CX, EX, K, S, Oladra, Antipodes, Owners Unite

[naynay]

Direct Stream Port​

Network Output Port​

Why name these network ports when they seem to do the same. I can access the Dashboard using either of these ports when connected to the network so no direct ethernet connection between CX and EX is being used?

 

[richardloh]

Direct Stream Port​

Network Output Port​

Why name these network ports when they seem to do the same. I can access the Dashboard using either of these ports when connected to the network so no direct ethernet connection between CX and EX is being used?

https://www.google.com/search?clien...2cHHcskCxQQBSgAegQIEhAB&biw=360&bih=665&dpr=3

 

[naynay]

https://www.google.com/search?clien...2cHHcskCxQQBSgAegQIEhAB&biw=360&bih=665&dpr=3

I understand what each port is supposed to connect to but it makes no difference which port you use. You can still access the network and the Dashboard. From my findings they are just two Ethernet ports with no difference.

• No direct network connection: The EX does not have a direct connection to the network; it relies on the CX for all network functions.

This is not true as I have my EX linked to the Direct Stream Port to router and I can access network and Dashboard. I am sure if they had invested money into a Audio-Dedicated Port it would have been in the Specifications stating this.

 

[richardloh]

Lower noise is only difference ? Nothing said that as they are different as ethernet ports right ?

It says no direct ethernet connection but to cx as server when used as a stack which is certainly not wrong but it also did not say each cannot be access right ?

Btw, what is your point or concern if any ?

Cheers.

 

[naynay]

Connecting CX and EX to a Network switch so no direct link just the CX and EX seperate on the network is why I am asking. Mark says to use the network ports but if the Direct ports give lower noise surely those are the better option?

 

[richardloh]

To me .. cx as server requires input of "network" port 1 and as such default "low noise" "direct" port 2 to ex player's input of "network" port 1 .. I had not tried to ex input of "low noise" "direct" port 2.

Maybe .. just maybe this "low noise" "direct" port 2 is only matters i.e. low noise as an output "feed".

I also do not know why you should want to connect both cx and ex directly to a switch of unknown performance and added device that is not developed nor tested by Antipodes to expect better performance to just ex player directly to cx server in close proximity of shortest possible ethernet cable.

Cheers.

 

[Progisus]

Connecting CX and EX to a Network switch so no direct link just the CX and EX seperate on the network is why I am asking. Mark says to use the network ports but if the Direct ports give lower noise surely those are the better option?

I agree. Why label them differently if there is no operational or electrical difference. I doubt Antipodes will clearly explain this as it is audio magic. I have a K30 and do use the direct stream port to connect an EX I have. I can’t say there is any audible difference between the direct stream and another upstream switch port for connection of the EX other than convenience.

 

[naynay]

I doubt Antipodes will clearly explain this as it is audio magic.

There just network servers with two ports on theres no magic on either of the ethernet ports.
That's my thoughts anyway.

 

[richardloh]

https://antipodes.support/t/connecting-cx-to-network/1225/5

https://www.hifi-advice.com/blog/re...t,low-noise dedicated feed to an Ethernet DAC.

 

[naynay]

So it seems there is an improvement in the sound using Direct Port according to Christiaan Punter of Hifi-Advice. Mark Cole said to use Network Ports if connecting both to a Network Switch.
I will have to do some critical listening myself when I get the Audio Network Switch to see if I can hear any improvement between the Direct and Network ports.

 

[richardloh]

So it seems there is an improvement in the sound using Direct Port according to Christiaan Punter of Hifi-Advice. Mark Cole said to use Network Ports if connecting both to a Network Switch.
I will have to do some critical listening myself when I get the Audio Network Switch to see if I can hear any improvement between the Direct and Network ports.

No .. improvement is using cx and ex stack connected via direct port #2 of cx's output to network port #1 of ex .. like myself and as advised by founder, designer and boss of Antipodes, Mark Cole, .. instead of both separately to network switch. Cheers.

 

[naynay]

No .. improvement is using cx and ex stack connected via direct port #2 of cx's output to network port #1 of ex .. like myself and as advised by founder, designer and boss of Antipodes, Mark Cole, .. instead of both separately to network switch. Cheers.

Direct compared to existing Network did he use a decent Network Switch when connected to existing Network in his review of the CX+EX?

 

[richardloh]

Direct compared to existing Network did he use a decent Network Switch when connected to existing Network in his review of the CX+EX?

To me, keyword is output of direct port and sure, ethernet ports are bidirectional but why mix them and Antipodes does not know this and add cost with 2 ports as intended ? No further comment from me on this unless I tested my setup against Mark's advice to find improvement but no intention to do so or perhaps my setup does not have the resolution to show any difference either ways. Cheers.

 

[kennyb123]

Why label them differently if there is no operational or electrical difference. I doubt Antipodes will clearly explain this as it is audio magic.

There is likely a difference but Antipodes likely keeps quiet about it to not give their competitors any ideas. They are similarly hush about most of their implementation decisions. The biggest mystery is the tuning they say they do to each of the boards. I’d love to know what that entails but I’m sure they will never disclose it publicly.

I can’t say there is any audible difference between the direct stream and another upstream switch port for connection of the EX other than convenience.

It’s commendable that you listen for yourself. The only thing that matters is what matters to our own ears.

 

[richardloh]

There is likely a difference but Antipodes likely keeps quiet about it to not give their competitors any ideas. They are similarly hush about most of their implementation decisions. The biggest mystery is the tuning they say they do to each of the boards. I’d love to know what that entails but I’m sure they will never disclose it publicly.

It’s commendable that you listen for yourself. The only thing that matters is what matters to our own ears.