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Thread: Taiko Extreme

  1. #101
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    Re: Taiko Extreme

    Quote Originally Posted by nc42acc View Post
    I am going to go out on a limb and say the differences are probably very subjective to each persons preferences. At the level of the N30SA and Taiko there is no good/bad or best/worst just different.
    EXACTLY.


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  2. #102
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    Re: Taiko Extreme

    It must be difficult, being a seller of Extreme and Aurender and being asked for your opinion on your preferences between Extreme and N30 SA. 😏
    Francisco

    Aries Cerat Kassandra Ref. MKII / Taiko Extreme Server / Gryphon Essence Preamplifier and Stereo Amplifier / Rockport Atria I / REL S-812 (2) / Göbel XLR (2), Göbel Ethernet and USB Cables / MIT Magnum MA Speakers Cables / Shunyata Everest 8000 / Shunyata Omega XC (1), Sigma NR V2 (4) and Alfa NR V1 (2) / Taiko Switch / Paul Hynes SR7T Double Rail / Farad Super3 / Doepke DFS-2 40A / GigaWatt G-C16A 2P / Fuse module AHP 4Gi / Center Stage2 0.8, 1.0 and 1.5

  3. #103
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    Re: Taiko Extreme

    Quote Originally Posted by nonesup View Post
    It must be difficult, being a seller of Extreme and Aurender and being asked for your opinion on your preferences between Extreme and N30 SA. Taiko Extreme
    Yup. They are both great. I think if people want Roon, go Taiko. If they want a dual box plug and play with a closed architecture design, go Aurender. Can’t wait for Taiko’s new software. That allows them total control, like aurender.


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    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

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  4. #104
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    Re: Taiko Extreme

    Choices are good; I kinda wish "audiophiles" (in the broad collective, not individual sense) would get away from the notion of "absolutes", or, there is only one "best". Audiophiles are "geeks", so I totally get what drives this sensibility, but, in my professional experience as a technical product developer, having choices are a good thing, because that provides a broader set of product offerings that allows customers to find the specific product offerings that comprise the best *value proposition* for them and best fulfills their specific requirements*. And, here's another key point that I've found many audiophiles often don't understand..different needs/requirements of different folks are equally VALID.

    *- A requirement being an unambiguous, measurable, or validatable function, feature, or quality attribute that matters to a specific customer or set of customers.

  5. #105
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    Re: Taiko Extreme

    Audiophiles will be audiophiles. Better be glad this is a cordial and civilized forum. Other venues this would have turned into an all out war.


    Quote Originally Posted by Puma Cat View Post
    Choices are good; I kinda wish "audiophiles" (in the broad collective, not individual sense) would get away from the notion of "absolutes", or, there is only one "best". Audiophiles are "geeks", so I totally get what drives this sensibility, but, in my professional experience as a technical product developer, having choices are a good thing, because that provides a broader set of product offerings that allows customers to find the specific product offerings that comprise the best *value proposition* for them and best fulfills their specific requirements*. And, here's another key point that I've found many audiophiles often don't understand..different needs/requirements of different folks are equally VALID.

    *- A requirement being an unambiguous, measurable, or validatable function, feature, or quality attribute that matters to a specific customer or set of customers.
    Marty

    Aurender N20 / SonicTransporter i7 / Roon
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  6. #106
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    Re: Taiko Extreme

    Quote Originally Posted by nc42acc View Post
    Audiophiles will be audiophiles. Better be glad this is a cordial and civilized forum. Other venues this would have turned into an all out war.
    Ha! Yeah, for sure. 🤣 And...don't even get me started on....photography forums! Can you say "DPReview"? Yikes!

