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 will be glad to do. Can I please get your email? You can send me a private message here or email Taiko support - whatever is better for you.
BTW, I also asked your dealer. If he gets back to me first, I will send it right away.

Private message sent.

 

We wanted to proactively address a question we've seen coming up frequently:
"Why is my order X estimated to enter assembly later than order Y, even though X < Y?"

The short is answer is because order X is different than order Y. For a more elaborated answer - see below.

Creating these estimates is extremely complex due to many interdependent variables. To illustrate, even ChatGPT, when provided with all our data, responded:
"Unfortunately, due to the extreme complexity and interdependencies, I cannot reliably provide an exact final schedule that meets all constraints."
This underscores the intricacies involved. Currently, even minor updates to the schedule require about four hours of work by me.

Here are just some of the constraints we must factor into our production scheduling:
1. Different chassis finishes:
- Black anodized Olympus chassis
- Black powder-coated Olympus chassis
- Black anodized I/O chassis
- Black powder-coated I/O chassis
- Silver anodized Olympus chassis
- Silver anodized I/O chassis

2. We must predict:
- The exact number of each chassis type arriving and their arrival dates
- How many chassis will pass inspection
- Assembly capacity, factoring in daily fluctuations such as team availability (due to illness, personal days, etc.)

3. Customer preferences add another layer of complexity. Some customers change preferences between silver and black finishes, and others strongly prefer anodized or powder-coated finishes. Some want their unit delivered ASAP. Other have put vacation holds. Some want to wait until balanced analog out is available. It's a really complex task!

Based on our current projections:
- Customers who opted for black powder-coated chassis are slightly ahead of those preferring silver or black anodized chassis.
- Customers with a black powder-coated Olympus chassis without an I/O are slightly ahead of those awaiting an I/O, due to current inventory and production projections for black I/O chassis.

Please note that these estimates may shift back and forth in the coming weeks as new information becomes available. We will continue to provide weekly updates to keep everyone informed.

Lastly, some people have expressed concerns about how long it will take to get to their order. The real goal here is to set realistic expectations, give people timely updates, provide clear communication, and maintain full transparency. That’s all I am trying to do. If you are disappointed that your order is not in Week 1, I am disappointed too. So is Taiko. But as discussed many times, Taiko is at the mercy of external vendors for the chassis finishing, and there is no workaround for that.

We greatly appreciate your understanding and patience as we navigate these complexities to deliver your orders as efficiently as possible.

 

We have one but it’s a no for me, the surface isn’t smooth enough and too glossy. They’re going to try something else (coated on the left):

View attachment 147362

I agree, that particular powder coat appears too thick? (visible on the top of chassis)

 

OK guys… attempt at relaxation time with an ode to your favorite server… the Taiko Olympus…

Streaming Olympus by @voxiferousfadein5405 | Suno

contemporary nordic jazz, jazz, smooth, atmospheric, contemporary song. Listen and make your own with Suno.

suno.com

I hope you’ll enjoy this little musical break

PS: 100% AI generated

 

I agree, that particular powder coat appears too thick? (visible on the top of chassis)

Yes, it needs to be just a few microns thick, otherwise it covers up the texture of the bead blasted surface. The colour we got from Pilium, if we can match the surface structure that might be a nice option to offer as we have quite a few customers owning Pilium gear.

 

@Taiko Audio Any update about the Aries Cerat XDMI daughterboards??

We were forced to press the pause button on a few projects I’m afraid, to be resumed asap.