Had booked and received an online session to upgrade to latest AMS version for my K30 and upon attempting installation, was told that there was a risk of bricking the machine if proceeding. Apparently, it was determined that there was some issue with my K30 hardware version that made this type of upgrade too risky. Prince mentioned that my machine would have to wait for the official online launch of the of the software delivery system in order to complete the upgrade. Needless to say I was very disappointed with this unsuccessful outcome as I was looking forward to the latest AMS features and upgrades. Has anyone else has this experience with the K30?
Maybe a little disappointing for you, but surely far better than having your server bricked. I’m not on the latest software either (AMS v 5.0.0) but I’ve not yet even sought the latest upgrade as I’m happy with how it sounds anyway. After all, it didn’t suddenly get worse just because a new software version became available. Don’t get me wrong I’d like it sometime, but not sufficiently enough to bother to stay up late enough to get it.
Actually my interest in the newest AMS version was to be able to play 768/32 bit PGGB files through Squeeze player with having to use the 3-CPO plug-in. Apparently the new software does not require the plug-in.
That is correct. Despite that, you aren’t in a bad place presently. That plugin worked well for me for quite some time.
I was able to upgrade my K30 without issues to AMS v 5.0.0 back when the upgrade was still rolling out. I thought it brought a bit of a sound quality improvement, so you will have that to look forward to. Hopefully the ability to upgrade will come soon enough.
Maybe nothing, and I just got lucky. You mentioned that Prince said there was a risk of bricking your K30, but not that it was a certainty. If the upgrade bricked even just a single K30, that may be reason enough to wait.
I am running 5.0.1 on my K30 but it has the G4 upgrade. On the first return with a partial G4 upgrade my K30 did brick. On the second return it ran 5.0.1 correctly. During the second return they did change the server motherboard to a refurbished one.
That’s a long term concern for me is that the original K30 hardware is not reliably compatible with current and future software upgrades. I’m sure the Antipodes team is diligently addressing the situation and will resolve any potential obsolescence issues.
When AMS 5 was launched, I don’r recall of any models from any generation that were prevented from installing it. Every device running the latest version makes it easier on them. I can’t imagine they’d allow the K30 to be left behind. Maybe @MarkCole can weigh in.
As you may or may not be aware, the rollout of the AMSv5 platform wasn’t as smooth as we would have liked. Some machines in some network environments failed to update, rendering devices inoperable; as such, we halted all online user-initiated AMS updates while we work on a better system for delivery.
We continue to support all Antipodes Audio models and update where we can. If there is a potential for update error or failure, we err on the side of caution. AMSv4.4 is stable and operational.
As quoted, we are still working on this system.
If there is a dire need for an update, the unit can be sent to a service centre, freight is at the users/owners cost, update and tech time is covered by Antipodes.
Otherwise, I suggest further patience, as the team works on the software stack.
Just to add a side note, the realities of modern software environments mean that not all hardware will be compatible with software, as one example Intel and HQPlayer adopted AVX making non-AVX devices incompatible with HQPlayer on some Antipodes devices, there are many examples in the audio world, or the WIN10/ WIN 11 drama, or obsolete devices created by Apple software platform change as other examples.
There isn’t much we can do about that, except for offering hardware upgrades, which we do, unlike many of our competitors.
I think that while the disappointment is understandable, we still get class-leading support given that these are hifi systems not computer software (with in built licencing fees).
Even the fact that they are managing this to prevent you bricking your system (and mine, I’m in the same boat) is commendable.
Yes, agree. I don’t want to sound like an ingrate. I really do enjoy the product and everyday experience. I’m sure things will be resolved in due time.