    Mike does a great job of fostering community with "decorum and civility". 👍👏

  7. #107
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    Re: Taiko Extreme

    Taiko is windows and aurender is linux last I know
    i can see why some at first may pic an aurender
    It has a display even though we don’t need it
    it has a faster decay and this can lead some to think they hear more details
    over a Short period of time the taiko is more musical and allows music to be more detailed as the tracks were mastered. aurender will be less details if one has analog
    i have made many linux servers there great but like dsp they wore on me.
    just my thoughts and I don’t own a taiko nor aurender I can’t afford them lol. but my servers are windows 🪟.
    lastly taiko has plenty to change and improve like linux but the vast majority of computers is windows not linux nor apple.
    i do wonder why no one builds any apple based servers but on face value they should sound like windows
    TUBEZATOR

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  8. #108
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    Re: Taiko Extreme

    Quote Originally Posted by Alrainbow View Post
    Taiko is windows and aurender is linux last I know
    i can see why some at first may pic an aurender
    It has a display even though we don’t need it
    it has a faster decay and this can lead some to think they hear more details
    over a Short period of time the taiko is more musical and allows music to be more detailed as the tracks were mastered. aurender will be less details if one has analog
    i have made many linux servers there great but like dsp they wore on me.
    just my thoughts and I don’t own a taiko nor aurender I can’t afford them lol. but my servers are windows 🪟.
    lastly taiko has plenty to change and improve like linux but the vast majority of computers is windows not linux nor apple.
    i do wonder why no one builds any apple based servers but on face value they should sound like windows
    The Taiko was definitely not more musical that the Aurrender in my A/B of the two units. The unit sounded very pedestrian and I had flown in specifically to audition the unit.
    Jim

    D'Agostino Momentum M-400's MxV’s & HD Pre-amp
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  9. #109
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    Re: Taiko Extreme

    Quote Originally Posted by still-one View Post
    The Taiko was definitely not more musical that the Aurrender in my A/B of the two units. The unit sounded very pedestrian and I had flown in specifically to audition the unit.
    Hi Jim,

    Did you listen to TAS, Roon or both on the Taiko Extreme?

    Thanks,
    Ken
    "No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
    --------------------------------------------
    Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
    Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
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  10. #110
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    Re: Taiko Extreme

    I had the same questions , we each hear things on our own.
    TUBEZATOR

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    Infinity IRS-V speakers with Xover redone by Arie Nudell.




  11. #111
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    Re: Taiko Extreme

    Quote Originally Posted by Alpinist View Post
    Hi Jim,

    Did you listen to TAS, Roon or both on the Taiko Extreme?

    Thanks,
    Ken
    We did not use Roon. TAS was used on the Taiko. Everything was the same expect for moving the USB cable from The Taiko to the Aurender.
    Jim

    D'Agostino Momentum M-400's MxV’s & HD Pre-amp
    Wilson Alexandria X2 Series 2 speakers
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  12. #112
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    Re: Taiko Extreme

    Ok then clearly it’s your choice and both are great products. tas is a jump over Roon Alone as is tas and the new usb card. this is from owners I have not heard a taiko nor aurender in a home setup.
    it’s fine to like one over the other but know many feel as I do.
    mike must show all and let them decide
    Like class d it can be good but not in my setup for now.
    in any given system there is enough variables to sway one either way.
    i thank you for posting how you feel.
    TUBEZATOR

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  13. #113
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    Re: Taiko Extreme

    Quote Originally Posted by Alrainbow View Post
    I had the same questions , we each hear things on our own.
    Of course we do...that's because each of our brains is different.

  14. #114
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    Re: Taiko Extreme

    Quote Originally Posted by Alrainbow View Post
    Ok then clearly it’s your choice and both are great products. tas is a jump over Roon Alone as is tas and the new usb card. this is from owners I have not heard a taiko nor aurender in a home setup.
    it’s fine to like one over the other but know many feel as I do.
    mike must show all and let them decide
    Like class d it can be good but not in my setup for now.
    in any given system there is enough variables to sway one either way.
    i thank you for posting how you feel.
    I fully agree that others may prefer the Taiko over the Aurender.

