Introducing Olympus & Olympus I/O - A new perspective on modern music playback

For those who just started reading up on Olympus, Olympus I/O, and XDMI, please note that all information in this thread has been summarized in a single PDF document that can be downloaded from the Taiko Website.

https://taikoaudio.com/taiko-2020/taiko-audio-downloads

The document is frequently updated.

Scroll down to the 'XDMI, Olympus Music Server, Olympus I/O' section and click 'XDMI, Olympus, Olympus I/O Product Introduction & FAQ' to download the latest version.

Good morning WBF!​

We are introducing the culmination of close to 4 years of research and development. As a bona fide IT/tech nerd with a passion for music, I have always been intrigued by the potential of leveraging the most modern of technologies in order to create a better music playback experience. This, amongst others, led to the creation of our popular, perhaps even revolutionary, Extreme music server 5 years ago, which we have been steadily improving and updating with new technologies throughout its life cycle. Today I feel we can safely claim it's holding its ground against the onslaught of new server releases from other companies, and we are committed to keep improving it for years to come.

We are introducing a new server model called the Olympus. Hierarchically, it positions itself above the Extreme. It does provide quite a different music experience than the Extreme, or any other server I've heard, for that matter. Conventional audiophile descriptions such as sound staging, dynamics, color palette, etc, fall short to describe this difference. It does not sound digital or analog, I would be inclined to describe it as coming closer to the intended (or unintended) performance of the recording engineer.

Committed to keeping the Extreme as current as possible, we are introducing a second product called the Olympus I/O. This is an external upgrade to the Extreme containing a significant part of the Olympus technology, allowing it to come near, though not entirely at, Olympus performance levels. The Olympus I/O can even be added to the Olympus itself to elevate its performance even further, though not as dramatic an uplift as adding it to the Extreme. Consider it the proverbial "cherry on top".

 

Still no updates on shipping?

We’re starting shipping tomorrow + Saturday!

The counter is going to be a bit irregular initially as we have more black than silver, and the I/Os are returning from the new anodiser early next week.

We actually had all chassis re-anodised by them, the quality is just on a whole other level from our old anodiser, so we will switch to them permanently.

Obviously we need all chassis done by the same anodiser, as otherwise, if you add for example an I/O at a later point in time, you could have a colour / surface finish quality mismatch:



A quick thank you to @nenon , I obviously do not want to complain about an unmanageable support load, nonetheless this was indeed a significant handicap, the load did drop by at-least 75% after your post, which has helped us tremendously in getting the first batch of servers built.

 

We’re starting shipping tomorrow + Saturday!

The counter is going to be a bit irregular initially as we have more black than silver, and the I/Os are returning from the new anodiser early next week.

We actually had all chassis re-anodised by them, the quality is just on a whole other level from our old anodiser, so we will switch to them permanently.

Obviously we need all chassis done by the same anodiser, as otherwise, if you add for example an I/O at a later point in time, you could have a colour / surface finish quality mismatch:

View attachment 133403

A quick thank you to @nenon , I obviously do not want to complain about an unmanageable support load, nonetheless this was indeed a significant handicap, the load did drop by at-least 75% after your post, which has helped us tremendously in getting the first batch of servers built.

My experience is that Vassil can't help but to be helpful!

 

I believe this is the Ithaca DAC from Aries Cerat

 

We’re starting shipping tomorrow + Saturday!

The counter is going to be a bit irregular initially as we have more black than silver, and the I/Os are returning from the new anodiser early next week.

We actually had all chassis re-anodised by them, the quality is just on a whole other level from our old anodiser, so we will switch to them permanently.

Obviously we need all chassis done by the same anodiser, as otherwise, if you add for example an I/O at a later point in time, you could have a colour / surface finish quality mismatch:

View attachment 133403

A quick thank you to @nenon , I obviously do not want to complain about an unmanageable support load, nonetheless this was indeed a significant handicap, the load did drop by at-least 75% after your post, which has helped us tremendously in getting the first batch of servers built.

Looks stunning

 

We’re starting shipping tomorrow + Saturday!

The counter is going to be a bit irregular initially as we have more black than silver, and the I/Os are returning from the new anodiser early next week.

We actually had all chassis re-anodised by them, the quality is just on a whole other level from our old anodiser, so we will switch to them permanently.

