Antipodes K22 G4

Streaming Audio
1

I’m keen on upgrading my server/streamer / source.

I’ve currently got an Innuos ZENith mk3 / PhoenixUSB/PhoenixNET.

I’d like to consolidate all that to the one unit, the Antipodes K22 server / streamer.

Sound quality is obviously one area that really matters the most.

Convenience is also big, but not an absolute deal breaker.

Saying that, has anyone had the chance to compare or change from Innuos to Antipodes ?

My budget is at the K22 G4 level. I did manage to find an online review of the Innuos Pulsar Streamer against the Antipodes K22 G4 and the reviewer seems to prefer the K22 for reasons that I relate too.

For example better / deeper bass and more dynamic sounding.

I’m happy to forgo Innuos Sense for ROON or Squeeze Lite / ROON as a compromise.

I’m not that fussed with an OS, as long as it’s similar sound quality the Sense is, as it’s a great OS for convenience and sound vs ROON.

The convenience of a SSD slot for my stored music on the ZENith mk3 is also a plus. Also the digital out options are a plus, and the USB out - Reclocker of the K22 is now as good as the K50.

That’s important as I like USB in on my Chord DAVE the best. But I can always revisit that and try OPT again and see.

I’ve not ripped a CD in 12m at least. I’ll just use and existing BR/CD portable drive to rip one if need be.

But I’m 99% sure I’ll just use my existing stored SSD music and stream QOBUZ and Radio Paradise for all my needs.

If I sell all my Innuos gear, I’ll be almost at a straight swap price wise.

Thoughts anyone ?

2

The K22 is a great piece of kit. I will say that using it as both a Roon server and a streamer, you are pushing the limits of the hardware as it’s intended to be used as a streamer. The Antipodes philosophy is that servers and streamers need different CPU horsepower and optimizations. You will not be able to use advance DSP capabilities in Roon for instance. For me adding a K41 was an immediate and impressive lift in sound quality, which I am still unable to explain. This is an upgrade path you can consider at a later date, so that the K22 is only used as a streamer. If you only need USB and will only ever need USB, you can save some $ and go with the K21.

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3

Grimm MU1 would be well worth a look.

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4

Perhaps try the Pulsar as a front end for your existing system against the AK22. You may miss the Sense app, otherwise.

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5

All good considerations, also Pink Faun is worth a listen and also the Innuos Zen NG.

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6

Last year I simplified my digital front end, and my system has never sounded better.

My digital front end is one box, three ethernet cables and one passive ethernet filter: Antipodes K40 music server, three Network Acoustics eno2 ethernet cables, one Network Acoustics eno2 ethernet filter.

Modem > ethernet cable > filter > ethernet cable > K40 > ethernet cable > Naim NDX 2

My dealer also sells Innuos, 432EVO, Playback Designs, Grimm. In my opinion Antipodes is the best fit with my Naim gear. Please note: Playback Designs and Grimm are out of my price range.

I stream from Qobuz. I use Squeeze as my app and Roon as my controller.

I have never been happier with my set-up.

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7

Thanks for all your thoughts on the K22.

I’ve been emailing Antipodes direct and getting helpful advice.

I know what your saying about Innuos and Sense, it’s a great and so user friendly APP, always updating and by all accounts sounds better than ROON as well.

I’m trying to find examples of JPlay and Squeeze to see if I’d like the user friendly side of those players.

Worse case, I could always use ROON, it’s a sold system and so user friendly too.

I do like the K22 and that I can try just about every digital output connection available and also USB to see what sounds best with my DAVE.

With Innuos you are stuck forever with USB, that has always bothered me for future changes in my DAC or a future Streamer etc.

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The new Innuos Zen NG and Zenith NG adopt a modular approach which allow you to specify alternatives to USB such as I2s and SPDIF.

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9

I believe a modular approach for output is also available for the Pulsar.

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10

Thanks for that.

If I’m honest, I’m very close to the limit now for “alive and detailed”.

I’d not want to stray much more into a lively sounding source.

Would you say the K22 is better than the Zenith Mk3 - without adding more glare or tipped up detail ?

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I compared the Antipodes S30 (powered by a Ferrum Hypos power supply) to the Innuos Zen mk3. I preferred the Antipodes. To my ears it sounded cleaner, more transparent. I thought the Innous changed Naim’s sound signature. To be fair, both servers sounded very good.

A used Antipodes K40 became available, and I purchased it.

Antipode’s “Direct Stream” output works very well with the NDX 2 player.

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12

That’s what I’m after, a server / streamer that compliments my 332Pre /300PSU.

It’s all about system balance and compatibility as much as outright sound quality I find.

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13

Same experience here. Antipodes Direct Stream output works extremely well into NSS333 and has added separation, clarity, and soundstage width while maintaining the Naim organic signature. Since you are interesting in the streaming side of things (K22) I will say that Roon/Squeeze is the best sounding combination I have heard with Naim DACs, better than Squeeze/Squeeze or Roon/Roon.

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14

So I’ve taken the plunge. So a brand new Antipodes K22 G4 is on the way to me. Should arrive mid next week, as well as a Samsung SSD.

Sold my Innuos ZENith Mk3 last week and will offload my PhoenixUSB soon hopefully.

I have kept my PhoenixNET and I’ll see what it’s like with/without once the K22 burns in a bit.

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15

Congrats it is an awesome bit of kit, you should love it.

When funds allow I’d suggest getting a CX (Oladra upgraded if you can find one) or a S series for server duties so you can get the very best of K22 as a player. This will get you most of the uplift of a K41 or a switch for relatively modest outlay.

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