SSD recommendation for new K models

@Progisus ,
Just realised this post from @kennyb123 more than two years ago (higher up in this thread) could be relevant for comparison.

Sorry for insisting, @MarkCole, I recently got a little confused about the G4 upgrade parts for the K30.

Does that mean the K30 G4 should have two PM893 240 GB OS drives? One for the server- and one for the player board?

And for that matter, (1) or (2) Adata DDR4 16GB?

On closer inspection it appears I have an M2 drive for the player OS. The memory looks the same as in Kenny’s pre upgrade photo.

It does seem that my K30 G4 upgrade is missing some parts?

@MarkCole Can you shed some light on this?

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That doesn’t look like G4.

I thought that I could see only one SSD connected to the server board, and then he said …

Correct, it is a K30 (non G4) from 2+ years ago, posted here by @kennyb123

Hope this helps clarify, @dbastin2605. Based on Antipodes’ earlier comments about the G4 upgrade, I would expect the following features in the G4 server upgrade :

a) Both operating systems running on two PM893 SSDs besides SQ improvement also for enterprise-level OS resilience against data loss (replacing the Samsung 860 EVO or M.2).
b) An upgrade from a minimal 4GB to 8GB of RAM for the player to possibly help achieve the promised increase of 200% to 400% in system resources to improve system responsiveness.
c) An upgrade to at least 16GB (besides installed 8GB) of RAM for the server, ideally 16GB same type and brand for both slots (commonly referred to as dual sticks like before the upgrade).
d) An improved power supply unit.
e) Improved USB output (new board).
f) Comprehensive testing and quality checks.


Comparison of K30 Server Configurations + Upgrades to G4 technology level

User Player OS Server OS Player RAM Server RAM PSU Unit USB Card
K30 @kennyb123 M.2 Samsung 860 EVO SSD 4GB 8GB + 8GB HSL80 USB Audio 2.0 Output
K30 G4 @Progisus M.2 Samsung 860 EVO SSD 4GB 8GB + 8GB New PSU Unit New USB Output
K30 G4 @PaulW PM893 SSD Samsung 860 EVO SSD 4GB 16GB Adata + 8GB New PSU Unit New USB Output

I have sent both @Progisus and @PaulW emails, this should not be the case.

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Hi Mark,

Thank you for your response. It would be very helpful if, in this forum, you could clarify the specific components that should be included in the G4 upgrade for the K30, K50, and Oladra models. This information would not only assist current users but also provide clarity for potential future buyers considering a G4 edition (used of course).

Referring to my points (a) to (f) above, items (d) and (e) were addressed. Regarding (a), my understanding is that there should be 2x PM893 240GB drives for a K30 and possibly a faster 480GB PM893 combo for K50 and Oladra.

Additionally, I’d appreciate further clarification on the intended RAM upgrades mentioned in points (b) and (c).

Thank you for your assistance.

Update on K30 Upgrade Units

  • Memory:

    • Server: 32GB
    • Player: 8GB
  • Storage: PM893 SSD on both the server and player OS.

The company has reached out to K30 upgrade owners to inspect their units and identified some units requiring correction, which are being brought in for fixes.

Edit: This addresses my points (a) through (f) above. Additionally, I forgot to mention (g): the new footers, which came already installed the first time.

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Another k30 G4 user here.

My unit has the new PSU, footers and USB card.

It has 8gb memory on the player and 16gb on the server.

I will have to check the storage configuration in the coming days.

@MarkCole could you please confirm if the memory allocation mentioned above is correct for the k30 G4?

Thank you
Paul

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This week, I came across two more K30 G4 owners (@barbz127 and @Giulio ) who experienced issues with their upgrades. Actually, it seems all upgrades where done differently. Given this, I believe it’s only fair that all K30 G4 owners be contacted directly to ensure their USD3,000 upgrades were completed as expected. If you know someone with a K30 G4, please encourage them to verify their upgrade status.