    Just to be clear and to add some background. For some time I followed that 9000+ thread on another forum where the Taiko's SQ was highly praised by many posters, and hold opinions I respect. Since neither of my local dealers carries Taiko it would be very difficult to audition one in my set-up, something that I normally do before purchasing a product. Therefore I decided to fly down and give the Taiko a listen.

    Remember there were no components common to the ones used for the audition and those in my set-up. Based on that the Taiko could sound very different in my room.

    I selected music that I was very familiar with and played track after track. Based on the comments I had read I was expecting great digital and that is not what I was hearing. After close to two hours I asked if we could try the Aurender. I have never been a big proponent of Aurender gear. I have A/B'd a older unit in my set-up but neither the SQ nor the GUI grabbed my attention. If anything I had/have a anti-Aurender bias going in to this comparison. I also much prefer the Roon GUI to that of Aurender.

    From "my" perspective it didn't take more than a track or two to appreciate the improvement in SQ. (The other individual who was there can chime in he so desires.) The Aurender was much more listenable. This not what I had expected when I flew down. I must say I was disappointed. (I am guessing Mike was too since he probably lost a sale.)
    Jim

    D'Agostino Momentum M-400's MxV’s & HD Pre-amp
    Wilson Alexandria X2 Series 2 speakers
    Digital: dCS Vivaldi APEX DAC, Clock & Upsampler
    Analog: SME 20/3 with Esoteric E-03 Phono
    Transparent Opus Speaker Cable & Interconnects & Opus Power Cords
    Power Cords on Digital: Shunyata
    Power Conditioner - Shunyata Everest

  15. #115
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    Re: Taiko Extreme

    Quote Originally Posted by still-one View Post
    I fully agree that others may prefer the Taiko over the Aurender.

    Just to be clear and to add some background. For some time I followed that 9000+ thread on another forum where the Taiko's SQ was highly praised by many posters, and hold opinions I respect. Since neither of my local dealers carries Taiko it would be very difficult to audition one in my set-up, something that I normally do before purchasing a product. Therefore I decided to fly down and give the Taiko a listen.

    Remember there were no components common to the ones used for the audition and those in my set-up. Based on that the Taiko could sound very different in my room.

    I selected music that I was very familiar with and played track after track. Based on the comments I had read I was expecting great digital and that is not what I was hearing. After close to two hours I asked if we could try the Aurender. I have never been a big proponent of Aurender gear. I have A/B'd a older unit in my set-up but neither the SQ nor the GUI grabbed my attention. If anything I had/have a anti-Aurender bias going in to this comparison. I also much prefer the Roon GUI to that of Aurender.

    From "my" perspective it didn't take more than a track or two to appreciate the improvement in SQ. (The other individual who was there can chime in he so desires.) The Aurender was much more listenable. This not what I had expected when I flew down. I must say I was disappointed. (I am guessing Mike was too since he probably lost a sale.)
    We’ll have to have you back when the new Taiko software comes out. Really excited about that. Could be a game changer.


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  16. #116
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    Re: Taiko Extreme

    Well, although it seems that XDMS is going to improve the SQ, the testimonials of many Extreme owners, is that even with TAS the sound was already stellar, it is really strange, because from the still-one post what is deduced is not that the Aurender sounded better, it's just that Taiko just wasn't good. This is a bit puzzling to me.
    Francisco

    Aries Cerat Kassandra Ref. MKII / Taiko Extreme Server / Gryphon Essence Preamplifier and Stereo Amplifier / Rockport Atria I / REL S-812 (2) / Göbel XLR (2), Göbel Ethernet and USB Cables / MIT Magnum MA Speakers Cables / Shunyata Everest 8000 / Shunyata Omega XC (1), Sigma NR V2 (4) and Alfa NR V1 (2) / Taiko Switch / Paul Hynes SR7T Double Rail / Farad Super3 / Doepke DFS-2 40A / GigaWatt G-C16A 2P / Fuse module AHP 4Gi / Center Stage2 0.8, 1.0 and 1.5

  17. #117
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    Re: Taiko Extreme

    Was the Aurender not a consideration after this listening session?

