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".

 

I do, however, believe there was an agenda to go after the MSB Select 2, aggressively, and the resulting report, to me, was not convincing. There are just so many variables, and the music seemed cherry-picked.

That report was posted by me, and so I will chime in.

My friend is an analog guy - he doesn’t even take digital seriously. His dealer sold him the MSB Select 2 DAC and Digital Director as the best digital source money can buy. As a Taiko Extreme customer, he got curious about the Taiko Olympus. He has a really nice system that was recently upgraded, and I wanted to hear it too, so we arranged a listening session.

This wasn’t about going after the MSB Select 2 aggressively - far from it. It was just a friendly gathering that could turn into a sale for me. But yeah, it was a long drive, and I had to justify it as a “business trip”. The highlight of the long drive was spending the night in a sketchy highway motel with over $100K worth of gear in the trunk - including the Olympus. Let’s just say I was really hoping everything would still be there in the morning.

So no, there was no agenda here - just curiosity, fun, and a chance to share impressions. His MSB gear was for sale shortly after I left, though.

That said, we didn’t conduct any double-blind tests, and the results weren’t based on statistically significant data. It was just a casual listening session to share impressions. So nothing is conclusive, and more data points are definitely welcome.

 

Hey @ctydwn, let me clarify a bit more.

When I talk about "massive resistance," I mean the broader skepticism I encounter almost daily. Out of every 10 people I explain the Taiko Olympus XDMI to, about 9 fall into the "resistant" category. I’m not even trying to sell it - just suggesting they give it a listen in their system.

For example, one person recently spent close to a million dollars on equipment and still doesn’t believe a server can make any difference. He would buy the most expensive DAC there is but skip the server as a non-believer. Another refuses to even consider a "computer" in their setup, so both the Extreme and Olympus are a no-go. Then there’s the usual criticism: it doesn’t have this, it doesn’t have that, it’s a small card in a noisy computer, so it can't be good, the analog section makes the DAC, so that little card can't be good, etc. Little do they realize how much they’re missing out on their digital source.

I’m relatively new to the industry, but I’ve built pretty much everything myself over the years - speakers, amps, preamps, phono stages, turntables, servers, DACs, you name it, and have a good technical understanding of how things work. What really bothers me is seeing people spend massive amounts of money on the wrong solution for the problem they have. Like someone having an untreated room causing issues, and their dealer selling them more expensive amplifiers to solve the problem. And 6 months later they sell them the upgraded version of these amplifiers. And another 6 months later they sell them a more expensive amplifier because the last 3 did not resolve the problem. They are out $200K when all they needed to do is add a couple room treatment panels for example. People keep chasing their tails for years and years and are never happy with their sound. It really hurts me when I see that.

Ironically, that same industry has created a vision in people's heads about what's good and what's bad. For example, someone with DAC X may value the clock above everything else and won’t even consider another DAC (Olympus included) unless it has a more expensive clock (because his dealer said so). And even if I had first hand experience with that DAC and suggest that the Olympus XDMI would sound better, they won’t take it seriously. Yet as soon as DAC X announces a better clock, they’ll jump on it - even if the upgrade costs more than the Olympus.

To be clear, I wasn’t pointing fingers at anyone specific (and definitely not SteveW). I’m just saying that some here have the capability to do meaningful comparisons but don’t for one reason or another - whether it’s valid or just skepticism about the XDMI analog card.

So, now that we've covered "massive resistance", where does that leave us? Ah, yeah, more data points. I want more data points too. I would love to hear these comparisons firsthand too.

Also, my mention about some people selling their expensive DACs did not imply that it was done after comparing XDMI analog to XDMI to Lampizator or MSB. I just like you am waiting to see more of these data points.

Hi Vassil @nenon ,

I’m replying to your message but also addressing those who might read this.

The issue you raise is both complex and systemic.

Its origins are numerous, but in my view, they share the following common factors:

• Rigid preconceptions,
• Cognitive defence mechanisms.
• A lack of general scientific knowledge.

