Search results

  1. T

    QSA LANEDRI Series

    By my estimation, it’s been about exactly one year since the QSA-Lanedri brand was launched, and what an unexpected year for my audio system. Here’s my sequence of QSA-L acquisitions thus far: 1. Ultimatum Infinity speaker cables (May 2023) – Right away, I was smitten. What a spectacular...
  2. T

    Taiko Audio XDMS - Extreme Direct Music Server Software

    NSM is really a remarkable step forward. There is so much more musical information coming through that it took my brain a few days to adapt to the new normal. In my experience, NSM is the most emphatic nail yet in the coffin for the notion that software alone cannot affect sound quality.
  3. T

    Taiko Audio Extreme Music Server

    The Taiko Extreme is both a server for local files and a streamer for multiple music streaming services. I believe the Extreme comes with Roon installed by default, which can be used to stream music from Qobuz. Taiko is also developing its own music playback software called XDMS that can also...
  4. T

    Taiko Audio Extreme Music Server

    When the Taiko Extreme arrived at my doorstep more than two years ago, this magnificent piece of audio machinery instantly became the most indispensable among all my components. Today, my Extreme remains the figurative sun around which the rest of my system revolves. And outfitted with...
  5. T

    Shunyata Grounding System

    I could be wrong, but in my conversations with Shunyata about these grounding products, I got the distinct sense that the "official" Shunyata position on how these hubs should be used is a starting point. While this starting point should reliably produce good results for everyone...
  6. T

    Shunyata Grounding System

    This is my path exactly. Right now, I have a single Altaira SG hub with everything connected, and next year, I plan to add a second and start segregating.
  7. T

    Pacific dac: Lampizator's new top of the line dac

    Although I haven't upgraded my Pacific yet to v2, I must concur about the G2504 + TP adapter. It's a fantastic combination. The ultimate adapter made by Ian is also wonderful, but for my system right now, the TP adapter strikes a slightly better balance.
  8. T

    BEST SPEAKERS BETWEEN 15k and 30K

    That has been my experience as well. I chose Vivid (although the Kaya line, rather than the Giya) specifically for that reason because my room is quite cramped. Even now, the right-side speaker is as close as 4 inches from the nearest wall, whereas the left-side speaker has more space to play...
  9. T

    Taiko Audio SGM Extreme : the Crème de la Crème

    Wouldn't it be possible, and potentially better, to dispense with a second switch and connect directly to one of the Taiko router's extra ethernet ports?
  10. T

    Taiko's surprisingly poor customer service

    When it comes to clearing customs, all bets are off. Each customs experience can be unique. Sometimes, your package goes through customs quickly without any interaction on your part, and other times, not so much. As for my Extreme, it sat in the St. Louis, MO area for several days with...
  11. T

    Taiko Audio SGM Extreme : the Crème de la Crème

    I'd certainly favor having the flexibility to install both the USB card and the upcoming TACDA card, and be able to switch between the two in XDMS. Right now, I swap USB cables as need be to connect the Extreme to my main speaker system or my headphone system in another room.
  12. T

    Taiko Audio SGM Extreme : the Crème de la Crème

    As for 1), I believe that is outdated information and RJ45 had surpassed fiber by the time Emile recommended everyone try an inexpensive unshielded ethernet cable many months ago. As for 2), the SFP output options for the new switch are all DAC cables of varying lengths.
  13. T

    Taiko Audio SGM Extreme : the Crème de la Crème

    Hi Marty, the acronyms are indeed confusing, but in this case, the DAC cable is a Direct Attach Copper cable, and does not refer to a Digital to Analog Converter.
  14. T

    Taiko Audio SGM Extreme : the Crème de la Crème

    Well, apparently I've missed the happy announcement! And I know Nenon to be intimately plugged-in to all news related to Taiko DIY, so it must be true. This is great news for the DIY community and I hope it can be a mutually beneficial relationship to push all this digital music technology...
  15. T

    Taiko Audio SGM Extreme : the Crème de la Crème

    As I recall, Taiko has been quite clear that the proprietary USB card will not be made available to the broader DIY community. I believe that's true of the XDMS playback software too. Much earlier, I had considered the DIY route but eventually concluded it would not get me close enough to a...
  16. T

    Taiko Audio SGM Extreme : the Crème de la Crème

    Maybe the new network card replaces the existing fiber optic card?
  17. T

    Taiko Audio SGM Extreme : the Crème de la Crème

    Totally get where you're coming from. My approach, however, was quite different. When I first considered buying a Taiko Extreme, the proprietary USB card and TAS (predecessor to XDMS and itself a Taiko software project) were still new, and there was so much interaction here and elsewhere among...
  18. T

    Taiko Audio SGM Extreme : the Crème de la Crème

    You're definitely not the last! With Ed's invaluable help, I got TAS up and running finally last night, and it immediately became apparent I should have done this long ago. When I first received my Extreme in November 2021, XDMS was said to arrive the following month so I opted to wait for...
  19. T

    Taiko Audio SGM Extreme : the Crème de la Crème

    If I'm not mistaken, I believe Emile is referring to the OS update that accompanied the new USB drivers released around the beginning of this year. So the "downgrade" comment could be Taiko-specific. But I received my Extreme last year and in my own experience, Roon's sound quality has always...

About us

  • What’s Best Forum is THE forum for high end audio, product reviews, advice and sharing experiences on the best of everything else. This is THE place where audiophiles and audio companies discuss vintage, contemporary and new audio products, music servers, music streamers, computer audio, digital-to-analog converters, turntables, phono stages, cartridges, reel-to-reel tape machines, speakers, headphones and tube and solid-state amplification. Founded in 2010 What’s Best Forum invites intelligent and courteous people of all interests and backgrounds to describe and discuss the best of everything. From beginners to life-long hobbyists to industry professionals, we enjoy learning about new things and meeting new people, and participating in spirited debates.

Quick Navigation

Home Forums Contact us

User Menu

Login
Steve Williams
Site Founder | Site Owner | Administrator
Ron Resnick
Site Co-Owner | Administrator
Julian (The Fixer)
Website Build | Marketing Managersing
Top Bottom