Antipodes Audio K41

Hello,
Has anyone got any input on Antipodes Audio K41.
I know @razzzor1963 you have a K40, so your input would also be relevant.
I own a full (6 pack) 300 series Naim Audio system.
I also have a Naim Uniti Core, which is connected to an English Electric EE8 network switch. This is powered by a Farad Super 3 power supply. I also have a Roon Nucleus Rev. B. I have also previously owned a Innuos Zenith Mk III and PhoenixNet, which I did not feel was that much better than the Naim Core.
Looking to condense non Naim units and the Antipodes Audio K41 seems to fit the bill. Unfortunately other Antipodes units do not connect simply to Naim, except for the K41 direct stream.
So can I ask you the following:
(1) What did you have before the K41?
(2) Do you use the Cd ripper software on the K41 and how does this compare to what you previously used, or do just i.e. Dbpoweramp?
(3) If using the Antipodes Audio ripping software, what Cd ripping transport do you use.
(4) When using the K41 do you just use Roon, or Roon and Squeeze?
(5) Does the direct stream connection, give a boost to the sound quality?
(6) Depending on what you used before and what you heard on demonstration i.e. Innuos. Do you think the K41 represents value for money?
(7) Do you feel the K41 is a good match sound quality wise with the Naim 300 series?
Sorry for all the questions, but the nearest dealer is at the other end of the country. If you can think of any more helpful information, it would be kindly appreciated.

I own a full 300 series as well complete with both PSUs. I also own a K41 G4. This was one of the most significant upgrades to the 333, it is immediately apparent and passes 100% of the blind tests for me. More transparency, more air, more separation, more soundstage width - more of everything. Mind blowing that a server can do this tbh. I have tried many Roon cores (including the ones from Roon). Antipodes know what they are doing. I have not tried the Taiko but that’s a big step up cost wise.

Related to this - after the latest firmware upgrades I was in the unhappy camp and ended up purchasing a K22 as well, which now performs streaming duties. This restored the magic back into the 333 which I think is lost with the latest firmware. But if you’re happy with how your 333 sounds (or can wait until the upcoming likely fix), a K41 is all you need. I use Roon when using just the K41 with the 333, and Roon/Squeeze sounds best with the K41+K22 (which is the same as the K50). The 333 does not support squeeze.

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Thank you for the great reply. Are you Andydd on the Antipodes forum?
How do you connect the K22 to the 333?

Hi @razzzor1963 Have you any input about using Antipodes Audio servers with Naim?

Indeed I am :slight_smile: I am using a Jorma digital SPDIF cable from K22 to 333.

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I know you said previously that you did not much cd ripping. However, have you installed memory into the slots at the rear. If so, can you inform me what you have used?
Did you ever compare the K41 with a Naim Core, just out of interest?
Not sure you can answer this, but when cd ripping, can you do much editing of the metadata without using Roon?
Just want to say thank you again, for your assistance. As previously stated, my nearest dealer is at other end of country and the U.K. distributor has not even acknowledged any of my emails.

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Yes I’ve installed SSD drives for my local library, the recommended model is PM893. I have never owned a Core, sorry.

Thank you for reaching out.

First I would like to compliment your systems. Very nice!

Second I would like to quote gk_audio: “Mind blowing that a server can do this tbh.” I agree.

(1) What did you have before the K41?
I own the Antipodes Audio K40. Before the K40 I had a Roon Nucleus (Rev. A) powered by a Ferrum Hypsos power supply. In my opinion, there is no comparison. The K40 is superior.

(2) Do you use the Cd ripper software on the K41 and how does this compare to what you previously used, or do just i.e. Dbpoweramp?
I do not use the CD ripper software on the K40/K41.

(3) If using the Antipodes Audio ripping software, what Cd ripping transport do you use.
I do not use the CD ripper software on the K40/K41.

(4) When using the K41 do you just use Roon, or Roon and Squeeze?
In my opinion, Squeeze sounds better than Roon, but Roon has the better user interface, so I use Squeeze within Roon: Squeeze is the app and Roon is the controller.

(5) Does the direct stream connection, give a boost to the sound quality?
Yes!

(6) Depending on what you used before and what you heard on demonstration i.e. Innuos. Do you think the K41 represents value for money?
Yes! I purchased my K40 on the used market, but I have no problem recommending Antipodes Audio’s products. Their products and their customer support are excellent!

(7) Do you feel the K41 is a good match sound quality wise with the Naim 300 series?
I own Naim’s NDX 2/XPS DR > NAC252/SuperCap DR > NAP250 DR. Yes, Naim and Antipodes are a good match sound quality wise.
[Note: I also auditioned an Innuos server, but I returned it to my dealer.]

More thoughts:
(i) The K41 is a large box. It is also heavy. It will take up more space than your Roon Nucleus and its power supply.

(ii) The K41 comes with a generic power cord, so you will want to upgrade this. My dealer let me audition a plethora of power cables. The market is filled with great power cords. I ended up buying a Swisscables Reference power cord.

(iii) I have two racks: a Naim Fraim and an Isoblue Hifi. For what its worth, my 252, my NDX 2, my K40 love the Naim Fraim and my XPS DR, my SuperCap DR, my NAP250 DR love the Isoblue rack.

(iv) What interconnects, speaker cable, power cords do you use with your Naim gear? I am a fan of Naim’s Super Lumina interconnects and speaker cable, as well as their Power-Line power cords.

(v) In my opinion, it is worth auditioning Network Acoustics products. I use their eno2 ethernet cables and I use one eno2 filter between my modem and K40. Also, my dealer says their tempus switch is the best he has ever heard.

Cheers!

Wow!
Thank you so much for such a detailed reply :+1:
So I suppose you just use Roon for live radio and a streaming music service?
Having owned a Innuos Zenith MkIII, which I felt was very similar to a Naim Uniti Core. How did you find the Innuos (model?) server, that you tried?

So I suppose you just use Roon for live radio and a streaming music service?
I stream music from Qobuz. Although Roon Radio is a nice feature, I do not use it.

How did you find the Innuos (model?) server, that you tried?
I auditioned an Innuos Zen mk3 server. I did not like the way it sounded. In my opinion, it is not a great match with Naim. Next I auditioned an Antipodes S30 server (powered by a Ferrum Hypsos power supply), and I immediately fell in love with it. An Antipodes K40 became available on the used market and (will my dealer’s concent) I purchased it.
[Note: I also auditioned an Innuos PhoenixNet switch, and I didn’t like it either. I guess I just don’t like Innuous’ sound signature.]

All the best…

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You have not thought of the Melco, or maybe evinced it in your choices?

Had a Melco D100 ripper transport. Well I could not tell the difference :upside_down_face:

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Yes I had a PhoenixNet, no stand out difference to me :upside_down_face: