Antipodes Edge, and others in the new range

[Confused]

I know that there are a few of us that like the idea of a 'network end point' type streamer that uses AES/EBU (AES3) for the output rather than USB.  This makes perfect sense, as you can then use what appears to be the Devialet's preferred input and eliminate any perils of USB.  Another factor for many is to be 'Roon Ready'.

So far only the dCS 'Network Bridge' appears to provide both AES3 and Roon compatibility, and so is in a category of one if you discount using USB devices feeding USB to AES converters, such as the Mutec and Singxer. 

For me, even the dCS is not quite there specification wise.  Recently I have found good results using HQPlayer, and whilst the dCS is 'Roon Ready' it is not compatible with HQPlayers NAA protocol.  Anyway, whilst doing a but of research into HQPlayer compatible devices, I stumbled across this:

http://antipodesaudio.com/edge.html

http://antipodesaudio.com/compare.html

http://antipodesaudio.com/dx.html

http://www.digitalaudioreview.net/2017/0...er-server/

The 'Edge' renderer has coaxial S/PDIF output, so does not quite tick the AES3 box.  Although I am not sure how much this really matters,  I suspect the difference between AES3 and S/PDIF should be very small.  It also has an internal DAC with output via a small jack, I suspect this is a relatively cheap DAC and the fact that it does not use RCA output makes me think this is a low cost add on to allow the Edge to at least work in a more simple low cost system. 

I believe the Edge will be available in the UK via Votexbox.  No firm pricing yet, but it should be in the mid £2k range.  So it has NAA compatibility, will it be as good as the Network Bridge?  I think this is possible, simply because of the performance of the previous Antipodes range, many thought that the old DX was better than the Aurender N10, for example.  An interesting option and certainly one to look out for.

Now, if you really want AES3 and NAA compatibility, then this is the one:

http://antipodesaudio.com/dx.html

This is of course a full blown music server with internal storage, ripping etc.  So a bit OTT if you just want to feed via a computer running Roon or HQPlayer.  A very nice piece of kit nevertheless, and could be a network endpoint or a nice all in one source in the rack depending on your mood, certainly versatile and sound quality will probably be at the higher end of the scale.