Taiko Audio SGM Extreme music server

The downside to the Taiko Audio (aside from it going away) is the name itself. Speaking from direct personal experience, never use the sentence: “I just got into SGM Extreme. It’s a Dutch thing.” If you do, the response seems to be “I didn’t know you were into that stuff” followed by discussions about talcum powder and how not to get it caught in a zip while cornering in the wet. Or something. Humour aside, the fact the custom USB board is so uniquely configured that you essentially have to use custom drivers to align it to the DAC you are using is at once both a sign of the SGM Extreme’s uncompromising stance and a cause of some minor consternation… until you hear how well the server ‘talks’ to the USB receiver of the DAC itself. Er, that’s it. Seriously, the quip about the name is about as critical as it gets when it comes to the Taiko Audio SGM Extreme.

The Taiko Audio SGM Extreme is a musical revelation. It might be big, heavy, expensive, and uncompromising, but it also shows you exactly what is possible from a music server. Yes, it’s the server that could finally silence the ‘yeah… but I still prefer CD’ stick-in-the-muds, but more important still, it pushes far past the limits of what digital audio can do. The best don’t come cheap… but if you want the best in digital audio, this is it right now!

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Type: Configurable Music Server
• CPU: Dual Intel Xeon Scalable10 core – 20 thread CPU’s for20 cores – 40 threads in total
• Chassis: CNC machined hybrid copper/ aluminium/‘panzerholz’ chassis. Completely passive cooled for silent and fan-less operation.
• RAM: Twelve 4GB custom order industrial memory modules for 48GB in total
• Storage: Standard storage provisions include 280BG of PCIe Intel Optane storage for the operating system, 2TB of PCIe storage for music files. Music storage can be increased in 2TB increments up a maximum of 24TB
• Software: Custom Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019 OS, Roon playback software
• Connections: External connections consist of 5 USB ports, 2 copper Rj45 ethernet ports, 1 finer SFP open slot ethernet port, 1 VGA port, S/PDIF, AES/EBU single, dual or quad optionally available
• Remote Access: Remote setup and maintenance
• Cooling: In-house designed ultra-high precision passive cooling system
• Power Supply: Linear power supply, 400VA transformer, Lundahl chokes, 700.000uF of Mundorf and Duelund capacitors
• Colour Options: Silver and Black
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 48.3 × 45.5 × 18cm (including feet)
• Weight: 45kg
• Price: from £25,000

Manufacturer: Taiko Audio

URL: taikoaudio.com

UK distributor: Kog Audio

URL: kogaudio.com

Tel: +44(0)24 7722 0650

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