I also shared my concerns about the K50 G4 upgrade path with Antipodes, as K50 would be my next step in 2025, and received this reply:

“There is no concern over any other upgrade program units; all units have been upgraded to current specification.
The issue we encountered with the K30 lies in its status as a discontinued product.”

I find it difficult to understand why the K30 upgrade process appears to have been handled in such an improvised manner—especially since I’ve already been in contact with five owners who needed a recall—while the K50 and Oladra G4 upgrades seem to have been executed flawlessly.

For me, the server upgrade program is a standout feature of Antipodes, allowing us to enjoy their products longer and access higher-tier models. I fully support this program and recognize that mistakes can happen. Thankfully, Antipodes has excellent customer service to address them. That said… this situation still feels disappointing.

It is possible that not all K30 G4 owners have been contacted yet. Antipodes has always demonstrated transparency, and I trust that everyone will be reached in due time. In the meantime, I will also continue reaching out to K30 G4 owners to ensure they are informed about the process. They should contact @MarkCole .

G4 upgraders should confirm whether they need to send their server back (free of charge) by conducting a visual inspection and verifying the RAM through the Solution Dashboard. Below is a G4 upgrade checklist for reference :

K30 to G4 Upgrade details

(1) Power: New PSU + 2 regulators

(2) SSDs for OS Storage (sandwich mounted):

  • New PM893 SSD for the player board (replaces M.2 SSD - located at (4) )
  • New PM893 SSD for the server board (replaces EVO 860 2.5" SSD)

(3) USB output : New USB card

(4) RAM Memory player board: New 1 x 8GB module

(5) RAM Memory server board: New 2 x 16 GB modules

(6) Footers (not visible in pic ): 4 x new footers


Solution Dashboard

Update: It appears that all five K30 G4 upgrades I’m aware of have now been completed following the recall. I received mine yesterday and look forward to auditioning it in the coming days.

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Still waiting on the factory for mine. Did you notice any improvement in sound?

Not really, but my current setup is far from ideal and inconsistent. I’m now working on eliminating (home) network noise while testing a LTE/4G router, a fiber connection, and new PSUs simultaneously. Also remember I already had my player OS SSD upgraded to the excellent sounding PM893 SSD (but not yet the player RAM doubled).

The sound quality is at least as good, and my music SSD was recognized this time, unlike the G3.5 upgrade, when I had to wipe it to get it recognized. That process took forever (partly due to my lack of availability), including an online consultation for the final setup. However, I did lose my LMS/Squeeze settings this time—not a big deal.

I’ll let it run for a couple of days. I also plan to take a look inside to check the memory they upgraded.

Good luck with yours!


EDIT:
Here are the specs as of Nov. 15, 2024:

Pauls’ G4 @ Nov. 15, 2024

  • OS SSD: 2x Samsung PM893
  • Server RAM: 1x 16GB Crucial, 1x 16GB ADATA
  • Player RAM: 1x 8GB (brand not identified)

I had hoped Antipodes would typically install the same brand dual sticks in the KXX G4 (or any server) to avoid potential issues. Well, as long as the specs match.

Unfortunately, the PSU came loose during transport (?) and can swivel due to a very loose last screw. I’ll contact @MarkCole again to figure out how to resolve this.


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Had a good talk with @MarkCole yesterday—everything is on track for the future.

Appreciate the effort and support!

Yes, there definitely should be improvement in sound.


:sparkles::christmas_tree: Merry Xmas and a wonderful New Year to all—enjoy the music! :notes::blush:

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My K30 is back. Two ssd for os, 32gb identical ram on server. Couldn’t see the player ram. Power supply firmly attached. Shipping - flawless.

This upgrade has really helped the roon sound and gui response. My pggb files played roon/hqplayer vs jplay hqplayer have a better bass definition from roon. Jplay mids are a tick more forward but the roon presentation is more to my liking. Squeeze is still the best sound but roon is very close. The gui in roon wins me today.

All the Best of the Season to the Antipodes staff and users out there.

Thank you @MarkCole for your attention to this issue!

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