Taiko Audio SGM Extreme : the Crème de la Crème

[SK8]

- As mentioned, I am worried about the riser cable aspect, and it seems that I have reason to. If you, or anyone else, happen to later on stumble across an “ok” cable-solution to this specific card I am all ears, to put it mildly. If not, perhaps a Taiko DAC in my server is not ment to be in my specific case.

HDPlex has a good quality riser cable if this is the way you want to pursue:

HDPLEX PCIEx16 3.0 Silicon Dual Layer Riser (21cm)

HDPLEX PCIE16 Silicon Riser Enjoys Free Shipping Worldwide Stock Status USA : Sold Out · Germany : Sold Out

hdplex.com

 

[Taiko Audio]

A riser cable will do fine, we have incorporated a PCIe retimer. We‘re working on a multitude of interface options. In fact we have just decided to design a modular version to be able to accommodate a wide range of interface options at a reasonable price level. The interface section occupies 75% of the current card where the DAC / Analogue section occupies the remaining 25%. A different card for each option would make it very unaffordable (low qty per option).

 

[Christiaan Punter]

Please note that Emile's comment above pertains to both the TACDA and TACCD cards. While it is not confirmed which output formats will be added/supported, I can confirm that they will not have USB and as such will not substitute the Taiko Enhanced USB card.

 

[jelt2359]

A riser cable will do fine, we have incorporated a PCIe retimer. We‘re working on a multitude of interface options. In fact we have just decided to design a modular version to be able to accommodate a wide range of interface options at a reasonable price level. The interface section occupies 75% of the current card where the DAC / Analogue section occupies the remaining 25%. A different card for each option would make it very unaffordable (low qty per option).

That’s good news! Like @DW101 i am holding my breath for a dual BNC option.

 

[Christiaan Punter]

Hi all, here are the latest versions of the Taiko Audio New Product summary PDF documents (Updated 06-02-2023)

- TACDA & TACDD DAC & Interface Summary
- Taiko Network Card & Switch Summary
- Taiko Router Summary

 

[matthias]

Please note that Emile's comment above pertains to both the TACDA and TACCD cards. While it is not confirmed which output formats will be added/supported, I can confirm that they will not have USB and as such will not substitute the Taiko Enhanced USB card.

Christiaan,
IIUC, there will be then a card with both TACDA and TACDD outputs on one card?
Thx

Matt

 

[matthias]

Hi Matt, at this point, this is not confirmed. Our first release, in any event, will be the TACDA card in non-modular form with analog RCA outputs and S/PDIF RCA, BNC, and TOSlink digital outputs.

And later on there will be a modular section on the TACDA card with the option of different outputs?
Thx

Matt

 

[matthias]

Christiaan,
there is one point I don't understand. Emile mentioned in a former post that the TACDA card is fully packed on both sides because of the elaborate DAC. Now in the post above he mentioned a DAC area of 25% for the modular card. Does that mean that this card offers a somewhat lighter DAC version?
Thx again

Matt

 

[Christiaan Punter]

The DAC occupies 25% of the card. The more elaborate part is the interface. The DAC will be the same for the non-modular and modular versions.

The non-modular version has fixed analog RCA outputs and fixed digital S/PDIF RCA, BNC, and TOSlink outputs.

The Modular version would remove the fixed analog and S/PDIF outputs and substitute one of the below:

1) Analogue out
2) Generic S/PDIF, AES/EBU, I2s, or other digital formats
3) Custom output like MSB Pro ISL
4) New Taiko proprietary interface

 

[MarkusBarkus]

...thanks for the info @Christiaan Punter

Modularity seems like an excellent approach, which will allow for maximum flexibility in manufacturing and for Taiko customers. This modular approach has worked well (IMO) for MSB and its users. It's easy (he says) and very helpful when system changes arise. Thanks Taiko!

 

[RGB.]

There is a Streacom case that can fit cards in a vertical position. I modified the FC10 and replaced the back panel to accommodate this. Have you tried that?

Thanks dminches,
For me equal, preferably slightly better, thermal properties than the HDPLEX H5v3 is a must for me to consider getting another chassis. I guess this is a sideways movement at best. But no need for a riser cable, with the right back plate, is indeed a good thing.

