Taiko Audio SGM Extreme : the Crème de la Crème

Taiko Audio

Industry Expert
Feb 10, 2017
4,222
13,006
1,925
The Netherlands
taikoaudio.com
Hi, is it possible to get a Taiko Extreme with the Asus Ws c621e (BMC) motherboard or is the “BMC” sound/audio degrading ?

Yes, just a matter of plugging in this module:

bmc.jpg

There's no real use for it though as the Extreme runs VNC software, the BMC is slightly audible.
 

onlychild

Well-Known Member
Sep 18, 2019
133
352
150
The Extreme is the most expensive audio purchase I have made so far. I was really hesitant to pull the trigger since I already owned the Innuos Statement, but after reading reviews from ears I trusted, the same ears that have not led me astray so far, I had to indulge my curiosity.

What I was most curios about was the “thinness” I kept reading about from severs that had low power CPUs. My experience has only been with two different models of the Innuos servers, both of which have been low power CPUs.
IMG_7118 2.jpeg
Being one of the few headphone only listeners, I wanted to share some initial impressions with the Extreme and some unscientific comparisons between the Extreme and Statement.

Wow, the Dynamics, unreal. This was the first thing I noticed and in the first few seconds. The dynamics are much much better! Then I heard was I was hoping to hear, the so called “thinness” was gone. It is hard to put in words, but the sound was not only denser, it was more….”Grand”. I’ve thought about this for a bit, and “grand” is the best description I can come up with. Not only were instruments denser in sound, they were much better defined. The soundstage expended considerably in all directions. Instruments had much better impact as well. All of this lead to what I call a "grander" presentation. It sounded bigger, more impactful and more encompassing. The overall presentation is just so different from the Statement, in so many aspects, that it is something you have to hear for yourself to grasp the true magnitude of improvement. My Statement now sounded thin in comparison to the Extreme and there is no going back.

But there are so many other things the Extreme does better than the Statement. The sound was now smoother but with more details. Background and nuanced sounds are a lot easier to hear. The sound is larger and bigger (grand). Also, another initial impression I heard was that the Extreme made it sound like my amp was more powerful. The grip it had on the Susvara drivers was much better controlled (the start and stop on a dime reference I read in @romaz’s review was easily heard with headphones). It’s also more engaging than the Statement and that has a lot to do with the sheer amount of improvements on all aspects of the signal.

As I get more time with it, I will post more impressions. For now, it is in burn-in mode and since my Tripoint Troy NG cables need burn in too, it is currently hooked up to the ground screw that Emile now provides with the Extreme. Once the Tripoint and Extreme are fully burned in, I will post more impression with and without the Tripoint hooked up to the Extreme, but for now I am in complete audio heaven.
IMG_7120.jpeg

And last thing to mention is the case work on the Extreme. Pics and words just don’t do it justice. This thing is a beast and beautiful as well. The matte black case with the sheer size, weight and beauty makes me think of a sever you would find in the Batcave! Yes, its that awesome!

Bravo Emile!!
 

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Blake

Well-Known Member
Jun 28, 2018
247
312
170
I just inform reasonable DAC.

I never need to advertise LH new DACs in the world.

My aim is that LH DAC Korean sales amount is no. 1 in Korea and possibility is very high.

Here is SGM Extreme thread.

There must be many infos make SGM Extreme quality be high.

My post is just one of many infos.

SGM Extreme's best partner DAC is Select II full option.

But few audiophiles can get it.

We must find second best DAC.

LH Labs did very wrong behavior. I never sell LH Labs products.

I sell only Light Harmonic products.

Look at USB cable thread.

10G USB cable is very popular.

This is LH Labs products but no one attack 10G.

I don't sell 10G USB.

I sell Light Harmonic 20G USB.

LH Labs is now just one person: Larry Ho
Light Harmonic is just one person: Larry Ho

Larry took millions of dollars from people and never delivered the products.

Good luck to anyone that buys a Light Harmonic Product when it fails- and it will fail. Ask me how I know? I have a very expensive paper weight DAC sitting here totally useless. And I will never get the other DAC I spent thousands on.

There is nobody at Light Harmonic to help with any customer service issues.
 

Taiko Audio

Industry Expert
Feb 10, 2017
4,222
13,006
1,925
The Netherlands
taikoaudio.com
@oldmustang, et al. and of course Emile, thanks for all the insights and info to date.
My Extreme arrived last week.

