Taiko Audio SGM Extreme : the Crème de la Crème

Kris

Well-Known Member
Mar 4, 2019
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Router - network update:

As we are receiving more datapoints from you, our customer base, evidence keeps building up towards the router / modem having a more significant effect on sound quality then switches or the general network layout.

An obvious issue in the quest to gain 100% consistency across the world is that you cannot simply replace those, and if you do you are still faced with differences in the environment.

Although we are aware that only a small percentage of our customers is interested in modifying their network setups and are satisfied with the way things are right now, we do want to serve everybody and not ignore this recurring topic.

Therefor we are planning to launch an experiment somewhere in Q1 2022 (note we will be quite busy rolling out and supporting our new software, XDMS, for a while), which involves an affordable off the shelf router, to create an "audio only" network. Naturally this creates a few usability inconveniences, therefor it will need clear written guides. We have a new member joining our team next week, adapt at writing guides in "Audiophile English". This experiment should help in giving further insights in exactly what causes variances in networking effects on Sound Quality and ameliorating those. Building on that we can then decide if we need to design an "Audiophile" router or if we can achieve 95%+ consistency with an off the shelf part with specific settings on that router and on the Extreme. Again we do have full consistency here right now, there is absolutely no difference in unplugging the network cable while music is playing which makes me believe this is an attainable goal. Please do not send us e-mails you'd like to join this project, we will make an announcement here when we are ready to start this experiment, and again, this will be somewhere in Q1 2022.
This is fantastic news Emile !
As you know I was experimenting with different routers for some time now.
And I was able to get any kind of SQ from it . From totally unacceptable to almost " nirvana ". But amount of work and testing time is gigantic.
The problem is you have so many options and settings that I had to ask others for help, but as I see it now not many were willing to share their knowladge.
I was also contacting some people directly with very poor response.
So I was going to propose a simmilar experiment to the Extreme users to gain more knowledge.
Fortuante YOU have that in your near plans so thank you for taking this out of my shoulders
You will do it much better and more precise than I and you have all sources to put that knowledge together to the excellent product.
Not mention the amount of your solutions that can be oncorporated into router.
I will also share all my ideas and knowledge In you experimantation phase.

What are your the candidates for " off the shelf " Router solution ?
I am quite sure it must be the high calculation capability hardwere .
Pf sense softwere ? As it has limitless options for settings fine tuning.
An multi core xeon with A Large memory for hardwere ?


Also I hope there will be a place for price no object router solution such as
A Router with 2 pci express slots for future Taiko Network cards .
That could be also a Router project not just a device called ?outer.
I am sure many of us would love to get i to that project.
 
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ctydwn

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Aug 23, 2019
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Exciting times with the announcement of the new Lampizator TOTL Horizon DAC.
I am hopeful it is also a wonderful pairing with the Extreme as the Pacific DAC. It sure sounds like it given Lukasz's track record, brilliance and remarks.
Perhaps Taiko will be considering the upgrade option as well at their HQ. Would be fantastic to have it in the stable.
 
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Kingsrule

VIP/Donor
Feb 3, 2011
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We're getting closer to releasing XDMS (Extreme Direct Media Server) which is replacing TAS (Taiko Audio Server). XDMS has been written from scratch and is 100% coded by us, does not use Logitech Media Server as a front end.

There will also be a network card, similar to the USB card upgrade, and a switch, that is however longer out due to parts shortages.
Hi Emile

What slot(s) will the network card work in?

K
 

Christiaan Punter

Well-Known Member
Dear all, I am excited to announce that today, December, 1st, 2021, marks the start of my employment with Taiko Audio. In this capacity, I will take care of the company's website content and will assist with the general online presence, among which, of course, this very forum.

Although my background as a reviewer for Hifi-Advice.com provides me with a mountain of knowledge, especially in the field of Music Servers and streamers, interestingly, I have yet to hear a Taiko Music Server in my own system. Of course, that is now only a matter of time:). As I gather insights specific to the Taiko servers, I will start helping out and providing advice for anyone who needs it. For now, please feel free to ask me anything relating to Music Servers, streaming, and System Setup.

