TAIKO Audio Extreme User manual

Taiko Audio Extreme
Preface
Thank you for buying our Taiko Extreme. Taiko Audio is an innovative Dutch high-end audio
laboratory. Our mission is to provide the best possible user experience for audiophile music
reproduction utilizing the finest components and custom engineering to provide unmatched sound
quality, customer service and support.
This manual will help you with installing and using the server. Enjoy your Extreme and the
improvement of audio quality that it brings!
Your Taiko Audio Team
Content
1 About this document....................................................................................................................... 2
1.1 Language ................................................................................................................................. 2
1.2 Used symbols........................................................................................................................... 2
1.3 Copyright ................................................................................................................................. 2
2 Product description ......................................................................................................................... 3
2.1 Intended and unintended use................................................................................................. 3
2.2 Description .............................................................................................................................. 3
2.3 Part list..................................................................................................................................... 3
2.4 Technical specifications........................................................................................................... 4
2.5 Conformity............................................................................................................................... 4
3 Safety............................................................................................................................................... 5
3.1 Safety symbols on the server .................................................................................................. 5
3.2 Safety instructions................................................................................................................... 5
4 Transport and storage..................................................................................................................... 6
5 Installation....................................................................................................................................... 6
5.1 Tips for perfect audio quality .................................................................................................. 7
5.2 Contents .................................................................................................................................. 7
5.3 Installation location................................................................................................................. 7
5.4 Connecting the server ............................................................................................................. 8
5.5 Powering the server ................................................................................................................ 8
6 Digital setup..................................................................................................................................... 9
6.1 Connecting the server to your DAC......................................................................................... 9
6.2 Connecting with the app ......................................................................................................... 9
6.3 Setting up the app................................................................................................................. 10
6.4 Accessing the file structure of the server.............................................................................. 13

6.5 Accessing the desktop of the server...................................................................................... 14
6.6 Using network drives............................................................................................................. 17
7 Use................................................................................................................................................. 19
7.1 Adding music via USB ............................................................................................................ 19
8 Maintenance.................................................................................................................................. 20
8.1 Updating the drivers and applications .................................................................................. 20
8.2 Removing an application or a driver ..................................................................................... 20
9 Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................................ 22
9.1 Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................... 22
9.2 Online support via TeamViewer............................................................................................ 23
10 Disposal ..................................................................................................................................... 24
11 Warranty.................................................................................................................................... 24
12 Contact ...................................................................................................................................... 24
1About this document
This instruction manual contains the information necessary to properly and safely install,
commission, operate, and maintain the server. Read and understand this manual before using the
server. Carefully store this manual for future reference.
1.1 Language
This manual is originally written in English. All other languages are translations of the original
manual.
1.2 Used symbols
This manual contains safety warnings that may result in injury when ignored. Each safety warning is
indicated with a signal word. The signal word corresponds with the level of risk of the described
hazardous situation.
Danger!
Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not prevented, will result in death or serious
injury or serious damage to the product or the environment.
Warning!
Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not prevented, could result in death or
serious injury or serious damage to the product or the environment.
Caution!
Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not prevented, could result in moderate or
minor injury or minor damage to the product or the environment.
Notice
Indicates useful information that is not related to hazardous situations.
1.3 Copyright
Taiko Audio Extreme® is a registered trademark of Taiko Audio. Any unauthorized use is illegal. Any
other product names used in this manual are the properties of their respective owners and are
acknowledged.

2Product description
2.1 Intended and unintended use
This product is intended to be used as a high end music server.
The server is intended for use in household environments for typical digital music playback functions
that may also be used by non-expert users for digital music playback.
This server is intended for indoor use
This server is not intended for installing additional software by the owner.
2.2 Description
The Extreme is a music storage and streaming server. The server is designed to deliver the most
realistic sounding reproduction from stored music files and from streaming services such as Qobuz
and Tidal.
2.3 Part list
1. Front panel button
2a. DAC port*
2b. Extreme enhanced USB DAC port (optional)*
3. LAN ports
4. USB ports (intended for storage)
5. Option slot
6. Fiber network port
7. VGA output
8. Power port
9. Fuse
10. Main power switch

