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".

 

Having said all of this I can promise everyone that the wait will have been worth it as you will all be rewarded with the best digital sound you’ve ever heard. I have listened to vinyl only once since receiving mine. It’s truly that good.

 

Steve is expressing empathy. That's all that matters. He ordered before many of us. Fair is fair.

Fair enough.

 

Yes, you can use free upnp remotes like mconnect to use it then, if you don't mind paying Jplay IOS appears to be very well received at 50 / year or 200 / lifetime.

That’s excellent news! Basically I can use my favorite software Jriver to control Olympus with Olympus as UPnp client.

 

Jumping in early is risk/reward. The risk is timing and resource allocation, either funds or moving equipment. The reward is a lower price and being an early adopter. That's the decision we make going in and we just have to accept the outcome which has some uncertainty.

Waiting it out till the dust settles is the other route. This predictable path suits some better.

 

Did I understand correctly from a prior Taiko post that all current orders would be shipped by the end of January 2025?

 

As the US distributor of the Ars Machinae turntable from Germany, we have experienced similar pain points, specifically on materials compliance issues. Our turntable uses tungsten power for vibration damping in several places. With the first half dozen turntables landing, we finally have a smooth process to clear German and US customs. This involves using a shipper with a hazardous materials testing facility that pre-certifies our product before arriving at the respective customs clearance location. All in all, this took us 15 months and cost us thousands. Taiko's journey was even more intricate and resource-intensive. This emphasizes that specific achievements are worth the wait; the road to success for any ambitious product, especially in the bespoke audio industry, is filled with challenges.

I had the chance to hear the Olympus/Lampizator Horizon 360 XDMI combo at Steve's event a few weeks back, and all I can say is that I consider the Olympus with XDMI to be the most significant development in digital since Sony brazenly said, "Perfect Sound Forever" in 1982.

Perfect Sound Forever?

When some unknown copywriter coined that immortal phrase to promote the worldwide launch of Compact Disc in late 1982, little did he or she foresee how quickly it would become a term of ridicule. Yes, early CDs and players offered low background noise, a flat spectral balance, and freedom from...

www.stereophile.com

I extend my congratulations to Emile and his team for their determination and achievement, as well as to all the product owners who hung in there to see their patience rewarded

 

As the US distributor of the Ars machinae turntable from Germany, we have experienced similar pain points, specifically on materials compliance issues. Our turntable uses tungsten power for vibration damping in several places. With the first half dozen turntables landing, we finally have a smooth process to clear German and US customs. This involves using a shipper with a hazardous materials testing facility that pre-certifies our product before arriving at the respective customs clearance location. All in all, this took us 15 months and cost us thousands. Taiko's journey was even more intricate and resource-intensive. This emphasizes that specific achievements are worth the wait; the road to success for any ambitious product, especially in the bespoke audio industry, is filled with challenges.

I had the chance to hear the Olympus/Lampizator Horizon 360 XDMI combo at Steve's event a few weeks back, and all I can say is that I consider the Olympus with XDMI to be the most significant development in digital since Sony brazenly said, "Perfect Sound Forever" in 1982.

Perfect Sound Forever?

When some unknown copywriter coined that immortal phrase to promote the worldwide launch of Compact Disc in late 1982, little did he or she foresee how quickly it would become a term of ridicule. Yes, early CDs and players offered low background noise, a flat spectral balance, and freedom from...

www.stereophile.com

I extend my congratulations to Emile and his team for their determination and achievement, as well as to all the product owners who hung in there to see their patience rewarded

The mind boggling thing for me and Taiko I’m sure was that they did everything perfectly to code and everything was signed off twice by the third party hazardous expert in my shipment only to have FedEx cancel the shipment and return it to Taiko All it took was to change the shipping content from white paper to blue. No one told Taiko until the third attempt to deliver my package. And then they had the brass cajones to charge Taiko and me for all 3 attempts . So yes we’ve all walked in those moccasins

As Gary stated the wait is worth it. Those who are thinking of cancelling will IMHO be making the audio mistake of their lives It will light you up. As I said I’ve listened to vinyl only once since receiving my Olympus and IO. With XDMI digital has assumed a whole new level.

 

honestly, let’s drop the moccasins analogy for multiple reasons (let alone ‘Indian’). this is an uber high end audio forum. moccasins are a deeply rooted symbol of native american culture, representing connection to the land and heritage, often passed down through generations. don’t think this has any place/connection with regard to audio and the struggles on this forum (and making the ostensible comparison to their own which just for starters is culturally insensitive). always happy to hear from everyone if your experience translates or is related to those traditions

 

honestly, let’s drop the moccasins analogy for multiple reasons (let alone ‘Indian’). this is an uber high end audio forum. moccasins are a deeply rooted symbol of native american culture, representing connection to the land and heritage, often passed down through generations. don’t think this has any place/connection with regard to audio and the struggles on this forum (and making the ostensible comparison to their own which just for starters is culturally insensitive). always happy to hear from everyone if your experience translates or is related to those traditions

 

Yes, you can use free upnp remotes like mconnect to use it then, if you don't mind paying Jplay IOS appears to be very well received at 50 / year or 200 / lifetime.