The problem of acoustic treatment is a classic example. How can one accept and understand that the listening room is both the most important element and the weakest link in a HiFi system if one doesn’t grasp what sound really is (i.e. what an acoustic wave is)?

It’s easy enough to replace every component in a HiFi chain, especially if money isn't a problem. However, moving to a new listening space, or transforming the one we have, which is often a living space, is far more challenging, even when budget constraints aren’t an issue.

Conversely, when the budget is limited, objects tend to become trophies. And this is entirely understandable, particularly in a hobby driven by passion. This is all the more true given that, for most people, money doesn’t fall from the sky, it’s hard-earned.

So, how can one accept that a $100,000 DAC might be replaced by a humble little $900 daughterboard? Or that a bit of acoustic treatment is more valuable than a $90,000 amplifier?

This is where cognitive defence mechanisms come into play. And it’s perfectly natural.

Shifting paradigms, setting aside one’s certainties, is intellectually challenging. History offers countless examples (Galileo, Copernicus, Bohr, etc.).

I’ll admit that I would struggle to part with my Soulution 760 DAC (paid full price); I fall into the category of those with a limited budget.

But I would do it.

No, I’m not more intelligent than others or more open-minded. I simply have an advantage: HiFi is not my primary hobby. If I had to choose, I could live without it.

This is to say that I understand the resistance you’re referring to.

That said, I do appreciate Taiko’s spirit: shifting paradigms.

Most players in the HiFi industry innovate very little, they optimise.

Taiko is rather audacious. They’ve decided to innovate and take risks, going against what is typically done. In fact, I don’t believe they’re making any profit on their DAC board, just have to look at the price of the chip and do some rough calculations (the DAC board is probably being sold at cost).

In short, if we appreciate the brand and value innovation in HiFi, @Taiko Audio is worth supporting.

Cheers,

Thomas

 

At this juncture in one's "audio life" you better have an open mind! (outside the audio life too) I don't see or hear of this "resistance". If so I think it is few. Perhaps frustration is being confused with resistance? People I have spoken with do have an open mind. How can their be resistance without hearing any of the applications? Most of us still have some gray matter still intact. With such limited assessments its virtually impossible to make any informed opinions or decisions...

 

The first movement of Mahler 9: such consummate phrasing, rhythm, pulse, amazingly good sound for a 1971 live recording from the Royal Festival Hall (said to be bad in acoustics), notwithstanding very audible coughing from audience. Only the last movement at 21:28, sounds too fast to me, but it is a valid alternative "optimistic" approach (not the kind of dreary, world-weary, death-engrossed interpretation of Bernstein or Levine, stretching to 28-31 minutes). Maderna was an outstanding composer too, died too young.

OT:

I favor Kubelik (with the BRSO) as conductor and lately Klaus Makala (go see a live performance with the RCO, or the Vienna Phil)

 

Playing in the ultra high end has evolved into a high stakes game. It is prudent to be highly circumspect of one’s choice of dealer(s) and their recommendations.

 

...interesting, insightful posts from @SwissTom and @nenon (and others). This is also good data for the evaluation process.

I would add to the list of evaluation criteria: emotion. Not just the emotional response to the music you enjoy on Component T vs. M, but the emotional response that is born and blossoms from the evaluation, purchase and enjoyment of said components.

Perhaps some folks are not "emotional" purchasers or holders of audio gear. They buy it if they like it, enjoy it, and are not overly attached to the gear itself. This may make selling it on easier? If one can afford it, it may become a step in a journey which does not end. I am not suggesting this is bad. People enjoy optimizing things...just making things better, in my view. But not everyone.

Some people are more emotional in their decisions, and/or may retain more emotional connection to a purchase or a product. At times, I am one of these types of audio people.

For me, my audio is sometimes a type of "pleasure stock" I own. I do my research, listen to a few pundits, and demo if possible, and then I buy (or not). Perhaps I am slow to buy and slow to sell. Though I was #38 on the Olympus list, so maybe medium-slow?

