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WADAX Atlantis Reference Server

With regard to the Wadax Reference DAC, if you wish to get the best out of a product of this caliber, you need to provide it with a signal of commensurate quality. WADAX makes that possible with their new Reference Server. The Atlantis Reference Server utilzes Roon as the music server software. In fact you might be interested to know that back in 2015 WADAX was the first company to launch a Roon-based server. This highly refined server/streamer is implemented with custom drivers and Roon extensions which have been developed for the Reference Server. The nice thing is if you are familiar with Roon then you already know the user interface. Plus you can import your playlists if you're already got some made up. In addition Roon Playlists, be they for streaming or locally stored files, can be made anew or if they already exist in Roon they can be moved to the Reference Server. Playlist contents can be links to online streaming services (i.e. Qobuz or Tidal). Alternatively Playlist contents can also be links to locally stored files residing in the Server itself. Finally to select music and play it, just add the iPad (or other tablet or smartphone) of your choice for controlling Roon through WiFi and you're ready to go. With respect to local music file storage, the Reference Server has an internal 2TB SSD plus four SSD drive bays accessible from the back. The four bays are delivered empty from the factory and an SSD can be inserted into each by the user or installer. This takes just a few minutes as no tools or servicing are needed for this. The SSD's do need to be a Wadax approved brand/model such as the 4tb or 8TB Samsung 870 QVO SATA III 2.5" SSD which are suitable for this application. These SSD's and other models are easy to find at local or online retailers such as Amazon, B&H, MicroCenter, or Newegg.
Regarding total music file storage space, an SSD bay can accept any size available on the market. Currently the largest SSD available today is 8TB which means total maximum size is 8TB x 4=32TB. Plus there is an additional 1.9TB of the 2TB internal SSD available for music file storage as well. So the total available is approximately 34TB in terms of raw space. In the future when 16TB SSD's are available, the maximum internal storage size possible in the Reference Server could then be approximately 66TB total.
That being said, one of the important achievements of the Reference Server is the level of performance attained from quality online streaming sources, i.e. Qobuz and Tidal MQA. According to WADAX, the combination of the unique technology developed for the Reference Server with the Reference DAC via the Akasa optical link brings the sonic quality of streaming online music sources much closer to locally stored music files than one could ever imagine. WADAX believes that with their advanced technology playback from local SSD is now mainly focused on availability not quality anymore. By this WADAX is referring to 'Legacy' libraries: i.e. ripped and digitized LP's, unavailable/audiophile tracks not in online streaming services, etc.
Recommended iPads for Roon
Though you can use any reasonably current 64 bit iPad model, with a Server like this you might wish to use either the 11" iPad Pro (2018 Gen 1 or later) or the 10.9" iPad Air (Gen 4 or later) as the control interface--as for many that would be the sweet spot in terms of size, weight, speed, and quality. Though some might prefer the 12.9" iPad Pro (2018 Gen 3 or later) for its larger screen. Optionally for any of the above you could add the Apple Magic Keypad for iPad Pro, which some may find desirable for typing specific searches, and which also acts as a cantilevered stand. For a smaller form factor, but still larger than your phone, the 10.2" iPad (8th Gen, 2020 or later) or the even more compact 7.9" iPad Mini 5 (2019 Gen 5 or later) are options. If desired there are of course aftermarket stands for all iPad models available.
Features
• State-of-the-art Universal Server• Unique digital interface user fine-tuning system for Akasa Optical and USB connections• 3 custom wound transformers• 6 individual printed circuit boards• Power supply regulation noise of 0.5uV• Ultra sophisticated power supply with distributed regulation topology • 2TB SSD storage included; 0.1TB for OS and Roon; 1.9TB for music file storage• 4 empty bays for up to 32 TB additional SSD storage. Currently you can add up to 4x8TB SSD• Only SSD storage is supported• Server software based on Roon with custom extensions and drivers• 5 inch touch screen for track info and setup interface
Specifications
Dimensions: 18.9"(width)17.12" (depth) 10" (height excluding cones)
Weight: 106 lbs

Akasa Optical Link - Reference Server to DAC connection

What makes this Reference Server and DAC combo especially interesting is that there is an optional high bandwidth fiber optic link available to connect the Server to the DAC. It utilizes the AKASA optical cable between the transmitting module in the Server and the receiving module mounted in the DAC. So the entire optical interconnect system consists of the sending module and the receiving module along with the Akasa optical cable itself. The stock length of this proprietary optical cable is 2.2 meters. Custom lengths are aavailable as multiples of 2.2 meters: i.e. 4.4m, 6.6m, 8.8m, etc. The theoretical advantage of utilizing a fiber optical connection is that certain types of digital "noise" or grounding issues simply will not be transmitted from the Server chassis to the DAC chassis. Theory indicates that this should provide the cleanest possible signal for superior sound quality and this has been borne out in our listening tests.

WADAX Legacy Digital Output Board for Reference Server

The optional Legacy digital output board provides the following outputs: • AES/EBU• SPDIF• BNC Note: In normal use these outputs are not needed. Reason being, that when using the Reference Server to feed the Reference DAC, the Akasa Optical Link is the highest performance connection.
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There is a lot to know about WADAX components. If you'd like to know more you're welcome to email or call us.