Antipodes Oladra vs K50 vs Pink Faun Scion?

[OnlySoMany]

Hello fellow forum members. Been looking at getting a different streamer. Currently I am using a Naim ND555 with the 555PSDR. I am curious if anyone has any experience with using any of the streamers listed in the title. The reason I am thinking about upgrading/sidegrading is:

1. Naim is an older unit and technology. Streamer tech seems to update fairly quickly.
2. I like having dedicated components, and the ND555 has a built in DAC which I am not using (I am using external DAC).
3. I would like to downsize the amount of boxes, as long as it does not affect sound quality.

I have heard good things about Antipodes, but have never owned one of their products.

I am interested in Pink Faun's newer streamer, the Scion, I cannot afford the 2.16 Ultra. The Scion is rumored to be in the $20k range.

I would love to hear anyone's experience with any of these, or if you think its not worth the upgrade form the Naim.

Thoughts?

 

[Synaxis]

Hello fellow forum members. Been looking at getting a different streamer. Currently I am using a Naim ND555 with the 555PSDR. I am curious if anyone has any experience with using any of the streamers listed in the title. The reason I am thinking about upgrading/sidegrading is:

1. Naim is an older unit and technology. Streamer tech seems to update fairly quickly.
2. I like having dedicated components, and the ND555 has a built in DAC which I am not using (I am using external DAC).
3. I would like to downsize the amount of boxes, as long as it does not affect sound quality.

I have heard good things about Antipodes, but have never owned one of their products.

I am interested in Pink Faun's newer streamer, the Scion, I cannot afford the 2.16 Ultra. The Scion is rumored to be in the $20k range.

I would love to hear anyone's experience with any of these, or if you think its not worth the upgrade form the Naim.

Thoughts?

I have both the AA K41/K22 (basically the K50 but in separate chassis) and the PF Scion.

I previously had a NAIM.

The AA is a great unit and a great company. Fast with customer support and the K41/K22 sound was excellent. I like using Squeeze on it though you can easily choose Roon or similar.

The PF Scion is a different sound - and I would argue not necessarily "better" with what ever better means.

I do prefer the sound of the PF a bit more as it seems to offer a bit more fluidity and a bit more weighty sound in the midrange, but that's not saying the AA isn't good. Just different.

For me if I were in the market with my current system in my current room I would lean towards the PF. I'm sure in a different system in a different room the AA may get the nod.

You really can't go wrong with either.

 

[OnlySoMany]

I have both the AA K41/K22 (basically the K50 but in separate chassis) and the PF Scion.

I previously had a NAIM.

The AA is a great unit and a great company. Fast with customer support and the K41/K22 sound was excellent. I like using Squeeze on it though you can easily choose Roon or similar.

The PF Scion is a different sound - and I would argue not necessarily "better" with what ever better means.

I do prefer the sound of the PF a bit more as it seems to offer a bit more fluidity and a bit more weighty sound in the midrange, but that's not saying the AA isn't good. Just different.

For me if I were in the market with my current system in my current room I would lean towards the PF. I'm sure in a different system in a different room the AA may get the nod.

You really can't go wrong with either.

Thank you for the feedback and write up.

I do like the fluid-ness of music, and when it just flows. I hate any digital component that adds its own sound signature, or any digital "glare".

I plan on using Tidal and Qobuz mostly, but I will have some local files if supported by the streamer. Or I will use an external SSD via streamer USB input.

Genuinely curious if either of these will be an upgrade over the Naim ND555. Not opposed to spending the money, just want to make sure I am getting the moneys worth. There isn't anywhere local I can listen to these items. My local dealer is also supper arrogant and pushy, hence why I stopped going there. Its always an "are you going to buy something" conversation.

Also interested on an Oladra vs Scion head to head! They both seem to be about the same money.

Can you elaborate on what you mean by "different sound?" What is different about it other than the items you mentioned?

 

[Synaxis]

Thank you for the feedback and write up.

I do like the fluid-ness of music, and when it just flows. I hate any digital component that adds its own sound signature, or any digital "glare".

I plan on using Tidal and Qobuz mostly, but I will have some local files if supported by the streamer. Or I will use an external SSD via streamer USB input.

Genuinely curious if either of these will be an upgrade over the Naim ND555. Not opposed to spending the money, just want to make sure I am getting the moneys worth. There isn't anywhere local I can listen to these items. My local dealer is also supper arrogant and pushy, hence why I stopped going there. Its always an "are you going to buy something" conversation.

Also interested on an Oladra vs Scion head to head! They both seem to be about the same money.

Can you elaborate on what you mean by "different sound?" What is different about it other than the items you mentioned?

To mean the AA was a bit more hifi and squeaky clean sounding.

The PF was more organic and musical that made me feel the emotion a bit more.

I am NOT saying anything bad about the AA - just trying to help explain the differences.

They are certainly more similar sounding than different - both open, great timing, and musical.

I just feel the PF - again in my system - is a bit less digital sounding.

PM me for more info if you'd like.

 

[exupgh12]

I bought Antipodas Oladra, preferred it over the K50
You can get my impressions a bout it here

Hope this will help you.

 

[OnlySoMany]

Does anyone have any experience between the Antipodes Oladra vs the Pink Faun Ultra 2.16? If we are talking about best of the best between these two brands, how do they compare?

Also, how do they compare on "normal", non-audiophile level recordings? For example 44 and 96khz, which is more common than 384khz+. I would hate to get something that only sounded great with top-shelf recordings.