Anyway, there are multiple companies with great stock offerings tugging at my ears and my wallet, and the pleasure valuation can go up and down over time. In the model we are discussing: Taiko and MSB.

Both great and innovative companies, with clever leaders and tech. I like both teams and both tech offerings. I don't think the Gullman's will get mad at me personally if I sell my dac/dd and stick with the Taiko board. Likewise, Emile isn't going to cry in his beer if I keep the MSB implementation, even if he disagrees with my choice.

I have held on to stocks long after my broker suggested we sell, sometimes making a good move, sometimes not. But I don't make stock moves based on emotion.

Audio "pleasure stock" is a little different for me. There is more emotion involved. It's also head, but a lotta heart. Just like the guys who make Taiko and MSB components, I imagine.

It's going to take a while for me to recognize what to keep and what to sell. And I can keep them both!

 

To my ears there has never been in all my years in this hobby a correct way as there are so many ways to make beautiful music, I have truly heard the same system in 2 different houses where one sounded great and another so so. So yes the room is also a huge factor as well as the size of the room. My system and mantra has always been built on following the best SQ as it relates to tubes in my system. Every tube I use has been tuned to my system, my ears and my room. To me there just arent two finer companies on the face of the earth for my money than Taiko and Lampizator as both have brought my ears to the bleeding edge. and just when I thought it was end game with the Extreme and the Horizon, along came the creative genius of Emile and Lukasz along with their collaborative minds to create a solution to bring true native DSD to the Horizon DAC out of which evolved the Horizon 360. A similar scenario has occurred on the MSB front so I am sure the data points will arise. I know that I will be be dumbfounded to listen to the analogue board in my system but unlike many who just have the Olympus to contend with and to change boards, my XDMI board resides in my IO which is sitting under a 65Kgm Olympus both of which occupying the top spot on my rack. I had to hire 2 muscle men to get these very heavy components up my stairs and mounted on my rack. There is no way I can change boards without like minded able bodied men. I see this comparison coming to fruition if and when Emile can find the time to journey to Southern California for a much awaited open house when everyone reading this is invited to attend . To facilitate an even quicker A-B comparison it is my hope that Emile can bring a 2nd IO with the XDMI analogue board and a longer set of QSFP to reach this IO which I will have on a CMS platform on the floor adjacent to my rack. I believe this will be a defining moment and truly show two magnificent ways to hear XDMI. Might it entice me to sell my LampizatOr. Maybe but maybe not. What I can see it doing is me buying that 2nnd IO from Emile and I can then forever and always enjoy the best of both worlds. Plus this data point would be a good place for people to come have a listen as the tests can be done very quickly without lifting the big Horizon off the underlying IO.

To me these are exciting times and I cant wait to hear the analogue board in my system

 

...interesting, insightful posts from @SwissTom and @nenon (and others). This is also good data for the evaluation process.

I would add to the list of evaluation criteria: emotion. Not just the emotional response to the music you enjoy on Component T vs. M, but the emotional response that is born and blossoms from the evaluation, purchase and enjoyment of said components.

Perhaps some folks are not "emotional" purchasers or holders of audio gear. They buy it if they like it, enjoy it, and are not overly attached to the gear itself. This may make selling it on easier? If one can afford it, it may become a step in a journey which does not end. I am not suggesting this is bad. People enjoy optimizing things...just making things better, in my view. But not everyone.

Some people are more emotional in their decisions, and/or may retain more emotional connection to a purchase or a product. At times, I am one of these types of audio people.

For me, my audio is sometimes a type of "pleasure stock" I own. I do my research, listen to a few pundits, and demo if possible, and then I buy (or not). Perhaps I am slow to buy and slow to sell. Though I was #38 on the Olympus list, so maybe medium-slow?

Anyway, there are multiple companies with great stock offerings tugging at my ears and my wallet, and the pleasure valuation can go up and down over time. In the model we are discussing: Taiko and MSB.

