Taiko Audio SGM Extreme : the Crème de la Crème

[Taiko Audio]

@Taiko Audio Ah that makes perfect sense. Yes, I use DACs for all of my 10/40G connections within 5m of the main L3 switch. Any significant difference between brands for DAC cables? passive better over active i assume?

I'm now anticipating all the audiophile cable makers working on their premium DAC cables lol...

Passive, active increases power consumption (and therefor noise). Did not observe anything dramatic between DAC cables but did not spend a lot of time comparing them either, they’re all dramatically better then any RJ45 terminated UTP or STP cable though, for by now hopefully obvious reasons!

 

[MarkusBarkus]

...perhaps this may be of interest reAC cables:

What's DAC Cable And Why Choose It Over Fiber Transceiver?

This article make an introduction of the DAC cable, its types, why choose it over optical transceivers and where to use it

www.fiber-optic-solutions.com

 

[Cyrus]

Congratulations to that other Netherlands team!!!

 

[dminches]

@Taiko Audio Emile, I was wondering what your view is on local files vs streaming sound quality with the switch and card, assuming both file sets are identical as far as bit depth/resolution and mastering? Is there a theoretical basis for thinking that streaming could sound better given the data stream processing it encounters vs. what happens to local files?

 

[Zeotrope]

For anyone that is using XDMS but NOT on the discord channel -

The latest updates, ESPECIALLY the back-end updates takes XDMS to another sonic level. IT IS NOT SUBTLE.

Of course everyone's system/network is different and results vary, BUT if you do not have the latest back-end updates please send and email to support@taikoaudio.com and get scheduled to get the latest back-end updates.

After you are updated please report back what you are hearing.

My personal experience, with my system, room, network, ears etc is that the latest updates have made more of a jump in sonics than when I switched from Roon to TAS (long time ago) and then even from TAS to XDMS.

There is concurrence on the Discord channel about the latest updates, but curious to hear other XDMS user's opinions.

Edit- The most noticeable attributes of the latest back-end updates in my system, where the speakers are 2.5M from the back wall is 3D-HOLIGRAPHIC DIMENSIONALITY. Secondly BASS. If your system is not set up to present a 3D holographic soundstage, you might not get the effects that I am experiencing. There is also MORE RESOLUTION AND TRANSAPRENCY.

Of course YMMV depending on your system/set up.

If you could post the version of XDMS you are referring to, especially the iOS app version, that would be great. There have been at least 2 back-end updates, so it’s not clear which one you are referring to.
What I’m seeing in TestFlight as of this morning is 0.0.1 (18).

 

[dminches]

If you could post the version of XDMS you are referring to, especially the iOS app version, that would be great. There have been at least 2 back-end updates, so it’s not clear which one you are referring to.
What I’m seeing in TestFlight as of this morning is 0.0.1 (18).

The backend version has a file date of 12/1 or so.

The control apps do not really affect sound quality. They are more about functionality.

 

[Zeotrope]

It's an Obi satellite with a LPS . The satellite has 3 ethernet ports. I take an ethernet cable out from the satellite to the Extreme and I have never had an issue. I do believe Emile however that his pending updates will take the network to a whole new level so I'm all in thanks to Emile

I have a similar setup but with Eero satellites (I had Obi but find Eero much less buggy).
Current:
Router -> Eero -> [WiFi] -> Eero -> Ethernet to Extreme
Would this be the suggested new connection:
Router -> Eero -> [WiFi] -> Eero -> Ethernet to Taiko Switch -> Connection to Extreme

 

[Zeotrope]

The backend version has a file date of 12/1 or so.

The control apps do not really affect sound quality. They are more about functionality.

Ah ok, so the iOS app can be used with more than one backend version.
I guess I need an update to the backend then, which must be done by Ed?

 

[Taiko Audio]

@Taiko Audio Emile, I was wondering what your view is on local files vs streaming sound quality with the switch and card, assuming both file sets are identical as far as bit depth/resolution and mastering? Is there a theoretical basis for thinking that streaming could sound better given the data stream processing it encounters vs. what happens to local files?

The goal is to get streamed file playback on the same level as local file playback. Contrary to what you’d expect this is much easier to achieve with Roon then it is with XDMS due to the rather dramatic lower overall noise floor, I think you’re running the alpha and can understand what I mean with this. In Roon “smaller” differences are smoothed over / get buried. So although there’s code running in XDMS to reduce these differences, what’s left is magnified / more ruthlessly exposed. However we do know how to address and most likely solve this, but right now this is still on the to code list. On the hardware side the Router can actually play a big part in this remaining piece of the puzzle for both Roon and XDMS as well.

