The current Antipodes DX is the third generation of our flagship one-box model, integrating autoripper, server & renderer functions, and is a Stereophile Class A+ Recommended Component.
The DX has not only enjoyed the reputation of arguably the world's best music server for several years, it is unique in providing exceptional digital audio sound quality together with one-box simplicity and ease of use. Ongoing development has continued to keep the DX at the head of the pack. The key to the increased performance of the third generation DX is the new V4X circuit developed originally for the DX, but which is now also used in the Antipodes EX.
But the DX is not just a full-width version of the EX with an integrated ripper. The reason the DX outperforms the EX in sound quality is that it uses dual power supplies and this improves the separation of the server function from the renderer function.
Our experience developing and refining the DX, since the first generation DX was released in 2014, has led to the new Antipodes EX and CX, and these new models offer different combinations of features and benefits, but the DX remains the ultimate one-box solution.
Digital Audio Outputs
The DX has two Ethernet ports. You can use one to connect to your network (necessary for remote control and other functions) and use the second to provide a low-noise dedicated feed to an Ethernet DAC. In this configuration you do not need any other connection from your Ethernet DAC to the network because it is able to communicate through the DX. While it is smarter than this, you can simply think of the DX as doing the same job as a high quality, linear regulated psu powered, Ethernet switch.
The DX has four USB ports - two black ports and two blue ports. All four ports receive exactly the same quality of USB signal and each is separately generated. However you may find that DAC compatibility and that sound quality are different. This is because the 5vdc feed on the USB output is different. The reason these different options are offered is to enable you to achieve the best sound quality with different DACs.
- One black USB port has no 5vdc present. This is ideal if your DAC does not need the 5vdc to be present, or if you have a dual cable, in which case, connect the digital-signal-only leg to this port.
- The other black USB port has a dedicated linear regulated 5vdc feed that is designed for use with digital signals through attention to eliminating high frequency noise. If your DAC needs the 5vdc to be present then this will provide the highest quality power feed possible.
- The blue ports provide the 5vdc feed in a way that is 100% compatible with the USB standard. The USB standard includes a communications carrier signal that is placed on top of the 5vdc feed but very few DACs require this to be present. The communications link is used so that the DAC (or other USB device) can negotiate the voltage and current it requires. Adding this high frequency signal to the 5vdc feed is not ideal as it is like adding high frequency noise to the 5vdc signal. However some DACs require this comms signal to be present. If you find that your DAC does not work on the black ports, but works on the blue ports, then this is a function of your DAC's design. If this concerns you, then we suggest you get a dual USB cable, connect the signal leg to the black 5vdc off port, and the power leg to one of the blue ports.
It is worth repeating that each of the four ports is independently derived so they do not interfere with each other, and each of them receives exactly the same quality of digital audio signal. How the presence of the 5vdc feed affects the audio quality is dependent on your USB cable and the design of the DAC. Which port you need to use for compatibility with your DAC is dependent on the design of the DAC.