DAC vs Music Server


I want to preface my comments by saying, this is my experience, I don’t know everything, and your results may vary. I’ve recently compared the Mola Mola Tambaqui, DCS Bartok, and DCS Rossini in my system to my Chord Dave. The most significant differences were between the Rossini and everything else, but the Rossini wasn’t a good fit in my system. A couple of dealers told me that the most significant differences will be found by replacing my DAC. After my experience comparing several DACs, I decided to purchase the Antipodes Oladra music server. I’ve been using the Antipodes K21 and K41. I received the Oladra and wow! The richness of instruments and naturalness of voices, the enveloping soundstage, dynamics, realism, detail while sounding relaxed. Everything across the entire audio spectrum has improved. In my system, the Oladra music server has more impact on the sound than any DAC I’ve tried. It’s a reminder that our own ears are the best tools to decide on what does or doesn’t work in our system.

ricred1

Showing 1 response by mgrif104

@ricred1 

good post and an important lesson to many of us. I also have found the streamer to be at least as important as the DAC. In my system.

I’ve been curious about the Oladra but have been hesitant over their software and am skeptical of Roon (which doesn’t sound nearly as good as the native software my streamer uses).  

Regardless, I’ve no way to audition the Oladra, but understand it’s exceptional. Congrats.

Best,