Both great and innovative companies, with clever leaders and tech. I like both teams and both tech offerings. I don't think the Gullman's will get mad at me personally if I sell my dac/dd and stick with the Taiko board. Likewise, Emile isn't going to cry in his beer if I keep the MSB implementation, even if he disagrees with my choice.

I have held on to stocks long after my broker suggested we sell, sometimes making a good move, sometimes not. But I don't make stock moves based on emotion.

Audio "pleasure stock" is a little different for me. There is more emotion involved. It's also head, but a lotta heart. Just like the guys who make Taiko and MSB components, I imagine.

It's going to take a while for me to recognize what to keep and what to sell. And I can keep them both!

I'm holding on the Cascade until I'm absolutely certain. It's just so much better than any other DAC I've heard. YMMV.

 

I'm holding on the Cascade until I'm absolutely certain. It's just so much better than any other DAC I've heard. YMMV.

I can relate to this as I feel the same about my Horizon 360. I might become the only one to own two IOs so that I have both to listen to. Sort of like having a few tonearms and several cartridges mounted on my turntable

 

That report was posted by me, and so I will chime in.

My friend is an analog guy - he doesn’t even take digital seriously. His dealer sold him the MSB Select 2 DAC and Digital Director as the best digital source money can buy. As a Taiko Extreme customer, he got curious about the Taiko Olympus. He has a really nice system that was recently upgraded, and I wanted to hear it too, so we arranged a listening session.

This wasn’t about going after the MSB Select 2 aggressively - far from it. It was just a friendly gathering that could turn into a sale for me. But yeah, it was a long drive, and I had to justify it as a “business trip”. The highlight of the long drive was spending the night in a sketchy highway motel with over $100K worth of gear in the trunk - including the Olympus. Let’s just say I was really hoping everything would still be there in the morning.

So no, there was no agenda here - just curiosity, fun, and a chance to share impressions. His MSB gear was for sale shortly after I left, though.

That said, we didn’t conduct any double-blind tests, and the results weren’t based on statistically significant data. It was just a casual listening session to share impressions. So nothing is conclusive, and more data points are definitely welcome.

This is curious to me. You have Olympi to sell? Several of us are still awaiting ours after a year from down payments. How can there be units available for the "try and then buy" group?

 

I can relate to this as I feel the same about my Horizon 360. I might become the only one to own two IOs so that I have both to listen to. Sort of like having a few tonearms and several cartridges mounted on my turntable

Like you, I'm delighted there are different options. But, it makes me wonder about the overall concept of separates v. integrateds. Reading Emile's posts, there is clearly a line where anything more than the Rohm chip degrades the server. And I haven't seen the data to support a statement that "it already sounds better than most hi-end DACs." We've seen a hasty "shoot-out" against the 10-year-old MSB Select 2 DAC, and perhaps some private observations about others.

 

My credo in this hobby has always been,,,,"my ears, my wallet, my ass in the sweet spot, thus my preference"

surely we can all agree that we have 2 very fine options from which to choose and it is always going to come down to personal preference based on what we can afford

 

Hi Vassil @nenon ,

I’m replying to your message but also addressing those who might read this.

The issue you raise is both complex and systemic.

Its origins are numerous, but in my view, they share the following common factors:

• Rigid preconceptions,
• Cognitive defence mechanisms.
• A lack of general scientific knowledge.

The problem of acoustic treatment is a classic example. How can one accept and understand that the listening room is both the most important element and the weakest link in a HiFi system if one doesn’t grasp what sound really is (i.e. what an acoustic wave is)?

It’s easy enough to replace every component in a HiFi chain, especially if money isn't a problem. However, moving to a new listening space, or transforming the one we have, which is often a living space, is far more challenging, even when budget constraints aren’t an issue.

Conversely, when the budget is limited, objects tend to become trophies. And this is entirely understandable, particularly in a hobby driven by passion. This is all the more true given that, for most people, money doesn’t fall from the sky, it’s hard-earned.

