Even in the optional upgrade configuration, it retains its musically important function. On the one hand the Antipodes CX is, for owners of a high-quality D/A-converter, probably the more recommendable purchase, if an additional investment of almost 3000 euros isn’t that of a problem. According to the manufacturer, its computing power is significantly higher. On the other hand, the purchase of an EX isn’t a wrong decision at all. This especially comes true if you have the maximum solution of CX plus EX in mind. The CX takes care of the music files and the EX renders and provides the player connection to any DAC. This top-level version currently retails for 12,480 euros. If one considers the expenditure invested in the manufacturing of the EX, it may also be an option for owners of a top-class D/A-converter, namely because of its low price. In this context it should be remembered that the integrated converter, despite its remarkable sound quality, does not have such a significant influence on the overall production costs. The expansion options within the Antipodes Audio range are intriguing, and according to Markus Flöter of the German distributor, a type of docking station called P2 will soon be available, which will provide the output signal for the D/A converter in I2S format. Since I2S does not have a default contact assignment, it is remarkable and, as to my knowledge, worldwide unique that the contact assignment can be individually formatted. So almost every I2S-capable D/A-converter could therefore be controlled. The men from New Zealand don't seem to make a run for creativity when it comes to explore maximum sound quality. After having performed the first sound comparisons, already the EX is an addictive piece of gear.
Listened with
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Computer | Apple MacMini with OS X El Capitan, Amarra 3.0.3, Audirvana Plus 3 and Qobuz, Dell i7 with Windows 10 Pro, Audirvana Plus for Windows 10 and Fidelizer |
D/A converter | PS Audio Direct-Stream DAC |
Preamp | Audio-gd Master 9 |
Power amp | for the bass: two Primare A-32; for the midrange: Spectral DMA-100 |
Loudspeaker | Triangle Grand Concert |
Accessories | Audioquest Diamond USB, In-akustik Black&White NF-1302, Audio-gd NF RCA and XLR, QED Genesis Silver Spiral LS with Enacom LS, Shunyata Andromeda LS with Enacom LS, Audioquest Niagara 5000, Hurricane HC. Source and NRG-X2 mains cable, AHP pure copper fuses, AHP Klangmodul Ivg, Furutech NFC wall socket, Room Absorber by mbakustik and Browne Akustik |
Furniture | Creaktiv Audio with absorber shelves, finite elemente Pagode, Audio Exklusiv d.C.d. basis, Acapella basis |
Manufacturer's Specifications
Antipodes EX (revised by the author)
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USB connections | - 5 Volt on/off options - PCM to 32bit / 768kHz - DoP to DSD512 - Native DSD to DSD512 |
Analogue stereo output | - PCM to 24bit / 192kHz processing - Converts other formats before conversion |
Low-Noise-Ethernet direct | yes |
Complete Antipodes Application Suite | - Server Apps - Renderer Apps - Admin Apps |
Music playback options | Music server Roon Ready, SqueezeBox & Squeezelite, MPD, DLNA / UPnP / OpenHome, HQPlayer NAA, connect-to-Spotify, SONOS integration, PLEX media server |
Hard drive bays | Two 2,5" 7mm Sata up to 8TB |
Automatic CD ripping App | yes |
Celeron Medium Power Quad-Core | Of limited suitability for some Roon DSP functions |
Internal ODAPS2 linear PSU | yes |
Passive cooling | without fan |
Mains power connection | Switchable: 110-120VAC 60Hz or 220-240VAC |
Power consumption | Under 25 watts in operation |
Depth | 290mm plus connecting cables |
Width | 240mm |
Height | 90mm (including feet) |
Colour | Silver or Black |
Weight | 7.5kg |
Warranty | Two years, extendable to three years upon registration, six months on pre-installed memory |
Price | 4,990 Euro |
Vertrieb
CM-Audio - Flöter Technology Service
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Contact | Markus Flöter |
Address | Adlerstr. 46 41066 Mönchengladbach Germany |
Phone | +49 2161 6782451 |
info@cm-audio.net | |
Web | www.cm-audio.net |