XACT S1. The music server you've been waiting for

[Marcin_gps]

New Review Alert: XACT S1 reviewed by Marshall Nack, Positive Feedback



Hi everyone,

A new review of the XACT S1 Music Server has just been published over at Positive Feedback.

"XACT S1 music server tends to break the rules. As Marcin Ostapowicz, the designer and proprietor of XACT, explains:

XACT S1 delivers on my vision of audiophile sound: natural, organic, with analog sophistication and lifelike imaging. It's hard to believe it's digital.

He succeeds more than you'd expect. This solid-state digital music server inspired thoughts of the Golden Age of Stereo, that high-water period in tube analog recordings dating from sixty years ago. It has the kind of frequency response and comfortable ear-feel that tends to make people smile. There's even a bit of the golden glow.

The way the S1 reproduces space will make you do a double take. Digital has well-known issues regarding image depth, in particular roundness in space. The S1 overcomes that by fleshing out the missing dimension. Then it goes a step beyond and projects the images into the room, creating the kind of spatial holography we associate with tubes. To say the S1 is unlike other digital components is an understatement."

Check out the full review here.


Best regards,
Marcin

 

[Young Skywalker]

New Review Alert: XACT S1 reviewed by Marshall Nack, Positive Feedback

View attachment 128380

Hi everyone,

A new review of the XACT S1 Music Server has just been published over at Positive Feedback.

"XACT S1 music server tends to break the rules. As Marcin Ostapowicz, the designer and proprietor of XACT, explains:

XACT S1 delivers on my vision of audiophile sound: natural, organic, with analog sophistication and lifelike imaging. It's hard to believe it's digital.

He succeeds more than you'd expect. This solid-state digital music server inspired thoughts of the Golden Age of Stereo, that high-water period in tube analog recordings dating from sixty years ago. It has the kind of frequency response and comfortable ear-feel that tends to make people smile. There's even a bit of the golden glow.

The way the S1 reproduces space will make you do a double take. Digital has well-known issues regarding image depth, in particular roundness in space. The S1 overcomes that by fleshing out the missing dimension. Then it goes a step beyond and projects the images into the room, creating the kind of spatial holography we associate with tubes. To say the S1 is unlike other digital components is an understatement."

Check out the full review here.


Best regards,
Marcin

Great review. Are the subjective observations the result of signal manipulation (digital processing) or simply due to a considerably cleaner (lower noise) computing environment (hardware and software)? If it is the latter, would you expect the benefits, over other music servers/streamers, to remain in conjunction with an MSB Technology Digital Director’s very effective galvanic isolation ahead of their DAC?

 

[Lee]

Hello everyone,

This is my first post, I usually don't participate in forums. However, after listening to and purchasing the XACT music server, I decided to post an opinion about Mr. Marcin's device because he deserves a good word for his work and effort in creating something outstanding.

My system is quite transparent, I can hear the slightest changes. For several years I have been using Taiko in combination with Horaizon, Hyperion amps and Wilson Audio XVX loudspeakers. I tested a lot of different streamers in my system.

I must admit that this XACT music server product surprised me very much. I don't know how to write reviews, but I decided to post a few words from myself because this product deserves it.

Maybe I'll start with what I compared it to and what was the reference source. My reference sound is a Techdas Air Force One with a SAT tonearm and a Etsuro Urushi Gold cartridge working with a CH precision preamplifier. I won't go into details, I will write briefly and let people who have TAIKO know how it plays. I chose TAIKO because it reflects music in a way very similar to a turntable. It is dynamic, selective, has microdynamics and differentiates recordings very nicely. If we spend enough time on refining the system with the right set of cables, we can get as close to vinyl recordings with good DSD files. Of course, please do not confuse that they are the same thing. These are slightly different sound presentations, but very similar, provided that we have good DSD files. In blind tests, less experienced people are unable to tell whether the sound is DSD or vinyl.