So, how can one accept that a $100,000 DAC might be replaced by a humble little $900 daughterboard? Or that a bit of acoustic treatment is more valuable than a $90,000 amplifier?

This is where cognitive defence mechanisms come into play. And it’s perfectly natural.

Shifting paradigms, setting aside one’s certainties, is intellectually challenging. History offers countless examples (Galileo, Copernicus, Bohr, etc.).

I’ll admit that I would struggle to part with my Soulution 760 DAC (paid full price); I fall into the category of those with a limited budget.

But I would do it.

No, I’m not more intelligent than others or more open-minded. I simply have an advantage: HiFi is not my primary hobby. If I had to choose, I could live without it.

This is to say that I understand the resistance you’re referring to.

That said, I do appreciate Taiko’s spirit: shifting paradigms.

Most players in the HiFi industry innovate very little, they optimise.

Taiko is rather audacious. They’ve decided to innovate and take risks, going against what is typically done. In fact, I don’t believe they’re making any profit on their DAC board, just have to look at the price of the chip and do some rough calculations (the DAC board is probably being sold at cost).

In short, if we appreciate the brand and value innovation in HiFi, @Taiko Audio is worth supporting.

Cheers,

Thomas

I like what you've said here Thomas, particularly the line about doing without, a healthy attitude to have about all material things.

That said, another huge problem with this hobby is getting an accurate audition of super-expensive gear before pulling the trigger.

 

I like what you've said here Thomas, particularly the line about doing without, a healthy attitude to have about all material things.

That said, another huge problem with this hobby is getting an accurate audition of super-expensive gear before pulling the trigger.

Hi @pleroma ,

Thank you! but I’m far less moderated when it comes to climbing or alpinisme. Far from it ;-)))

I’ve lost count of my injuries.

I’ve fallen into a crevasse twice. I narrowly escaped a massive serac collapse. And more than once, I’ve come close to killing myself on a gully or when ice climbing.

I listen to a lot of music (classical), and that’s why I have a decent system and a dedicated space. Music is something that brings me peace/pleasure. It’s similar to reading a novel but with an added meditative element. Classical music is a journey.

I completely agree with you about the importance of being able to listen to HiFi components. The selection is limited to what’s available in our region. In my case, it’s been Swiss brands (with the exception of the speakers).

As for the Taiko Audio components (I’ve got the complete set, so to speak), I ordered them solely based on this forum, and Emile's reputation.

Cheers,

Thomas

 

This is curious to me. You have Olympi to sell? Several of us are still awaiting ours after a year from down payments. How can there be units available for the "try and then buy" group?

I have a demo unit here (and a second demo unit I am still waiting for). If anyone likes the demo, they place an order that goes at the end of the queue.

 

OT:

I favor Kubelik (with the BRSO) as conductor and lately Klaus Makala (go see a live performance with the RCO, or the Vienna Phil)

Not talking of his Mahler recordings (which I am yet to explore in depth), conductors like Kubelik, Jochum, Bohm, Monteux, Kempe have been undermarketed and underpromoted by their recording companies. They are greater as conductors generally than Karajan (sick of the endless remastering of his recordings, which are not my first choices for virtually any composer) or Bernstein. Think of Kubelik's Meistersinger and Parsifal recordings (which DG shamelessly withheld from release to make room for Karajan's). Bavarian Radio and Cleveland Orchestra, among others, have many live-concert recordings of Kubelik which should be released. I have petitioned Warner to remaster Jochum's complete recordings (his EMI Bruckner set with Staatskapelle Dresden, recorded in analog in the 1970s, cries for remastering; the initial CD releases are metallic in sound).

 

I have a demo unit here (and a second demo unit I am still waiting for). If anyone likes the demo, they place an order that goes at the end of the queue.

Ah, that makes sense. I got confused because you noted the client listed his MSB for sale right after, so I thought he had an Olympus to jump to already.

 

The yellow line leads to O(lden)z(aal)!

 

The yellow line leads to O(lden)z(aal)!

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