to positively intervene as a "best practice."
 
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MarkusBarkus said:
...I think I have tried everything you noted @John T except hickory. In principle, I think some kind of vibration management is a "best practice" so I always have something in place.

For the Taiko network gear, I have Herbies Audio Lab "Tenderfoot" footers under the DCD and the router. I have a four-inch EVP "pad" under the switch. Things I had around, so I added them. Things sound great, so I keep them in.

Under the Farad3 power supply I have a piece of dense closed-cell foam. Experimenting with that. Also used a piece under the Synology NAS, with some unused footers on top as weights. I have SSDs inside, but in my worldview, I assume everything is vibrating and resonating, so I add something.

To wit: I was moving things around and a buddy asked me a question; when I replied, I heard a slight ring in the WestminsterLab Rei amps, as my head was close to them. Whaat?!

So, I added a Herbies "Sonic Stabilizer" I had around to each carbon-fiber lid. Perfect. I assume everything is vibrating, but not always audibly (to me), but we may be able to positively intervene as a "best practice."
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I've been on a mission! If you were a fly on a wall and saw some crazy dude with a magnetic stir plate and a stethoscope, you might want to fly away! LOL!! The magnetic stir plate's speed can be increased or decreased. The erlenmeyer flask with the magnet works as a perfect mechanism for sound transmission. Especially with the glass of the erlenmeyer flask.

I have made several prototypes. Nothing really earth shattering about platforms. However it gets very interesting when you start using different center cores. As mentioned I have tried several materials, carbon fiber, aluminum (which is good) closed cell foam, panzerholz with and without center core, sorbothane, and a few others. The only purpose of the platform is to isolate without doing anything else. It's insanely interesting when you actually listen to the bottom of the platform (and what it is sitting on) with the different center cores. Mind blowing!

My final idea (as of now) is the platform will have footers, each component will have additional isolation footers under each component, on top of each platform. I'm using MDF, Cork Center, than wrap each in whatever veneer I choose. I already have very good isolation as I suspend everything from the log wall. With the exception of my amp. I just want to see if I can actually gain any sonic benefit with this insanity! My plan is to have a platform under each of the major components. As I am literally laughing aloud at myself...I'll post some pics once I put something together...
 
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nonesup said:
I want to remember that Emile said 2 volts
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I did say that, yes, but it's slightly off—we adjusted it to 2.8V RMS, as almost all audiophile DACs we measured are around 3V RMS, measured at 0 dBu which is the maximum output level.

This is also why we previously asked how people felt the output level compared to their DACs. The vast majority felt it was either the same or slightly lower, which aligns with our measurements of other DACs.

There’s actually a good reason for having a somewhat higher output level than the “standard.” This level is only reached at 0dBu, which is not where most recordings typically sit; levels between -10 and -20dBu are much more common, especially with audiophile recordings. Many analog circuits tend to exhibit higher distortion and/or noise at very low or very high levels, so ideally, you want to keep the typical signal range in a more favorable operating window.

With that 2.8V RMS max output level, between 400mV and 1V is a fairly typical average output level with most recordings.
 
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John T said:
I've been on a mission! If you were a fly on a wall and saw some crazy dude with a magnetic stir plate and a stethoscope, you might want to fly away! LOL!! The magnetic stir plate's speed can be increased or decreased. The erlenmeyer flask with the magnet works as a perfect mechanism for sound transmission. Especially with the glass of the erlenmeyer flask.

I have made several prototypes. Nothing really earth shattering about platforms. However it gets very interesting when you start using different center cores. As mentioned I have tried several materials, carbon fiber, aluminum (which is good) closed cell foam, panzerholz with and without center core, sorbothane, and a few others. The only purpose of the platform is to isolate without doing anything else. It's insanely interesting when you actually listen to the bottom of the platform (and what it is sitting on) with the different center cores. Mind blowing!