*If your server has the extreme enhanced USB DAC port option (2b) the default DAC port (2a) is not
present.
2.4 Technical specifications
Name
Extreme
Dimensions (W x D x H)
483 x 455 x 180 mm
Weight
45 kg
Power supply
100 –250 VAC
CPU
Dual Intel Xeon Scalable
10 core –20 thread CPU’s for
20 cores –40 threads in total
RAM
48 GB (12 x 4 GB)
Storage
2 TB (expandable to 24 TB)
Connections
5x Type-A USB 3.0
2x RJ45 Ethernet
1x Fiber SFP open slot ethernet
1x VGA
Installed software
Custom Windows-based OS
Roon Core
HQPlayer (on request)
TeamViewer QuickSupport
VNC Server
Caution! Do not install other software on the server. Installing other software will degrade the
audio quality. Cleaning and removing user installed software by your supplier is time
consuming and may incur service charges.
2.5 Conformity
The Taiko Audio Extreme is designed and tested according to the following regulations and
directives:
-EMC directive 2014/30/EU
-NEN-EN 55032:2015
-NEN-EN 55035:2017
-IEC 60065
-IEC 60950-1
-IEC 62368-1
-Low voltage directive 2014/35/EU
Follow this link for access to the complete declaration of conformity:
https://taikoaudio.com/taiko-2020/conformity

3Safety
3.1 Safety symbols on the server
The following symbols are present on the server:
FCC –This symbol indicates that the server emits electromagnetic
interference which is under the limits approved by the Federal
Communications Commission.
RoHS –This symbol indicates that the server is free of restricted materials
which are hazardous to the environment and pollute landfills, and are
dangerous in terms of occupational exposure during manufacturing and
recycling.
CE –This symbol indicates that the server is assessed before being placed on
the market and that it meets EU safety, health and environmental
protection requirements.
Risk of electric shock –This symbol indicates that the server has risk of
electric shock.
3.2 Safety instructions
3.2.1 Transport and storage
Caution!
•Always transport and store the server in the original packaging. Transporting the server in
any other packaging may cause damage the server and void the warranty.
•The server is heavy (45 kg). Always lift the server with at least two people.
3.2.2 Installation
Caution!
•The server should be completely silent during operation. If there is any noise audible, switch
off the server and try to find the cause.
•Only use the power switch after you have switched off the server and the front-panel button
light is off.
•For best sound quality, You should only use one output at a time. Do not enable multiple
outputs at once.
•Do not install other software on the server. Installing other software will degrade the audio
quality. Cleaning and removing user installed software by your supplier is time consuming
and may incur service charges.
3.2.3 Maintenance
Caution!
•Never use water to clean the server. Water can cause unrepairable damage to the server.

3.2.4 Children and vulnerable users
Caution!
•This server can be used by children aged from 8 years and above and persons with reduced
physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge if they have
been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the server in a safe way and
understand the hazards involved.
•Children shall not play with the server.
•Cleaning and user maintenance shall not be done by children without supervision.
4Transport and storage
Caution! Always transport and store the server in the original packaging. Transporting the
server in any other packaging may damage the server and void the warranty.
Caution! The server is heavy (45 kg). Always lift the server with two people.
Transport and store the server in a dry place. Avoid shaking and bumping. Consult the table below
for the transport and storage conditions.
Temperature
- 40 –70 °C
Humidity
20 –90 % (not condensing)
5Installation
The image below shows an overview of the installation. The following paragraphs will provide all
information needed to install the server in a safe way.

5.1 Tips for perfect audio quality
To achieve the best audio quality possible with this server, we recommend following these tips:
•Place the server on a vibration controlled shelf, as close to the floor as possible.
•You can also use the Taiko Audio Daiza platform as a cost and performance effective support
shelf.
•The quality of the AC power supply is very important for the quality of the sound. Use a
power outlet capable of delivering 2 kW of continuous power without parts of the
connection getting warm.
•Use good quality power cords with plugs and sockets with Rhodium, Silver, or Gold plating.
•In countries with Schuko plugs, make sure the connector is in the orientation that sounds the
best.
•Avoid any devices that provide local area network connectivity over the mains wiring.
•We do not recommend replacing fuses for experimental purposes.
•If a fuse needs to be replaced, the new fuse must be of the same rating.
•Every USB cable has different characteristics. We recommend experimenting with different
USB cables.
•Optionally, the server can be supplied with a high quality AES/EBU/DAC output in the option
slot. Contact Taiko Audio for details.
5.2 Contents
Check if all contents in the packaging are present and undamaged. The packaging should contain the
following parts:
1x
Taiko Audio Extreme
1x
User manual
If parts are missing or damaged, contact your supplier.
To install the server you also need the following parts (not included):
1x
iPad, iPhone, smartphone, or desktop
1x
DAC
1x
USB type A male to USB type B male USB cable
1x
Internet connection (min. 10 MB/s)
1x
RJ45 Ethernet cable (min. CAT5)
1x
IEC C13 earthed power cable
5.3 Installation location
The installation location should comply with the following conditions:
•Flat and stable surface
•Dry environment
•At least 2,5 cm free and ventilated space at the top and sides

