New Antipodes Audio K and S series music servers

The audio servers of the New Zealand company Antipodes Audio Limited cannot be considered ordinary computers, although in each of them the lion’s share is still computer components. The company introduced the first such device back in 2011. Now New Zealand engineers have proposed two series of Antipodes audio servers: full-size (445 mm at the front) are designated with the letter K, and compact (165 mm) with the letter S.

In total, the K series includes three models: these are “purely network” K30 and K40, as well as the older K50, which has received not only an Ethernet output, but also connections via USB, S / PDIF, AES3 and I2S. All of them are complemented by the CD-ripper K10, which connects via USB to any Antipodes server.

There are only two music server models in the S series: S30 and S40. An S60 power supply must be added to any of them. In addition, the S20 reclocker can complement them by adding S / PDIF, AES3, I2S outputs and a sync signal output. All of these devices received the same size housing.

Purely “computer” information about Antipodes Audio servers – types of processors, chipsets, frequencies and amounts of RAM – is missing. The manufacturer specified what the model was intended for and ensured that the hardware was fit for its purpose. It makes no sense to indicate the capacity of the built-in storage: the volume of solid-state drives in the slots of each model is chosen by the buyer himself.

Server power systems remain in the area of ​​special attention of Antipodes Audio designers. To reduce interference, the S model received an external S60 power supply. The K-Series servers have a built-in power supply – while, for example, the flagship Antipodes K50 is equipped with a system of digital and linear power supplies called HLS (Hybrid Switched Linear).

The HLS module in the K50 is only part of OLADRA’s noise reduction technology. It provides, for example, a special topology of the motherboard (in the K50 there are three of these boards at once). To work with high-quality audio, the spectrum of their inevitable noise is optimized using Interference Spectrum Management (ISM for short).

All servers presented by New Zealanders work on UPnP, supporting DLNA. The new items are compatible with Sonos, Squeeze, HQPlayer and Roon systems. You can use the PLEX media server to view photos and videos.

Antipodes Audio audio servers are already available in Europe. The prices are also known: the S30 costs 2,950 euros, the S40 – 5,200 euros, the S20 reclocker – 2,450 euros, the S60 power supply – 1,950 euros. The Antipodes K30 music server will cost €10,600, the K40 €9,600, and the K50 €15,890. The Antipodes K10 ripper costs 690 euros.