My final idea (as of now) is the platform will have footers, each component will have additional isolation footers under each component, on top of each platform. I'm using MDF, Cork Center, than wrap each in whatever veneer I choose. I already have very good isolation as I suspend everything from the log wall. With the exception of my amp. I just want to see if I can actually gain any sonic benefit with this insanity! My plan is to have a platform under each of the major components. As I am literally laughing aloud at myself...I'll post some pics once I put something together...
Click to expand...
One might instead say the platform’s purpose is to be able to drain vibration from the gear into the platform.

Then the purpose of the unit’s footers is to drain the unit’s vibrations into the platform.

Then the purpose of whatever the platform rests on is to isolate the platform from airborne and floor-borne vibrations.

Not sure if the above is accurate with some uber expensive footers and platforms.
 
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Yes I agree, to dissipate or drain. A form of absorption. I knew I was on to something when I went to cork as the core. When I put it under the 360 it was like a tube change. The guy helping me is an older man (80), non audiophile. Even he said that sounds even "better". Your basically displacing energy. Your correct when you mention airborne and floor-borne vibrations. As I mentioned I float my system. I have less vibration than most systems. The convenience of a log home, huge brackets lagged into a 6" wall. You hit the nail on the head when you reference floor-borne vibrations.
I have a few different racks that I don't use. I did my experiments in a number of ways. I listened to my wall floated application, rack on my wood floor, rack on a concrete floor in my studio/shop. All with different platforms. I wanted to mimic most applications as I suspect I will be making a few of these for friends.
I don't have the Olympus yet. Vassil @nenon and @marty got me interested in this insanity. This whole project started with the Olympus/I/O in mind. The platform has to be rated to accommodate the proper weight. If I were to stack the O and I/O, I would make damn sure you have proper isolation under both to start...
 
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John T said:
I've been on a mission! If you were a fly on a wall and saw some crazy dude with a magnetic stir plate and a stethoscope, you might want to fly away! LOL!! The magnetic stir plate's speed can be increased or decreased. The erlenmeyer flask with the magnet works as a perfect mechanism for sound transmission. Especially with the glass of the erlenmeyer flask.

I have made several prototypes. Nothing really earth shattering about platforms. However it gets very interesting when you start using different center cores. As mentioned I have tried several materials, carbon fiber, aluminum (which is good) closed cell foam, panzerholz with and without center core, sorbothane, and a few others. The only purpose of the platform is to isolate without doing anything else. It's insanely interesting when you actually listen to the bottom of the platform (and what it is sitting on) with the different center cores. Mind blowing!

My final idea (as of now) is the platform will have footers, each component will have additional isolation footers under each component, on top of each platform. I'm using MDF, Cork Center, than wrap each in whatever veneer I choose. I already have very good isolation as I suspend everything from the log wall. With the exception of my amp. I just want to see if I can actually gain any sonic benefit with this insanity! My plan is to have a platform under each of the major components. As I am literally laughing aloud at myself...I'll post some pics once I put something together...
Click to expand...
Great investigative fervor! Is your log wall less resonant than your floor?
 
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John T said:
Yes I agree, to dissipate or drain. A form of absorption. I knew I was on to something when I went to cork as the core. When I put it under the 360 it was like a tube change. The guy helping me is an older man (80), non audiophile. Even he said that sounds even "better". Your basically displacing energy. Your correct when you mention airborne and floor-borne vibrations. As I mentioned I float my system. I have less vibration than most systems. The convenience of a log home, huge brackets lagged into a 6" wall. You hit the nail on the head when you reference floor-borne vibrations.
I have a few different racks that I don't use. I did my experiments in a number of ways. I listened to my wall floated application, rack on my wood floor, rack on a concrete floor in my studio/shop. All with different platforms. I wanted to mimic most applications as I suspect I will be making a few of these for friends.
I don't have the Olympus yet. Vassil @nenon and @marty got me interested in this insanity. This whole project started with the Olympus/I/O in mind. The platform has to be rated to accommodate the proper weight. If I were to stack the O and I/O, I would make damn sure you have proper isolation under both to start...
Click to expand...
I have the Olympus sitting on an IKEA bamboo cutting board which sits on Revopods on concrete floor.
 
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