I currently own an Antipodes CX (without an update). I was thinking about upgrading it in the future. My DAC is an Ayre QB9 Twenty (this DAC requires a 5-volt USB power supply). As an alternative, I have an Ayron MKII CD player whose DAC also requires a 5-volt power supply. I’ve considered the Antipodes K22 or the K21, which is more USB-oriented.
My questions are:
Do both have a 5-volt USB power supply?
Up until now, I’ve used the CX as a server/player. Would there be a significant difference if I switched to a K21/22?
Does it make sense to use a K21/22 with the CX, or would it be better to sell the CX and buy a K21/22?
I don’t do upsampling or DSP; it’s not something I’m interested in.
I look forward to advice from the forum and Antipodes. Thanks.
If you are using USB, there is no point in purchasing a K22 as they are the same unit, sans the K22 has Digital Outputs.
Both units carry the same isolated, regenerated, and reclocked USB.
To adhere to the USB 2.0 Audio Standard, 5V is required. Antipodes Music Servers adhere to the USB Audio 2.0 standard.
As far as answering your question on sound quality, the K21 will without doubt out-perform a CX on USB output sound quality.
Thanks for the reply. I understand that the K21 could be used with the Ayre QB9 Twenty. However, with the CX, I have to use the USB output with 5 volts of power; the DAC doesn’t work with the other output. I suppose it’s better to use just one K21, and that the CX couldn’t be used with the K21.
The CX in the form you have was manufactured before the incorporation of 5V; hence, it has 2x USB, one with 5V and one without.
All products manufactured post have a single 5v USB.
The G4 range has isolated, regenerated, and reclocked USB with its own dedicated power supply.
Yes, the CX could be used as the server for the K21.
Thanks. Does it make sense to use a CX with a K21? Regarding the sound, wouldn’t it be better to just use the K21? When you separate the server and player, which is the most important part in terms of sound quality?