5.4 Connecting the server
To connect the server, do the following:
1. Connect the power cable to the power port (10).
2. Connect the other end of the power cable to a suitable power source (100 –250 VAC).
Tip To ensure the best audio quality we recommend to use a copper network connection.
3. Connect the network cable to your home network.
4. When using a copper network cable, connect the cable to the LAN port (3) labelled LAN 1.
When using a fiber network cable, connect the cable to the fiber network port (6).
Tip To ensure the best audio quality we recommend to keep the USB cable length under 2 meter.
5. Connect the USB cable to your DAC.
6. Connect the other end of the USB cable to the DAC port (2).
The server is now connected to all necessary equipment.
5.5 Powering the server
The server is equipped with a power switch at the rear side, and a front panel button. Use the power
switch when the server is not used for a longer period of time. In other cases, use the front panel
button.
5.5.1 Switching on the server
To switch on the server, do the following:
1. Switch the main power switch (8) to the ON position.
2. Press the front panel button (1). The button lights up.
After 25 seconds the server beeps twice and is ready for use.
Caution! The server should be completely silent during operation. If there is any audible noise,
switch off the server, and try to find the cause.
5.5.2 Switching off the server
To switch off the server, do the following:
1. Double press the front panel button (1). The button light switches off after 5 seconds.
Caution! Only use the main power switch after you have correctly switched off the server and
the button light is off.
2. To completely power off the server to cold state, switch the main power switch (8) to the
OFF position.
The server is now switched off.

6Digital setup
6.1 Connecting the server to your DAC
To connect your DAC to the server, you need to have a compatible driver for the DAC installed on the
server.
Tip The Taiko USB ASIO Driver is updated regularly to include more and more DACs from leading
manufacturers.
Caution! Only follow these steps if your DAC is not on the list of compatible DACs!
For installing a driver you need access to the servers desktop (§6.5). To install the driver, do the
following:
1. Open a web browser on the desktop of the server.
Tip Consult the website of your DAC manufacturer for the appropriate driver.
2. Download the driver.
3. Follow the installation wizard of the driver.
4. Reboot the server (§5.5).
Tip Contact your Dealer or Taiko Support ([email protected]) for assistance to install the
appropriate USB Driver for your DAC if needed.
6.2 Connecting with the app
To use the server you need the Roon app:
Roon Remote
Roon Labs
Download Roon in the App Store, Play Store, or at www.roonlabs.com. We recommend using an iPad
or iPhone. Android mobile devices or MAC and Windows desktops and laptops are also compatible.
To connect the server with the app, do the following:
1. Switch on the server.
2. Open the Roon app. Make sure the device that runs the app is connected to the same WiFi
network as the server.
The app starts looking for devices. EXTREME••••• appears in the app (for example: EXTREME21100).

3. Click on Connect next to Taiko Extreme.
4. Sign into the Roon app with your e-mail address and password. If you don’t have a Roon
account, click on Start Free Trial and make an account.
The app logs in and shows a setup screen.
6.3 Setting up the app
Tip All settings can also be added or edited later.
The app asks for music file locations.

1. Add applicable music file locations:
a. Deselect the two checkmarks.
b. Click on Add Folder to select music stored on the server.
c. Enter the internal Extreme Music Drive D:
d. Click on Add Network Folder to add a NAS (see §6.6 to set up a NAS drive).
2. Click Next.
If you have accounts at supported streaming services (like TIDAL or Qobuz), you can now connect the
server to those services.
Tip Keep in mind that importing big music libraries can take a lot of time.
The app shows a music streaming service.
•If you have an account for the shown streaming service, click I have a [service] account. If
you do not have an account, click I don’t have one yet.
The initial setup is now complete. The app starts setting up your music library.

Tip You can already listen to music when the app is still setting up your music library. However,
we do not recommend to make a sound evaluation during the setup. The sound quality will
be lower because the system is busy setting up the library.
When the app has finished setting up your music library, you can connect your DAC to the app. To
connect your DAC, do the following:
1. Click the settings button.
2. Click Audio. The audio settings screen opens. If your DAC driver is installed correctly you will
find your DAC under Connected to core.
Caution! For the best sound quality, we recommend you use only one output at a time. Do not
enable multiple outputs at once. This will drastically reduce the sound quality
3. Click Enable next to your DAC.
4. Click on Select an Audio Zone at the bottom of the screen. The zones screen pops up.
5. Select the preferred zone.
Your DAC is now connected to the app.

