{"id":36937,"date":"2024-01-16T21:51:46","date_gmt":"2024-01-16T19:51:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hifi-advice.com\/blog\/?p=36937"},"modified":"2024-01-16T22:26:09","modified_gmt":"2024-01-16T20:26:09","slug":"antipodes-g4-oladra","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hifi-advice.com\/blog\/review\/digital-reviews\/music-server-reviews\/antipodes-g4-oladra\/","title":{"rendered":"Antipodes G4 Oladra"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Review samples supplied by Antipodes Audio<\/a>
\nRetail price (world) USD 29.000 excluding storage
\nUpgrade price G3 to G4 USD 4.000
\nStorage can be included at purchase or later installed by the user
\nAvailable in Black or Silver<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n

The Antipodes Oladra Music Server was introduced<\/a> in April 2023 as the company’s brand new flagship, featuring a brand new style language with its beautiful sculpted and very heavy solid aluminum enclosure. As I found during my review<\/a>, the Oladra offered all of the full-blooded, richly saturated, and smoothly organic sound that made Antipodes servers famous whilst increasing articulation, transient sharpness, resolution, and transparency to new levels. From the very first notes of music it played, it was clear that this beauty was indeed well deserving of its flagship moniker.<\/p>\n

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But development never stands still at Antipodes HQ. Breakthrough developments led to G4 Oladra technology, which triggered the release of updates for the Oladra server and all other models.<\/p>\n

I’ve heard some disapproving voices regarding the timing of the Oladra update, so shortly after the model’s introduction, which I can understand. But on the other hand, should we expect Antipodes just sit on new developments, only to release them a few years down the line? I’d argue not.<\/p>\n

Importantly, the upgrades can be retrofitted to G3 models at the exact same cost as the difference in price between the G3 and G4 models. To be precise, the Oladra was USD 25.000, the G4 Oladra is USD29.000 and the upgrade cost is USD4.000. An upgraded unit is identical to the new models in all respects and receives a fresh warranty.<\/p>\n

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G4 Oladra<\/h3>\n

The new G4 Oladra incorporates double isolation, regeneration, and reclocking of all outputs with a new USB output and is fitted with an improved player engine. These changes are indicated to improve sound quality, most notably, the new USB output lifting the USB sound quality to match the sound quality of the S\/PDIF, AES3, and I2S outputs. Other indicated benefits include an increase of 200% to 400% in system resources to improve system responsiveness and enterprise-level OS resilience against data loss in unusual AC power events. Lastly, an earth screw connector has been fitted to allow extra earthing or the use of aftermarket earthing solutions.<\/p>\n

AMS v5.0.0 Web Interface<\/h3>\n

At around the same time as my Oladra was upgraded, Antipodes was working on finalizing the next version of their AMS Web Interface. From the start and throughout the years, AMS has always offered the best way to interface with a server’s settings. As the software was incrementally updated, the interface became ever slicker and ever better integrated within the Antipodes website. Previously, the only way to find your server without knowing its IP address was to navigate to “myantipodes” to see an overview of the Antipodes servers or streamers on the local network.<\/p>\n

Since AMS v4, Antipodes has simplified the process by integrating this section into their main website. The aforementioned link still works, but the more elegant way to find your server and get to its Web Interface is by going to “antipodes.audio” and clicking Setup in the top menu. AMS v5 will likely be made available to the public by the time this review is published. Along with the revamping of AMS, the Antipodes website has recently been updated and looks slicker than ever.<\/p>\n

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After clicking Antipodes Oladra, we are welcomed by the Solution Dashboard, which contains all the functionality you need to quickly set up the server as desired, such as Playback Method, Audio Output, DSD Method, and an update button. V5 combines all information on a single screen, replacing the separate screens for the server and player. Now, you can quickly see all the important information at a glance, such as CPU usage, memory usage, software version, MAC address, IP address, etc.<\/p>\n

AMSv5 Solution Dashboard:<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

I already thought V4 looked super-slick, but I have to hand it to Antipodes for continually improving the software in just the right ways. The software not only looks great but also works super-intuitively.<\/p>\n

Playback Method pull-down Menu, showing all the player options:<\/em><\/p>\n

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By selecting a pre-configured solution above, you prep both the server and player sections at the same time. Naturally, you can also change the preset configurations just the way you like.<\/p>\n

As with all Antipodes models, users can easily choose\/switch between using Squeeze, Roon, MPD, HQPlayer, UPnP\/DLNA, and Shairport, right from the AMS web interface.<\/p>\n

Although using only one Server App at a time is recommended for the best Sound Quality, you are free to enable as many as you like simultaneously in the Server Apps Dashboard.<\/p>\n

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Various other screens allow full control of every aspect of the server and player apps, right down to diagnostics, troubleshooting, and even booking a support session. Please see the Guides section<\/a> on the Antipodes website for all the ins and outs.<\/p>\n