    Quote Originally Posted by still-one View Post
    I fully agree that others may prefer the Taiko over the Aurender.

    Just to be clear and to add some background. For some time I followed that 9000+ thread on another forum where the Taiko's SQ was highly praised by many posters, and hold opinions I respect. Since neither of my local dealers carries Taiko it would be very difficult to audition one in my set-up, something that I normally do before purchasing a product. Therefore I decided to fly down and give the Taiko a listen.

    Remember there were no components common to the ones used for the audition and those in my set-up. Based on that the Taiko could sound very different in my room.

    I selected music that I was very familiar with and played track after track. Based on the comments I had read I was expecting great digital and that is not what I was hearing. After close to two hours I asked if we could try the Aurender. I have never been a big proponent of Aurender gear. I have A/B'd a older unit in my set-up but neither the SQ nor the GUI grabbed my attention. If anything I had/have a anti-Aurender bias going in to this comparison. I also much prefer the Roon GUI to that of Aurender.

    From "my" perspective it didn't take more than a track or two to appreciate the improvement in SQ. (The other individual who was there can chime in he so desires.) The Aurender was much more listenable. This not what I had expected when I flew down. I must say I was disappointed. (I am guessing Mike was too since he probably lost a sale.)
    Marty

    Aurender N20 / SonicTransporter i7 / Roon
    MSB Premier
    Constellation Inspiration Preamp 1.0 / Mono 1.0
    Dynaudio Confidence 50 / SVS SB13 Ultra
    PS Audio Powerplant 15

  18. #118
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    Re: Taiko Extreme

    Quote Originally Posted by nonesup View Post
    Well, although it seems that XDMS is going to improve the SQ, the testimonials of many Extreme owners, is that even with TAS the sound was already stellar, it is really strange, because from the still-one post what is deduced is not that the Aurender sounded better, it's just that Taiko just wasn't good. This is a bit puzzling to me.
    Hi Francisco,

    I respectfully disagree. What is deduced is Jim was not impressed with the sound quality of the Taiko Extreme AND the Aurender N30SA sounded appreciably better to him.

    Ken
    "No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
    --------------------------------------------
    Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
    Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
    Speakers: Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2
    Power: Two AudioQuest Niagara 5000’s with AudioQuest Dragon and Hurricane Power Cords

  19. #119
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    Re: Taiko Extreme

    One more question lol. as things all were the same
    What driver was used on the taiko ?
    Asio or wasampi
    sorry if this was already posted
    TUBEZATOR

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  20. #120
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    Re: Taiko Extreme

    Quote Originally Posted by Alrainbow View Post
    One more question lol. as things all were the same
    What driver was used on the taiko ?
    Asio or wasampi
    sorry if this was already posted
    Whatever driver is for the MSB Select II.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
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  21. #121
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    Re: Taiko Extreme

    Well Jim naturally I accept your nuance, keep in mind that I do not speak English. I wouldn't have been surprised if after listening to the two you preferred Aurender (it must be an extraordinary machine) but that the sound of Extreme did not impress you, there are so many comments expressing the opposite that it surprised me, but naturally you were not impressed, and there is no more to say, and I thank you for your sincerity.
    Francisco

    Aries Cerat Kassandra Ref. MKII / Taiko Extreme Server / Gryphon Essence Preamplifier and Stereo Amplifier / Rockport Atria I / REL S-812 (2) / Göbel XLR (2), Göbel Ethernet and USB Cables / MIT Magnum MA Speakers Cables / Shunyata Everest 8000 / Shunyata Omega XC (1), Sigma NR V2 (4) and Alfa NR V1 (2) / Taiko Switch / Paul Hynes SR7T Double Rail / Farad Super3 / Doepke DFS-2 40A / GigaWatt G-C16A 2P / Fuse module AHP 4Gi / Center Stage2 0.8, 1.0 and 1.5

