Antipodes servers have always offered a wide range of server and player apps and this makes them unique in a world dominated by single-purpose servers and streamers. But the brand's core quality is that they are all about conveying the soul of the music.
A number of times I’ve seen posts questioning the need to add a second box - like adding a player to the server. This really helps to explain what to expect:
“As good as the K41 sounded on its own, it’s only after forming a pair with its natural K22 partner and when using its reclocker output stage that true magic is in the air. Not just in a manner of speaking, it’s actually there, and in abundance!”
He goes on from there and occasionally references the Grimm. This is an excellent review.
Christiaan is among the best if not the best for reviewing audio servers.
There are several reasons to need a second box IMHO: Separate power supplies, reclocked ports, better isolation among stages, etc. It adds up. There are single-box solutions that do most things very well, but they tend to be even more expensive (Taiko, Oladra, Pink Faun) or not powerful enough to run DSP and other software (Innuos).
I have a peculiar case, with a very good streamer, the best reclocker I could find, going to the best DAC I could afford. Now I am considering replacing the NUC running ROCK with the K41. I prefer to keep things separated. When I "need" to upgrade in the future, it becomes much easier.
Today I am excited to share my experience after having just installed the highly touted Antipodes K 22 music player. My system never sounded so good, and my REL 212/SX sub is getting QUITE a workout and well up to the job. And it is a match made in heaven to appreciate how it feeds my Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC and into the Mola Mola Makua, all supported by the remarkable Cerious Technologies Lumniscate cables.
This music player plays with a commanding authority - the likes of which I’ve never heard before … and it’s only got 10 hours on it! Not only is the music alive with pronounced detail- it’s nothing short of utterly engaging. Antipodes says “Give it a few hundred hours before you make any judgement.” Well, out of the box it is incredible. So I’ll provide an update on another 3 or 4 weeks once the unit is properly burned in.
And for anyone wondering, the support from Mark Cole and the Antipodes team is fantastic - top shelf in every respect.
This music player plays with a commanding authority - the likes of which I’ve never heard before … and it’s only got 10 hours on it! Not only is the music alive with pronounced detail- it’s nothing short of utterly engaging. Antipodes says “Give it a few hundred hours before you make any judgement.” Well, out of the box it is incredible. So I’ll provide an update on another 3 or 4 weeks once the unit is properly burned in.