Taiko Audio SGM Extreme : the Crème de la Crème

the sound of Tao

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Taiko Audio

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This was an interesting exercise for 2 reasons, it's our first NADAC install using the Ravenna (Audio over IP) protocol and our first encounter with dual Sotm switches clocked by the Cybershaft OP21A.

These Sotm switches were the fully loaded versions with the silver wire option installed, so the same as I tested in our own system and did not like. The OP21A seemed to alleviate all my problems with these switches, it was clearly ahead of a direct fiber lead into the Extreme. We tried various configurations, once again arriving at the same conclusion that Fiber can be a really good thing, but you have to dose it right and find the best location for it to use as an interface. In this case we ended up with the following configuration:

ISP provided hardware -> Startech FMC -> Fiber cable -> Sotm switch 1 -> JCAT UTP cable -> Sotm switch 2 -> JCAT UTP cable -> Extreme -> JCAT UTP cable -> NADAC.

We did end up greatly preferring creating a secondary subnet using the second ethernet port of the Extreme to connect to the NADAC over connecting both Extreme and NADAC to the Sotm switch, the latter being too thin and bright which did remind me of my own trials with these switches again. So there are 2 possible explanations for why this was preferred. An obvious benefit is the NADAC configured like this would be isolated from the "busy" home network as we did not bridge the network adapters.
 
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romaz

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The key differentiating feature of the ER is the ”moat” that isolates the A side from the B side. I wonder if the moat adds a bit of latency and that contributes to what you are observing.

You could be right. It could also be the chipset since the "A" side copper ports aren't necessarily speed demons either. Same thing with the Startech transceivers, just not very impressive with the ER. It wasn't until I tried these cheap $30 transceivers that the whole thing took off. The transceivers seem to be as much of a difference maker. Networking with regards to high-end audio remains a real frontier. There seems to be no clear cut formula for success.

Jitter has been mentioned but this isn't the sole criteria for good SQ. Emile said that the Startech transceivers had higher jitter measurements than some of the other transceivers he tested and yet the Startechs sounded better.
 
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Taiko Audio

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Nice... and a good array of WA Quantum chips as well. Very cool Emile.

You must get to see and hear some fairly wonderous things in your travels, just one of the hazards of the job I spose :) Many thanks for sharing.

Yes this was a very cool and unconventional system :) I'd love to hear the C37 in action so may need to find an excuse to return when it is up and running.

This gentleman has 2 Studer A820s and was expecting the C37 to be superior to his A820s. The Studer mixing console is being used for dubbing tapes.
 

Kris

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You could be right. It could also be the chipset since the "A" side copper ports aren't necessarily speed demons either. Same thing with the Startech transceivers, just not very impressive with the ER. It wasn't until I tried these cheap $30 transceivers that the whole thing took off. The transceivers seem to be as much of a difference maker. Networking with regards to high-end audio remains a real frontier. There seems to be no clear cut formula for success.

Jitter has been mentioned but this isn't the sole criteria for good SQ. Emile said that the Startech transceivers had higher jitter measurements than some of the other transceivers he tested and yet the Startechs sounded better.

Are this cheaper SFP modules availabe here on Europe?
wanted to test them v startech recommended by Emile .
Could you please let me know how to get them ?
need 2 for my ER setup,
thx.
 

gds7368

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bonzo75

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Looks to have the fostex tweeter on top, either t500a or t900a

The Radial mid horn is possibly JBL 2420, fostex H400, cannot be sure, it is not TAD. Assuming he has teamed it up well.

Obviously cannot make out what drivers he has at the back and the woofer, but that closed box is the minor weak point, as is the fact that the power amps over grip the high sensitivity drivers. Assuming he has tried high sensitivity with those dual woofers.
 
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bonzo75

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Is he using digital crossovers or room correction
 

bonzo75

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He should move to dual woofer front loaded horns. Sensitivity will be almost 110 with the right drivers. The FLH add 6 db
 
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Basillus7

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Are this cheaper SFP modules availabe here on Europe?
wanted to test them v startech recommended by Emile .
Could you please let me know how to get them ?
need 2 for my ER setup,
thx.

I understand why You asked ;0)
because it cost 111$ in shipping to Denmark...holy crap. ;0)

Romaz. Have You tried Euphony at the Extreme?
 

adamaley

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Very interested in the M12 Gold switch.

