Network Player Taiko Audio SGM Extreme Silver

Music server with dual-processor architecture, PCIe storage and passive cooling

The Taiko Audio SGM Extreme is a reference music server designed for playback of locally stored files as well as streaming from Qobuz and Tidal, built around two Intel Xeon Scalable processors (20 cores / 40 threads) and Roon playback software. The dual-processor concept was created to separate the computing load of the Roon graphical interface from the signal path itself, so that according to the manufacturer its influence on the sound is practically inaudible. The system runs on a modified Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019 OS, stripped back to the processes essential for running music services.

Data is not stored on conventional SSDs connected via the chipset's DMI bus, but on PCIe modules connected directly to the CPU using Intel VMD technology. The result is up to four times higher transfer speed, lower latency and fewer active processes. Standard equipment includes 280 GB of Intel Optane for the operating system and 2 TB for music, expandable in 2 TB steps. Memory consists of twelve 4 GB industrial DIMM modules (48 GB) with components matched to a 1 % tolerance and low current draw, which cuts current peaks during DRAM refresh by almost half and allows lower refresh rates with high overall throughput.

The design deliberately minimises queue depth and system latency with a bit-perfect output and no upsampling, which leads to constant current draw, low EMI/RFI emissions and less mains pollution — and therefore less interference with the other components in the chain. Power is supplied by a 400 VA linear power supply with Lundahl chokes and 700,000 µF of Mundorf and Duelund capacitors, complemented by anti-vibration measures including Panzerholz. Cooling is handled by a proprietary passive system rated at 240 W with copper heatsinks and a CPU interface machined to a 5 micron tolerance; operation is completely fanless.

The chassis is a CNC-machined hybrid copper / aluminium / Panzerholz construction weighing 45 kg. The top panel features roughly 6,000 machined openings acting as waveguides that attenuate radiation by 81 dB, and the feet are designed for optimal coupling with the supporting surface. The low noise floor and vibration-damped construction translate into a silent background, precise localisation of instruments and a generously rendered soundstage. Connectivity includes 5 USB ports, 2 RJ45 Ethernet ports, one optical SFP slot and VGA, with optional S/PDIF and AES/EBU in single, dual or quad configuration. The modular architecture allows both hardware and software upgrades, while setup and maintenance are carried out remotely.

Key features

• Dual-processor architecture: Two Intel Xeon Scalable CPUs, 20 cores and 40 threads
• PCIe storage: Direct connection to the CPU with Intel VMD technology
• Linear power supply: 400 VA, Lundahl chokes, Mundorf and Duelund capacitors
• Passive cooling: Proprietary 240 W system with copper heatsinks, no fans
• Hybrid chassis: Copper, aluminium and Panzerholz with 81 dB emission damping