 

[Synaxis]

Does anyone have any experience between the Antipodes Oladra vs the Pink Faun Ultra 2.16? If we are talking about best of the best between these two brands, how do they compare?

Also, how do they compare on "normal", non-audiophile level recordings? For example 44 and 96khz, which is more common than 384khz+. I would hate to get something that only sounded great with top-shelf recordings.

I listen to a lot of 1930's and 1940's music like Louis Armstrong when I'm not listening to better recorded stuff.

It is noticeable across all music.

 

[matthias]

Also interested on an Oladra vs Scion head to head! They both seem to be about the same money.

No, Scion is comparable to K50, 2.16 Ultra to Oladra

 

[itay123]

I have the k50
very similar to the oladra in terms of results and behavior.
very pleased with it.

I would go for the K50 without any hesitation
and invest in a much better DAC.

The DAC's impact is much more dramatic than any streamer.

 

[exupgh12]

I have the k50
very similar to the oladra in terms of results and behavior.
very pleased with it.

I would go for the K50 without any hesitation
and invest in a much better DAC.

The DAC's impact is much more dramatic than any streamer.

I have had different experiences, hearing both K50 and Oladra, and in my assessment, the Oladra delivers superior performance. Additionally, based on my recent experience, using a great server is no less dramatic than upgrading your DAC - it can transform your current digital setup into a remarkably more refined and engaging listening experience with improved detail retrieval, soundstage width, and overall musical coherence.

 

[itay123]

I have had different experiences, hearing both K50 and Oladra, and in my assessment, the Oladra delivers superior performance. Additionally, based on my recent experience, using a great server is no less dramatic than upgrading your DAC - it can transform your current digital setup into a remarkably more refined and engaging listening experience with improved detail retrieval, soundstage width, and overall musical coherence.

My experience is different from yours...since the OLADRA was also tested by me...with the goal of taking it - but I preferred to upgrade my DAC as mentioned...the differences between what I had and what I have now...it's equivalent to replacing my entire setup! Not just another improvement to the server.

 

[exupgh12]

My experience is different from yours...since the OLADRA was also tested by me...with the goal of taking it - but I preferred to upgrade my DAC as mentioned...the differences between what I had and what I have now...it's equivalent to replacing my entire setup! Not just another improvement to the server.

Thank you for sharing your experience. Since we have a similar DAC, I'd be genuinely interested to hear about any improvements you notice if you decide to upgrade yours in the future. Your insights would be valuable to those of us with comparable setups. Please keep us updated if you make any changes!

 

[itay123]

Thank you for sharing your experience. Since we have a similar DAC, I'd be genuinely interested to hear about any improvements you notice if you decide to upgrade yours in the future. Your insights would be valuable to those of us with comparable setups. Please keep us updated if you make any changes!

We don't have a similar DAC
You have a standard Premier
And I upgraded from a Premier + Director to an updated MSB Select II + dual Select II Powerbase *2025 UPDATE*
I do see progress for Oladra in the future, but the upgrade to my current DAC was extremely dramatic and impactful.

I do see the fourth part of my DAC in the future in the form of a Select II Digital Director, which is honestly more critical to me than upgrading the K50 to OLADRA.

 

[exupgh12]

We don't have a similar DAC
You have a standard Premier
And I upgraded from a Premier + Director to an updated MSB Select II + dual Select II Powerbase *2025 UPDATE*
I do see progress for Oladra in the future, but the upgrade to my current DAC was extremely dramatic and impactful.

I do see the fourth part of my DAC in the future in the form of a Select II Digital Director, which is honestly more critical to me than upgrading the K50 to OLADRA.

That's wonderful news, Itay! Sincere congratulations on acquiring your new DAC, an exceptional one.

 

[Synaxis]

No, Scion is comparable to K50, 2.16 Ultra to Oladra

Have you compared them all directly on performance or is that just based on pricing?

 

[matthias]

based on pricing

It would be a great achievement if Scion outperformes Oladra.
What are your impressions on this comparison?

 

[Synaxis]

It would be a great achievement if Scion outperformes Oladra.
What are your impressions on this comparison?

I've learned in hifi it's not that great of an achievement for a much lesser expensive piece to beat a much more expensive piece.

Case in point the Audio Solutions speakers I had here at $17K trounced the Gauder that were $46K, It wasn't even close and the 4 others who heard it all agreed.

The $3500 Brunoco 300B and 6L6 amps I have here have been far superior to other integrated coasting 4x the price. So good in fact I could actually live with them and be happy.

The Aqua La-Scala DAC when I put in a vintage Mazda tube (a $150 upgrade) had that DAC my personal reining champ requiring me to spend at least double to better it.

When you understand the back story of the new software in the Scion and where it came from and what it was originally designed for, it's easy to see why the Scion is in the same league-or better in my personal opinion - much more expensive units.

I say this as someone who has spent the last 2 years obsessively focused on understanding and trying to get the best sound possible from streaming trying endless gear and tweaks.

 

[matthias]

I've learned in hifi it's not that great of an achievement for a much lesser expensive piece to beat a much more expensive piece.

From a consumer POV it is great when you get the same or better performance for 10k less

 

[matthias]

When you understand the back story of the new software in the Scion and where it came from and what it was originally designed for, it's easy to see why the Scion is in the same league-or better in my personal opinion - much more expensive units.

Will you publish a review of Scion?

 

[Synaxis]

Will you publish a review of Scion?

Yes. I like it so much it is going to be my new digital front end.