6.4 Accessing the file structure of the server
By accessing the file structure you can directly add music to your server.
Tip You need the name and IP address of the server. You can find this information in the Roon
app. The name should be the same as the name in §6.2 (EXTREME•••••).
6.4.1 MacOS
To access the file structure of the server via a MacOS computer, do the following:
1. Open the Finder.
2. Press Command + K. A new window pops up.
3. Enter the IP address of the Extreme.
4. Click Connect.
5. Enter the name and password of the server.
Tip If you do not know the name and password of your server, contact your supplier.
6. Click Registered user.
7. Click Connect. The computer makes a connection with the desktop of the server.
8. Select the drive of the server in the Finder.
9. Click on OK.
You can now view the folder structure of the server on your computer.
6.4.2 Windows
To access the file structure of the server via a Windows computer, do the following:
1. Open the Explorer.

2. Enter \\ followed by the IP address or name of the server, and press the Enter key.
3. Enter the name and password of the server.
Tip If you don’t know the name and password of your server, contact your supplier.
You can now access the folder structure of the server on your computer.
6.5 Accessing the desktop of the server
For some functions you need to access the desktop of the server. To access the desktop, do the
following:
Tip If you have accessed the desktop of the server before, and the IP address of the server has
not changed, you can start at step 4.
1. Download realVNC on a device connected to the same WiFi network as the server. You can
find the app here: https://www.realvnc.com/en/connect/download/viewer/
2. Run the VNC app. (setting up a RealVNC account is not required)
3. Click on the + symbol in the top right corner.

Tip You can find the IP address of the server in the Roon app.
4. Enter the IP address of the server and choose any name.
5. Click Save.
You have now created a connection profile.
6. Click the connection profile with the name you entered in step 3.

7. Click on Connect.
Tip If you don’t know the VNC name and password of the server, contact your supplier.
8. Enter the VNC name and password of the server.
9. Select Remember password.
10. Click Continue
The desktop of the server is shown and can now be controlled.
Tip If you need a keyboard, you can click the keyboard icon in the toolbar at the top of the screen
to enable a virtual keyboard.
6.5.1 Alternative method (only MacOS)
When using a MacOS device you can also access the desktop of the server via your browser. Do the
following:
1. Open your browser.
2. Type vnc:// followed by the IP address of the server in the search bar. For example:
vnc://192.168.1.23

A popup appears, asking you if you want to open the screen sharing application.
3. Click Yes.
Tip If you don’t know the password of the server, contact your supplier.
4. Enter the password of the server.
5. Click Enter.
The desktop of the server is shown and can now be controlled.
Tip If you need a keyboard, you can click the keyboard icon in the toolbar at the top of the screen
to enable a virtual keyboard.
6.6 Using network drives
A network drive makes it possible to access stored music from different devices. A network drive can
for example be located on:
•a NAS;
•a USB drive connected to a router;
•a computer connected to the same network;
•an FTP server.
When using a network drive you don’t have to reconnect to the file structure of the server over and
over again. You simply establish a connection once and can use it the next time again. To make a
network drive, do the following:
1. Access the desktop of the server (§6.5).

2. Open the Windows Explorer.
3. Right click on This PC (or tap with two fingers on a touchscreen device).
4. Choose Add a network location.

The network setup wizard opens.
5. Click Next.
6. Select Choose a custom network location.
7. Click Next.
8. Enter the network location of your shared drive.
Your network drive is ready for use.
7Use
Roon offers far too much functionality to list in this manual. Visit https://kb.roonlabs.com/ to find all
information about Roon.
7.1 Adding music via USB
We recommend storing all your music on the internal storage of the server. The server and the app
will work best when the files are stored locally and this also leads to the best sound quality.
To store music on the server via USB, do the following:
1. Access the file structure of the server (§6.4).
2. Connect the USB device to one of the USB ports(4).

The USB device appears below the local disk C:\.
3. Drag and drop the music files from the USB device to the file structure of the server.
8Maintenance
Caution! Never use water to clean the server. Water can cause unrepairable damage to the
server.
Try to keep the room where the server is installed as dust-free as possible. Wipe the server with a
clean and soft cloth when it gets dusty.
8.1 Updating the drivers and applications
To update the drivers and applications on the server do the following:
1. Access the desktop of the server (§6.5).
2. Search for the update in the browser.
3. Download the update.
4. Install the update by following the installation wizard.
8.2 Removing an application or a driver
Tip To maintain the highest performance, delete any unused software from the server.
To delete a driver from the server, do the following:
1. Access the desktop of the server (§6.5).
2. Click the windows icon to open the start menu.
3. Click on Settings. The settings menu appears.