I have to be honest that, in anticipation of its arrival, I did have a few moments of weakness.... what did I just do? can this component really make my system sound that much better? does this investment make sense for me? I even was afraid to initially listen when I hooked it up!... Ridiculous. Within a few seconds of play, it was obvious. An utterly different musical experience, for me... increased information, resolution, depth of stage, separation, dynamics, instrumental decay, drop in noise floor, liquidity etc etc. This with still more burn-in to go and adjustments to make.
Couldn't agree more with all the accolades to date to Emile including @oldmustang's recent eloquent posts. Thanks again.

Thank you for your report ctydwn!
 
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Taiko Audio

Industry Expert
Feb 10, 2017
4,222
13,006
1,925
The Netherlands
taikoaudio.com
Being one of the few headphone only listeners, I wanted to share some initial impressions with the Extreme and some unscientific comparisons between the Extreme and Statement.

Wow, the Dynamics, unreal. This was the first thing I noticed and in the first few seconds. The dynamics are much much better! Then I heard was I was hoping to hear, the so called “thinness” was gone. It is hard to put in words, but the sound was not only denser, it was more….”Grand”. I’ve thought about this for a bit, and “grand” is the best description I can come up with. Not only were instruments denser in sound, they were much better defined. The soundstage expended considerably in all directions. Instruments had much better impact as well. All of this lead to what I call a "grander" presentation. It sounded bigger, more impactful and more encompassing. The overall presentation is just so different from the Statement, in so many aspects, that it is something you have to hear for yourself to grasp the true magnitude of improvement. My Statement now sounded thin in comparison to the Extreme and there is no going back.

But there are so many other things the Extreme does better than the Statement. The sound was now smoother but with more details. Background and nuanced sounds are a lot easier to hear. The sound is larger and bigger (grand). Also, another initial impression I heard was that the Extreme made it sound like my amp was more powerful. The grip it had on the Susvara drivers was much better controlled (the start and stop on a dime reference I read in @romaz’s review was easily heard with headphones). It’s also more engaging than the Statement and that has a lot to do with the sheer amount of improvements on all aspects of the signal.

Thank you for reporting @onlychild . I was particularly looking forward to your feedback considering an arguably low (airborne) vibration environment which is an area of particular interest to me. @isquirrel is the only other headphone user I'm aware of. He reported significant changes from changing his HRS rack configuration supporting the Extreme which I found similarly interesting.
 

onlychild

Well-Known Member
Sep 18, 2019
133
352
150
Thank you for reporting @onlychild . I was particularly looking forward to your feedback considering an arguably low (airborne) vibration environment which is an area of particular interest to me. @isquirrel is the only other headphone user I'm aware of. He reported significant changes from changing his HRS rack configuration supporting the Extreme which I found similarly interesting.

I might not have much airborne vibration, but my rack is far from ideal for all other forms of vibration. I was able to revive it from the basement closet to serving temporary headphone duty. Its really a media stand. I noticed immediate improvement in harshness/hardness from moving all my equipment from the ground/temp tables to the current rack which weighs about 150lbs, but I know there is definitely more smoothness to be had in the upper registries with a proper rack or footers under all equipment.

I was debating between the Dazia platforms and CS2 footers, but I don't particularly like the look of my current rack in my office and wanted a cleaner and simpler look. I've narrowed my choice for a 4 shelf rack down to the Critical Mass QXK or the HRS SXR.

Will report back any improvements I hear when I do eventually get the rack.
 

ctydwn

Well-Known Member
Aug 23, 2019
344
1,347
208
Agree with onechild re: "another initial impression I heard was that the Extreme made it sound like my amp was more powerful. The grip it had on the Susvara drivers was much better controlled."
Similarly, it feels like I have upgraded my amp as well. There is an explosiveness and increased dynamics coupled with grip and control that amazes me how the Extreme can do this.
 

jturbo

Well-Known Member
Jan 20, 2018
130
90
133
Lexington, KY
I might not have much airborne vibration, but my rack is far from ideal for all other forms of vibration. I was able to revive it from the basement closet to serving temporary headphone duty. Its really a media stand. I noticed immediate improvement in harshness/hardness from moving all my equipment from the ground/temp tables to the current rack which weighs about 150lbs, but I know there is definitely more smoothness to be had in the upper registries with a proper rack or footers under all equipment.