Obviously we need all chassis done by the same anodiser, as otherwise, if you add for example an I/O at a later point in time, you could have a colour / surface finish quality mismatch:

View attachment 133403

A quick thank you to @nenon , I obviously do not want to complain about an unmanageable support load, nonetheless this was indeed a significant handicap, the load did drop by at-least 75% after your post, which has helped us tremendously in getting the first batch of servers built.

I really love the shape/form to this. The corners remind me of architectural building design...

 

I really love the shape/form to this. The corners remind me of architectural building design...

Youtube link to a small video

 

Youtube link to a small video

Man, beautiful flow to it...I'm going to raise my floor platform, I want nothing obscuring the profile...

 

Patience brings all things...

I'm sure they (@Taiko Audio ) do their best.

I also ordered an Olympus Server + Olympus I/O XDMI.

And as everyone else I can't wait to receive it.

However, if 2-3 more weeks can guarantee that everything will arrive without the hazards of rush then so be it

I think Emile has spoiled us too much on that front

I have dealt with other HiFi brands that are a far cry from the service offered by Taiko Audio...

Cheers,

Thomas

Completely agree Thomas. I don't see the benefit of rushing.

I certainly would be willing to wait the time necessary to make sure that the Taiko team has the necessary time to rest and insure the systems are checked and double checked, the system installation and recommended operating setups are fully documented and finalized, and the systems packed carefully for shipping.

As a colleague is fond of saying, "Let's make sure we move slowly gents, because we're in a hurry!"

 

For those still in doubt...

Olympus have taken off, shippings have started !!!

I believe this will make a lot of people happy!



I have just received confirmation that my Olympus Server + Olympus I/O XDMI stack will be shipped next week.

I'll make sure to post some pictures as soon as it arrives.

The listening report will come later as my new listening room isn't completely finished yet.

Cheers,

Thomas

 

For those still in doubt...

Olympus have taken off, shippings have started !!!

I believe this will make a lot of people happy!

View attachment 133432

I have just received confirmation that my Olympus Server + Olympus I/O XDMI stack will be shipped early next week.

I'll make sure to post some pictures as soon as it arrives.

The listening report will come later as my new listening room isn't completely finished yet.

Cheers,

Thomas

Fantastic news Thomas
That's a news we all wanted.
Can we ask what is your order number ?
I believe it must be a very early number in order.

 

Fantastic news Thomas
That's a news we all wanted.
Can we ask what is your order number ?
I believe it must be a very early number in order.

Hi Kris,

The number I've been given is 10.
I suppose this makes me one of the first to have placed an order.

I've posted the previous message in the hope that those who are awaiting shipment would be reassured.

Perhaps this will help to relieve the support team a little as well. And they'll need it, because once the Olympus have arrived at their destinations, support will be quite busy again.

Cheers,

Thomas

 

Interesting observation: At the least it is to me. My layout consists of a main shelf and separate network rack that I built. Underneath the main shelf is the Mephisto and Extreme that sit on 2 separate heavy concrete platforms that I built, cork bottoms. Face it The Mephisto isn't exactly a sculpture or Aesthetically pleasing piece of gear. IMO. Sonically I love it and don't ever see myself ever getting away from Gryphon.

Now here comes the Olympus (eventually) graceful, aesthetically I think one of the most beautiful designs I have ever seen in audio. I'm thinking contrast here. LOL! Bold, beastly, big, rectangular, industrial! Sitting next to this elegant, curvy, sexy looking vixen. So different!

All my life I have worked with contrast in the art world. Now through matters out of my control some serious contrast will sit before me to listen, stare, and enjoy...

 

...but won't you miss that giant cyclops-eye button on the Extreme?! Haha.

 

NO

 

It would seem from Emile’s post yesterday that things will be out of order for a while until the issue of anodizing is finished as I inferred that black units would be shipped first as those who ordered both Olympus and IO in silver will need to wait until the anodized silver IO chases return as both units will ship together

 

It would seem from Emile’s post yesterday that things will be out of order for a while until the issue of anodizing is finished as I inferred that black units would be shipped first as those who ordered both Olympus and IO in silver will need to wait until the anodized silver IO chases return as both units will ship together

Those return early next week.