Taiko Audio Extreme Music Server

[Zeotrope]

There is always the risk of hearing a negative impact from DSP. It's just that the Olympus' inherent noise levels are so low that you will hear these influences much more clearly. With the Extreme, the USB connection is what ultimately limits how low-noise it can be. Therefore, the inflence of external noise will indeed appear relatively much smaller. So, the Extreme will indeed be relatively less affected by DSP than the Olympus.

With that said, the influence of DSP, as well as other programs, will normally be largest when the software is running on the same platform, which is why we do not support running additional software on the Extreme. DSP run externally (as on your Anthem STR) is a different matter. Although it can still be a case of win some (usually precision), lose some (usually naturalness), depending on the room and what is required of it, the net result can be better with DSP in place. It's very much a personal matter.

Now, inserting an Extreme Server into this scenario, the result will still be what you know and love about the server, but proportionally altered by what your DSP does.

Somewhat related perhaps: for years I have noticed an audible background hiss at the listening position. I have made made updates over time, most recently with the Nagra Reference Pre and Monoblocs, and connecting all of my Shunyata Altaira grounding hubs together. The remaining noise was eliminated when I restarted the Extreme! What could be causing this noise, is it a process running in the background or is it the AC transformer (which does make an audible buzzing when my ear is against the Extreme chassis)?

Components in the system:
• Taiko Extreme -> Shunyata Omega USB -> Nagra HD DAC X
• Taiko Switch
• Taiko Router

All components are grounded with Shunyata Omega Ground cables to the ALTAIRA Signal Hub. All hubs are connected and all components are on one AC circuit.

Again, restarting XDMS kills the audible noise. It's a low level "hash" type buzzing and a higher frequency "white noise". It's not loud, but it is audible, especially since I am using horns.

I noticed that Remote Desktop is always running and relaunches automatically. Shouldn't that be killed and only launched when necessary?

Should I get in the habit of restarting the Extreme before every session? How long does it take for it to stabilize and sound best after a restart?