Running In<\/h3>\n

Although my unit was well run in before being updated, it’s always wise to avoid jumping to conclusions when listening to a newly updated model. The Oladra sounded fantastic from the very first moment I switched it on, but to be safe, I let it simmer a bit before making more serious assessments. When I listened to it again after two weeks, the sound had changed subtly, now just a little smoother, more relaxed, and more organic. Since I was working on a multitude of other reviews at the same time, it took me longer than normal to get started on this review, but that also allowed me to make sure the server was completely run in before making my final assessments.<\/p>\n

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I tried various power cables when I first reviewed the Oladra and found that a standard Belden 19364 with Oyaide C-004 worked surprisingly well. After the upgrade, the cable worked just as well as before, so I felt no need to change it.<\/em><\/p>\n

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The I2S pinout can be assigned using DIP switches on the bottom of the unit.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Oladra footers are a sandwich of two different metals with a thick polymer in between. This polymer is specifically designed for vibration control, and its tension is set to the correct level for optimum results. With such an inert chassis, Antipodes wanted to ensure that the Oladra was as isolated from the rack as possible without affecting the timbre. After trying various highly regarded footers, this quest led to the creation of these proprietary footers.<\/p>\n

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User-accessible bays on the back allow users to easily add up to 3 SSDs (up to 24TB) for music storage. The available digital outputs include Direct Stream Ethernet (RJ45), USB UAC-2 (A), S\/PDIF (RCA & BNC), AES3 (3-Pin XLR), and I2S (HDMI & RJ45).<\/p>\n

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Review Context<\/h3>\n

The Oladra will be listened to mostly using Roon, although I should mention that Antipodes are a big fan of using Squeeze, either with Squeeze Server or as an endpoint combined with Roon.<\/p>\n

The main system<\/a> consists of the CH Precision C1.2<\/a> DAC, CH Precision L1<\/a> preamplifier, CH Precision A1.5<\/a> power amp, and Magico S1 MkII speakers. Other digital sources include the Grimm MU1<\/a> and Aqua La Diva M2<\/a> CD transport. The CH pre-amplifier and DAC are supported by an Artesania Exoteryc<\/a> rack with Carbon Fiber Linear Arms<\/a>, the CH power amplifier sits on an Aire<\/a> rack with Carbon Fiber Linear Arms<\/a> and KSH2 Krion shelves<\/a>, and all other sources, including the Oladra, are supported by HRS EXR Racks<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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All analog interlinks are Driade Flow Link Reference 808<\/a>, both balanced and unbalanced. The speaker cables are the Jorma Unity<\/a>. The Oladra will be used both with its Reclocker AES\/EBU output via a Jorma AES\/EBU<\/a> cable as well as with its updated USB output using a Mad Scientist Black Magic Gold<\/a>, Vermouth Reference<\/a>, and Final Touch Audio Sinope<\/a> USB cables.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Listening<\/h3>\n

Sometimes, an update can make a product sound different, offsetting its various sonic parameter such that it improves certain aspects while veering away from some of its original key strengths. Fortunately, this is not what happened with the G4 upgrade for the Oladra.<\/p>\n

The latest-spec Oladra still has all the trademark Antipodes characteristics I described in the original review<\/a>, such as deep tonal saturation, exquisite lushness, liquidity, and beautiful organic flow. It still has its hallmark panavision ultra-wide soundstage, and just as before the update, it is airier, more articulate, more expressive, and more highly resolving than any of the models that preceded it.<\/p>\n

So what changed, you ask?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

There are two main aspects in which the upgrade improves the sound compared to the original model. First, all the Reclocker outputs sound bolder and more expressive, yet at the same time, they still sound lush and organic and in no way strident, synthetic, or technical.<\/p>\n

Second, and this is a big one, the USB output now sounds fantastic! With Antipodes servers, there has always been a large difference in sound between USB and the other outputs. Contrary to what one might expect, USB interfaces are tricky to implement, and to make matters worse, the success of the connection is dependent on the implementation on both ends (in the server and the DAC), and on how they interact. In practice, this can and does lead to large variances in the perceived quality or the subjective musicality of the connection.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

My impression of USB, in general, was eventually consolidated based on comparisons with a wide range of DA Converters, including the Aqua Formula xHD<\/a>,\u00a0Aries Cerat Helene<\/a>, and CH Precision C1.2<\/a>. This impression is not based solely on Antipodes Music Servers but involves almost every brand out there.<\/p>\n

Thus far, I have found that USB tends to sound crisp, articulate, and immediate, but it is also often over-controlled, flat, and technical compared to other output formats. Certainly, the Antipodes Reclocker outputs, with their lush, rich, and relaxed presentation, provide very much the opposite of what I just described, which I feel is a major reason for their success.<\/p>\n