For general questions regarding specific equipment that I have reviewed on HFA, I prefer to respond in the respective article's comment section.

Please note that even though I now work for Taiko, my opinions will be my own. As always has been the case for HFA, I will share my insights in as balanced a manner as I can. Nevertheless, to avoid conflict of interest, I will not be reviewing any Taiko Audio gear for my website nor for any of the commercial magazines such as HVT or Music Emotion.
 

Ron Resnick

Site Co-Owner, Administrator
Jan 24, 2015
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Congratulations, Christiaan!

Ik wens jou veel succes!
 

oldmustang

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Dec 1, 2012
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Christiaan Punter

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Christiaan Punter

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Christiaan Punter

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microstrip

VIP/Donor
May 30, 2010
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Welcome Christian. BTW, thanks for the very nice AlexxV comparative reviews!
 

Christiaan Punter

Well-Known Member
Welcome Christian. BTW, thanks for the very nice AlexxV comparative reviews!
Thanks, Microstrip! Nice to hear you liked the Alexx V review:)
 
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spiritofmusic

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Jun 13, 2013
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Raker24

Well-Known Member
Jul 27, 2020
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Just replaced the Finite Elemente carbon fiber platform (resting on Cerabase Classic feet) under my Taiko Extreme with the TAD ZZ-0014-WN Finnish birch laminate board (two boards with a suspension system in between, probably TAD works with Japanese company Wellfloat, which uses a similar concept, but uses MDF instead of hardwood laminate).

Effectively, the Extreme is now "floating". The sound is now much more relaxed, natural, and organic, with significant improvements across the entire frequency spectrum. Counter-intuitively (especially for those used to spikes and other fixed "grounding" elements), the massive improvement in the bass is especially noticeable. Just make sure you remove the foam insert between the two boards, or the suspension system doesn't work properly (yes, I initially made this mistake, as the foam insert is black, and hard to see!).

As a result of the above experience I have also replaced the Finite Elemente carbon fiber platforms under my TAD M700 mono amplifers with the similar TAD ZZ-0015-WN (just oversized to match the amps). Same result, but less evident, probably because the amps already have a built in and sophisticated support system.

Finally, in view of all of the above, also considering "floating" my speakers as well on the Townshend seismic isolation podiums early next year.

My conclusion is that the Extreme is a very capable unit, yes, and new network cards and drivers are important, as are cables, but the support on which the Extreme rests has to be top quality as well for the Extreme to perform at 100% of its capability.
 

Stereophonic

Well-Known Member
Jun 9, 2013
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Spain
Just replaced the Finite Elemente carbon fiber platform (resting on Cerabase Classic feet) under my Taiko Extreme with the TAD ZZ-0014-WN Finnish birch laminate board (two boards with a suspension system in between, probably TAD works with Japanese company Wellfloat, which uses a similar concept, but uses MDF instead of hardwood laminate).

Effectively, the Extreme is now "floating". The sound is now much more relaxed, natural, and organic, with significant improvements across the entire frequency spectrum. Counter-intuitively (especially for those used to spikes and other fixed "grounding" elements), the massive improvement in the bass is especially noticeable.

Finally, in view of all of the above, also considering "floating" my speakers as well on the Townshend seismic isolation podiums early next year.
Thank you for your very interesting report.

Could you please elaborate bass improvement?
Do you know Wellfloat Delta? Maybe you’ll like for your speaker too…
E895B4D3-6926-44A1-A028-BA4DD2EEC2BD.png
 

Raker24

Well-Known Member
Jul 27, 2020
81
81
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The bass is "cleaner", more integrated with the rest of the spectrum, and has more "texture". Due to all of that, it has more "real" impact.
 

kimurastanley

Well-Known Member
Mar 16, 2019
256
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Singapore
My experience with wellfloat/TAD with wellfloat mechanism platform is improvement of the bass and vocal texture with better decay and information.

I am using 5 in total.
 

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