HDPlex has a good quality riser cable if this is the way you want to pursue:

I am aware of its existence but wasn’t aware that it was regarded good quality. Thanks SK8

Perhaps fis- ghent audio and/or others will start production of quality PCIe riser cables.

 

[RGB.]

A riser cable will do fine, we have incorporated a PCIe retimer. We‘re working on a multitude of interface options. In fact we have just decided to design a modular version to be able to accommodate a wide range of interface options at a reasonable price level. The interface section occupies 75% of the current card where the DAC / Analogue section occupies the remaining 25%. A different card for each option would make it very unaffordable (low qty per option).

Good to know Emile. Thanks.
I suppose getting the best possible riser cable eventually is a good thing nevertheless.


“The Modular version would remove the fixed analog and S/PDIF outputs and substitute one of the below: 1) Analogue out”
Would this (later) version of “Analogue out” possibly mean balanced out? For me, balanced output only is better than combined RCA and digital outputs. But perhaps that is not a common wish? (I understand that it creates more heat.)


“Powered via an internal DC power cable from the Extreme power supply”
I do not know the Voltage being fed from the Extreme. Perhaps the DC Voltage range to feed the card for non Extreme users eventually, will be revealed later.

 

[Taiko Audio]

It operates on a 5V and 12V supply.

Perhaps it‘s time to share a photo of our first prototype:

 

[RGB.]

It operates on a 5V and 12V supply.

Perhaps it‘s time to share a photo of our first prototype:

PERFECT. Fed by a SJ double double regulated 5V, DC4 recap module, then I think, in my case.

CMON, is that a "prototype"! Looking goood already.

Still hoping for an XLR only, digital out not needed, "module". But one often can not have it all...

 

[microstrip]

Hi all, here are the latest versions of the Taiko Audio New Product summary PDF documents (Updated 03-02-2023)

- TACDA & TACDD DAC & Interface Summary
- Taiko Network Card & Switch Summary
- Taiko Router Summary

No Taiko Audio New Product summary PDF document for XDMS? Preferably with a release date!

 

[oldmustang]

A riser cable will do fine, we have incorporated a PCIe retimer. We‘re working on a multitude of interface options. In fact we have just decided to design a modular version to be able to accommodate a wide range of interface options at a reasonable price level. The interface section occupies 75% of the current card where the DAC / Analogue section occupies the remaining 25%. A different card for each option would make it very unaffordable (low qty per option).

Any future plans to reverse this allotment of space and offer an enhanced DAC card without having to devote so much space to interface options?

Steve

 

[RGB.]

Any future plans to reverse this allotment of space and offer an enhanced DAC card without having to devote so much space to interface options?

+1
You mention enhanced DAC, I hope for XLR based on the original plan (easily dropping digital out if needed). Not synonyms, but we are on a similar path. Analogue priority in one version of the PCIe

 

[ctydwn]

It operates on a 5V and 12V supply.

Perhaps it‘s time to share a photo of our first prototype:

View attachment 103915

I have no idea what translates audibly from that beautiful piece, but my sense is that Taiko's ingenuity and products equate to the historically relatively little known artist working out of their small studio that has the promise to be remembered well into the arc of the future during this rapidly developing moment to define what is achievable by digital playback. really can’t wait to hear it.

 

[MusicFellow]

Still hoping for an XLR only, digital out not needed, "module". But one often can not have it all...

Count me in for the XLR output Option. As Emile said a myriad of options wouldn‘t be economical due to lower volumes for each. But I‘d feel 2-3 versions (like the current one in planning, plus an additional all analog / xlr only (if that takes all the physical space), plus a third option with purely digital outputs) would be a good variety to choose from where say 90% of customers would find themselves happy with.

 

[Taiko Audio]

Any future plans to reverse this allotment of space and offer an enhanced DAC card without having to devote so much space to interface options?

Steve

I‘m sure we can spend years cooking up all sorts of iterations & improvements, hence the decision to go modular now. This would also protect the value of the investment into the interface/controller technology which is by far the costliest part of the design.