While patiently waiting for my "new to me" Extreme, I've been using my Chord 2go /Hugo 2 as my source. I say this from experience, avoid m connect. It's terrible and that's the paid version. Connection issues, random drop outs. Don't get me started on their queue system. I hope others have better luck but just wanted to give a warning.

 

It does, applying this approach our shipping schedule now looks like this:

Shipping now:
Silver Olympus servers (without I/O): 41.1, 47, 48, 51, 58, 63
Next up:
Black Olympus servers (with 3 I/Os) : 34.1, 40, 42, 44, 49, 60
Followed by:
Silver Olympus servers (all with I/O): 31, 44.1, 45, 46, 50, 55

Well, being number 55 on the list, I am very heartened to see this! So, how far in advance does the Taiko team reach out to finalize all aspects of the delivery and get final payment set? I've yet to hear a peep.

 

WAHOO! IT has arrived!
The FedEx driver was nice enough to help me get in the front door.
I'll have some help here Monday to get it in the rack.

 

...heavy little monster, isn't it @aLLeARS ? I had to move it from the garage up the stairs and onto a dolly myself. Then I sat down for a coffee! And texted some muscle for hire! I am up and streaming via USB for now.

 

Well, being number 55 on the list, I am very heartened to see this! So, how far in advance does the Taiko team reach out to finalize all aspects of the delivery and get final payment set? I've yet to hear a peep.

We’re waiting for I/O chassis to arrive as we had to reject last week’s I/O shipment, due to the recent change where we’re going to be less strict following queue numbers we are now shipping Olympus servers with higher order numbers already as we have finished those anyway. You would normally be invoiced when the I/Os have arrived. If you want to pay earlier that’s fine ofcourse, just reach out to support.

 

The mind boggling thing for me and Taiko I’m sure was that they did everything perfectly to code and everything was signed off twice by the third party hazardous expert in my shipment only to have FedEx cancel the shipment and return it to Taiko All it took was to change the shipping content from white paper to blue. No one told Taiko until the third attempt to deliver my package. And then they had the brass cajones to charge Taiko and me for all 3 attempts . So yes we’ve all walked in those moccasins

As Gary stated the wait is worth it. Those who are thinking of cancelling will IMHO be making the audio mistake of their lives It will light you up. As I said I’ve listened to vinyl only once since receiving my Olympus and IO. With XDMI digital has assumed a whole new level.

We have a fulltime employee now ( @JulienVermeiren ) JUST for shipping, and a standard work week doesn’t cut it…

 

Did I understand correctly from a prior Taiko post that all current orders would be shipped by the end of January 2025?

We more or less will have to, it’s not allowed to discuss politics on this forum, but the reason why should be obvious. We do have a second anodiser now, a really significant amount of people switched to black, the only remaining issue is our staff shortage, more job interviews next week, fingers crossed, maximum effort!

 

The Olympus + I/O / XDMI native / Lampizator Horizon is exhibited by Dream Audio at the “finest audio show Vienna” this weekend for anyone interested.

Main floor
Room nr. 0.14

 

We more or less will have to, it’s not allowed to discuss politics on this forum, but the reason why should be obvious. We do have a second anodiser now, a really significant amount of people switched to black, the only remaining issue is our staff shortage, more job interviews next week, fingers crossed, maximum effort!

All very much appreciated! Looking forward to receiving #120 Olympus/IO.

 

We have a fulltime employee now ( @JulienVermeiren ) JUST for shipping, and a standard work week doesn’t cut it…

Julien was of great help in following up and providing updates on the shipping of my unit. Great choice!

 

We have a fulltime employee now ( @JulienVermeiren ) JUST for shipping, and a standard work week doesn’t cut it…

@JulienVermeiren is a great addition to your team! I needed to delay my shipment by a few days due to travel, and Julien managed that process perfectly. Of course the weak link in all of this is FedEx, where delivery either goes as smooth as silk, or all hell breaks loose.

My unit (#37) arrived yesterday in 2 days from NL, but my local FedEx team seems to be nonplussed how to deliver it to me. They suggested I come pick it up (with my back, no thanks!) The issue here seems to be the unit was sent to the FedEx EXPRESS distribution center, not the FedEx FREIGHT distribution center.

I'm sure they will sort it out early next week, but every FedEx issue seems to be unique, suggesting the company has issues with their "last mile" delivery infrastructure. Sadly, there does not seem to be an alternative, as UPS and DHL are equally bad.