XACT, on the other hand, takes us to a completely different dimension. Taiko can be said to sound similarly to vinyl, and XACT goes towards mirroring the reproduction of music recorded on tape and played from a reel-to-reel tape recorder. The sound is more natural and softer, more pleasant and a little more rounded at the ends. It has more weight and mass and is meatier. This works incredibly well in Jazz recordings, both instrumental and classical music, and the vocals are lively and very emotional.

I recommend everyone to listen to this XACT music server, there are few devices on the market that can make such a surprise in the eyes and ears of an audiophile in his home. An even bigger surprise is its very affordable price. XACT has become a permanent fixture for me and I am very pleased with it. I recommend everyone to try it if they have the opportunity to listen to it. Please bear in mind that XACT is sensitive to power cables and selecting the right cable will depend on the rest of the components in the system, but it is worth experimenting until you achieve your dream sound.


View attachment 124952

View attachment 124953

Wow!

 

[Marcin_gps]

Great review. Are the subjective observations the result of signal manipulation (digital processing) or simply due to a considerably cleaner (lower noise) computing environment (hardware and software)? If it is the latter, would you expect the benefits, over other music servers/streamers, to remain in conjunction with an MSB Technology Digital Director’s very effective galvanic isolation ahead of their DAC?

Hello,

There is no DSP processing, only bit-perfect playback.

The benefits are consistent with any USB DAC tried so far, so is the feedback from the customers and reviewers.

Best regards,
Marcin

 

[Marcin_gps]

 

[Marcin_gps]

Experience XACT at High End Munich 2024​

Hello everyone!

I'm thrilled to invite you to visit us at the High End Audio Show in Munich from May 9 to 12, 2024. This is your opportunity to explore our entire product portfolio and witness firsthand the unveiling of our highly anticipated upgraded music server model, the S1 EVO.

Where to Find Us:

• Hall: A 4.2
• Room: F218

We've also launched our brand-new website at xact.audio, where you can learn more about our exceptional music server.

What to Expect from XACT at High End Munich:

• S1 EVO Music Server: Discover the ultimate in digital audio performance with our upgraded music server model.
• N1 High-End Network Switch: Enhance your network with our new state-of-the-art network switch, designed for pristine audio streaming.
• USB & LAN Cables: Connect your devices with premium cables, meticulously engineered for high-resolution audio transmission.
• Ceramic Footers: Reduce vibration and optimize your system's sound with our innovative ceramic footers.

Come and experience XACT at the High End Munich 2024 - we will be waiting for you in Hall A 4.2, Room F218!

For more information, visit our website at xact.audio or follow us on Instagram and Facebook for exciting updates and previews leading up to the event.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Warm Regards,
Marcin

 

[redscouser]

Good luck with the show….

 

[Marcin_gps]

Hey everyone,

I wanted to share some exciting news with fellow audio enthusiasts! The XACT S1 Music Server just received an in-depth review from HiFi Advice, and the feedback is fantastic!

"Exceptional in every way" is just one of the many praises our S1 Music Server received in this detailed review. The article highlights the S1's superior sound quality, innovative design, and user-friendly interface.
Please check out the full review: https://www.hifi-advice.com/blog/review/digital-reviews/network-player-reviews/xact-s1-music-server/



Best regards,
Marcin

 

[tedwoods]

Hey everyone,

I wanted to share some exciting news with fellow audio enthusiasts! The XACT S1 Music Server just received an in-depth review from HiFi Advice, and the feedback is fantastic!

"Exceptional in every way" is just one of the many praises our S1 Music Server received in this detailed review. The article highlights the S1's superior sound quality, innovative design, and user-friendly interface.
Please check out the full review: https://www.hifi-advice.com/blog/review/digital-reviews/network-player-reviews/xact-s1-music-server/

View attachment 134839

Best regards,
Marcin

Congrats!

 

[Di-fi]

In an optimized setup with the best audiophile switch, I would prefer a single Ethernet cable (or fiber) from the modem to the switch to be sufficient to achieve peak performance (assuming no noise between modem and switch). I’ve found that my top-performing switch sounds best when isolated and connected only to essential components. Such a setup would look like this:

Modem → Switch → Streamer → Endpoint

Additionally, the control point must be connected in a way that minimizes any impact on the audio signal.

