Considering a change from Innuos to Antipodes

[seadog]

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.

Of course it’s all about the sound quality mostly at the end of the day.

 

Is this a good option or am I going to regret it ?

 

Edited yesterday at 03:33 AM by seadog

[Gryffles]

I went from an Innuos Zenith to an Antipodes K22. As I remember I was going to stick with Innuos and was looking at buying a Pulsar however good luck trying to demo one in Brisbane.

Thats when I started looking at other options and ended up at GC Hifi where I  listened to Auralic and Antipodes and ended up with home demo of Antipodes S20, 30 and 40 combo (now discontinued) and then a K22. 

The K22 spanked the Zenith and by a good margin and given the price so it should. Remeber I was comparing the old Zenith and the non G4 K22.

You should definitely listen to the K22 before deciding and when you do make sure it has been powered on overnight as it makes a big difference. The other thing that made a huge difference was the G4 upgrade, sounds like a different machine.

The other thing to remember is you are not tied to Roon and Jplay is a serious contender too and what I currently prefer. I havent used the USB output of my K22 so cant comment on that. I would like to but dont own a good USB cable and AES sounds rather good. 

Edited 7 hours ago by Gryffles

[awayward]

I doubt that you would regret buying the Antipodes, but as suggested a demo is preferable if you can, I didn’t when I purchased a K50 though and have no regrets.

I use USB output to my dac and it is excellent, I’ve only compared it to I2S over hdmi and the USB was slightly better but it was probably due to a better quality cable.

I’d suggest getting an internal ssd for the K22 for your music storage, I had mine on a NAS and it was great, but I got a ssd and copied my music over, and SQ is definitely better.

[seadog]

Thanks guys.

 

Yeah a demo. isn’t possible I’m afraid, I’m in regional TAS no dealers of any hifi in the State.

 

I'll be buying blind, so I’ve got to research the hell out of this.

 

I am already reasonably OK with a blind buy so far. 
 

I have contacted Antipode's Customer Support and sent emails to/from etc. explaining my system and have got back their advice.

 

Just got to crunch the numbers and see if it’s possible budget wise. 
 

From all accounts it’s easy as to get a SSD fitted and just download a backup of my music than I’ve just done to a back up from my Innuos to a portable SSD.

Edited 18 hours ago by seadog

[Godot]

I don’t have any experience with the Innuos, but do own the Antipodes K22. I had an Antipodes EX prior to that, which was very good, making it easy to upgrade to the K22 when the time was right. 
Antipodes level of support is outstanding and a major factor in my decision to move up to the K22. The ability to book an online session if you need any assistance is excellent, I have used that service a couple of times and the outcome has always been positive. I also participated in the physical upgrades program for the EX when that was available. I live in a rural area in Victoria, the entire process was easy, Antipodes took care of the shipping both ways. 
Great products, great people. 

Edited 8 hours ago by Godot

[evil c]

12 hours ago, seadog said:

Thanks guys.

 

Yeah a demo. isn’t possible I’m afraid, I’m in regional TAS no dealers of any hifi in the State.

 

I'll be buying blind, so I’ve got to research the hell out of this.

 

I am already reasonably OK with a blind buy so far. 
 

I have contacted Antipode's Customer Support and sent emails to/from etc. explaining my system and have got back their advice.

 

Just got to crunch the numbers and see if it’s possible budget wise. 
 

From all accounts it’s easy as to get a SSD fitted and just download a backup of my music than I’ve just done to a back up from my Innuos to a portable SSD.

Best decision l made was in buying an Antipodes server player.

They are fantastic in the quality of their service, with dedicated tech support and fixes remotely.

 

Plus upgrade path(s) and, one of the best in class performance l believe!

Oh and reducing the box count and number of links in the chain is a bonus.

 

Having a high quality product like these in your system,  is a great investment and a joy to have - too!