TLS THE ONE Server

[flkin]

On 6/13/2018 at 7:34 PM, FredM said:

This is THE ONE box solution I have been waiting for. My search is over!

 

For those who are interested, let me summarise my journey and thoughts for a top notch One box solution:

- At first I was looking at decent Roon endpoints, with the Metrum Ambre highest on my list. For the money an excellent product, but the lack of upgradeability (ie psu, OXCO clock) made me hesitate. I also would need to sort out a NUC or something for Roon Core and music storage (currently a standard desktop PC with NAS).

- Then I had serious thoughts for a SoTM stable, which offers a great and flexible upgrade path (swapping cables and adding ie clocked switch, psu and OXCO clock boxes). Especially the improvements of an additional OCXO clock is very interesting, given the positive experiences on the web (Mutec, Cybershaft, SoTM, ..). When aiming at a higher level this would mean several devices and create a whole spaghetti mess in and behind my cabinet (also acting as an antenna). And quite expensive considering the amount of required power cables and wall sockets or power strips for 5-8 devices.. my tipping point was when the importance of the clock cable was experienced (seen here on CA, thanks for sharing), this appears to have a big impact on sound quality, but also significantly adds to the cost (cost could be half of the price of the master clock device itself). So I definitely decided that approach won’t suit me either..

- At the same time Antipodes announced there new EX and CX lineup. I very much fancied the CX, being an one box solution with Roon Core and (optional) internal SSD storage, so possibly only one power cord in with a direct digital signal out: very slick! The whole new architecture is also very promising, even with an integrated psu in a separated chamber of the unit. Antipodes also has an excellent service reputation and for offering an upgrade path for the older/legacy models. Unfortunately the CX didn’t appear to have a Master clock input, otherwise I was ready to bite the bullet.. shortly after the P2 was announce, this is (again) an add-on for the EX or the CX. Here we go again I thought.. I wanted to stick with a one box solution, so I decided to pass.

- After I had a listen at the 3.4 streamer over at PinkFaun, I also got the change to listen at the PinkFaun 2.16 streamer/server, which simply was impressive. Considering the version I heard didn't had any upgrades it sounded already really good. The very friendly Jord told me about the further options (like OCXO clocks, wiring, fuse, ..), and even the top of the line 2.16x model with a separate psu. Having listened at the 2.16, knowing it could even improve considerably with the upgrades (ie internal OCXO clocks), I knew this is the one box approach I fancied: A (roon)server with internal storage and clocks. Unfortunately all of this would exceed my budget quite a bit.. Not saying it is expensive. Of course a decent amount is involved, but considering the direct sale model I reckon it is still a very very interesting price / performance ratio and I bet service is also top notch! But still, unfortunately out of my league. (In the same week a full blown Streamer 2.12 (previous version) occasion appeared on a Dutch hifi site, after contact with Jord this model could be upgraded to the latest 2.16 spec (board/processor/RAM upgrade). I was very tempted, until finally..

- when the first rumours on a The Linear Solution Server appeared I contacted TLS and after an email exchange with Adrian (which was very responsive and helpful) this server ticked all boxes, a true One box solution. Where the PinkFaun did not fit my budget, The Linear Solution Server still asked for some stretching, but I was so intrigued with their approach and decided to order the One. Their impressive performance with clocked switches, the communication with Adrian and very useful first hand consumer experience/assessments gave me enough insights to make a calculated 'guess'. Worst case, it'll just be a very very good server. Best case, it’ll rock! It will be most interesting what effect the three(!) internal OXCO clocks, the power supply and of course the Dream OS (which seems to be something really special) have on its performance.

 

So my search for a single One box solution is finally over, now great times ahead!

 

Congrats @FredM! The Kalpa-One will surely be a super Streamer! Look forward to your opinions after you break it in.

 

I too had long chat with Adrian about this and his design concepts are amazing. Ended up choosing something else for non-audio reasons but this was at the top of my list.

[flkin]

The unit looks pretty decent from the pictures. Perhaps the connection needs some software settings only. Don't loose  hope yet!

 

Would like to hear feedback on the unit as it was on my shortlist sometime ago.

 

 

PS. I wonder what that brass screw at the bottom is for?

[flkin]

13 hours ago, FredM said:

 

I strongly regret posting this (post above). Please be aware doing business with TLS.

 

After being very very very patient and polite for more than a year with The Linear Solution, I realise I was naive. Now with 5 unanswered mails, I’m even being completely ignored by TLS (I’ll share some fact based experience later).

 

I’ll contact Chris to see how some of my previous posts can be deleted or edited with a line containing a proper context. I would hate it when other forum members would find themselves in a similar situation.

 

 

Hi @FredM

 

Sorry to hear about your issues with TLS. Please do detail your experience as it will surely help others to make an informed decision. I was actually looking forward to hearing how the TLS streamer sounded.

 

[flkin]

TLS is not the only one that takes money and doesn’t deliver. Doesn’t get nearly the same justified flak like TLS though ..... just saying