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".

 

Hi Emile

The level of craftsmanship is just outstanding...keep the photos coming!

 

Yes, all current and upcoming interface options will be daughterboards.

Left digital output daughterboard, right analog output daughterboard:

View attachment 127689

So on the XDMI digital output daughter board I see you've provided a place next to the existing RCA style output for another connector. XLR for AES/EBU?

I can make either work into my DAC, but I already have the AES/EBU cable. . .

Steve Z

 

Dear all,

Please note that the Olympus server and I/O dimensions have been updated. Changes are reflected below in blue and concern the addition of modular footers and the height of the units.

Modular Footers

Both Olympus Server and I/O units come with modular footers attached via an M6 thread, providing compatibility with any M6-equipped aftermarket footers. This affects the total height of the unit. Please find the final measurements below.

Height

Olympus Server 190 mm including removable footers
Olympus I/O 105 mm including removable footers

Width

Olympus 480 mm
Olympus I/O 480 mm

Depth

Olympus 480 mm
Olympus I/O 480 mm

Weight

Olympus ~ 60 kg
Olympus I/O ~ 25 kg



This has also been updated in the Introduction and FAQ document, which can be downloaded from the Downloads section on the Taiko website.

 

So on the XDMI digital output daughter board I see you've provided a place next to the existing RCA style output for another connector. XLR for AES/EBU?

I can make either work into my DAC, but I already have the AES/EBU cable. . .

Steve Z

Yes, those pads are for a XLR connector (AES/EBU).

 

We changed the LED indicators to being as unobtrusive as possible (visible underneath Taiko Audio) :

View attachment 127700

 

Need a drooling emoji... incredible pics/manufacturing

 

@Taiko Audio

Hi Emile!

It's nice to see the first production pieces!

I'm planning to stack the Olympus and the Olympus I/O.

Has anything been designed for this purpose?

By that I mean: will there be something similar to the MSB Select DAC?

In other words, will it be possible to have the Olympus on top of the Olympus I/O without damaging the latter?

Will there be sufficient ventilation?

Cheers,

Thomas

 

@Taiko Audio

Hi Emile!

It's nice to see the first production pieces!

I'm planning to stack the Olympus and the Olympus I/O.

Has anything been designed for this purpose?

By that I mean: will there be something similar to the MSB Select DAC?

In other words, will it be possible to have the Olympus on top of the Olympus I/O without damaging the latter?

Will there be sufficient ventilation?

Cheers,

Thomas

No problem to stack the two, the I/O below the Server would indeed be preferable.

 

is anyone familiar witrh the BACCH-SP which essentially provides 3-D Sound surrounding the listener.reviews have been uniformly superb. relevant to this discussion is because it is computer audio, that the Taiko is no longer necessary. Does anyone have any experience with setup?

 

 

is anyone familiar witrh the BACCH-SP which essentially provides 3-D Sound surrounding the listener.reviews have been uniformly superb. relevant to this discussion is because it is computer audio, that the Taiko is no longer necessary. Does anyone have any experience with setup?

I suggest checking out the dedicated thread for that product over here:

(1) BACCH-SP: The future of high-end audio? Yes. | What's Best Audio and Video Forum. The Best High End Audio Forum on the planet! (whatsbestforum.com)

This thread is for discussing the new Taiko Olympus and Olympus I/O.

 

I am currently using Bacch dsp with Taiko Extreme server. While Bacch is good, Taiko makes it even better. The reverse is also true.

 

I am currently using Bacch dsp with Taiko Extreme server. While Bacch is good, Taiko makes it even better. The reverse is also true.

Can you describe in detail how are you have Bacch DSP integrated with your extreme?

 

My Bacch dsp is in my Mac mini. Taiko server out to Mac mini then Mac mini out to dac

 

I am currently using Bacch dsp with Taiko Extreme server. While Bacch is good, Taiko makes it even better. The reverse is also true.

What is plugged in the White if you don’t mind me asking

 

On the digital output daughterboard will there also be a BNC connector?

 

@longtimesudiophile. I’ll take this conversation offline as it is getting off topic here. Please check pm

 

Modular Footers

Both Olympus Server and I/O units come with modular footers attached via an M6 thread, providing compatibility with any M6-equipped aftermarket footers. This affects the total height of the unit. Please find the final measurements below.

@Christiaan Punter @Taiko Audio

What shape/dimensions will the feet have?

Is there a prototype available/showable?

Cheers

Thomas

 

@Christiaan Punter @Taiko Audio

What shape/dimensions will the feet have?

Is there a prototype available/showable?

Cheers

Thomas

The feet fit in here, the cutout depth is 8mm (the feet are 9mm thick) but I forgot the diameter, cannot tell you what it is till Tuesday:

 

The feet fit in here, the cutout depth is 8mm (the feet are 9mm thick) but I forgot the diameter, cannot tell you what it is till Tuesday:

View attachment 127740

Thanks Emile,

Have a great Easter weekend

Cheers,

Thomas