  22. #122
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    Re: Taiko Extreme

    Quote Originally Posted by nc42acc View Post
    Was the Aurender not a consideration after this listening session?
    Marty, Good question without a simple answer. I have two local dealers where I have built relationships over the years. I would definitely support Mike on products not normally carried by either of these two. One of the dealers here does carry Aurender and that is where I had previously borrowed a unit to A/B in my set-up. If I was to consider the N30 I think Mike would understand that I would purchase locally. Remember I went to audition the Taiko not the N30 and we never talk anything but MSRP . So its not like I and shopping around for better Aurender pricing. I don't do that.

    I normally do not impose on my dealers and ask to loan me me gear that I probably won't buy. If I decide not to pull the trigger on new speakers or upgrade to dCS's Vivaldi replacement, then I might revisit my server needs and A/B the N30. Since I am a pro Roon the Aurender products are already at a slight disadvantage.
    Jim

    D'Agostino Momentum M-400's MxV’s & HD Pre-amp
    Wilson Alexandria X2 Series 2 speakers
    Digital: dCS Vivaldi APEX DAC, Clock & Upsampler
    Analog: SME 20/3 with Esoteric E-03 Phono
    Transparent Opus Speaker Cable & Interconnects & Opus Power Cords
    Power Cords on Digital: Shunyata
    Power Conditioner - Shunyata Everest

  23. #123
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    Re: Taiko Extreme

    Maybe, just maybe, the Aurender N30SA isn’t getting the credit for just how great a server it is. Significant effort went into designing this two box solution, isolating the noisiest components from the signal producing ones, and beefing up its power supply.

    Ken
    "No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
    --------------------------------------------
    Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
    Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
    Speakers: Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2
    Power: Two AudioQuest Niagara 5000’s with AudioQuest Dragon and Hurricane Power Cords

  24. #124
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    Re: Taiko Extreme

    Jim great answer and admirable you stay faithful to your local dealers. Thank you

    Quote Originally Posted by still-one View Post
    Marty, Good question without a simple answer. I have two local dealers where I have built relationships over the years. I would definitely support Mike on products not normally carried by either of these two. One of the dealers here does carry Aurender and that is where I had previously borrowed a unit to A/B in my set-up. If I was to consider the N30 I think Mike would understand that I would purchase locally. Remember I went to audition the Taiko not the N30 and we never talk anything but MSRP . So its not like I and shopping around for better Aurender pricing. I don't do that.

    I normally do not impose on my dealers and ask to loan me me gear that I probably won't buy. If I decide not to pull the trigger on new speakers or upgrade to dCS's Vivaldi replacement, then I might revisit my server needs and A/B the N30. Since I am a pro Roon the Aurender products are already at a slight disadvantage.
    Marty

    Aurender N20 / SonicTransporter i7 / Roon
    MSB Premier
    Constellation Inspiration Preamp 1.0 / Mono 1.0
    Dynaudio Confidence 50 / SVS SB13 Ultra
    PS Audio Powerplant 15

  25. #125
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    Re: Taiko Extreme

    Quote Originally Posted by nonesup View Post
    Well Jim naturally I accept your nuance, keep in mind that I do not speak English. I wouldn't have been surprised if after listening to the two you preferred Aurender (it must be an extraordinary machine) but that the sound of Extreme did not impress you, there are so many comments expressing the opposite that it surprised me, but naturally you were not impressed, and there is no more to say, and I thank you for your sincerity.
    Francisco
    Your English if fine. I can barely order a meal or check into a hotel in Spain so I would never complain.

