K41 as server only

Upgrading
1

Hello. I’m looking for a server (no streamer) to replace my Roon Nucleus and my dealer proposed me a K41 model saying that- for my intended use- It’s equal to an Oladra in terms of SQ.

I’ve listened to Oladra today in my system connected to the Ethernet and I liked it very much.

Can you pls confirm that what my dealer said is accurate?

Thanks.

2

It would equal the K50 as the K41 is essentially the server section of K50. I would expect that the server section in the Oladra would be a step up from the K41. I have not heard them though.

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3

As KennyB says…

The OLADRA has a different server engine.
The K41 is the server engine from the K50.

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4

Thanks Mark. How big is the difference in terms of SQ when used as server only?

5

Is the OLADRA the best server engine Antipodes makes, the answer is YES.
There are clients that use the OLADRA as server only.
An OLADRA does so much more than just being a server, it gives you connectivity options that have the potential to sound better than Ethernet.
Honestly, to compare, you need to do this with your own ears, equipment, room and source material.

6

Mark, I own a dCS Vivaldi full stack and would like to replace my Roon Nucleus (which I use as server only).

After hearing various streamers connected to my system (mainly via USB, since in my case the only other good connection was AES-EBU which unfortunately is not an option as all available AES-EBU inputs are utilized already), I have come to the conclusion that all I need is a good server (replacing my Roon Nucleus) to be connected via ethernet (either via same switch or directly to the Vivaldi Upsampler).

I have tried the Oladra (among other servers) and I liked what I heard. Now my question is whether - considering the price and the fact that I will use it a server only - the K41 could be similar to the Oladra in terms of SQ (or what I am losing in terms of SQ).

I agree with you that, as always, I will need to hear it in my system with my own ears but unfortunately the dealer does not have a K41, hence my question.

Thanks,
Franco

7

Honestly, for $19k, the price difference between an OLADRA and a K41, using Ethernet only, I would save the money and buy a K41.
If in the future you wanted to use other outputs that have the potential to sound better than Ethernet, then the OLADRA.
When you had the OLADRA did you test any of the other outputs?
If Ethernet is only ever going to be what is used, K41.

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8

Thanks Mark. That’s what I thought.

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9

Frankie; I believe Mark has provided the most transparent and candid response as one is likely to get from any company representative at a high level. In short, yes, Oladra will sound nominally better (based on discussions with friends and reviewers) than the K41. Will it sound 19K worth better? I doubt it. Once one gets to a certain level in high end audio, we are talking multiple thousands of $$ to achieve minuscule percentages of SQ gain.

I own both the K22 and the K41 and can only say that these two units in combination are beyond superb and wildly exceeded my highest expectations. I use a Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC ( as does Mark, I believe) and the combination of the 3 units is sublime. Good luck to you!

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10

Hello Frankie
I think you will be very satisfied with a K41 as a server
I got a K 41 recently to get my music and a roon core nearer to my rig in the living room
Before that I used an iMac with a Samsung ssd in another room and a 15 meter LAN cable to my La Rosita Gamma HD streamer/DAC
I use the direct stream output with roon and squeezelite
What can I say: that is miles, no lightyears better than before
Even the kitchen rig with KEF LSX via WLAN sounds better

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