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After several years with the Melco N1Z, I received my new Antipodes Oladra a weekago.
Even fresh out of the box, it's audio performance are a leap forward, sweet mids and authoritative bass. And the chassis beautiful curves are something i can look for hours.
Oldara Sound Impressions After Several Days
One word: transformative. I've experienced excellent digital sources before, but the Oladra operates on another level entirely. What struck me most was the organic, natural presentation. Gone is any trace of digital harshness or artificiality—the music simply flows with a relaxed, inviting quality that draws you deeply into each recording.
The detail retrieval is remarkable yet never analytical or fatiguing. Fine details emerge naturally within the musical fabric rather than being artificially spotlit. Tonal colors, instrumental weight, and vocal presence are rendered with emotional impact—which is, after all, the ultimate purpose of this hobby.
Bass performance has improved dramatically (surpassing even my analog setup in this regard)—deeper, more controlled, and precisely articulated. Through the Magicos, low frequencies are not just heard but physically felt.
Connection Insights: AES/EBU vs USB
I've traditionally favored USB connections, both for their format flexibility and because my MSB Premier implementation uses Pro ISL\USB to reclock signals and route them through the Femto clock in the MSB.
The Oladra has changed my perspective. Since all connections (including USB) undergo reclocking in this server, I've found the AES/EBU connection delivers superior musicality, preserving harmonics that seem diminished via USB. The Oladra extracts even more from the already excellent MSB DAC through this connection.
The Premier is undoubtedly a good DAC, but its pairing with the Oladra represents genuine synergy. The soundstage immediately expanded, offering more air between instruments, greater dimensionality, and foundational bass that anchors the entire presentation. Everything simply feels "right."
UX Experience
I'm using Roon as server software, but opted for Squeezebox as the player. The Oladra offers multiple player options, with Squeezebox providing seamless operation, rapid navigation, and instantaneous response. While I haven't explored all available server and player combinations, the flexibility is appreciated.
After just days of listening, it's clear this represents my most significant digital upgrade in years. While not inexpensive, the Oladra's performance justifies its premium positioning. For those with revealing systems seeking digital music excellence, it deserves serious consideration.
Even fresh out of the box, it's audio performance are a leap forward, sweet mids and authoritative bass. And the chassis beautiful curves are something i can look for hours.
Oldara Sound Impressions After Several Days
One word: transformative. I've experienced excellent digital sources before, but the Oladra operates on another level entirely. What struck me most was the organic, natural presentation. Gone is any trace of digital harshness or artificiality—the music simply flows with a relaxed, inviting quality that draws you deeply into each recording.
The detail retrieval is remarkable yet never analytical or fatiguing. Fine details emerge naturally within the musical fabric rather than being artificially spotlit. Tonal colors, instrumental weight, and vocal presence are rendered with emotional impact—which is, after all, the ultimate purpose of this hobby.
Bass performance has improved dramatically (surpassing even my analog setup in this regard)—deeper, more controlled, and precisely articulated. Through the Magicos, low frequencies are not just heard but physically felt.
Connection Insights: AES/EBU vs USB
I've traditionally favored USB connections, both for their format flexibility and because my MSB Premier implementation uses Pro ISL\USB to reclock signals and route them through the Femto clock in the MSB.
The Oladra has changed my perspective. Since all connections (including USB) undergo reclocking in this server, I've found the AES/EBU connection delivers superior musicality, preserving harmonics that seem diminished via USB. The Oladra extracts even more from the already excellent MSB DAC through this connection.
The Premier is undoubtedly a good DAC, but its pairing with the Oladra represents genuine synergy. The soundstage immediately expanded, offering more air between instruments, greater dimensionality, and foundational bass that anchors the entire presentation. Everything simply feels "right."
UX Experience
I'm using Roon as server software, but opted for Squeezebox as the player. The Oladra offers multiple player options, with Squeezebox providing seamless operation, rapid navigation, and instantaneous response. While I haven't explored all available server and player combinations, the flexibility is appreciated.
After just days of listening, it's clear this represents my most significant digital upgrade in years. While not inexpensive, the Oladra's performance justifies its premium positioning. For those with revealing systems seeking digital music excellence, it deserves serious consideration.