 

[EuroDriver]

Ah ok, so the iOS app can be used with more than one backend version.
I guess I need an update to the backend then, which must be done by Ed?

The backend updates are available for download on the Discord XDMS Testers Group under Executable, backend

If you are more comfortable with having us do the patch, send an email to support@taikoaudio.com with the TeamViewer ID and pw of your Laptop/ Desktop or your Extreme

 

[Zeotrope]

The backend updates are available for download on the Discord XDMS Testers Group under Executable, backend

If you are more comfortable with having us do the patch, send an email to support@taikoaudio.com with the TeamViewer ID and pw of your Laptop/ Desktop or your Extreme

I can do them myself if shown how. I’ll send an email and join the Discord. Thanks!

 

[Nsxturbo]

I never got the discord invite although I requested it. I’m comfortable doing the update myself but need access to the discord group please.

 

[dminches]

The goal is to get streamed file playback on the same level as local file playback. Contrary to what you’d expect this is much easier to achieve with Roon then it is with XDMS due to the rather dramatic lower overall noise floor, I think you’re running the alpha and can understand what I mean with this. In Roon “smaller” differences are smoothed over / get buried. So although there’s code running in XDMS to reduce these differences, what’s left is magnified / more ruthlessly exposed. However we do know how to address and most likely solve this, but right now this is still on the to code list. On the hardware side the Router can actually play a big part in this remaining piece of the puzzle for both Roon and XDMS as well.

I think you are closer than you think. I have been running the XDMS alpha since you guys made it available.

Today I compared a ripped CD of a Blue Mitchell album to the Qobuz version. Both 16/44.1. Same mastering as far as I can tell. I think I prefer the Qobuz version. This should only improve with the switch and card.

Kudos.

 

[Zeotrope]

I never got the discord invite although I requested it. I’m comfortable doing the update myself but need access to the discord group please.

Email support @ taikoaudio

 

[oldmustang]

I can do them myself if shown how. I’ll send an email and join the Discord. Thanks!

When you get to the Discord channel, take a look in #backend. There you will find the links to download the two XDMS patches, xdmsserv.exe and xdms.exe. Also in that topic there is a step by step set of directions to install the two files.

Pretty easy, even this Mac user was able to accomplish it without problem.

Good luck and don't hesitate to PM me if you need help.

Steve Z

 

[Zeotrope]

When you get to the Discord channel, take a look in #backend. There you will find the links to download the two XDMS patches, xdmsserver.exe and xdmsplayer.exe. Also in that topic there is a step by step set of directions to install the two files.

Pretty easy, even this Mac user was able to accomplish it without problem.

Good luck and don't hesitate to PM me if you need help.

Steve Z

Thanks Steve!
Ha! I can relate to the Mac user comment.
The Extreme is the only Windows machine I’ll use!

 

[EuroDriver]

I never got the discord invite although I requested it. I’m comfortable doing the update myself but need access to the discord group please.

Invite is sent to you by DM

 

[cat6man]

My visit coincided with the release of a new XDMS update which Emile advised was a significant upgrade over the previous iteration, the product of some six weeks of recoding. Emile said only one customer had this version of XDMS at the time of my visit on 23 November.

Michael

Congrats on your fun visit Michael.

Emile---is that Nov 23 xdms version, which was not in general alpha test use at that time, still awaiting us or do we testers already have it (I e. The reason we have been raving about recent backend updates)?

 

[Taiko Audio]

Congrats on your fun visit Michael.

Emile---is that Nov 23 xdms version, which was not in general alpha test use at that time, still awaiting us or do we testers already have it (I e. The reason we have been raving about recent backend updates)?

You have it now, no worries, plenty more to come

I’m actually not sure which to-do list is longer / has more coding remaining, functionality or sound quality improvements.

 

[pleroma]

You have it now, no worries, plenty more to come

I’m actually not sure which to-do list is longer / has more coding remaining, functionality or sound quality improvements.

The Alpha experience on Discord has been a lot of fun this fall. I suspect many of us wouldn't have believed the player design could have this level of impact. And thanks for delivering some great updates for the holiday season