Looking at getting the Antipodes DS base model with 4Tb HDD (can't afford the DS SSD model or DX), and was having a chat with Mark Jenkins regarding the DS HDD models now coming standard with a small SSD (believe it's 120Gb) on top of the HDD. Mark explained that the SSD in the DS model was to keep the Roon guys happy. He didn't think there's a big difference with the sound, but it does help with processing of the Roon database. He said the database may only take 30-40Gb, but needs a bit of extra space to do it's tricks in the background. Doesn't cost Antipodes too much to add a 120Gb SSD to the DS, and so to keep the Roon guys on-side this is now standard on the DS Base model.
Had a look at the DS a few months ago and at that time it was going to cost me extra to add an SSD for the Roon database. Now Mark has added it as standard and hence don't have that extra cost. Actually the units have went up in price, but Pure Music Group (Aus Distributor) true to their word haven't charged me for that as I've been part paying them for the last 6 months prior to getting it (this is my first time getting something from Warwick at PureMusic and he's been an absolute pleasure to deal with and wouldn't hesitate in highly recommending him). So now the DS Standard model has the SSD, and I've put the cost saving into a larger HDD (4Tb). I may not need all of the 4Tb now, but thought I may possibly regret in the future if I don't do the upgrade. In a few years when SSD costs come down maybe then could look at an upgrade to the GT DS (with SSD), or even a 2nd hand DX.
Was also asking Mark about AES output for a DS, but due to space constraints isn't possible to include without losing something else (probably the RCA Stereo Outputs). Seems that it's the dealers who asked for the Analogue stereo outputs to be standard as then gives people the option to connect to a pre-amp, without the need for a DAC as well.
Hoping to get my DS in the next few weeks, and can't wait to see what difference it makes (I've already got a Roon membership, so suffice to say will be running this on the DS). Currently only got a Mac Mini connected to a Stello U3 Convertor via AES cable into my Devialet D-Premiers (AIR is still hit and miss for me). The DS also has SPDIF output (192kHz, and Mark said it's also isolated) so will be using this as my connection to the D-Premiers.
If (more likely when) I do the upgrade of my D-Premiers to a 1000Pro, then can go USB direct from Antipodes to Devialet. Would make sense if I can scrape the pennies together and upgrade to a 1000Pro, and if I can do this prior to end of Year then will get the additional Streamer-board next year (no one knows how the streamer board will go, but can't see it making things worse, and get this thrown in as part of the 1000Pro upgrade now for nothing). If the Streamer-Board end's up being a big hit (and also comes with Roon), then can look at moving on the Antipodes, but in the meantime I've got the DS to make sure my music files can sound the best,
Also grabbed a 2nd hand Longdog Audio 12amp/12V DC PSU, so hoping this will add to the DS SQ
Can't wait to get my new DS
Had a look at the DS a few months ago and at that time it was going to cost me extra to add an SSD for the Roon database. Now Mark has added it as standard and hence don't have that extra cost. Actually the units have went up in price, but Pure Music Group (Aus Distributor) true to their word haven't charged me for that as I've been part paying them for the last 6 months prior to getting it (this is my first time getting something from Warwick at PureMusic and he's been an absolute pleasure to deal with and wouldn't hesitate in highly recommending him). So now the DS Standard model has the SSD, and I've put the cost saving into a larger HDD (4Tb). I may not need all of the 4Tb now, but thought I may possibly regret in the future if I don't do the upgrade. In a few years when SSD costs come down maybe then could look at an upgrade to the GT DS (with SSD), or even a 2nd hand DX.
Was also asking Mark about AES output for a DS, but due to space constraints isn't possible to include without losing something else (probably the RCA Stereo Outputs). Seems that it's the dealers who asked for the Analogue stereo outputs to be standard as then gives people the option to connect to a pre-amp, without the need for a DAC as well.
Hoping to get my DS in the next few weeks, and can't wait to see what difference it makes (I've already got a Roon membership, so suffice to say will be running this on the DS). Currently only got a Mac Mini connected to a Stello U3 Convertor via AES cable into my Devialet D-Premiers (AIR is still hit and miss for me). The DS also has SPDIF output (192kHz, and Mark said it's also isolated) so will be using this as my connection to the D-Premiers.
If (more likely when) I do the upgrade of my D-Premiers to a 1000Pro, then can go USB direct from Antipodes to Devialet. Would make sense if I can scrape the pennies together and upgrade to a 1000Pro, and if I can do this prior to end of Year then will get the additional Streamer-board next year (no one knows how the streamer board will go, but can't see it making things worse, and get this thrown in as part of the 1000Pro upgrade now for nothing). If the Streamer-Board end's up being a big hit (and also comes with Roon), then can look at moving on the Antipodes, but in the meantime I've got the DS to make sure my music files can sound the best,
Also grabbed a 2nd hand Longdog Audio 12amp/12V DC PSU, so hoping this will add to the DS SQ
Can't wait to get my new DS
1000Pro (Matte Black), Lenehan Audio ML5 Reference's, FoilTek Speaker Cable's, Paradigm Sub1, Entreq Poseidon, Antipodes CX, Roon (Lifetime), Curious Cable USB, Aqvox Switch, Gigawatt PC-3 Evo Se, Mad Scientist Link Cable (RCA/AES), PSC Power Cords
Australia (Perth)