While the ER, SoTM and Melco have their own strong sound signatures, the M12 Gold is designed by Telegartner which meets high spec standard and seems to have the most balanced sound from different review on the web.

Looks like its a no-brainer solution for DIY servers with a JCAT Net Femto installed.

Looking forward to the M12 Gold report!

Going through one of the Telegartner M12 reviews, something I made a note of is that you are limited to music from within your network and won't have access to streams like Tidal and Qobuz. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.
 

wil

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You could be right. It could also be the chipset since the "A" side copper ports aren't necessarily speed demons either. Same thing with the Startech transceivers, just not very impressive with the ER. It wasn't until I tried these cheap $30 transceivers that the whole thing took off. The transceivers seem to be as much of a difference maker. Networking with regards to high-end audio remains a real frontier. There seems to be no clear cut formula for success.

Jitter has been mentioned but this isn't the sole criteria for good SQ. Emile said that the Startech transceivers had higher jitter measurements than some of the other transceivers he tested and yet the Startechs sounded better.

Speaking of Networking, I thought I would look into the following change:

From currently: Att fiber > Att Gateway Modem > 70' ethernet > Switch at Audio Studio building.

Changed To: Replacing the 70' ethernet with an extension of the fiber length via a fiber optic coupler. The ONT and Att Gateway would move to the Studio. And the House would be connected by the ethernet cable from the Studio back to a router at the House.

Or, a somewhat simpler solution would be to eliminate the 70' ethernet by using fmc's with fiber. But there is noise associated with fmc's.

Any thoughts from the Networking Genius's out there? Thanks
 

microstrip

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Yes this was a very cool and unconventional system :) I'd love to hear the C37 in action so may need to find an excuse to return when it is up and running.

This gentleman has 2 Studer A820s and was expecting the C37 to be superior to his A820s. The Studer mixing console is being used for dubbing tapes.

The C37 is an unique machine as a creator tool - it should be great to record tapes and listen to them in it. Yours looks pristine. Fone´ records https://foneshop.it/en/ record using a C37 fitted with Manley electronics.
 
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2ndLiner

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Going through one of the Telegartner M12 reviews, something I made a note of is that you are limited to music from within your network and won't have access to streams like Tidal and Qobuz. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

Tidal and Qobuz are sounding better than ever with my newly acquired M12 Gold Switch! A tasty cherry atop my sonic sundae, it be!
 

Mike Lavigne

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Yes this was a very cool and unconventional system :) I'd love to hear the C37 in action so may need to find an excuse to return when it is up and running.

This gentleman has 2 Studer A820s and was expecting the C37 to be superior to his A820s. The Studer mixing console is being used for dubbing tapes.

expecting the C37 to be superior to his A820s.

it will come down to output electronics.....and the actual objective condition of the A-820's. if he owns that C37 then one would assume his A-820's are pristine. if it's stock to stock then i would give the nod to the C37. but if custom output electronics (at the level of his other gear) are on the A-820 then i would guess it's better. if you go to 30ips or 1/2" then the A-820 again has advantages. the best transport is the best transport.

and sometimes certain tapes match certain heads better too. so it.....depends. and the ultra precision transport of the A-820 might not be as sexy as the more rounded C37 transport presentation especially for certain music......so hard to say better or just different. like comparing a pristine vintage Garrard to a more modern but top level turntable.
 
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ALF

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Yes this was a very cool and unconventional system :) I'd love to hear the C37 in action so may need to find an excuse to return when it is up and running.

This gentleman has 2 Studer A820s and was expecting the C37 to be superior to his A820s. The Studer mixing console is being used for dubbing tapes.
hmmmm, sweet a C37...nice, very, nice!
 
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Taiko Audio

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expecting the C37 to be superior to his A820s.

it will come down to output electronics.....and the actual objective condition of the A-820's. if he owns that C37 then one would assume his A-820's are pristine. if it's stock to stock then i would give the nod to the C37. but if custom output electronics (at the level of his other gear) are on the A-820 then i would guess it's better. if you go to 30ips or 1/2" then the A-820 again has advantages. the best transport is the best transport.

and sometimes certain tapes match certain heads better too. so it.....depends. and the ultra precision transport of the A-820 might not be as sexy as the more rounded C37 transport presentation especially for certain music......so hard to say better or just different. like comparing a pristine vintage Garrard to a more modern but top level turntable.

Thanks Mike, very enlightening.
 

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