CX to S40/S60, a worthwhile upgrade?

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I recently acquired a CX and am running it as a Roon server connected via direct Ethernet to a Bricasti DAC with the network option. This has been a significant upgrade in sound over my Innuos Zenith and USB out. I see the occasional S40/S60 combo come up for sale, would this be a worthwhile upgrade from the CX?

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I went from an EX to S40/S60 combo and would definitely recommend it.
Now have a K30 which I upgraded to G4 so be careful, it’s addictive.

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Thanks Mark. Yes, I am aware of the danger, I have only had the CX for a short while, but I want more!

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Hi! You may also wish to consider an EX to compliment your CX. (Ideally both being upgraded to the G3 Oladra spec.) If I’m not mistaken, these are a step up from the S40/S30 combo with the S60 power supply.

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I am curious to try an EX, though it would mean a return to USB/SPDIF vs direct ethernet, but worth a try. And yes, I would grab an Oladra CX if one popped up. Unfortunately, the upgrade program has ended, so I cannot upgrade the one I have.

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Ah yes, added aspects for consideration… I am using an Oladra upgraded EX & CX, and have an S60 powering the Melco S100 switch I have connecting the CX & EX (and to my network). My understanding is the Antipodes components I have all share the same power supply components. Very pleased with the end result.

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Just curious @desbiss, have you tried connecting the CX to EX with a direct Ethernet cable vs going through the switch?

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I have yes. That was the original manner I had them connected. Ie: Internet gateway / Router > Melco Switch > CX > EX. It was easy enough to experiment, and when I did connect both the CX and EX to the Melco Switch there was no going back, especially once I got my hands on an S60 to power the Melco switch. What improved upon that was using SFP instead of Ethernet between the ISP modem / router and the Melco switch. I went with a Sonore Optical Module Deluxe and Finisar SFP single mode modules. I stream a lot from Qobuz and wanted the best quality streaming possible.

I believe there are a few threads on this forum about adding switches into the mix. I think this is the one that has a lot of interesting insights: Audiophile network switches

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I have a Oladra EX in 10/10 condition. Might part with it…

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Interesting, thanks for the detailed information and the link.

I just added a Stack Ethernet Regenerator in front of the CX a couple days ago. The results are very good so far. I have an optical setup laying around, I may pop that in as well.