Hi, new guy here. I want to purchase an older Antipodes model the DS-3 with 4TB SSD.
I noticed it has a SPDIF connection on the back, is this not a SPDIF output ? The seller claims it only has USB output, but It clearly has the SPDIF connection. I really need a SPDIF output to connect to my older DAC, which I love.(Bel Canto 3.7)
Any help will be much appreciated.
Pretty sure it’s a service port.
The DS3 can be found on the following page. According to this the seller was right.
Nope, It’s a SPDIF Digital out. I’ve got it working, but now I’m trying to figure out why all the files on the server are reading the exact same size and bit rate.
From memory, because I upgraded from my DS some years ago, it’s not labelled, unlike every other input or output socket.
When I bought a DAC that had SPDIF input I asked Mark about it and I’m pretty sure he said it had no owner/user function which might explain the server files being the same.
Ok now I’m even more confused. So I’m getting sound out of my Antipode, but I don’t understand “no user function”.
I can play music from another server in my room. I see the normal bit rate sizes. Just not when I use the Antipodes as my server.
So I guess that means the player is working fine, but not the server.
OK, another quote from days gone by on StereoNet Australia:
I think Mark Jenkins is the best person to resolve this question. I believe that some DS models did offer SPDIF.
Thanks very much for this insight. I have a support appt tomorrow. I have a list of many questions. Cheers
Hi All, In a follow -up about the SPDIF output of my DS-3. Should I stick with the SPDIF straight into the DAC ? or get a decent USB converter and plug that into the DAC. I’ve read that might be superior, but I’m not sure because I believe both outputs are attached to the motherboard. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.
Generally not a good idea to use any sort of adapter on a cable No good can come of it as always something “lost in translation.” Maybe time yo upgrade that DAC……
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Thanks for the insight. I love my DAC, (Bel Canto 3.7, with upgrades). I don’t want to change my DAC just to get a USB input. Some people swear by BNC or AES over USB. Think I’ll keep it status quo.
Many thanks.
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Continuing this thread instead of starting a new one…
I’m looking into a DDC, Can anyone tell me if a DDC on my older Antipodes DS-3 will improve sound ?
I’m currently running a Tellurium Q cable from a Spdif out on DS-3 to my DAC. Would taking the USB output into a DDC , then into my DAC be an upgrade ? Or is there no difference between the SPDIF & USB outputs on the Server/Player.
Also I recently read Mark Cole saying the maybe it’s best to use the DS-3 as a player, NOT a Server. I’m just trying to get the best out of my older Antipodes model. I can’t afford a Newer Antipodes at the moment.
Many thanks for any input you can provide.
Cheers
@bunkertoy a used CX or S40 would do the trick as server, and use the DS as player.
I would save my money on a DDC and invest in a new server.
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I have 4TB SSD drives… a whole new server is a large purchase. My own fault for buying such an expensive brand. Tough to keep up with the “Jone’s”
Still curious if there is a diff from the Spdif or USB output on the DS-3 ? perhaps they are the same ?
I corrected your name in the post, apologies Mark Cole, not Dan Cole. cheers.
The USB output would be superior on the DS, USB+DDC could possibly improve things for you, depending on the quality of the cable and DDC
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Many thanks. I appreciate the details. I hope I can join the upper tier of Antipodes one day. I’m just happy I found this great company. The support has been phenomenal.
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Hi all, I have a line on a Antipodes S30, I’m guessing that would be an upgrade from my DS-3, But How does it work if I was to make the S30 as the server & DS-3 as player ?
Ethernet cable going into both units ? or am I running USB cable from S30 → DS-3, then cable out from DS-3 to Stand alone DAC.
Don’t want to make the purchase until It’s a right fit.
I think I did read here though that the S-40 is more built to be a server over the S-30. I’m wondering if I should be holding out for a CX or S40.
Thoughts…
Please hold out for a CX or S40. These units are designed as servers, while the S30 was designed as a player, though it can be used as a stand-alone.
To set up a server and player with two different Antipodes units, it is ethernet from router to server (CX,S40) ethernet to player (DS), then DS to DAC
Or… get the S30 with the intention of grabbing a S40 in the future and retiring the DS
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Perfect that’s the detailed answer I was looking for. Very informative. Many thks.