I was debating between the Dazia platforms and CS2 footers, but I don't particularly like the look of my current rack in my office and wanted a cleaner and simpler look. I've narrowed my choice for a 4 shelf rack down to the Critical Mass QXK or the HRS SXR.

Will report back any improvements I hear when I do eventually get the rack.

I have been using a combination of HRS SXRC for Amps and Stacore Advanced for Digital and DAC. Both have brought a lot to the table in maximizing the soundstage delivered.
 
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jturbo

Well-Known Member
Jan 20, 2018
130
90
133
Lexington, KY
As I get more time with it, I will post more impressions. For now, it is in burn-in mode and since my Tripoint Troy NG cables need burn in too, it is currently hooked up to the ground screw that Emile now provides with the Extreme. Once the Tripoint and Extreme are fully burned in, I will post more impression with and without the Tripoint hooked up to the Extreme, but for now I am in complete audio heaven.

Bravo Emile!!

Can you explain more about the Tripoint NG cables? Are they a newer model of the Silver signature that come with the older Elite and Signature SE?
 

onlychild

Well-Known Member
Sep 18, 2019
133
352
150
Can you explain more about the Tripoint NG cables? Are they a newer model of the Silver signature that come with the older Elite and Signature SE?

I really don’t know what came with the older Tripoints. I know these new ones are called the Silver Signature SE and an upgrade from the ones that come stock with the Tripoint but not as good as the Thor SE or Emperor.
 
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heebrog

Well-Known Member
May 12, 2018
131
51
135
Perth, WA
@oldmustang, et al. and of course Emile, thanks for all the insights and info to date.
My Extreme arrived last week.

I have to be honest that, in anticipation of its arrival, I did have a few moments of weakness.... what did I just do? can this component really make my system sound that much better? does this investment make sense for me? I even was afraid to initially listen when I hooked it up!... Ridiculous. Within a few seconds of play, it was obvious. An utterly different musical experience, for me... increased information, resolution, depth of stage, separation, dynamics, instrumental decay, drop in noise floor, liquidity etc etc. This with still more burn-in to go and adjustments to make.
Couldn't agree more with all the accolades to date to Emile including @oldmustang's recent eloquent posts. Thanks again.

Hi ctydwn.
What were you using before for reference?

G
 
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matthias

Well-Known Member
Mar 14, 2019
1,214
538
213
Germany
Agree with onechild re: "another initial impression I heard was that the Extreme made it sound like my amp was more powerful. The grip it had on the Susvara drivers was much better controlled."
Similarly, it feels like I have upgraded my amp as well. There is an explosiveness and increased dynamics coupled with grip and control that amazes me how the Extreme can do this.

This is a spot-on impression how Source First works.

When a source is replaced by an excellent one like the Extreme all downstream components seem to be upgraded as well.

BTW, what is your set-up, @ctydwn ?

Thanks

Matt
 
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ctydwn

Well-Known Member
Aug 23, 2019
344
1,347
208
Hi @matthias and @heebrog, good question. I was running a Melco N1/ZH as server and the Mind 2 from Simaudio as streamer. So roughly a $6k combo at the time. All streaming went through the Melco. The Mind 2 is integrated inside the Simaudio 780D v2 DAC. I use Odin 1 PCs on server/streamer/DAC setup and the Valhalla 2 USB in between for tracks saved on the Melco and ethernet for streaming. Now the Mind 2 is bypassed and I only use the V2 USB between the Extreme and the 780D. The rest of my chain goes -> Simaudio 850p pre -> SImaudio 870a amp -> YG Hailey 2.2. I had planned to upgrade server/streamer to the Innuos Statement, but frankly this thread convinced me to go with the Extreme and put to bed that decision...
 

Billygxx

Well-Known Member
Nov 23, 2015
82
154
263
The Extreme is the most expensive audio purchase I have made so far. I was really hesitant to pull the trigger since I already owned the Innuos Statement, but after reading reviews from ears I trusted, the same ears that have not led me astray so far, I had to indulge my curiosity.

What I was most curios about was the “thinness” I kept reading about from severs that had low power CPUs. My experience has only been with two different models of the Innuos servers, both of which have been low power CPUs.
View attachment 61911
Being one of the few headphone only listeners, I wanted to share some initial impressions with the Extreme and some unscientific comparisons between the Extreme and Statement.