@Marcin_gps

1) Does the XACT S1 server need a switch for best performance?
2) Can/did anyone compare the XACT S1 switch with some of the other top contenders?

(Originally posted here at WBF)

- - -



www.hifi-advice.com/blog/review/digital-reviews/network-player-reviews/xact-s1-music-server

 

[matthias]

@Di-fi
Doesn‘t use Marcin in his own set-up both S1 switch and S1 server?

 

[Marcin_gps]

In an optimized setup with the best audiophile switch, I would prefer a single Ethernet cable (or fiber) from the modem to the switch to be sufficient to achieve peak performance (assuming no noise between modem and switch). I’ve found that my top-performing switch sounds best when isolated and connected only to essential components. Such a setup would look like this:

Modem → Switch → Streamer → Endpoint

Additionally, the control point must be connected in a way that minimizes any impact on the audio signal.

@Marcin_gps

1) Does the XACT S1 server need a switch for best performance?
2) Can/did anyone compare the XACT S1 switch with some of the other top contenders?

(Originally posted here at WBF)

- - -

View attachment 135397

www.hifi-advice.com/blog/review/digital-reviews/network-player-reviews/xact-s1-music-server

I think I wrote somewhere in this topic that during development and fine-tuning of the XACT S1 I did not use any network switch as I wanted to make sure it performs on a high-end level without a switch. At the moment I'm not using any network swtich in my own setup and having the excellent Grandioso K1X SE SACD player for comparisons, I don't feel anything is missing.

However, the influence of network configuration is still there and you can improve the sound, objectively, by using a good network switch.

Given that there are not many willing to spend 12.000 EUR for a network switch / router, we decided to design a new product: a dedicated network switch: XACT N1. It will be released in October.

I believe that the XACT N1 is a truly unique product.

It features 1x SFP port, 4x non-isolated 1Gbit RJ45 ports and 1x fully isolated 1Gbit RJ45 ports.

It has built-in high quality linear power supply based on JCAT flagship power supplies (ULTIMO and OPTIMO 3 DUO), delivering 3 separate and galvanically isolated voltages to main switch circuit, system clock and isolated output.

Low phase noise high accuracy OCXO system clock based on JCAT Master OCXO clock design, with separate linear power supply.

Truly isolated 1Gbit port: all data lines, clock and control signals are optically isolated from other ports, using latest technology chips.

Low noise high common mode noise rejection signal transformers and high quality military spec jacks used for all Ethernet ports.

The isolated RJ45 is fully isolated using SOTA optoisolator 1Gbit chip which was released not long ago. I am pretty sure our switch is the 1st on the market with fully isolated 1Gbit port (both data lines and ground are galvanically isolated). The isolated port is also powered by a separate rail.

The software on the switch is optimized for best sound quality. We spent a lot of time fine-tuning it.




Best regards,
Marcin

 

[PYP]

I think I wrote somewhere in this topic that during development and fine-tuning of the XACT S1 I did not use any network switch as I wanted to make sure it performs on a high-end level without a switch. At the moment I'm not using any network swtich in my own setup and having the excellent Grandioso K1X SE SACD player for comparisons, I don't feel anything is missing.

However, the influence of network configuration is still there and you can improve the sound, objectively, by using a good network switch.

Given that there are not many willing to spend 12.000 EUR for a network switch / router, we decided to design a new product: a dedicated network switch: XACT N1. It will be released in October.

I believe that the XACT N1 is a truly unique product.

It features 1x SFP port, 4x non-isolated 1Gbit RJ45 ports and 1x fully isolated 1Gbit RJ45 ports.

It has built-in high quality linear power supply based on JCAT flagship power supplies (ULTIMO and OPTIMO 3 DUO), delivering 3 separate and galvanically isolated voltages to main switch circuit, system clock and isolated output.

Low phase noise high accuracy OCXO system clock based on JCAT Master OCXO clock design, with separate linear power supply.