    I do not mean to offend you or anyone who has or is considering the purchase of a Taiko unit. As we have all read the Taiko team is developing a system as much as just a server. Mike noted a few posts back development continues and when he believes some of the these make it to market I will fly back down for another listen. The Taiko is not the first and probably won't be the last product where my initial expectations were too high to be met.
    Jim

    D'Agostino Momentum M-400's MxV’s & HD Pre-amp
    Wilson Alexandria X2 Series 2 speakers
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  26. #126
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    Re: Taiko Extreme

    Jim I am in no way offended, as I was going to be with your post, I was just weirded out that's all. Best regards
    Francisco

    Aries Cerat Kassandra Ref. MKII / Taiko Extreme Server / Gryphon Essence Preamplifier and Stereo Amplifier / Rockport Atria I / REL S-812 (2) / Göbel XLR (2), Göbel Ethernet and USB Cables / MIT Magnum MA Speakers Cables / Shunyata Everest 8000 / Shunyata Omega XC (1), Sigma NR V2 (4) and Alfa NR V1 (2) / Taiko Switch / Paul Hynes SR7T Double Rail / Farad Super3 / Doepke DFS-2 40A / GigaWatt G-C16A 2P / Fuse module AHP 4Gi / Center Stage2 0.8, 1.0 and 1.5

  27. #127
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    Re: Taiko Extreme

    I think it’s important to understand that at this level, there are really no bad choices.

    I see people in my store EVERY DAY and what they like and what they don’t often shocks me. You will see the guy walk in who thinks the Harbeth sound is the bee’s knees and everything else pales in comparison. You will get the guy who fondles the Magico’s like it’s his hot blonde secret lover. I see the guy who thinks vinyl is stupid and can’t believe we even sell turntables anymore to the guy who thinks digital is the root of all evil. We get the guy who believes cables are the most important component in his system to the fellow who thinks it’s all snake oil and everything in between. There is no wrong choices. None. And when it comes to digital, everything is so liquid and evolving so fast, that it’s like trying to catch a falling knife.

    Everything matters, nothing matters. Enjoy what you have and buy what YOU like and don’t worry about what anyone else likes or raves about as the second coming. Eyes wide open.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

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  28. #128
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    Re: Taiko Extreme

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    I think it’s important to understand that at this level, there are really no bad choices.

    I see people in my store EVERY DAY and what they like and what they don’t often shocks me. You will see the guy walk in who thinks the Harbeth sound is the bee’s knees and everything else pales in comparison. You will get the guy who fondles the Magico’s like it’s his hot blonde secret lover. I see the guy who thinks vinyl is stupid and can’t believe we even sell turntables anymore to the guy who thinks digital is the root of all evil. We get the guy who believes cables are the most important component in his system to the fellow who thinks it’s all snake oil and everything in between. There is no wrong choices. None. And when it comes to digital, everything is so liquid and evolving so fast, that it’s like trying to catch a falling knife.

    Everything matters, nothing matters. Enjoy what you have and buy what YOU like and don’t worry about what anyone else likes or raves about as the second coming. Eyes wide open.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
    One of "the" all-time best posts on any forum, ever!!!

    Well said...

    And BTW....that guy may have the blonde,...I've got dibs on the redhead or brunette :-)
    Legacy Audio Valor+Wavelet v2, Esoteric S-02 Amps HDPlex 300W, RevAudio Labs DC Umbilical, Esoteric Grandioso P1, P1PSU & dual D1 DACs, Cybershaft Prem Ltd OP21A 10 MHz Clock, Esoteric C-02X, Shunyata Everest 8000 & Altaira SG-NR hubs, Sigma SGC/CGC ground cables, VTX-Ag ground tails, AfterBurner8 duplexes, CSP Inc Q4B, S2B IEC plates, Shunyata Omega CLOCK-50 cables, Tubulus Concentus HDMI, Elrod Master Series Diamond SE & Masters Series Gold Power cords and Statement Gold XLRs, Diamond XLRs & Master Series Diamond XLRs, Shunyata OMEGA QR-s power cable, Anaconda Z-tron XLR, Elrod Statement Gold speaker cables, Adona Zero GX3, GX2, GX racks, Composite Audio CF-2010, Townshend Audio Podiums, HRS DPX Damping Plates, Stillpoints Ultra SS w/Ultra Bases, pArtScience 64-well, 2D QRD 3-inch SpaceArray Diffusors

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  29. #129
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    Re: Taiko Extreme

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    I think it’s important to understand that at this level, there are really no bad choices.