Wow, the Dynamics, unreal. This was the first thing I noticed and in the first few seconds. The dynamics are much much better! Then I heard was I was hoping to hear, the so called “thinness” was gone. It is hard to put in words, but the sound was not only denser, it was more….”Grand”. I’ve thought about this for a bit, and “grand” is the best description I can come up with. Not only were instruments denser in sound, they were much better defined. The soundstage expended considerably in all directions. Instruments had much better impact as well. All of this lead to what I call a "grander" presentation. It sounded bigger, more impactful and more encompassing. The overall presentation is just so different from the Statement, in so many aspects, that it is something you have to hear for yourself to grasp the true magnitude of improvement. My Statement now sounded thin in comparison to the Extreme and there is no going back.

But there are so many other things the Extreme does better than the Statement. The sound was now smoother but with more details. Background and nuanced sounds are a lot easier to hear. The sound is larger and bigger (grand). Also, another initial impression I heard was that the Extreme made it sound like my amp was more powerful. The grip it had on the Susvara drivers was much better controlled (the start and stop on a dime reference I read in @romaz’s review was easily heard with headphones). It’s also more engaging than the Statement and that has a lot to do with the sheer amount of improvements on all aspects of the signal.

As I get more time with it, I will post more impressions. For now, it is in burn-in mode and since my Tripoint Troy NG cables need burn in too, it is currently hooked up to the ground screw that Emile now provides with the Extreme. Once the Tripoint and Extreme are fully burned in, I will post more impression with and without the Tripoint hooked up to the Extreme, but for now I am in complete audio heaven.
View attachment 61910

And last thing to mention is the case work on the Extreme. Pics and words just don’t do it justice. This thing is a beast and beautiful as well. The matte black case with the sheer size, weight and beauty makes me think of a sever you would find in the Batcave! Yes, its that awesome!

Bravo Emile!!
Ughhh
I did not know the Extreme was available in black. 6BB33D24-53CB-4CCD-8FBE-C1B9C9463395.jpeg
 

rgmd11

Well-Known Member
Mar 30, 2017
150
112
175
Hi Billy,

Yes it's available in black, would you like to have the chassis exchanged?
Wow, fantastic service offering to exchange the chassis

I am so looking forward to the Extreme Miguel is getting for his shop in Lisbon (Ultimate Audio), and having an audition
 
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nic10pin

Well-Known Member
Nov 19, 2019
1
6
68
76
Heard an Extreme at the Bristol HiFi Show (UK) on Friday, playing through the new T+A PA 1100E integrated amp with on-board DAC, and then out of a small pair of T+A Talis standmounts...not the expensive end of the T+A range for sure...but WOW, what a superb presentation!!
And yes, I'm definitely scraping together my finances for one...
 

kimurastanley

Well-Known Member
Mar 16, 2019
256
291
150
Singapore
As mentioned before, I have the chance to try Telegartner M12 Gold Switch and Melco S100 with identical LAN cables (Telegartner Gold LAN cables).

My network chain as below:
RT-AC87U -> Supra Cat8 cable -> Cisco Enterprice switch-> Telegartner Gold LAN-> Melco S100/Telegartner M12 Gold switch-> Telegartner Gold LAN -> SGM Extreme

Both Melco S100/Telegartner M12 Gold switch powered by PliXir Elite LPS with the statement DC cables. Power cable used for the LPS is the generic cable comes with M12 Gold switch. This is the best I can do to minimize the variability of different cables.

This is what I find
1. Telegartner M12 Gold: pitch black background, more rounded mid, natural vocal with nuance, holographic, 3-dimensionality

2. Melco S100: wider horizontal sound stage, vocal more 'diffuse'

Details retrieval slightly better with M12 gold switch.
The most obvious factor I prefer M12 gold over melco S100 during the demo is the natural tone, and it gives more analogue feel. Melco S100 on the other hand sounds more coloured and less natural.

However, the advantage of Melco S100 is more versatile with SFP ports and the option of tweaking with different LAN cables. IMHO, Telegartner M12 Gold just sounds right by default.

Some photos:
DSCF2696-resized.JPG DSCF2697-resized.JPG DSCF2698-resized.JPG DSCF2705-resized.JPG DSCF2704-resized.JPG DSCF2701-resized.JPG DSCF2700-resized.JPG
 

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