With the new USB output, the Oladra presents all the upticks in control, incisiveness, crispness, and expression I have come to know from the format, but this time without sacrificing even an ounce of musicality! How about that?<\/p>\n

In fairness, the two output sections still do not sound identical, nor would I expect them to. After the upgrade, USB presents in a more forward manner than AES\/EBU, but it is most definitely no longer flat! In fact, I can see some people now preferring this output for its expressive delivery, while other people may prefer the more laidback and lusher delivery of the other outputs. In essence, the Reclocker section presents the music with more richness, lushness, and character, whereas the USB output remains the tightest and most explicit.<\/p>\n

I’ve tried various USB cables such as the Mad Scientist Black Magic Gold, Vermouth Reference, and Final Touch Audio Sinope and these led to different sonic perspectives but great results in every case. The Mad Scientist cable maximized the server’s majestic and magical qualities, the Final Touch cable provided the boldest and most robust rendition, and the Vermouth yielded a beautiful balance of virtues in-between these extremes. With these results in mind, I can only conclude that the server’s USB output has become thoroughly dependable. Moreover, I never thought I’d see the day, but I now prefer the USB output to the AES output.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

As it stands, I feel that the two output sections are now equally pleasing, leaving a matter of taste, no longer one of musicality versus accuracy. Since no two rooms or systems are the same, it’s great to have these two options to fine-tune the sound for a given installation, but it’s fantastic no longer having to choose between two polar opposites.<\/p>\n

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Squeeze and MPD<\/h3>\n

I know it does not make intuitive sense, but playback formats have their own “house sound”. Roon has a “house” sound, as do MPD and Squeeze. In general, Roon tends to sound sweeter, more fulsome, and more saturated, which many people like because it is pleasant and forgiving. Unfortunately, Roon performance tends to waver under the influence of Roon updates. To my relief, Roon has bounced back since Build 1359 after having sounded dull and uninspiring for a long time. At its best, Roon can sound really great, but at its worst, it can sound like all the life has been sapped out of it. This is where alternative formats can come in handy. For instance, MPD and Squeeze. The former is very similar to UPnP, and in all the cases where I made comparisons, it sounds tighter, leaner, more incisive, and more direct than Roon.<\/p>\n

When you want to use MPD, you can control it with any UPnP app, most conveniently Mconnect for iPad or BubbleUPnP for Android. For this format, you must also use a compatible server component, which is preinstalled on Antipodes servers.<\/p>\n

A great alternative to MPD is Squeeze, which sounds very similar and is most conveniently controlled using the iPeng app, although there are others. Squeeze can be used in tandem with its server component, available on Antipodes servers, but it can also be used with Roon. In that case, you still use the Roon database, server component, and interface but with a Squeeze endpoint. To use Squeeze with Roon, you need to enable Squeezebox support in the Roon – Setup settings and disable the Squeeze Server in the Antipodes interface. With this setup, the sound is still recognizable as Roon-sourced in terms of smoothness but tighter and faster, and the entire presentation becomes a little bit clearer and direct while retaining all of the\u00a0organic naturalness.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

The G4 Oladra still has all the hallmark Antipodes characteristics I described in the original review<\/a>, such as deep tonal saturation, natural timbre, seductive lushness, beguiling liquidity, and organic flow. The server has a wholly unforced delivery with huge emotional involvement. The Oladra sets itself apart by being airier, crisper, more articulate, and more highly resolving than any previous model. And rather uniquely, its immense resolution is offered without even a hint of edge or hardness.<\/p>\n

There are two key areas in which the G4 upgrade notably improves the sound compared to the original model. First, all the Reclocker outputs sound bolder and more expressive, yet at the same time, still lush and organic and in no way strident, synthetic, or technical. Second, the USB output now sounds fantastic! With the new USB output, the Oladra presents all the upticks in control, incisiveness, crispness, and expression I am familiar with from the format, but this time without sacrificing even an ounce of musicality! This allows users complete freedom to choose the output that best matches their setup, room acoustics, or personal taste.<\/p>\n

The original Oladra performed better than any Antipodes server before it. While some of the Oladra technology has recently trickled down into the other models, these latest G4 updates ensure the Oladra comfortably retains its head start.<\/p>\n

As the company’s top-tier product, the Oladra is priced rather seriously, but it looks absolutely stunning, offers a wealth of options, and delivers the sonic goods. Especially after the G4 update, the Oladra is\u00a0still very much an HFA Favorite!<\/p>\n

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Associated Equipment<\/a><\/p>\n

Try out Roon for yourself<\/h3>\n

Get Roon 1 month for free<\/a><\/p>\n

External Links<\/h3>\n
\n

Manufacturer: Antipodes Audio<\/a>
\nAntipodes Guides<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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