![]() For these tests, I enabled only Roon Ready and Core Direct. Both outputs can be enabled at the same time, and if you like, you can enable many more but Antipodes states that it is best to activate as few outputs as you need for The best sound quality. These are just two of the modes that can be selected using the Settings – Audio tab on the Roon user interface. In short: the EX when running Roon can use two output modes: Roon Ready or Core Direct. For the complete overview of modes and output settings, please check the earlier DX or DS reviews. While this may sound complicated, the excellent user interface makes it really very easy to change these settings. ![]() Just like with the earlier designs, the EX allows the user to run the server in several operational modes and several audio output modes, and they all result in a slightly different sound, allowing the tailoring of sound precisely as needed. I’ve put this to the test and indeed, the direct connection sounds considerably cleaner as well as freer than a connection via the existing network. This provides a dramatic improvement over connecting your server and renderer devices through a noisy switch or over a long length of network cable”. The Direct Ethernet solution in Antipodes servers minimizes network ‘chatter’ on the link and creates a high bandwidth, phase accurate, low-noise direct link between the server and renderer. According to the manufacturer, “Ethernet can introduce high levels of noise into the receiving device. Any USB ripper can be used, but Antipodes also have a separate external CD ripper in their portfolio, the P1, which has the same footprint as the EX.Īs mentioned, the EX has two Ethernet ports. One can be used to connect to the network and the second to provide a low-noise dedicated feed to an Ethernet DAC. The new ODAPS2 supply reduces high-frequency noise without resorting to filtering that would impede the speed of current delivery. The drives simply click into place using rear panel slots.Īntipodes are all about reducing noise, but only in manners that are not detrimental to the sound. The user can very easily install up to 4TB of HDD or up to 8TB of SSD storage, without having to open the enclosure. The most notable differences from the earlier DS and DX servers are that the EX uses user-installable storage, has a new ODAPS2 power supply, two, rather than one, Ethernet ports and no integrated CD ripper. So, for a full description of all the technicalities and possibilities, and a wealth of screenshots, please refer to the earlier reviews. What you should know first and foremost is that all Antipodes servers can be set to function in various capacities, such as Roon Server, RoonReady renderer, Squeezebox (including UPnP server), MPD renderer and HQPlayer NAA. There is a lot more, and I mean A LOT more to write about the technical side of this server, but much of this is the same as for the DX or DS servers that I reviewed earlier. ![]() So, I’ll start with the EX and add a follow-up review when the CX has also been received. At the time of writing, the EX has been received for review but not yet the CX. The EX has already started shipping and the CX will follow soon. In this configuration, the CX is a high-power device running only the server app and the EX is a lower power, purist device, running only the renderer app. Interestingly, the EX is the Antipodes entry-level music server but at the same time, its rendering capabilities are considered to represent the company’s best solution!Īlthough The EX works sublimely just by itself, it can also be teamed with the CX to form the top-tier CX-EX combination. Because there are no fans, the machine is whisper-quiet, nicely heavy and feels incredibly solid. The EX enclosure has a similar build as the DX and consists of very thick aluminum panels screwed together very sturdily. When using the EX by itself, both server and renderer apps run on the same device. With its ODAPS2 power supply, four separate shielded chambers, and user-installable storage, the relatively affordable EX server marks the start of a new Antipodes range. Retail price in the Netherlands incl 21% VAT: 4650 euro Review sample supplied by Antipodes Audio
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