Media Server Reviews

Antipodes DX Reference music server Associated Equipment

Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment

Digital Sources: Apple 2.7GHz i7 Mac mini running OS 10.10.3, with iTunes 12, Pure Music 2.0, Audirvana Plus 1.5.10; iPad mini running iPeng 8; PS Audio PerfectWave DirectStream D/A processor; AudioQuest JitterBug USB noise filter.
Preamplification: Bel Canto Design Black ASC1.
Power Amplifiers: Bel Canto Design Black MPS1, MBL Corona C15 (both monoblocks).
Loudspeakers: GamuT RS7, KEF LS50.
Cables: Digital: AudioQuest Coffee (USB) & Vodka (Ethernet). Interconnect (balanced): AudioQuest Wild Blue. Speaker: Kubala-Sosna Elation! AC: Kubala-Sosna Elation!, manufacturers' own.
Accessories: Target TT-5 equipment racks; Ayre Acoustics Myrtle Blocks; ASC Tube Traps, RPG Abffusor panels; Shunyata Research Dark Field cable elevators; Audio Power Industries 116 Mk.II & PE-1 AC line conditioners (hard drive, computers). AC power comes from two dedicated 20A circuits, each just 6' from breaker box.—John Atkinson

COMPANY INFO
Antipodes Audio
US distributor: Antipodes Audio Americas LLC
135 Central Park W., #8SC
New York, NY 10023
www.antipodesaudio.com
ARTICLE CONTENTS

COMMENTS
Aaron Garrett's picture
Submitted by Aaron Garrett on October 3, 2015 - 4:25am

I switched from feeding my Devialet 120 with a computer running Audirvana to a DV and then a DVZero, and i had exactly the experience that John Atkinson describes above. The music seemed, comparatively, to have a much wider and more pronounced tonal palette and I heard all sorts of things in the music that I had not heard before. This was shocking on certain very tonally complex and layered recording, like DJ Koze's Amygdala, which seemed like almost entirely different music through the Antipodes than before. That said I wish the review had some comparisons, beyond the Mac. Particularly since the Bryston is also rated A+, but much cheaper, I'd like to know how the two units compare.

prerich45's picture
Submitted by prerich45 on October 1, 2015 - 7:40am

I'm saddened to hear that you Mac mini died after only 3 years of service. I just recently put my old motherboard out to pasture (served me faithfully for 7+ years only changing out the memory and processor for upgrades - finally maxed it out). The Antipodes DX is an extremely interesting piece of gear to say the least. From your pictures - it seems to be well put together. I'm somewhat of a tech-head (as I work in IT by trade). That knowledge also prevents me from personally buying turnkey computer based equipment. There's a thrill that I get in building something myself - but for those who can't - this looks like nice alternative indeed!!!!

doak's picture
Submitted by doak on October 2, 2015 - 7:24am

Sweet peice. Would LOVe a direct comparison to the (my) Auralic Aries.

fork's picture
Submitted by fork on October 13, 2015 - 9:28pm

After several years of building custom music servers at Jaguar, we quit offering the product. The advance of DAC performance by 2014 left me feeling that a high performance server still improved sound, but concerned that the nearly $4k cost of the machines was not the best value for our clients, when paired with the newest $5-6k DACs like the PS DirectStream, Mytek Manhattan.

It's my experience that a high performance music server, such as the Antipodes, fixes two problems: timing issues resulting caused by jitter and distortion caused by electrical noise.

I'm certain the Antipodes can improve sound, even with the DirectStream. However, rather than just a review comparison to a standard Mac Mini, I'd like to hear how the $5,000-7,500 Antipodes compares to the Mac Mini with a reclocker.

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