Introduction of my new Antipodes K50 Music Server

[Macattack]

Watch this space, at Antipodes we always like to give users the ability to upgrade to the latest versions, it's what we do, and one of the reasons why you buy Antipodes.

All I have been thinking about since our Munich conversation!

 

[F208Frank]

Tried Grimm MU1 in my chain to see differences myself against the K50, though the MU1 is great for the money (REALLY good for the $) and has a more forward/direct/neutral/flat sound, the K50 made music sound more like music, especially vocals. I knew going into the experiment that it would likely be the case based off reading around, but I like trying/comparing stuff to hear with my own ears.

 

[Bling23]

In my system I’d say the complete opposite. The K50 was more forward “more digital” sounding than the MU1. I found the MU1 to be very musical,provides a very natural uncolored sound with greater scale and depth, decay and timbre are on a higher level.

 

[ricjor1]

"Tried Grimm MU1 in my chain to see differences myself against the K50, though the MU1 is great for the money (REALLY good for the $) and has a more forward/direct/neutral/flat sound, the K50 made music sound more like music, especially vocals. I knew going into the experiment that it would likely be the case based off reading around, but I like trying/comparing stuff to hear with my own ears."

"In my system I’d say the complete opposite. The K50 was more forward “more digital” sounding than the MU1. I found the MU1 to be very musical,provides a very natural uncolored sound with greater scale and depth, decay and timbre are on a higher level."

The above statements are why everyone should try to listen to components in their own system and let their ears decide on what sounds best. We are listening to a "system", not components in isolation.

 

[Ron Resnick]

I was going to post something similar ricjor1. I agree.

It is a bit puzzling to read directly conflicting reports. It could also be the result of different subjective sonic preferences, or perhaps even different sonic definitions of the same adjectives.

 

[7ryder]

First question is whether or not they are comparing the same thing - is this just a comparison of AES outputs since the Grimm only has AES output? Then the next question is if AES is the best input on each person's DAC.

 

[kennyb123]

First question is whether or not they are comparing the same thing - is this just a comparison of AES outputs since the Grimm only has AES output? Then the next question is if AES is the best input on each person's DAC.

Exactly! The MU1 aims to work in far fewer systems. I think direct comparisons (where one maintains apples to apples) force the K50 to not put its best foot forward as Roon is the worst sounding option on Antipodes. But if Roon and AES are must-haves then it’s more than fair to put them head to head configured that way. The only downside would be that it ties one’s hands as far as future DAC upgrades. I wanted my server choice to open me up to future possibilities. That Antipodes is now offering upgrades that improve the USB output is yet further proof that I made the right choice.

 

[Republicoftexas69]

Exactly! The MU1 aims to work in far fewer systems. I think direct comparisons (where one maintains apples to apples) force the K50 to not put its best foot forward as Roon is the worst sounding option on Antipodes. But if Roon and AES are must-haves then it’s more than fair to put them head to head configured that way. The only downside would be that it ties one’s hands as far as future DAC upgrades. I wanted my server choice to open me up to future possibilities. That Antipodes is now offering upgrades that improve the USB output is yet further proof that I made the right choice.

I think Roon is very lacking no matter the ecosystem, unless of course it is Nucleus or an less revealing equivalent. YMMV,

 

[kennyb123]

I think Roon is very lacking no matter the ecosystem, unless of course it is Nucleus or an less revealing equivalent. YMMV,

A two-tier model helps a lot with Roon. I base this on having come from an Innuos Zenith Mk3 prior to Antipodes. I found that shutting Roon down completely provided a sound quality benefit on the Zenith when using Squeeze. Not so on my K30, I think because Core runs on a separate CPU and motherboard from the endpoint, despite them being in the same physical box.

How the heck Grimm overcomes this is beyond me, but it could also explain why Roon is the only choice. Disappointment would very likely creep in if other options were provided.

For the first three months of owning my K30, I used only Roon as I didn’t want to spoil my appreciation of Roon. It was such a huge upgrade from Roon on the Zenith. I just knew hearing Squeeze would spoil it for me. And I was right.

Roon sounds better than it did two years ago, which is a good thing. Squeeze remains considerably better.

 

[Republicoftexas69]

A two-tier model helps a lot with Roon. I base this on having come from an Innuos Zenith Mk3 prior to Antipodes. I found that shutting Roon down completely provided a sound quality benefit on the Zenith when using Squeeze. Not so on my K30, I think because Core runs on a separate CPU and motherboard from the endpoint, despite them being in the same physical box.

How the heck Grimm overcomes this is beyond me, but it could also explain why Roon is the only choice. Disappointment would very likely creep in if other options were provided.

For the first three months of owning my K30, I used only Roon as I didn’t want to spoil my appreciation of Roon. It was such a huge upgrade from Roon on the Zenith. I just knew hearing Squeeze would spoil it for me. And I was right.

Roon sounds better than it did two years ago, which is a good thing. Squeeze remains considerably better.

I am content with my Zenith MK3 and the Innuos Ecosystem and Roon was just awful for me, I do enjoy the Sense application immensely and am an analog guy. Use the Zenith for streaming (background noise) while working in my office and I like it for discovering new music. I do have all my CD's ripped to the Zenith. I have a lifetime (early adapter) Roon subscription, may just give it another try one day. Squeeze I have never tried.

 

[kennyb123]

I do enjoy the Sense application immensely and am an analog guy. Use the Zenith for streaming (background noise) while working in my office and I like it for discovering new music. I do have all my CD's ripped to the Zenith. I have a lifetime (early adapter) Roon subscription, may just give it another try one day. Squeeze I have never tried

You are fortunate to have the Sense app. I hope Antipodes ships their own app in the not too distant future. I also have a Roon lifetime subscription but rarely use it. I love Roon for discovering music.