    I see people in my store EVERY DAY and what they like and what they don’t often shocks me. You will see the guy walk in who thinks the Harbeth sound is the bee’s knees and everything else pales in comparison. You will get the guy who fondles the Magico’s like it’s his hot blonde secret lover. I see the guy who thinks vinyl is stupid and can’t believe we even sell turntables anymore to the guy who thinks digital is the root of all evil. We get the guy who believes cables are the most important component in his system to the fellow who thinks it’s all snake oil and everything in between. There is no wrong choices. None. And when it comes to digital, everything is so liquid and evolving so fast, that it’s like trying to catch a falling knife.

    Everything matters, nothing matters. Enjoy what you have and buy what YOU like and don’t worry about what anyone else likes or raves about as the second coming. Eyes wide open.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
    Probably the most level-headed, genuine wisdom I've seen posted in any audio (or guitar) forum since, well since the internet.
    Main System

    Lumin X1 > Boulder 1161 > Scansonic MB3.5 B

    Headphones

    Home: HiFiMan Susvara > Schiit Lyr+
    Portable: Focal Radiance > AQ Dragonfly Cobalt / Chord Hugo 2

  30. #130
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    Re: Taiko Extreme

    Quote Originally Posted by still-one View Post
    I fully agree that others may prefer the Taiko over the Aurender.

    Just to be clear and to add some background. For some time I followed that 9000+ thread on another forum where the Taiko's SQ was highly praised by many posters, and hold opinions I respect. Since neither of my local dealers carries Taiko it would be very difficult to audition one in my set-up, something that I normally do before purchasing a product. Therefore I decided to fly down and give the Taiko a listen.

    Remember there were no components common to the ones used for the audition and those in my set-up. Based on that the Taiko could sound very different in my room.

    I selected music that I was very familiar with and played track after track. Based on the comments I had read I was expecting great digital and that is not what I was hearing. After close to two hours I asked if we could try the Aurender. I have never been a big proponent of Aurender gear. I have A/B'd a older unit in my set-up but neither the SQ nor the GUI grabbed my attention. If anything I had/have a anti-Aurender bias going in to this comparison. I also much prefer the Roon GUI to that of Aurender.

    From "my" perspective it didn't take more than a track or two to appreciate the improvement in SQ. (The other individual who was there can chime in he so desires.) The Aurender was much more listenable. This not what I had expected when I flew down. I must say I was disappointed. (I am guessing Mike was too since he probably lost a sale.)
    I joined Jim (still-one) for this session. And, I agree with observations.
    _______________

    Mike

    Amplification: MBL 6010D, MBL 9008A Monos
    Analog: Kuzma R, Kuzma 4Point (11”), MSL Ultra Eminent EX
    Phono Pre: Pass XP-27
    Digital: Esoteric N01XD Esoteric K05
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    Power Cables: Shunyata Sigma 1 & 2, Alpha 2, Delta and Venom
    ICs and SCs: Wireworld Platinum 8
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  31. #131

    Re: Taiko Extreme

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    Whatever driver is for the MSB Select II.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
    The MSB Taiko driver is for the PRO USB module not the dac itself

    So a question

    During the comparison did you listen to streaming files or downloaded files?
    And if downloaded were the files on a NAS drive or installed in the Aurender and Extreme?
    "We all know real when we hear it"

  32. #132
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    Re: Taiko Extreme

    Quote Originally Posted by Kingsrule View Post
    The MSB Taiko driver is for the PRO USB module not the dac itself

    So a question

    During the comparison did you listen to streaming files or downloaded files?
    And if downloaded were the files on a NAS drive or installed in the Aurender and Extreme?
    Always streaming.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
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