Truly isolated 1Gbit port: all data lines, clock and control signals are optically isolated from other ports, using latest technology chips.

Low noise high common mode noise rejection signal transformers and high quality military spec jacks used for all Ethernet ports.

The isolated RJ45 is fully isolated using SOTA optoisolator 1Gbit chip which was released not long ago. I am pretty sure our switch is the 1st on the market with fully isolated 1Gbit port (both data lines and ground are galvanically isolated). The isolated port is also powered by a separate rail.

The software on the switch is optimized for best sound quality. We spent a lot of time fine-tuning it.


View attachment 135429

Best regards,
Marcin

I'm assuming that the recommended placement would be just before the streamer, but wonder if it still works well if placed in another room and therefore connected just after the router and connected to in-wall ethernet cable that feeds the streamer. Have you finalized the dimensions of the casework?

 

[Marcin_gps]

I'm assuming that the recommended placement would be just before the streamer, but wonder if it still works well if placed in another room and therefore connected just after the router and connected to in-wall ethernet cable that feeds the streamer. Have you finalized the dimensions of the casework?

Precisely.

The case design is ready, we are just waiting for the first batch of enclosures to be machined.

The dimensions are 31 x 34 x 10 cm

Please find the preview below

 

[PYP]

Precisely.

The case design is ready, we are just waiting for the first batch of enclosures to be machined.

The dimensions are 31 x 34 x 10 cm

Please find the preview below

View attachment 135437

View attachment 135438

Thank you. Has the approximate price been established?

 

[Marcin_gps]

Thank you. Has the approximate price been established?

Yes, the aim is 6.000EUR, but there might be an adjustment.

Best regards,
Marcin

 

[Marcin_gps]

New: XACT S1 EVO Music Server & PHANTOM USB/LAN Cables

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share some exciting news for fellow audiophiles! XACT Audio has just launched two new products that are bound to make waves in the high-end audio world: the XACT S1 EVO Music Server and the XACT PHANTOM USB & LAN Cables.

XACT S1 EVO Music Server


The highly anticipated XACT S1 EVO Music Server, now available with even more advanced features for audiophiles who demand the highest sound quality.

The new XACT S1 EVO model incorporates several innovative features that enhance its already superior sound performance:

Master OCXO Clock: A significant upgrade in digital audio performance, the in-house developed Master OCXO Clock ensures remarkable precision and stability.

PHANTOM™ Music Drive Cable: Utilizing the same high-performance materials and construction as our new PHANTOM™ USB and LAN cables, the PHANTOM™ Music Drive Cable delivers a lifelike, richly detailed sound that brings your music to life with incredible depth and natural realism.

IMMOTUS™ Mechanical Isolation: Engineered with aerospace-grade aluminum and ceramics, the IMMOTUS™ isolation footers are designed to eliminate detrimental vibrations. This not only improves detail and resolution but also enhances bass precision.

XACT PHANTOM USB & LAN Cables


These handcrafted cables are designed to deliver exceptional sound quality and are a great match for XACT S1/S1 EVO music server.

You can find more details about the new products on XACT website: https://xact.audio/


Best regards,
Marcin

 

[Elberoth]

The day it becomes Roon Ready, I will buy it.

The sound quality is phenomenal (a friend of mine who owns both the Xact and the latest Taiko Extreme thinks it sounds better than his Taiko), but I'm such a huge fan of Roon...

 

[Davidz]

Hi - has anyone in the group compared the Grimm Mu1 (my current player/server) with the xact s1? Would be interested in your thoughts. Thanks. David

 

[matthias]

Hi - has anyone in the group compared the Grimm Mu1 (my current player/server) with the xact s1? Would be interested in your thoughts. Thanks. David

XACT S1. The music server you've been waiting for

With the S1 and a 6k DAC you are in the same price range as the Nyquist MKII.......curious about SQ in comparison :cool: Matt So you haven’t compare streaming directly to the Nyquist vs streaming with Xact? If you do please give an update, it would be really helpful. I am looking for a...

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